What model rifle would you reccommend for building "new" commeratives?

[Mustang Gregg]

Pards:

Some of the guys in our flight facility (NE-ARNG) are pondering getting some rifles made into a commerative for our outfit.  Nothing super fancy, but maybe "Old Bill" lasered into the buttstock & some engraving on the sides of the receiver.

At this point, I think we are getting behind either the Marlin Cowboy M1894 or one of the octgonal M-1892 (Winchester clones).  Our engraver is trying to point us in the direction of stainless steel. 

What do you gunsmith guys recommend?  Or something entirely different?

BTW:  We do not have the A and A Engraving-type budget [big $$$$$].  We need to keep the costs reasonably low enough for us working stiffs.

Much obliged.
Mustang Gregg

[French Jack]

The Uberti models of the '66 Winchester come to mind-- the side plates are easily engraved, and the price and availability are good.

[Singing Bear]

I also think the 66 would be a good rifle to work with, but if it's stainless that you're after, I'd opt for the Ross 92.
They come in quite a few handsome variations these days from the various importers. 

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[Forty Rod]

If you're looking to keep the cost down, go with the Rossi '92.

If cost isn't  a factor, go with the '66 in a true round barreled carbine.  (I never did like "short rifles".  Personal preference.)  A 24" octagonal barreled rifle is also all kinds of classy.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I have to agree with 40R about going for the '66 if outlay isn't an issue. The brass really looks great engraved. I also agree that the Rossi '92 is the way to go with Stainless or if initial cost is an issue. How about going to a private mint and having medallions made that can be inlaid into the stock? That could be brass on a '66 or silver metal on a Rossi. I like inlaid medallions on commemorative rifles. I guess your engraver could do a brass or stainless disk to get inlaid, as easily. It just wouldn't have that 3-D look of a medallion.

The carbine has a nicer buttplate than the rifles. True, the crescent buttplate is cool-looking but the carbine fits anyone's shoulder.

[Mustang Gregg]

Thanks, fellers!

Yes, the cost is a big factor here.  So we probably won't go with the '66's or '73's.  But they would look cool.
 
I would like to do the Marlin M-1894 Cowboys with the octagon barrels + they are USA-built, to boot.

Our engraver is steering us toward stainless so they won't need to be re-blued after the engraving.  So that would have to be the M-1892 clones to be stainless.

The medallion is a good idea too.

Tough call, indeed!

Much obliged,
MG

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Be sure to post a picture of one after you have them. This sounds like a fun project.

[French Jack]

Yes, the re-blue is an added expense and more work.  The brass on the '66 would not need to be refinished.  The brass is also easily engraved.  The 20" carbine is fairly inexpensive, but the '92 clones are less expensive, don't know how stainless would compare, haven't checked prices in a while.  Whatever your decision, best wishes and enjoy.  Post some pics so we can see how they turn out.

[Forty Rod]

Do you have some kind of unit crest or insignia, maybe an enameled crest or collar device? I've seen some of those in the 1" x 1 1/2" range inlet into stocks and epoxied onto receivers with some very good results.  That, with some custom engraving, would result in a beautiful keepsake, heirloom, or just simply a wonderful looking shooter. 

The same crest could be pinned to a scabbard to carry the theme further.  Ask some of our leather workers how this could be dome without damaging the rifle.

[Bow View Haymaker]

Have you thought about a new Henry .22?
less expense, American made, brass receiver. 
Just an idea a bit outside the box.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Not only are those Henrys good looking, but they're great shooters.

[Mustang Gregg]

Fellers:

No, we hadn't even pondered the little brass Henry .22's.  I had brought up the Marlin .22's & that didn't go over very well.  I will suggest the Henry Golden Boys next.  Yep, the refinishing would be less $$$$ outlay.

40 Rod----Good idees on the insignia mounted on a leather scabbard, too.

Much obliged,
MG

[Mustang Gregg]

OOOOH!!

I just checked the prices on the Henry GB's.    Higher than I recollected. 
We still don't know if they have SOLID brass receivers or not. 
Still looking.

MG

[Pettifogger]

The receivers on the .22 Henry's are just sheet metal.  You can actually remove it and send it somewhere if you want it engraved.  I don't know if it has been pointed out yet (since I was lazy and didn't read the whole thread) is that you better buy something you like and intend to keep.  Once a gun is engraved as a "commemorative" for a special group it has zero resale value.

[Mustang Gregg]

Pettifogger:

You are correct about the rifle becoming a "keeper" (white elephant) once it gets engraved. 
Actually the consensus now is to buy several .45-70 Marlin 1895 Cowboys & getting only the wood lasered with "Old Bill" and maybe some lettering too.

Mustang Gregg 

[Forty Rod]

You can have those insignia inlaid into the stocks, too