How to personalize a rifle?

[samjoe]

Was wondering if you guys know.My son is graduating from high school this spring.i have always told him that he should use one of my rifles for deer hunting and for graduation i would buy him his own.He has always been happy using my 308 or 7mm/08 and has become a accomplished hunter for 17 years old.I was never too keen on buying a 10 year old a thousand dollar rifle.So i have his gift narrowed down to 2 or three different rifles and he likes the medium action calibres.
My question is how can i personalize his new rifle to make it special for him.Nothing big or gaudy but i had a few ideas,Maybe his initials on the bolt ,maybe his initials on the pistol grip cap.Maybe his initials and class yr on a hard case.Maybe something i havent thought of yet.Does anyone have any ideas for me?Also any experience with who could do this for me?
I have the rifle narrowed down to maybe a rem mod 700 ,or a tikka t3 or the cz american.
He will be leaving for college next fall and we are so proud of him.I would really like to hit a home run on this.
Thanks in advance.

[AteUp]

Do a search on the net for gun engraving or carving. I found this site for carving:

http://home.earthlink.net/~virginiagunstockcarver/

[mwezell]

Try a jewelry store or trophy and plaque shop for the engraving work.

[trust me]

I like the idea of the personalized gift. What about his initials and "2008" on the grip cap? That way, a grip cap could be easily replaced if he ever had to sell the rifle for whatever unforseen reason.

An older buddy of mine had his name engraved on the barrel of his 28 Ruger Red Label. Everybody gave him crap about ruining the resale value, and he responded that it would never be sold, and when he died, it would be given to someone that would appreciate hunting with his gun. (me???)

[TROPHYTAKER308]

If It Has A Hindge Floor Plate,there Is Option For Alot Of Different Ideas...

[Bray]

The Bolt on my ABOLT is engraved. Nothing real flashy but it is noticable. Definitely one way to personalize a gun. Plus the bolt can be removed and taken somewhere to be engraved or replaced if something was to bappen to the gun.

[KentuckyWindage]

I'd definitely do it on the pistol grip cap. Maybe get a nice piece of silver or gold that could be engraved on (with whatever you like) and have it attached (sort of like the indian head on a savage model 93).

[Pugs]

Dynamo Tape? :rolleyes:

Seriously though. This guy does very nice work (personal exerience) and a nice name and date on the barrel he'll likely treasure for a long time.

http://www.kampfeldcustom.com/index_024.htm

[Poorboy]

Ruger sells the engraved floorplates for their rifles. I also believe Initals are also an option. You can check it out on thier website. Thought about it for my two boys.

[brasskeeper]

I like the idea of having something engraved on the barrel.

[keith meador]

how about a custom leather sling or embroidered soft case....the sling is removable and will not hurt the value of the gun should he opt to sell/trade it later in life, and the case will help protect the gun.

[Ky'sFinest]

how about a custom leather sling or embroidered soft case....the sling is removable and will not hurt the value of the gun should he opt to sell/trade it later in life, and the case will help protect the gun.


no offense keith, but i think personally that selling something that personal that was given to you as a gift would be rediculous.

I know i would be madder than a son of gun if my son (if i had a son) sold his personalized gift.

go all the way. it will be something to cherish his whole life.

my $.02.

[keith meador]

no offense keith, but i think personally that selling something that personal that was given to you as a gift would be rediculous.

I know i would be madder than a son of gun if my son (if i had a son) sold his personalized gift.

go all the way. it will be something to cherish his whole life.

my $.02.

very true, but not everyone keeps a gun forever. just my $.02:D

[pb]

Henry repeating rifles used to have a deal where you bought one of their golden boy 22s and then ordered a replacement gold frame or cover that was engraved about anyway you wanted from the factory. You might check into that.

[ptbrauch]

For such a momentous occasion, go for something bold. You could take it to a jeweler and see if they could engrave a nice design and his monogram on it somewhere.

And then theres alway the biggest canvas no one has mentioned yet--the stock. Find a good wood carver and see if he couldn't carve something into the stock. Or what about having a medallion set into the stock?

Someone already mentioned that you're giving a gift that shouldn't be sold. And with a nice gun he got from his dad, why would he want to sell it?

[AteUp]

I know it's not nearly as nice as a rifle, but I thought I would let you guys know Muzzy will personalize broadheads. I got these for my cousin a few Christmas's back.

http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopost/data/500/medium/17026klcmuzzys.JPG