We have spent a lot of time testing different methods of making grips for these rifles. On the left, you can see an early grip that had plastic molded around a core. On the right, an early test of a urethane grip.
Both of these options have some serious downsides, and are far from mass-producible. We then tried making a model from clay, pouring a mold, and then molding a grip.
It was a fun attempt, but not quite the final product we had in mind. So, this past week we started refining a interchangeable grip design, and experimenting with texturing.
The red grip has a rubberized coating, and the black grip was a test of a gritty texture. Above, a prototype lefty grip is drying after hitting it with some primer.
We also started playing with a new standing grip design; mocking up the idea in basswood.
Making a nice model is all about the time put into sanding and finishing. Here we used a filling and sandable primer. Now we’re patiently waiting for bondo glazing and spot putty to cure before a final sand. The bondo is wonderful for filling little imperfections. It might not look like much now, but after ample, mind-numbing hand sanding, it’ll look and feel great.
