Band Elevators

BAND ELEVATORS

Band Elevator

The concept of raising the bands parallel with the shaft is not new; many European style guns are designed with the bands in this manner. Other wood gun hobbyists and manufacturers have also achieved this goal tangentially by means of large wooden wings added to the muzzle, which are commonly called "muzzle stabilizers". It is presumed that a more direct pull in line with the shaft will maximize the power that the bands exert on the shaft.

Though I'm not aware of any engineering studies that support this presumption, I suspect the power gain is nominal. I do feel, however, there are other benefits to the elevated bands:

1. Sighting is improved by reducing the optical confusion that occurs when bands diverge away from the shaft.

Tuna Sighting

2. The elevators themselves provide some measure of protection for the gun's muzzle from impact with boat decks and other equipment.

3. The elevators are useful for hanging the gun on a storage rack.

I use a stainless steel pin through the gun that threads into a larger diameter stainless steel "elevator" on both ends. I feel that my "band elevators" are a more elegant solution because unlike "muzzle stabilizers", they don't add to the difficulty of maneuvering the gun through the water.

Muzzle Wings

Bill Kitto pioneered another innovation that achieves the same goals as the band elevators. I have adapted his ideas into my own design which I call “muzzle wings”. The advantage of the muzzle wing over the band elevator is that it better maintains the integrity of the guns muzzle strength. The disadvantage is the increased labor in building the parts, and the inconvenience of changing/tying bands. The choice between band elevators on a standard band slotted gun muzzle vs. the muzzle wing configuration is a matter of personal preference.

Muzzle Wing photos

Top Top / Loaded

Side Side / Loaded

Innovations | Handles | Arrow Tracks | Band Elevators | Shaping