I'm happy to help if I can. In Italy I can recommend several on-line shops selling good handles. The problem of buying from Europe, if you don't want to spend much, is the US dollar: a couple of years ago, 80 dollars were 80 euro worth, while now 80 dollars dropped to just 54 Euro (+ trans Ocean shipping costs!).
This said, my advise would be to get the Omer T20 handle, which is relatively cheap, has a strong tigger to hold multiple bands and, most of it, has a FEMALE section: you insert the barrell into the handle, which makes much easier the assmebling of a wooden barrel.
In Italy the T20 handle, complete with trigger mech and loading pad aměnd line release, will cost about 40 euros+shipping. A cheaper alternative is the Omer Excalibur handle: female section too, but a slightly weaker trigger mechanism: 24 Euro at the shop linked below.
I'm sure you can ask Mark Laboccetta, the american Omer importer, if he has them in stock: at least you will save on the shipping. His site:
Omer, there you'll find an e-mail address for contact.
I could suggest you some more expensive handles: Seatec Gold handle and Merou handle are really good but nastily expensive.
An even cheaper alternative could be to buy a nice all stainless steel trigger mech, for example the Seac Sub X-Fire, and install it built-in in a wooden handle.
Take a lok at this link: the site is in italian (no english version) but you can mail them in english for orders and info's.
TuttoPescaMare :: SUBACQUEA » FUCILI SUBACQUEI » RICAMBI ARBALETE ::
Hope this helps.
