I am getting ready to begin engraving my first gun, a well used Browning BPS. I have already learned one lesson which is try to start with a new gun! Getting the receiver to a near flawless 600 grit polish was quite time consuming. These receivers are rather light and it seems that I will need to fill it with something to dampen vibration etc. while engraving. Other than the obvious (piece of wood and hot glue) any suggestions on what I should fill this with? Seems I read something on this site mentioning a "filler" made by Brownells but I cannot seem to locate it with a search. Also anyone who has engraved one of these BPS's that could provide some knowledge/tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
Barry Burger
Sitka, Alaska

Barry Burger
3/8/2008 4:32:47 PM

Barry, a tight fitting piece of hard wood will work just fine. It needs to stop vibration as you say but also to keep you from tweeking the frame so that internal parts no long fit. This can happen when you clamp the frame in your vise in a vertical position to work on the top or bottom and the clamping forces bend the sides of the frame inward. I am sure there are other ways of filling besides wood but I tend to use what is on hand and works. Keep us posted on your progress. I recall doing an A5 Browning years ago, draw filing off the factory engraving...14 hours of draw filing. We do live and learn! Sam

Sam Welch
3/9/2008 7:58:40 AM

Barry,
I've heard of filling the cavity with "cerro-safe", a low melting metal type stuff. I think Brownells have it. I have never used it but use a block like Sam says. The BPS is pretty solid and I've done some and all I do is put some tape on the inside to dampen the vibration "ring" while engraving. The walls are thick enough that the vibration isn't as much of an issue as the noise.
I just use caution when clamping.

Rex Pedersen
3/9/2008 1:12:03 PM

Barry, I've engraved 6 BPS'. They all cut good.
The sides are stiff enough, but throwing a block of wood in there sure makes it a bit "quieter".
Sam and Rex's advice are right on.
Show us some pictures when you get 'em.
Brian

Brian Powley
3/21/2008 6:32:30 PM

Thanks for the replies guys! I will use the good advice and just go with the wood block. That is a beautiful job Brian!
Thanks Again,
Barry

Barry Burger
3/26/2008 11:27:29 PM

I used the good advice and hot glued in a wood block and yes the BPS does cut nicely. I have got to the stage of finishing with most of the heavy cutting and fine shading. I was originally thinking of having it blued at this point, then removing the blue from the area to receive the bulino game scene but I am having second thoughts. My question(s)... Is bluing at this point the most common way to go? Will it effect some of my finer shading? Any thoughts on finishing do's and dont's and overall comments and advice on this piece will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Barry
Sitka, Alaska

Barry Burger
5/3/2008 7:36:59 PM

Try, try again to post the photo(s)

Barry Burger
5/4/2008 2:17:06 PM

another

Barry Burger
5/4/2008 2:18:05 PM

suttichai phosamton
11/7/2008 1:44:58 PM