Industry News

Small American Business: CNS Engraving

Published by
Dave Merrill

We will always promote a small American business when we can, and it's double-points if we can actually visit them and watch them perform their craft. Recently we came across CNS Engraving in Powell, Ohio, while working on a totally different project regarding NFA engraving. While there are a few options out there regarding sending off your NFA (or potential NFA) Form 1 item such as a short barreled rifle or silencer, sometimes it's better to just find a local place, even if they sport a slightly higher cost than dealing with the USPS.


A quick Google search brought us CNS Engraving, located under 30 minutes from one of our editors, which will perform Form 1 markings while you wait so long as you have an appointment.

Yet still, there's a helluva lot more going on here than just rifle markings. Wood signs? Sure. Custom mugs? Indeed. Custom cut metalworks? Well, shoot them an email about it.


While CNS Engraving may do some required BATFE marking, it's clear that their main gigs come from the much larger pool of Etsy and Amazon.

CNS Engraving was started by a former LEO from the Columbus Police Department. In that time he's moved on from just lasering DickButt on everything sent to friends to a full-on custom shop. While they don't have the capacity at the time of this writing, very shortly they will be able to offer laser stippling services. While some may contend laser stippling lacks artistry, it's always faster, less labor-intensive, repeatable, and cheaper.

Stay tuned.

In the meantime, you can check out CNS Engraving on Instagram here, Facebook here, or visit their webpage here.

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Dave Merrill

Editor of CONCEALMENT Magazine and Features Editor for the RECOIL Magazine Group, Dave Merrill has a particular passion for foreign weapons and concealable carbines. As both an experienced writer and shooter, you can find Dave's work across all RECOIL titles to include RECOIL, CONCEALMENT, OFFGRID, and CARNIVORE.

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