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The MLE Scroll

S&W 686 - Grade AA

This is a limited edition, custom Smith & Wesson 686, 357 Magnum, designed and engraved by Merlin Enright. An ALTAMONT® Exclusive. The spectacular deep relief engraving features custom Scroll Engraving with Stippled accents. The cylinder and even the flutes have full deep relief coverage. This is bold American engraving at its finest.

The S&W 686 MLE Scroll is based on the same foundational scroll design as the S&W 686 REGAL, both designed and engraved by Merlin Enright. As opposed to the sculpted relief REGAL, this scroll is classically engraved - the top surface is the smooth steel of the original gun surface. Fine shading lines and a deep stippled background provide the appearance of depth and contrast. The S&W 686 MLE Scroll is designed in American scroll style. The fine execution of engraving upholds the American tradition of bold engraving with highly detailed elements.

This stunning piece is complemented by custom checkered engraved grips, made exclusively by ALTAMONT® for this special edition.

A custom presentation box is also available as an optional add-on. USA Made. The box includes a Super Rosewood inlay custom fit to the S&W 686. Choose from American Walnut or Cherry, with solid wood lid or with glass lid.

ALTAMONT® is pleased to offer a layaway plan to assist with the purchase of its firearms products.

CLICK HERE FOR LAYAWAY PDF
ModelSmith & Wesson Model 686 (164222)
Caliber.357 Mag
Barrel Length4.13 Inch
Frame FinishStainless
Part NumberS686-MLE-AA
Engraving GradeAA
EngravingMLE Scroll
GripsCustom Engraved Super Rosewood
DesignerMerlin Enright
usa sticker




MEET THE ENGRAVER: MERLIN ENRIGHT



Merlin Enright
My father loved engraving. Specifically, he admired the bold and creative style of American Style Engraving. He had previously worked with the Colt Custom Shop supplying custom ivory grips, and also with outstanding American engravers like Ron Smith. “The European scroll and bulino engraving is nice, but it’s a little light for my taste,” he often told me. “...My heart is really with the American engraving style.”

"My heart is really with the American engraving style."

His design tastes and sense rubbed off on me as we worked together, and as I began to learn about engraving. I attended my first FEGA (Firearms Engraving Guild of America) Show in Reno at age seventeen. It was an epiphany. I had never seen anything like it. From that moment, my eyes were opened to the possibilities of the world of engraving.

My engraving journey had begun. I started studying engraving, including instruction under FEGA master Rex Pedersen. Years passed, and I was fortunate to work with my father full-time at Altamont. Our company primarily specialized in designing and making pistol grips, ranging from high volume production grips to speciality exclusives. We continued to do custom projects and designs, sometimes crossing paths with well-known engravers such as Lee Griffiths.

We had worked with TALO Distributors on the specialty pistol grip side for many years. In 2012, we created the Colt 1911 Iwo Jima tribute for them as a limited edition - One of 300. It was an unprecedented deep relief engraving, and the start of Altamont engraved guns. Six years and numerous projects later we are still refining our craft, and honing our design and engraving skills. Altamont, and I personally, have come a long way. But in engraving, the journey never ends. There is always a new idea to try, and a new steel canvas waiting.

There is always a new idea to try, and a new steel canvas waiting.

We want to bring a unique and bold approach to every engraving project we touch. We hold ourselves to a very high standard. Behind any great engraving are countless hours of agonizing failure and revisions to a design. Beyond any hammer, air-powered graver, or engraving machine, there is a driving vision to see the idea to completion. We believe that the extra hours and effort makes all the difference. It’s worth it.

If we have captured even a portion of American boldness and creativity in our engraving, we have been successful. We thank you for your support, as we continue our engraving journey.

Signature

Merlin Enright

ALTAMONT® 2018

Engraving Grading Information


ALTAMONT FACTORY ENGRAVED SERIES

Altamont Factory Engraved Series firearms feature exclusive patterns designed by master engravers, perfected and executed one gun at a time. Multiple firearms in each configuration will be produced, although production is limited by the many hours of engraving time and hand craftsmanship applied to each individual firearm.

ALTAMONT SPECIAL EDITION SERIES

Altamont Special Edition Series firearms feature unique, thematic patterns designed by master engravers, with a set Limited Edition quantity that cannot be exceeded. As these firearms will be more rare and ultimately more difficult to obtain, they may have additional collector interest.

ENGRAVING GRADES

GRADE AFactory Engraving Coverage of the main firearm sections. Standard depth of traditional deep relief engraving.
GRADE AAExtensive Engraving Coverage including special detailing on accent components. Special or extra depth considerations specifically custom to the engraving pattern.
GRADE AAAMaster Level Coverage. Exquisite and complex detailing and coverage. Engraved at the ideal or maximum depth of spectacular deep relief engraving.
EXHIBITION / MUSEUM GRADEPerfectly engraved firearms with no perceivable flaws, exhibition wood or ‘one of a kind’ exotic material.
PROTOTYPE / CUSTOM GRADEEarly, unique or deviant versions of an engraving pattern, which may reflect the development of the engraving pattern, may be ‘one of a kind’ or highly rare for certain features, and may be of collector interest.

Note : On Altamont Factory Engraved Series firearms produced by Colt Mfg., the traditional Colt Coverage Grading System - A / B / C / D Coverage - may be referenced.