Posts by rfoggyone

a point of interest: Even with very accomplished firearm people- there has never been the ability to create what one thinks as a perfect grip and then continue modifying it. there is a common comment,
" i thought i had created a perfect grip but after 2 weeks i realized that i needed to change a few things and then a few weeks later change a little more before they settle on what really works for them". This ability is one of the best aspects of Ratgrips- we have meet many shooters who have spent thousands on customization only to see after a couple weeks that $500.00 stock still isnt quite right.
Ratgrips is a nearly perfect material- in the end it is up to the individual user to focus on what they want in the end. the cool thing is you can get an a idea three weeks later and try it.

Ratgrip materials dont harden in the normal sense of word, it stiffens but still has the feel of a rubberized grip. A dremmel will heat the material and cause it to stick to the bit- however you can do small quick touches. What we do - is build the basic shape as in my pictures, let it cool and using a heat gun and wet hands we continue to smooth and do minor shaping. using a exacto knife we trim edges. as a example it took me roughly a hour to build the grip on my Riffe- if i were to spend another hour with it doing the touch up and smoothing-the pictures will look like i bought it off the shelf. I normally dont like using those pictures - people look at the level of finish and think they are going to produce that the first time out.
it really doesnt take that much time to get good with the material but you us americans , we want everything now. in this case a true custom grip does take a little time.

Thanks for the pictures dan, my gun had such a gap from the top of thumb 1'1/4 or so, your gun design holds your hand against the frame. Nice work on the customization work though( Shapelock?). i didnt think about in the large design, flipping the gun upside down. However i think one could actually add some material and shape for a possible upside down shot that would give you better leverage. The best and brightest use for the Ratgrip material is yet to be discovered.
We are trying to give examples of how far one can go with the material- if your familiar with molding this material can be built into what ever shape and design one might want. The level of detail is up to the end user and since you cant make a mistake one can tinker with it.
I Did send some down to the Blue Wild for the raffle/drawing

One other note, production cost and methods continue to improve. We have a signicantly reduced price schedule on our website.
Thanks for all the comments and conversation

Ron

Dan, I just looked agian at your comment concerning odd angle shots and the
like.
This is the point- you have never used such a grip as you are
looking at in my picture because they have never existed.
I would challenge you to build what your looking
at. If it holds you back I will refund your money.
Unless you shoot with out using your hand being on the gun?? , you will find all the flexibility you are
accustomed to. Left handed shots proving to be the
only area that would take adjustment. Still highly doable though.

I have always liked the black lagoon, spent a few years looking for it. as for the hip shot or most other positions that are more than a hail mary. the grip is your grip- there is nothing interfer with your shooting.
the grip looks tough because im trying to get the details. normally i would make it black but it hides detail.
This style grip takes the spear gun from being a stick you wave around to a extension of your arm.
Change is almost always resisted- we dont hold that against anyone/. the first time i placed this material on a $4000.00 rifle my mind screamed - sucker you fell for a to good to be true deal again.

More pics

What i can tell you the result of this grip is 100% or greater increase in aiming control and gun stability- the side bar is no longer am i going to remove all the skin from pinkie and ring finger the knurled edge of the pommel protects.

Thanks for the feedback- i am hoping a few more who we sent out material to will pop up. I have already learned several things. you folks are early adapter personalities, recoil/anti shock properties are not as important in spearfishing as in firearms. I thought LB did a nice job for a first grip installed. As to the shape lock perspective, we admire shapelock for initially breaking into the market, Rat grip however allows for far greater detail and ease of use. I will be getting my speargun back soon/will install a pommel-sniper grip, and will try in the meantime to figure out how to post pictures.
I would suggest while you folks sort out and work with the ratgrips, consider the merits of military snipers who have for 40 years used bondo, two part epoxy, glues, tape and cardboard, shapelock and many other products to improve their shooting ergonomics. They have overwhelmingly choose Ratgrips.(granted the exception of recoil/shock management that isnt as applicable in spear fishing.)

I am looking forward to the 4 of you who contacted me posting your comments and pictures of your RatGrip install and application, i put in my phone number with the product so if you have questions please call. There is enough material in each box to do several guns.

I Have been doing Gun customizing research and came across your forum in regards to grips- i would suggest you take a look at www.ratgrips.com. we have developed a thermal polymer that is 100% customizable. Take look and if you are curious to try and willing to take pictures of your work. send a request to the shops email. I will send out samples to the first 5 that ask.This will be a lot of fun there are many pictures on the site and also on the ratgrips faceook page. I would love to see some spear gun pictures.

stumbled onto your forum doing research for a new gun customizing product, RatGrips.com. i was looking for people who were having challenges with grips and moldings. just so you know, Ratgrips solved about 95% of these issues. so you know this is my product
I live with in 5 miles from bellingham wa, I learned to dive in the navy, Have the most fun though, freediving. im looking to see if there are others in this area.