@dfariswheel: you linked to the post you posted in! I've done the same. HA! I admit I want to change the thread title to include "pump" but don't know how.
Update for everyone
waiting around for "pump strap" solution. Honestly, it has been discussed (as Dfariswheel tried to point out) at length with several ideas presented. Anyone can offer ideas and/or try it themselves. I
feel like everyone is sitting on their hands, letting me be the guinea pig to see if I screw it up or something. That out of the way, here is a long summary of
where I stand on Pump Strap with thoughts on V Grip
@PrismSync has presented a V Grip mod. KelTec should have incorporated ths ability into original "7" (KSG already has that option).
- A simple spacer in middle of handle that can be removed to present a flat MLok rail to mount 1913 adapter and V grip of choice.
- But I feel PrismSync's solution is beyond some's ability (lack of tools, feint of heart, all thumbs, etc).
So back to Strap idea which should be straight forward. And it is, as long as you are ok with "as good as" the Mossberg/Remington solution. Seems a lot of folks use this on Mossy/Remmy guns and the screw heads are not an issue. I think the "7" pump lends itself to same application.
Search Amazon for "Shockwave Mossberg" or "Remington" (a bit longer?) or any other pump strap for kits or get generic strap and use screws of choice. Not an endorsement, just a suggestion. Mossberg kit I bought with KS7, circles are pre-made holes in strap which is why I went this way for perceived strength on strap where screws penetrate:
Same strap but tucked way up above rear flare [arrows), it has some play but I would want just a bit more slack. This presents the front of strap unceremoniously on front of pump. While that hides the hideous front tooth gap, it isn't much "prettier" (see 2 pics below).
I prefer (aka my opinion)
strap over V Grip mount. Strap is:
- Cheaper/faster/easier than altering pump to mount rail/V grip.
- Just screw into handle. Some worry about screw heads, but there should be something that can be put on screws to smooth that out IF it is even a problem.
- Strap is lighter than V grip
- Takes less space in my storage spot (that is a “me” problem).
- I believe the strap can be used or ignored while still installed. If in a hurry, just grab pump (strap and all). Thin nylon strap between hand & pump handle should not affect grip.
- If there is time: slip hand inside strap.
- If not, grip and rip. Strap should be long enough to allow it to be sandwiched against contour of pump.
- Bigger paws (gloves) may need more space but everyone can pick their own length.
MY SOLE PURPOSE is to prevent slip of hand, not to address any “tactical” or “I like V Grips” considerations. (V Grips be cool!)
- While shopping for KS7, I was all about not being the next KSG folklore tale. I was adamant about adding a V Grip or strap.
- V Grip is a commitment
- via PrismSync's mod, cannot be undone back to stock
- or $75 Hi-Tech add-on that adds weight and still have to buy Grip
- Resale value might be positively or negatively affected with a properly attached V Grip if that matters.
- Again, some have chastised me saying "I'd NEVER alter gun so radically!" I counter this is altering parts that can be replaced - like replacing iron sights on a pistol, actual gun itself (fire control, mag, barrel) are unaltered. Perspective people!
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I added
grip tape and went to range. The “7” does not have the KSG's flat pump handle. The curvaceous “7” pump handle has built in hand stops. They are not amazing but sufficient.
Range time proved the pump handle is good with grip tape. I haven’t tried in the rain with a wet shotgun but in truth who has - grip tape should help with that too.
Still, prior to that range time, I bought "made for Mossberg" strap as mentioned above that works if you are willing to have screws in/near grip zone. It can work for various screw locations outside grip zone but some of those areas are awkaradly shaped or make strap end/screws very visible.
Due to outside of grip zone screw location being a tricky prospect, combined with “good enough pump hand stops", I have cooled my drive to do permanent alterations. Sort of waiting to have an "A-HA!" moment. Most ideas require cutting or drilling just to see if it works. While altering the carry handle is fine (replaced easily), I imagine the pump parts are harder to obtain if permanently damaged. If you miss the ideal screw hole location then you have potential swiss cheese look.
Outside GripZone screw idea. Screws would go where white arrows but the aft area is very cruved and still if screws too long might poke into GripZone
Alternate "no screws" idea
- requires cutting thin slits into flared hand stops and then doubling/tripling up ends to prevent it from slipping out (I believe this is what @dfariswheel was alluding to)
- Strap could be sewn on itself with a small rod to keep it from popping out of slit. I imagine this also requires removing 1 side of pump and sliding in looped ends and then sliding pump half over those to trap looped ends inside cavities. While I used the end hand stop flares, any of the hollow boxes could be used if a shorter strap was desired.
Someone floated the idea of using pump side slots to mount a "sideways" strap. I liked that out of the box thought but I couldn't work the strap in a way I felt was better than no strap. It would look something like this:
- I can see sliding hand into strap from behind and that seems legit - at least it will keep hand from slipping in front of barrel. But this requires hand to moved in 2 directions to insert/exfil hand
- You can still grab pump directly over the strap if in a hurry.
- But the deal ender was how it would attach to pump: You would have to sew end of strap onto itself after looping through MLok slot or screw into side of pump BELOW the slots which puts the dreaded screws right where fingertips wrap around. Either way my fingers would be affected by any strap located on "strong side" of pump.
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Current status for ME:
- on my mind but not loosing sleep over it. If I get inspiration, I'll definitely post here.
- looking at generic nylon straps 1” - 1.5” wide that can be screwed into less visible spots.
- nylon versus some slightly stretchy material is another angle I am pondering. Slightly stretchy material would allow strap to accommodate bigger paws (or gloved paws) and still not interfere with just grabbing pump with material in between.
If anyone has an idea, post it here. If it is a winner, I may execute it......
or you can try it and post results. But as a final thought, really think how necessary it is or is it a "nice to have" thing. The "7" pump handle hand stops are good - way better than KSG and it's horror story pump. I think that alone is driving all of our desires to fix another gun's deficiency. If your only concern is hand slipping, then easy peasy talon grip is first solution. Play around with that. If you still want more protection, then Strap is next easiest idea. Install it as it would be on Mossberg pump or get a bit adventurous and place screws out of Grip Zone. Done. For those who dig V Grips, you know where to for instructions....