is slip tip supposed to slip?

[jtkwest]

I just got a riffe slip tip. the store was out of them so i took the floor model. i dont have any instructions. it has a string that is on a ring attached to the cable.The tip falls off super easy. I dont see how i could use it. But i dont know what the string thing is. Am i supposed to tie my monofiliment to the cable.ANYONE GOT ONE OF THESE?HELP?

[Bill]

Sounds like the string tucks under/between the rubbers to hold the tip in place until the shaft moves and the ring slides on the shaft before the adapter screws on. If you want to connect the slip tip directly to your float or reel, you need two, releasing, shooting lines. Except for very big fish where you can loose everything or a situation where you need to shoot again, it probably isn't worth the effort.

[Bill McIntyre]

The string on the Riffe tip is intended to be tucked under your bands to hold the cable tight and keep the tip from falling off. Obviously, the gun must be cocked first. This design also requires that your shaft and tip have enough overhang from the muzzle so that the cable is held taught when the string is tucked under a band. And if you have so much overhang that the string can't reach the bands, then you need a longer string.

Ordinarily I would include a photo, but the Riffe tips are not my favorites, so I sold them and am using other brands.

Edit- I see Bill typed faster than I did and covered things I didn't. Yes, that slide ring goes on to the shaft before you screw the adapter on the end of the shaft. Your mono shooting line should attach to a hole in one of the cocking fins on the rear of the shaft if you have a Riffe shaft.

[jtkwest]

you guys are on point. thanks. that must be what the string is. of course i have too little overhang to use the string,(the ring hits the muzzle by an inch or so), if i run the cable through the ring loop ,instead of attaching to it, in order to use shooting line to hold it down, it is about 1.5 inches short. Too short AND too long. story of my life. i guess 90 bucks isnt enough. now i need a cable crimper for ss cable,(will mono crimper work?)probably not. someday i will get it together.maybe even get that 60#black that bent my toggle and broke my spear the first time i took my homemade gun in the water. So help me god.

[Bill]

I have a cheap crimper that works on mono and ss. Just remember to test all connections. Good story here about a 400# leader and a 700# fish. He forgot to crimp the sleeve but he had the perfect size and the melted ball at the end of the mono held OK for the few hours needed.
Sounds like you're ready for my simple solution. Use an elastic band to hold the slip tip in place (don't forget to carry a few spares).