I never really thought the engraving would be as nice as in the advertised RBL picture, but by the same token, I don’t expect it to look like a stamped job on some sub $2K O/U.
Well I finally contacted CSMC about the engraving -- in particular the change in the barrel engraving -- and Rich Wilson told me the following:
- the new barrel engraving is cut, crisp and sharp, and deeper than before;
- the engraving process is the same for barrels and frame;
- barrel engraving appearance is consistent with the frame;
- they allow orders that specify no barrel engraving (as TK did).
I sure wish I could see one firsthand. Just don't much like the look of current barrel engraving in the one good photo I've seen. More photos of current production guns, anyone?