I'm looking for a bit of an oddball here. Are they any off-the-shelf SXS models out there that have sideplates, but very light engraving (and coin finish)? I'm interested since I have a friend that's an engraver and would like to have him work on a shotgun for me.

Poli makes some guns that fit that description

Lock plates - even when plain - are usually (always?) hardened. The engraving is applied prior to hardening. I rather doubt that its as easy as having a buying plain gun and being able to add engraving, but no doubt the hardening can be softened in some way, then re-hardened afterwards.

Various hardening processes are used, some based on heating in a carbon rich environment (such as charcoal), and some with a chemical (cyanide?) process - possibly some by heat treatment alone.

Might be possible to buy a gun 'in the white' and get it engraved and finished. You'd need the services of a real gun-maker to pull that off though...Geo

SKB made such a gun until recently...I think it was the model 405, and they pop up for sale on GunBroker every once in a while...the sideplates would likely need to be annealed to soften, then engraved, and then re-hardened.

Simpsons has a number of BRNO post war side locks, some in pretty nice condion. They are devoid of engraving, plus they are the n the $200-$400 range. They aren't a bad shotgun either.

The BRNO ZP 47 or 49 model a good prospect...Geo

Or, this one, made by Victor Sarasqueta and imported by Stoeger:

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/8992590

Good Luck!

Greg

Fecus,

If you are not a "purist" you can get your friend to design the engraving and then have it lasered on the metal, that way you overcome the hardening-annealing problem.

See the Boxall and Edminston laser engraved SXSs for some inspiration.

Why not order a fine Spanish gun in the white and have it engraved. You can pick your gauge, barrel length and wood upgrade.
Makers like Arietta or Grulla or even Garbi should be able to do that.
Also you can find easily most of the time on the gun auction sites guns like a Gamba London model. It has a somewhat plain sidelock receiver. A fine gun made in Italy.

Engravers are often trained to account for hardened parts, talk to your buddy, he might be able to handle it.
Mike

Great idea. Simpson's still has quite a few. Here's one:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_info.php?products_id=37883

The SKB model in question was the 485. Orvis also sold some Spanish sidelocks with minimal engraving.

SKB 100 has minimal engraving also. You could probably remove the existing engraving or incorporate it into a more elaborate design.
Lots of them around. Great guns.
Refinish the stock with oil, install a pad, maybe change the grip cap etc. It would make a nice low budget, quality, semi custom personalized gun. If your handy, do the work yourself and have something to really be proud of. A fun project. I just installed double triggers in mine and had a ball.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=476802789#PIC

Focus,
We need more information. How much do you want to spend on a gun? $200, $2,000 or $20,000? Tough to give advice if we don't know if you want a Stevens or a Purdey.
Regards,
Jeff