So I just received my first speargun. It's a Mares Bandit 75cm, and the flopper on the shaft is so loose it just dangles when you hold it with the flopper towards the ground. There's about a 2mm gap between the side of the flopper and the shaft. I haven't owned my own speargun before and don't know much about the different types of shafts but this seems kind of off. Is it supposed to be this loose? Or should it be tightened? Any response is appreciated.
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Loose flopper
- Thread starterFreshwaterspearo
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
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Thanks for the reply, I was a little more worried about the possible noise of the flopper hitting on the shaft while hunting. Any thoughts?
No, the noise of the gun unlatching will be more than that, plus you are talking fractions of a second for the fish to react. If you shoot when the fish least expects it then you are more certain of a hit, but don't stare at a fish too much as if they are looking around they can sense being targeted. Curiosity on the fish's part and your treachery by pretending not to be interested is why spearfishing works.
Take a pair of pliers to where the back of the flopper meets the shaft and gently pinch it till it just gives some resistance when the flopper is wide open. You will be more concerned when you loose fish when the flopper closes after a shot then while kicking around hunting.
Some floppers grip the spear shaft others not. I would try it out before you try changing anything. I agree with Pete's earlier comments.
If you then still feel the need to change things, I would advise caution. You could try what Vivian suggests or you could try tightening the rivet using a small ball-pein hammer and some sort of anvil. However you risk locking the flopper to the spear. It will be worse if the flopper doesn't open and engage after you spear a fish.
If you then still feel the need to change things, I would advise caution. You could try what Vivian suggests or you could try tightening the rivet using a small ball-pein hammer and some sort of anvil. However you risk locking the flopper to the spear. It will be worse if the flopper doesn't open and engage after you spear a fish.
