GUNSMITHING SERVICES: Replica sniper rifle engraving/marking

Description

A key element to building a replica (“clone”) sniper rifle is accurately marking the barrel and receiver.   LRI has researched this extensively and has acquired stamps that are duplicates of the original size and fonts used whenever possible.  Some are unobtainable because OEMs used machines to “roll” the identifying marks onto the receivers instead.  This challenge was solved by using a more modern approach; a 100-watt Fiber Laser.  With some creative artwork and programming, we are able to very closely duplicate original marks.

There also instances when engraving is incorrect or poorly executed.  We have been able to fix these in the past as well.  Below is an XM-3 clone where a “US” marked receiver was mistakenly used along with errors on the barrel.  It’s a small detail, but original rifles never had them as shown.  When these corrections are required, we’ll carefully fill the marks using a TIG torch with a high carbon content filler wire or stainless.  It’s important to know ahead of time in cases like this that the repair can sometimes still be seen.  This is due to early rifles relying on chemical treatments such as manganese phosphate.  We’ve done extensive testing with various filler wires to try and match material properties to minimize discoloration, but its “voodoo science” at best and does still happen.  This is not isolated to carbon steels.  Filler wire in stainless will also present a little differently that a careful eye can see.   If you look closely at the photo below a subtle “water mark” is visible around the engraving.  This is an unavoidable byproduct of welding.  If spin polishing afterwards, it nearly disappears.  Blast finish in preparation for Cerakote does make it visible prior to applying color.  Once coated, it completely disappears.

We have performed repairs like this often since opening our doors in 2009. There has never been an incident where an issue surfaced later regarding receiver heat-treatment or rifle accuracy.

The end result is a “Period Correct” appearing rifle that passes a critical eye.  Our efforts are a respectful nod to the people originally tasked with the job.