Laser Checkering & Modification
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Are you looking to add a personal touch to your shotgun?
Our custom laser checkering and modification services are exactly what you need!
Originating in one form or another about 150 years ago, checkering has both functional and artistic purposes. While the primary function of checkering is to provide the shooter with more grip on their firearm, it also provides a decorative aspect to your gun. Hand checkering is done with a wide variety of cutting tools to create a cross-hatched pattern of angled lines that intersect to form pointed diamonds.
Popular checkering styles include, but are not limited to, Pointed, Flat Top, Semi-Flat Top, Angular, Skip Line and Fish Scale. Patterns can also be offset with a border, or completed without.
We use state-of-the-art laser technology to create intricate and personalized designs on your shotgun, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you want a classic pattern or a unique design, our talented team can make it happen. Don’t settle for a generic shotgun – let us help you create a customized firearm that you’ll be proud to show off. Contact us today to learn more about our laser checkering and modification services.
Create Something Unique and Personalized Today
Take your shotgun personalization to the next level with a plethora of laser customization options now offered Cole Gunsmithing! Whether you are looking to have a wood set checkered, a team or company logo engraved or even initials engraved into your wood grip cap, our in-house design team can make it happen for you!
Standard Grip Patterns
Standard Forend Patterns (Sides)
Standard Forend Patterns (Bottom)
*Note that forend patterns are scaled based off of a factory Beretta DT11 forend. Additional scaling and adjustments may be needed based on your forend and latch placement.
Laser Work Pricing Table
Wood Grip Cap Engraving
Wood Grips Only- Vector Artwork Proof for Approval
- Disassembly & Reassembly of Firearm (If Applicable)
- Monogramming or Graphic
- One-On-One With Designer to Bring Your Design to Life
- $20.00 Charge for Artwork Provided by Customer to Cover Vectorization Time
*Standard Laser Checkering
2 Panel (Stock or Forend) or 3 Panel Forend- Select from Standard Patterns Above
- Vector Artwork Proof for Approval
- 1 Revision
- Disassembly & Reassembly of Firearm (If Applicable)
- Choose Lines Per Inch
- Custom Graphics
*Standard Laser Checkering
4 Panel (Stock & Forend)- Select from Standard Patterns Above
- Vector Artwork Proof for Approval
- 1 Revision
- Disassembly & Reassembly of Firearm (If Applicable)
- Choose Lines Per Inch
- Custom Graphics
Full Custom Checkering
4 Panel (Stock & Forend)- Vector Artwork Proof for Approval
- Fully Custom Grip and Forend Checkering Pattern
- 3 Revisions
- Disassembly & Reassembly of Firearm (If Applicable)
- One-On-One With Designer
- Choose Lines Per Inch
*Services are included with a custom stock
Laser Checkering & Modification
In addition to wood, our laser can etch or engrave most other materials aside from metals at this time. These materials include but are not limited to:
- Acrylic
- Delrin
- Glass
- Leather
- Most Plastics (No ABS or PVC)
*Anodized or plated metals can be etched to some degree, With anodized materials specifically, the laser will bleach the coloring out but will still leave the protective anodized layer intact.
Laser Modification
Our checkering patterns are traditional pointed diamonds offered in a variety of LPI (Lines Per Inch) depending on your preference. Lower LPI results in a more coarse feel, while a higher LPI will result in a smoother and more subdued surface.
Laser Monogramming Etiquette
Laser Modification FAQs
Have questions about laser engraving, checkering, or custom stock work? Below are answers to some of the most common questions.
We offer custom laser engraving, laser checkering, decorative patterns, logos, initials, and other personalized design work on wood firearm stocks and forends.
Vector artwork is a clean, line-based file that allows the laser to follow precise paths. This helps produce sharper detail, cleaner edges, and a more professional finished result.
Yes. Customer-provided artwork can often be engraved, but the quality of the final result depends on the quality of the file provided. Low-resolution images may require vectorization before production.
Laser engraving should not damage the stock when the material and finish are suitable for the process and the laser settings are properly adjusted. Each stock or forend is evaluated before work begins so the engraving depth, power, and speed can be matched to the wood, finish, and desired result. However, heavily finished stocks require additional consideration. Thick urethane, polyurethane, or high-build clear finishes do not always respond well to laser checkering. Because the laser must cut through the finish before reaching the wood, these coatings can melt, discolor, chip, flake, or create uneven results. In some cases, the checkering may appear less sharp because the laser is working through a layer of finish rather than directly into the wood.
Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the design, current workload, and whether artwork preparation is required. Most jobs are completed within 2 weeks of when the materials arrive.
At this time, wraparound laser checkering cannot be performed on stocks or forends. Our laser engraving system utilizes a fixed Z-axis, which limits engraving to surfaces that remain within its working range. While traditional wraparound patterns are not possible with our current equipment, we can produce a wide variety of custom checkering patterns and decorative engraving on accessible surfaces with exceptional precision and consistency. If you're unsure whether your project is suitable for laser modification, we're happy to review your stock or forend and discuss the available options.
Works Gallery
