Need Recommendations for an Entry-Level Over/Under Shotgun
Jan 25, 2024 20:31:00 GMT
Post by Zen_Hydra on Jan 25, 2024 20:31:00 GMT
I'm not historically a shotgun guy, but I'm interested in doing an artistically-driven customization project focused around an over/under 12 gauge shotgun.
I want to start with an entry-level shotgun because I'll be using some new techniques and tools compared to my previous etching, engraving, and inlay work. If I screw things up in a way I can't incorporate or work around, I don't want to feel too bad about the costs of starting over.
The end result I hope to achieve is a mechanically modern O/U shotgun with the kind of decorative embellishment one might see on an overwrought high-status 18th or 19th firearm (i.e. something an Early Modern Period head-of-state might have received as a gift).
My initial plan is to thoroughly cover the barrel(s) and receiver in a combination of hand engraving, electrolysis etching, and flourishes of inlayed silver and gold wire. The stock and foregrip will be elaborately detailed hardwood with inlayed mosaics using materials like exotic wood, antique ivory, antler, polished horn, lapis lazuli, and decorative metalwork.
I'd prefer to keep the cost as low as reasonably possible, but with an eye towards it needing to be functional (all of my arms and armor projects have to default to being functional first, and pretty second).
I'd also prefer to use a shotgun that isn't a nightmare to disassemble and reassemble.
I'd also also prefer if recommended shotguns are as undecorated as possible, because I don't want to spend days removing preexisting engraving and/or surface coatings if I can help it.
I'm not opposed to a good quality used O/U shotgun if there are any such recommendations.
Please feel free to ask me any project-related questions you might have, and I'd like to offer a preemptive thank you for taking the time to read this post (even if you don't have anything you want to recommend).
I want to start with an entry-level shotgun because I'll be using some new techniques and tools compared to my previous etching, engraving, and inlay work. If I screw things up in a way I can't incorporate or work around, I don't want to feel too bad about the costs of starting over.
The end result I hope to achieve is a mechanically modern O/U shotgun with the kind of decorative embellishment one might see on an overwrought high-status 18th or 19th firearm (i.e. something an Early Modern Period head-of-state might have received as a gift).
My initial plan is to thoroughly cover the barrel(s) and receiver in a combination of hand engraving, electrolysis etching, and flourishes of inlayed silver and gold wire. The stock and foregrip will be elaborately detailed hardwood with inlayed mosaics using materials like exotic wood, antique ivory, antler, polished horn, lapis lazuli, and decorative metalwork.
I'd prefer to keep the cost as low as reasonably possible, but with an eye towards it needing to be functional (all of my arms and armor projects have to default to being functional first, and pretty second).
I'd also prefer to use a shotgun that isn't a nightmare to disassemble and reassemble.
I'd also also prefer if recommended shotguns are as undecorated as possible, because I don't want to spend days removing preexisting engraving and/or surface coatings if I can help it.
I'm not opposed to a good quality used O/U shotgun if there are any such recommendations.
Please feel free to ask me any project-related questions you might have, and I'd like to offer a preemptive thank you for taking the time to read this post (even if you don't have anything you want to recommend).