My first engraving on a gun

[Ky-Flinter]

This is my first engraving on a gun.  I'm using a hammer and gravers sharpened with Lindsey's 90 and 116 degree templates.  I would appreciate any comments and criticism to improve my work.  Thanks.

-Ron

[rudyc]

I think it looks great.

[smart dog]

Hi Ron,
That looks very nice.  Your lines seem smooth, clean, and crisp.  The designs are simple but very appropriate for the gun.  All I would add is shading to add depth and accent.  My other suggestion is do a simple single line border around the side plate, trigger guard bow, and toe plate.  Keep the line very close to the edges and bevels.  Keeping border lines parallel to edges is the best way to learn how to control your chisel.

dave

[rich pierce]

No expert but it looks like nice clean cuts and fitting to the style of the gun. 

[Mark Elliott]

I would be very happy with what you have.

[Flint62Smoothie]

I don’t engrave, but for balance purposes only, should the end of the sideplate have some small design, just to set off that end of the piece?

[smylee grouch]

Boy, for a first job I would say you did OK. Did you use the same graver for all the cuts?

[jerrywh]

 That's a lot better than what I did the first time.  You just need more of it.

[J. Talbert]

Ron,
I have to agree.  Just keep it up, so far so good.

Jeff

[oldtravler61]

  Looks very good to me....!

[Ky-Flinter]

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement.

Dave,
I considered some border work, but couldn't work up the nerve.  Not yet anyway.  During my practicing, my straight lines always seem to have a bobble a some point.  I'll keep working at it.

Flint62,
You may be right.  I drew several designs in that area, but none really grabbed me, so I left it, rather than mess it up.

Smylee,
I used a 116 degree graver for the monogram, and a 90 for the rest.

Thanks again.  I'll keep practicing.

-Ron

[n stephenson]

Ron, I agree with everybody else, I think it looks good. I think that Dave and Jerry are both right by saying more. As stated, a little shading , some little accent marks here and there , border work and such. One cool thing about engraving is, that as you add little elements , it seems to "come alive " and adds dimension to an other wise 2D image. JMHO  Nate

[BOB HILL]

Off to a great start it looks like to me. You'll only get better with practice.Thanks for sharing. 
Bob

[Ed Wenger]

Ron..., that looks really good!  Those long sweeping lines are difficult to cut without wiggles and varying depth.  I think if you added two or three cuts on both sides of the main ones you now have on the flowers, it would add some nice depth and shading effect.  I also think you're selling yourself short in regards to the boarders Dave mentioned...  Again, good job!


         Ed

             

[mfharper]

Looks real nice!

[FALout]

Looks good.  Study pics of old rifles, some had simple designs and others, very elaborate designs..  takes work, dedication, and practice.  Keep at it.