[.45&TKD]

"Stair Tape" instead of front strap checkering?

I saw a used Springfield Micro Compact in gun store that had an unusual texture on the front strap. I asked the clerk and he said that it was "Stair Tape" that could be easily purchased at home depot and had been applied by the previous owner. I asked him to clarify that it was indeed a non-slip tape made to be adhered to a staircase and he said yes.

It looked and felt good. Is this a good or bad idea? Anyone have experience doing this?

I've always wanted front strap checkering on my 1911. Is this a cost effective alternative? Or will it cause problems later on?

[rennaissancemann]

This stuff goes by several names:
"Stair Tape"
"Skateboard Tape"
"No Skid"

Etc.


It's cheap, it's easy to apply and replace, does no hard to the firearm, and it works.

[Longbow]

I like the one made by 3M(Safety Walk). Sear's paint department usually carry them. Pack of 6 for $7.?

[Sisco]

I was checking out some kind of mini-AR in the gunshop the other day and it had a type of tape on the forend and grip. It wasn't skateboard tape, but soft & textured. Anyone know what it might be?

[ajacobs]

If by soft you mean velvety that is probally agrip. I don't have a web page link I can find right now but it is pretty good stuff it comes in sheets and precut for certain pistols. I have it on my p32 but I don't think any of my full size pistols need it. I don't think it looks great but that really isn't much of a priority for me. Same goes with tread tape. If it was grey and rubbery that is one type of tread tape. There is also the stick on sandpaper type wich is available as tread tape. That is a little abrasive for my likeing. I like the rubber tape on some of my guns although many people don't like the look of the light grey on blued guns. I find it significantly grippy and alot more confortable than the sand paper type. Many of my guns have checkered front straps but I do have in on a mk9. Comes off if you want it to come off just fine. You seal the edges down under the grip panels.

[SADshooter]

Sisco:

That may also have been Pachmayr's Pac-Skin. They sell it in preformen pieces or as cut to fit sheets. I like it a lot.

[Bacchus]

There was a long thread about it over at the 1911 forum a few months back. Someone also posted several pictures ( I think it was a Springfield) with the tape on it. Do a search over there if you're interested.

[Erik]

I like using 3M Flooring Tape.

It has a bit more grit than scate board tape, but that's how I like it. Besides, it wears down a bit with use. Just a bit...

[JohnK]

I used it on a Para Ord 38 Super for IPSC shooting. I got the stuff from Brownells though, but I'm sure what you'd get from Home Depot would be the same thing. It works well and is certainly cheaper than checkering, and doesn't permanently alter the gun in case you ever decide you want to go back to a smooth front strap.

[Dingo]

Ive used 3M tape for years and just put on a new strip when it wears or frays. I once considered selling a Kimber and removed the tape for originalities sake. On that gun removing the adhesive residue was a real bear - kept it anyway and put on new tape.

[Sisco]

Dropped in to Ace hardware and picked up some stair tape this afternoon. 1" wide, 59 cents / foot. They also had the stuff I saw on the AR, it was on the same shelf as the stair tape, only came in light grey.

[VaughnT]

I've used the tape on pistol frontstraps and revolver backstraps. I can't think of a single downside to using grit tape and so long at it is available, I won't begin to consider actual metal work.

[Hakan]

I use skateboard tape on both,front and the back strap...and recently applied 3M "Stair Tape" on the steps of my stairs.I used to think these two tape types were same.. but it isn't...stair tape is thicker and has larger grain than the skateboard tape..I would recommend the skateboard tape.It can also create a disadvantage for the CCW though!

Here is my CZ with these tapes.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=97836

[Shmackey]

Here's mine. I wouldn't have it any other way.

http://gregfeld.home.attbi.com/KimberLeftPlusCaps.jpg

[Sisco]

I found the stair tape to be too abrasive for my tastes. Peeled it off, went to a skateboard shop & picked up a piece of grip tape there. Stuff comes in three grits and several colors. Sheets large enough to cover a skateboard were $8, they had a remenant they sold me for $2. In case you're wondering, I got black. Pink just didn't float my boat. :D

[AK103K]

I use the skateboard tape. A sheet about 8"x36" cost about $6. Try it and you'll soon have it on everything. Its great stuff.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid49/p45210e9d505437ee1dd86086b97bd815/fcaf531d.jpg

[shootingfarm]

I've got grit tape on my Kimber Pro Carry HD that I carry 90% of the time and IMO I like it as well as my checkering on my other Kimbers or maybe its because I made the pistol the way I wanted it for carry.




Paul

[TarpleyG]

Can't beat the skateboard tape. I have been using it on my Kimber for well over a year now and love it so much I put it on another 1911.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid50/p395f5c30fe5db6c6c7d32d82bfcd4122/fcabd4f6.jpg

[Tazz10m]

AGrip™ can be found at BrooksTactical.com

Here's a picture of the custom AGrip job "Alliupp" did on his 1911
http://BrooksTactical.com/media/alliupp2_1911.jpg
Photo courtesy of Alliupp