Happy new year to you all.

Well, the gun is finally finished, or I’ve gone as far as I’m going to go with it. It is after all, a practice plate. I first started drawing the shotgun action on paper six months ago and told John Barraclough that it would take about 3-4 months to complete. I think he’s still trying to stop laughing!!! Back then I had no idea how big a shotgun action really is. I do now.

It’s been a really cool project to do. There are 113 scrolls, over 1000 leaves, 7 rosettes and 2 birds.

There have been a lot of lessons learnt along the way. Remembering them all could be the problem!!!

Lessons learnt in no particular order………………………

1. The engraving is the easy part.
2. Metal preparation is everything……………
3. Don’t take a buffing wheel to the metal as it rounds everything off
4. Don’t take a blow torch to the metal as it creates deep pitting.
5. Draw everything first. By everything, I mean everything. And don’t stop drawing until it’s the very best you can do at the time.
6. Don’t deviate from the drawings by trying to make impromptu improvements or you’re guaranteed to bugger it up.
7. Keep your gravers sharp at all times. They dull off quicker than you think.
8. Think the whole process through before you start cutting.
9. Holding the awkward parts can be an engineering feat all in itself.
10. Have fun doing it
11. Shotgun actions are bigger than Texas under the microscope.
12. Engraving doesn’t hide scratches in the metal.
13. Some parts are incredibly hard to get to with a graver and require several angles of approach
14. Listen to what more experienced engravers are telling you.
15. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools.
13. There are a few more, I’m sure of it. I just can’t remember them!!!!!!!

As usual, your thoughts and comments are always welcome.

Very best wishes for 2007

Andrew


Andrew Biggs
1/4/2007 4:53:16 AM

Andrew Biggs
1/4/2007 4:53:59 AM

Andrew.............Very Nice!
Thanks for posting the snaps.
Brian

Brian Powley
1/4/2007 6:59:34 AM

Andrew, you learned almost all the valuable lessons most of us take years to learn. You did Well! Makes my first effort of some 40 years ago look rather sickly!!! See you soon. S

Sam Welch
1/4/2007 7:29:42 AM

impressive Andrew ..vary impressive .........what a benefit you are to the engraving community ....m.a smith

Mark Smith
1/4/2007 11:48:54 AM

Congratulations on a wonderful job, Andrew.
It is something to be really proud of and didn't take you too long considering all the distractions you had and the high standards you set for yourself.
Now to hope you can get it through Security and Customs.
Then to hope that I can get you and the shotgun over Donner Pass and through the snow on our way to Reno.
Looking forward to seeing you soon my friend.
John.

John Barraclough
1/4/2007 6:38:05 PM

Andrew and John,

You'll have to go right past my place in Bakersfield on the way. If you need a quick break let me know. I have a 4 wheel drive truck so you can ride with us or I can tow you across Donner Pass. :-)

See you in Reno.

Kevin Monahan
1/4/2007 11:31:38 PM

Hi Kevin.
I have enjoyed your posts on some of the forums.
Thanks for the offer of a ride or tow over the pass. :)
We will probably go up I-5 and byepass Bakersfield.
Like you, I have 4-wheel drive and chains.
But you know the old joke about about 4-wheel?
It just gets you stuck in tougher places!
Be sure to say hello in Reno, look forward to meeting you.
Wishing all good weather and a safe trip, road or air.
John.

John Barraclough
1/5/2007 11:03:52 AM

Thanks for all those kind words.

It's only a couple of weeks now till I get to the USA. I arrive on the 20th. Hopefully all the paperwork will come through to import the shotgun action by then.

John B advised me that maybe I should bring a snow plough as well!!!!!

Looking forward to meeting you all real soon

Cheers
Andrew

Andrew Biggs
1/6/2007 7:46:19 PM

It looks wonderfull Andrew. I REALLY like the way the leaves around the front of the lock start out as one type (not sure what that style is called) and then morphs into a running leaf as it rounds the nose of the locks. Very nice

Cody

Cody Tetachuk
1/11/2007 8:51:46 AM

Have a safe trip Andrew.CYA in RENO

Your shotgun action needs a name like any fine work of art..Since the scroll morphs..why don't you call it the "MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER SHOTGUN"

You can beat me up in Reno

Martin Rabeno
1/11/2007 3:53:19 PM

Andrew,
I really can't add to what the others have said except WOW!

I do have something to add to your list though...Working up the nerve to start. After Drawing for the last six months, I finally started my first gun last week.

I hope it looks 1/4 as good.

John Saville
1/14/2007 6:25:37 PM