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Dave Pearah sits down with Kris VanWagner of 71 Creative to discuss how a simple grip kit idea grew into a business creating firearm accessories and realistic VR training tools for competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts.
In this episode of Inside the Pew, Dave from Pewcentric sits down with Kris VanWagner, founder of 71 Creative, to talk about how a simple idea for improving pistol grip texture turned into a growing firearms accessories business.
Kris explains that 71 Creative originally started from a desire to solve a personal problem. He wanted a better way to add grip texture to his pistol without sending it off to a gunsmith, waiting weeks, or paying expensive customization fees. That led him to create a silicon carbide grip kit that allows shooters to apply their own grip texture easily at home.
What began as a small DIY project quickly gained attention after Kris posted a YouTube video showing the process. Viewers started asking where they could get the materials, which eventually led him to create a complete grip kit product.
Today, 71 Creative offers a variety of products for shooters, including grip kits, optic mounting solutions, and 3D-printed training devices for the ACE VR training community. These products are designed to help shooters customize their gear, improve grip and control, and train more effectively.
Kris emphasizes that innovation and customer service are at the core of his business. His goal is not only to create useful products but also to ensure customers feel supported, respected, and satisfied with their purchases.
Through Pewcentric, Kris hopes to connect with competitive shooters, tactical shooters, and firearm enthusiasts looking for practical upgrades and training tools.
(0:06) Hey, Dave here from Pewcentric, the community online where firearms enthusiasts discover unique gear services and training, basically everything but the guns.
(0:16) Inside the Pew is an ongoing series of interviews with the amazing makers and sellers on the Pewcentric marketplace.
(0:23) And today we're joined by Kris VanWagner of 71 Creative.
(0:27) Welcome, Kris.
(0:28) Hey, thank you, David. Hey everybody.
(0:32) And you know, as I always, we like to start from the beginning and why are you doing this and how did you get into doing what you do?
(0:41) Yeah, so 71 Creative first started out, believe it or not, as a painting company because there was a lack of industry reliability with customer service and a quality product.
(0:53) And it started that way because I had this bigger vision of a grip kit for a pistol.
(0:59) I was looking for a way to add grit to my pistol grip and I didn't want to send it off to somebody else, wait two or three weeks, spend 200 plus dollars.
(1:10) And have it come back and then I wasn't able to customize it.
(1:13) It was basically a one size fits all type thing.
(1:16) So I created these little grip kits.
(1:19) It's a silicon carbide grip kit and just started selling them without a website or really without any organization.
(1:31) I put up a YouTube video and people started really liking the video and asking where I got the supplies.
(1:36) Eventually someone said you should just create a kit for that.
(1:40) I thought about it and started putting together all the supplies needed.
(1:54) That's really how it got started.
(1:57) I wanted to develop a product that wasn't on the market, was affordable, and allowed customers to take pride in doing the work themselves.
(2:17) Many people are intimidated about modifying their pistol grip because they're worried about messing it up.
(2:39) That’s one of the most common questions customers ask.
(2:47) To help with that, Kris created practice grip blanks using 3D printers so users can test the process before working on their actual firearm.
(3:15) The process itself is simple and usually takes around twenty minutes if done carefully.
(3:31) Dave asks how the product line has grown since the original grip kit.
(3:43) Kris explains that the company now offers optic mounting solutions for pistols like the Canik series and Romeo red dots.
(4:02) He also expanded into the ACE VR shooting community with custom VR training hardware.
(4:10) These include various handgun training models and accessories designed for realistic practice.
(4:53) The product line continues expanding with additional models and training tools.
(5:01) One product Kris is especially proud of is a PCC training model designed for VR practice.
(5:28) The system can replicate the weight and feel of real rifles using weighted components and dummy rounds.
(6:11) Dave asks about the types of customers Kris hopes to connect with.
(6:23) Kris explains that competitive shooters, tactical shooters, and anyone wanting improved grip or control can benefit from the products.
(6:59) He also focuses on the growing ACE VR community, where shooters use VR as a training tool.
(7:47) Using a training device that matches the feel of your real firearm helps avoid training inconsistencies.
(8:03) Ultimately the goal is to create practical solutions that shooters actually want and need.
(8:41) Dave asks about the importance of customer service.
(9:19) Kris explains that customer satisfaction is the foundation of the company.
(9:34) The focus is not just selling products but making customers feel respected and supported.
(10:04) If shipping problems occur or products arrive damaged, replacements are sent immediately.
(10:31) The goal is to always do the right thing and keep customers happy.
(11:03) Dave thanks Kris for joining the conversation and encourages viewers to check out his products on Pewcentric.
(11:10) As always, viewers are asked to like and subscribe to support the community.
(11:15) See you next time.
