The DeeperBlue.net Gun Building Extravaganza - Gun Options 7 - Handle Style Choice

[ILDiver]

Just wanted to start a thread to keep The Gits' post clean.

What I would like to see would be a grip angle like a 1911 handgun. It would have to be an Ambi grip, since we don't know who gets the gun once built. I actually like the grip on my Springfield XD, it's like a 1911, but a double stack magazine thickness. Since I have bigger hands, that is what I would prefer.

I think a pistol grip like a 1911 is a pretty standard grip design and comfortable for a lot of people. Having an finger rest on each side of the gun would be nice, to rest your trigger finger on.

Design wise, I think a center lam of teak, about 10mm, then 5mm lams alternating the purpleheart and teak. Once the shaping is done, it would have a nice layered effect imo.

These are just my starting thoughts, I am looking forward to hearing others ideas!

[ILDiver]

After looking for the Totem trigger online and finding their site. I like their handle, but would do it with the laminations as stated above.

[Pastor]

Some food for thought from the target pistol world












more pics here

pistol grips

Another option is heat moldable plastic such as Polymorph

[ILDiver]

I like the stippling on images 1 & 3. That grip would work if was done Ambi. I was thinking the angle was a bit steep. But thinking about it, a 1911 grip angle may not be enough, due to the prone firing position. That PolyMorph stuff is an interesting idea too. I saw that on TV a few weeks ago.

Hmm, my Florida trip is in two weeks. I sure hope this gun is done in time for my trip so I can show it off to people down there. (I have to pretend it's mine now, until reality hits and it goes to someone less deserving like Pastor or Podge!) *Oh Snap! No he di ent!* Yep, I went there!

[Pastor]

How could you use Polymorph? How about a skeletal Aluminium frame?

I like the idea of an adjustable support under MY hand too. How about an enclosed handle to lock to your hand, that should help to lessen the need for a strong grip while swinging it

[podge]

Originally Posted by Pastor

How could you use Polymorph? How about a skeletal Aluminium frame?

I like the idea of an adjustable support under MY hand too. How about an enclosed handle to lock to your hand, that should help to lessen the need for a strong grip while swinging it

Pastor I’ve got a strong grip and I’m going blind as a result.

Hogue make some nice grips and I’ve had a few on different bits of kit myself well worth a look from a design point of view.

[Pastor]

I knew that was coming

Their nice looking bits of kit Podge!

The handles on Daryl Wong's guns are I believe an exact replica of a Colt 45 auto (or some such weapon, correct me if I'm wrong Daryl please). They are fantastically comfortable with bare hands or gardening type gloves but with 3mm kevlar lined gloves it could do with a bit of re modelling to be ideal

[foxfish]

It seems to me that under the circumstances - "we dont know if the new owner will be left hand, right hand or be wearing a glove or not wearing a clove" that this will limit the options? I think maybe a structural frame with interchangeable grips would be cool?
If not, a plain but shaped ampedextrious handle?

[ILDiver]

I like the frame idea Foxy... The froma could then be the trigger guard.

A few questions first though. How would that work? I mean, would the gun come with a few styles of grips that are made for it? Or is there a company out there that sells such a kit? Are there grips that are universal for such a thing?

I was ponder this idea myself but didn't know how it would work. (back to my favorite hand gun) The new Sprinfield XD has a changable back strap and comes with 3 sizes to allow for different sized hands. That OMER Cayman has the standard grop and a left and right ergo grip. I like the ergo grip, but it is a tad smaller than I would prefer, but still very comfortable.

So I guess on that thought, I'd say 3 sets of grips that change out for different thicknesses to alow for gloves or what ever. But still an Ambi designed grip, unless six are made, 3 right, three left. Since I'd like to let my dive buddies share the experience of my new gun though, I'm still leaning to an ambi style.

[Dobs]

I know the gun could be won by anyone (with different preferences), but the GITS can still stick to some basic characteristics I believe important in the handle design.
First of all the angle.
The handles of the target pistols have much bigger angle than those of the semi-automatic ones shown above. The bigger the angle is, the closer the axis of the hand is to the axis of the gun, therefore the recoil will be absorbed better by the body and there will be less upwards movement of the muzzle. At least in theory...
Another important thing is the thumb rest. It is essential for the up-down movement of the gun.

[Pastor]

I agree Dobs, target pistols have evolved around a precision shot, recoil absorption is key to that.

From the point of the gun fitting a right or left handed dude with or without a glove what are we looking at? Moldable sides or detachable fittings?

[foxfish]

Perhaps we can design a universal handle but offer a custom fit grips for the winner?

[Pastor]

Perhaps the winner could send the gits a polymorph grip mold and have it custom made? Or am I being ridiculous again? The trouble with customised grips is that the need to fit well to be really effective

Just out of curiosity, does polymorph come in any other colour than white?

[ILDiver]

A metal center that incorporates the trigger guard would look nice, with grips that can be screwed onto the handle.

A skeletal metal handle would look nice too. Just not polished imo.

http://www.neptonicsystems.com/handles.htm

[Dobs]

The best thing IMHO will be to know the winner of the gun before designing the handle. In this way he/she will be able to express his/hers preferences.
Detachable handles is not the best idea. We loose something of the advantage of a monocoque gun if we go that way...