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All About Guns What's your weapon of choice, and why? Discuss the beloved speargun here!

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Old 05-20-2010, 06:25 PM   #1
ApneaAddict
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Alexander Handles

I recently (as in it arrives today and I get to take it out of the box as soon as I get home from work!) became the proud owner of a 57.5'' Wong Magnum Hybrid with an Alexander handle. I specifically requested the Alexander handle, because my brother's Gil gun is equipped with one and I love the look and the feel of it. The only thing I'm worried about with the Alexander handle is that on my brother's gun, we found that it gets very slick when wet. My brother ended up wrapping his with a couple of layer of electrical tape, which has worked well for him. I've also seen some photos of guys who have "rhino dipped" their Alexander handles.

I'm wondering what others have done to their Alexander handles to make them less slippery. Any specific suggestions, experiences and mishaps would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
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Old 05-20-2010, 06:43 PM   #2
Bill McIntyre
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Re: Alexander Handles

The best thing you can do with an Alexander handle is trade it for a Wong.

That's what I did with both of mine. As you have found, the Alexander is slippery and harder to hold onto to.

I know your gun is used (if only very slightly) and if the former owner was using an Alexander handle on it, then this advice is not necessary. But just in case he provided one at your request and it hasn't been on the gun- when I've put Alexander handles on Wong guns, the rear end of handle pinches the push rod and keeps you from pulling the trigger. The fix is simple- just file a notch in the top rear of the handle to make room for the rod.

I know I have a photo, but I can't seem to find it now.
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Old 05-20-2010, 06:52 PM   #3
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Re: Alexander Handles

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Originally Posted by Bill McIntyre View Post
The best thing you can do with an Alexander handle is trade it for a Wong.

That's what I did with both of mine. As you have found, the Alexander is slippery and harder to hold onto to.

I know your gun is used (if only very slightly) and if the former owner was using an Alexander handle on it, then this advice is not necessary. But just in case he provided one at your request and it hasn't been on the gun- when I've put Alexander handles on Wong guns, the rear end of handle pinches the push rod and keeps you from pulling the trigger. The fix is simple- just file a notch in the top rear of the handle to make room for the rod.

I know I have a photo, but I can't seem to find it now.
Thanks Bill. Yeah, Mike has already filed down a slot for the push-rod (or so he tells me, we'll see when I get home! ). I'm aware of the ballast issue as well. For the time being, I think I'm going to see how I like the Alexander (and decide if the extra negativity it'll cause is going to be a problem). I may well switch to the aimrite, but I'm going to give the Alexander a go first.

You've got a PM.
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Old 05-20-2010, 07:03 PM   #4
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Re: Alexander Handles

I can't find the photo, but this groove in a Wong is what you have to duplicate.
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Old 05-20-2010, 07:07 PM   #5
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Re: Alexander Handles

You might look into www.ratgrips.com. I haven't tried them, but LunkerBuster has played with it a little.
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Old 05-20-2010, 07:17 PM   #6
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Re: Alexander Handles

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You might look into www.ratgrips.com. I haven't tried them, but LunkerBuster has played with it a little.
Whoa that's a lotta dough for a sheet of shapelock.
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Old 05-20-2010, 07:28 PM   #7
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Re: Alexander Handles

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Originally Posted by ApneaAddict View Post
I may well switch to the aimrite, but I'm going to give the Alexander a go first.
Its all just individual preference. I used the Alexander handles for years and they obviously worked just fine. I just like the fact that the Wong is easier to grip, particularly since I carry my gun in the "soldier at arms" position, as when Dam caught me in my avatar photo.
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Old 05-20-2010, 07:37 PM   #8
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Re: Alexander Handles

While I have no experience with the Alexander handle I have had great success with sections of bicycle inner tube over my gun handles. Just cut a section of tube the approximate length of your handle and pull over. You may need to lubricate the inside of the inner tube with some saliva to get it on if it fits tightly - as it should. Once it is in place it will not move around and gives a very good tack with a gloved or bare hand.
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Old 05-20-2010, 08:06 PM   #9
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Re: Alexander Handles

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Originally Posted by Bill McIntyre View Post
I can't find the photo, but this groove in a Wong is what you have to duplicate.
It would appear that the Wong has a similar footprint to the Alexander...or is it the exact same? Can I replace my Alexander with a Wong without any modifications?
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Old 05-20-2010, 08:22 PM   #10
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Re: Alexander Handles

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It would appear that the Wong has a similar footprint to the Alexander...or is it the exact same? Can I replace my Alexander with a Wong without any modifications?
Yes, its the same footprint.
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Old 05-20-2010, 08:34 PM   #11
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Re: Alexander Handles

I wrap self-amalgating plumber's tape on all my smooth handles.

Non-sticky, but nice rubberized feel... perfect balance.
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Old 05-20-2010, 09:02 PM   #12
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Re: Alexander Handles

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Originally Posted by fuzz View Post
I wrap self-amalgating plumber's tape on all my smooth handles.

Non-sticky, but nice rubberized feel... perfect balance.
That sounds perfect! Thanks.
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Old 05-20-2010, 09:59 PM   #13
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Re: Alexander Handles

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Originally Posted by jason w. View Post
While I have no experience with the Alexander handle I have had great success with sections of bicycle inner tube over my gun handles. Just cut a section of tube the approximate length of your handle and pull over. You may need to lubricate the inside of the inner tube with some saliva to get it on if it fits tightly - as it should. Once it is in place it will not move around and gives a very good tack with a gloved or bare hand.
That's a cool idea - thanks.

I second fuzz's self-amalgating plumbers tape. I've used it on speargun handles as well as on JBL pole spears.
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Old 05-20-2010, 10:10 PM   #14
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Re: Alexander Handles

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That's a cool idea - thanks.

I second fuzz's self-amalgating plumbers tape. I've used it on speargun handles as well as on JBL pole spears.
+1
love the inner tube idea.
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Old 05-20-2010, 10:39 PM   #15
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Re: Alexander Handles

Quote:
Originally Posted by fuzz View Post
I wrap self-amalgating plumber's tape on all my smooth handles.

Non-sticky, but nice rubberized feel... perfect balance.
I put that stuff on my Riffe C-0, as the handle on that thing was impossible to hold onto with my kevlar lined gloves. The tape made a huge difference!
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