Please Help Me With Some Market Research RE: Custom Bolt Knobs

[Kerplow]

I've been toying with the Idea of starting a firearms related company and I've decided I want to start in the custom bolt knob market. I'm not expecting to make a million dollars doing this, but I think I can offer a quality product at a competitive price and if I can establish myself it will open the door to further product lines and more business.

What I'm asking is that you look at these bolt knobs and tell me what you think. Please, be honest, if you like them, cool, if you don't, let me know why. If you like them but think there could be improvements let me know what you would change.

Keep in mind that these are in an unfinished state. They are made in my garage on a mini lathe and are not perfect. All radii are done by hand/file and the designs in general are born from me tinkering with angles and what I think might look good. If i go into business selling these they will be made with CNC machines and will be consistent, with a professional quality finish.

These knobs are all threaded for a 5/16-24 stud, which needs to be either turned down from your original bolt knob, or your original knob cut off, and a stud pressed in and welded in place. The latter is preferred. Eventually I would like to offer this service myself, but initially, anyone who wanted their bolt modified for a custom knob could contact a qualified gunsmith and have them perform the modification. ar15barrels does a great job for only $40.

I've posted a poll that allows multiple choices, however, there is only one submission. That said, if you like more than one style just check all the boxes you like and then click submit.


Thanks for all your help!



A









B

[Kerplow]

C







D

[Kerplow]

E








Ok, that's it! blast away!

[toby]

knobs are cool but the Remington does nothing for me, in all seriousness tho the knobs are cool but so many are already offered with installation makes me think you will have to offer the same thing. By not having a known name or track record I wonder how many will use your services other than if you were to offer below competitive rates......... not all Smiths want to install someone elses parts if they offer the same type already.

[Kerplow]

knobs are cool but the Remington does nothing for me, in all seriousness tho the knobs are cool but so many are already offered with installation makes me think you will have to offer the same thing. By not having a known name or track record I wonder how many will use your services other than if you were to offer below competitive rates......... not all Smiths want to install someone elses parts if they offer the same type already.

I realize this is a limited market, and I don't plan on betting the farm on this venture. I want to start with a few knobs that many people will find appealing and offer them at a price that is also appealing. If you look at many of the knobs available on the market you'll find that they're mostly just variations of the same thing. I'm hoping that people will shop around and perhaps one of my knobs might catch their eye as the one they prefer. I'd like to be able to offer them for around $5ish less than the competition, but at the end of the day for a $5 difference people are likely just going to buy what they think looks/works the best. As far as 'smiths go, I know that some of them simply keep knobs from various companies in stock and let their customer decide which one to they want from their stock. I know there are also 'smiths out there who will happily just install a stud for you and let you buy a knob from wherever you choose. I'd like to offer knobs to retailers at a wholesale price, but that means working their profit out of my profit. I don't have a problem doing that, but there needs to be a demand first.

Another thing I'd like to do is offer a $1 donation from each sale to either CGF or NRA. I see people doing lots of things for the 2A movement and I often times feel that I should be doing more. I think this would be a win/win situation for everyone involved, and might even sway a buyer or two in my direction.

Thank you for your input, it is greatly appreciated!

[xpbprox]

I like B,C, or E

Couldn't just pick one

[toby]

PM sent, I'll try one.

[Kerplow]

I like B,C, or E

Couldn't just pick one

That's fine, I set up the poll to allow multiple choices. Just click all the boxes you like and then submit!
]
Thanks!

[Bhobbs]

I like C but maybe bead blasted or something.

[Kerplow]

I like C but maybe bead blasted or something.

Thanks for the input! As said in the OP, these are all unfinished, so a raw bead blasted finish could definitely be something I would do. You'll notice the first 2 have a different luster, that's because they are stainless steel and the rest are aluminum. I'm thinking that raw finished knobs will be stainless, as it's much more resilient to scratches, aluminum knobs would likely be anodized for a more resistant finish. That said, there is no reason why any of them couldn't be made in stainless or aluminum. One thing to keep in mind is stainless is HEAVY when compared to aluminum, so if you're looking to keep weight down, aluminum is the way to go. I suppose there is no reason why the aluminum knobs couldn't also be offered in a raw finish, but the buyer should know they will be easily marred.

Thanks again!.

[Neve]

I''d have to get behind a rifle to know for sure but so far i'm liking them all especially C. The only thing it's missing is checkering but good work man

[Kerplow]

I''d have to get behind a rifle to know for sure but so far i'm liking them all especially C. The only thing it's missing is checkering but good work man

Thanks! I don't yet have a knurling tool set up but it's definitely in the plans!

[AVID HUNTER]

I like A, it's bigger and longer than the rest. I guess I'm used to touching bigger and longer knobs on a daily basis.

[CobraRed]

Thanks! I don't yet have a knurling tool set up but it's definitely in the plans!

The knurler can be a *****, a tapered surface makes it much harder as well. Make sure to use lots of moly.
I've made some lathe stuff too, it's fun. But I got to use a big new one with lots of cutters, cant imagine on a mini.

http://img7.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/16604/16604858aaec8a8702ba47963db756fce810444e.jpg

[Kerplow]

I like A, it's bigger and longer than the rest. I guess I'm used to touching bigger and longer knobs on a daily basis.

lol, I'm a bit intimidated by it, personally, but YMMV!

One thing I've learned is that there is a limit to desired length in terms of functionality. One of my first experiments named "The Kickstand" seemed like a good idea at first, but after playing with it for a bit I found the length was excessive and actually caused binding when doing rapid cycling. The leverage was great for opening/cocking, but the potential for binding was a deal breaker, IMO.

Thanks for your input!

Here are a couple pics of "The Kickstand:"