Simple mortised handle?

    I was kicking around ideas with someone the other day who wanted a handle for a thin rear handled gun with a rounded bottom. He wasn't happy with any of the ways to recess a normal screwed-on handle, so we started considering mortised ideas.


    What I have so far is a simple 3/8" thick aluminum frame, with the top two studs turned round so that they insert into 3/8" holes drilled in front of and behind the trigger. I guess a pin or screw would be needed to hold each in place. My first thought was that the pins would go through the stock from side to side, but I guess it would also be possible to put a screw straight down and into a tapped hole in the end of each post.


    I think it leaves a clean looking installation that is very easy for the first time DIY guy, on just about any stock big enough to hold a trigger mech.


    I might make up a few of these, but before I do, I'm looking for a little constructive criticism. What are the potential problems with the approach?

    Very nice.


    Doesn't look like there's much room for the trigger but it can always be shortened.


    On a wood gun the float line isn't attached to the handle anyways so it doesn't have to be very strong. Just as long as the studs don't eventually work themselves loose.


    The simplicity of drilling the holes as opposed to chiseling out/shaping a hole to accommodate the handle is a bonus. Pinning however makes things a little more complicated, if one has to match holes in the wood with predrilled holes in the studs. If it's aluminum maybe you can just drill through the whole thing.

    Quote from Dan

    The simplicity of drilling the holes as opposed to chiseling out/shaping a hole to accommodate the handle is a bonus. Pinning however makes things a little more complicated, if one has to match holes in the wood with predrilled holes in the studs. If it's aluminum maybe you can just drill through the whole thing.


    You nailed it. The idea is to not pre-drill the pin holes. Once the handle is mounted, you would drill the pin holes with the handle in place, so the placement isn't critical, as long as you hit the stud.


    It's not obvious in the pic, but the trigger depth is a little more than a Wong or Alexander handle.

    Good idea. Different mechs might require a different spacing but I suppose most people use the reef or tuna mech anyways.


    I like the pinning idea better. Drilling through will require more work recessing the holes then you have to plug them up.

    Davie Peguero

    Looks good. I like that you worked on the AR-15 handle.



    I just took a look at my SeaSniper Reef pro. The handle is very much the same in the basic idea. The solution I see they used is a screw on the top of the gun going down where your back pin would be. It's very strong and the floatline attaches to the bottom of the handle.



    I can take pics if anyone would like.

    Quote from LOMartin

    The handle is very much the same in the basic idea. The solution I see they used is a screw on the top of the gun going down where your back pin would be. It's very strong and the floatline attaches to the bottom of the handle.



    I can take pics if anyone would like.



    I wonder if SeaSniper puts epoxy or anything in the hole in the stock to strengthen it so that forces on the handle don't cause the hole to enlarge over time? I was kind of hoping to avoid the screw up through the top, just for looks, but that probably is the strongest way. Maybe a sideways pin, or maybe nothing at all, on the forward stud.

    I like the long span which allows a long trigger. I would never trust a bonded handle, the the end user could
    screw up. The handle could come with a jig plate the drill for the pins. I like the approach for it's simplicity
    for the home builder.
    Cheers, Don

    "Great mother ocean brought forth all life, it is my eternal home'' Don Berry from Blue Water Hunters.


    Spearfishing Store the freediving and spearfishing equipment specialists.

    Quote from Dan

    Have you outgrown the Riffe Larry? :) I was more accurate with that gun than with the gun I use now.


    No way!!!!!



    The riffe is my go to gun. I love that gun. It's hanging in my garage as we speak I took it apart sanded, made space for a 3rd band(if I ever want to) and re-epoxy it useing epoxy from Phil H. . .



    The SeaSniper was a great deal and is just for bluewater when out on a boat.

    Quote from Tin Man

    I wonder if SeaSniper puts epoxy or anything in the hole in the stock to strengthen it so that forces on the handle don't cause the hole to enlarge over time? I was kind of hoping to avoid the screw up through the top, just for looks, but that probably is the strongest way. Maybe a sideways pin, or maybe nothing at all, on the forward stud.


    I'll take it apart tomorrow and check it out. It's just the one screw holding from what Chris at SS told me. To make it easier to transport¿ it doesn't look bad and seems very easy for the home build when you don't have many tools.


    I would think your design is stronger with the two pins.

    It's amazing how strong it is with only one screw.


    Making the sections that insert in the gun round instead of sq. Would be great, anyone with a drill would be able to install them.

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