Big +1 for skateboard tape on frontstrap

[SpookyPistolero]

I went out today and bought about $7 worth of skateboard tape from what is apparently the only skateshop in town (it was a bit hard to find). I decided to pick some up after my last trip to the range, which was the first time I'd shot my 1911 without it's guide rod. I had instead used the standard spring assembly, benevolently bestowed upon me by Tuner (many thanks!).

Anyway, without the weight up front, I would have to readjust my grip from time to time while shooting. Not kosher.

I came straight home and cut out strips like a man with O.C.D. until it looked good, and slapped it on my frontstrap. I took it out for a test drive and it works great. Really keeps the pistol right in the same spot while shooting, and even gives a nice little index during the draw stroke. It will take a few dead skin cells off, but it's really not prohibitive to extended shooting. Frankly, it looks really, really good, too.

Now that I've got this absurdly large supply of the stuff, I'm compelled to go around grip tapin' everything in sight. This book on my desk is looking a little too smooth and slick, come to think of it... it could be my tactical reading device.

As soon as I become technologically advanced (when I get a digital camera...), I'll post a nice artsy pic of it all.

Just wanted to share my experiences for anyone on the fence about using some tape on their weapon of choice.

 

[kngflp]

One of my friends is a sponsered skater and gets all of his stuff for free. I asked him to bring me some scraps the next time he got a new board. He shows up with enough grip tape to do ten longboards. Not only are quite a few of my pistols wearing the tape but also the pedals in my car. My kel tec has it on the front and back strap with a little piece on the mag extention for good measure. My CZs have a piece on the back strap only, due to the hogue wraparounds. It makes the biggest difference on the plastic guns, I may try a little on my 870 express.

 

[yrone]

How about a bike inner tube? I cut one piece about 3 inches long and it works great as well. And at $2.50 I have hogue-like grips for probably the next 18 years.

 

[Iggy]

In my line of work... In and out of pickups, off and on horses, crawlin' over barbwire fences, sometimes while being pursued by an angry momma, wrasslin' with calves, thus the angry momma's.

I don't dare wear a cell phone in one of those clippy things. It's lost or crushed in a heart beat.

I keep my phone in my shirt pocket. Well, it's slick and if I bend over it falls out at inopportune times.. Like into the drinkin' tank!!

Skate tape applied to both sides, keeps it in my shirt pocket until needed..Dang sight cheaper than semi-annual replacement..

OBTW.. I have it on 3 1911's too..

Now the inner tube, I use on the saddle horn to add traction when I dallyin' up one of them critters..

 

[Geno]

Hint Re: the skateboard tape...

First hint: Remove the grips, clean the piece with a good degreaser. Take your time to measure, adjust etc. the tape. Cut it long enough to fit UNDER the grips as well! It will not harm your grips, and it can NOT come loose. I did this with my CCW 1911s. Be careful when cutting out the holes for the screws. Take your time and simply enjoy the process.

Second hint: Cut a long, thin strip of skateboard tape and affix it under the full length of the very upper front strap, the full length of the exterior of the trigger guard and stopping at the dust over. That 1/4 by about 3 inch strip will give such extraordinary control it's shocking!

It is awesome. I would not go back to checkering the steel. I believe that this is a superior process, at least for my needs.

You will need to take your time to get it RIGHT, making adjusts, etc. But, if you do, you will have an addition to your pistol that adds a very attractive appearance, and real functional.

Doc2005

 

[Standing Wolf]

Ugly, but effective.

 

[boing]

Love it (stair tape, actually). I just wish it stuck better in applications where the edges can't be mechanically secured by grip panels, etc...

 

[middy]

boing: are you using the 3M stair tape? IME it won't come off until you want it to.

 

[boing]

I don't recall. I'll have to check the next time I'm at Lowes.

 

[agtman]

Skateboard Tape: A "Tactical" Use

You mean like this:

10mm S&W 1006



Yeah, it definitely helps with "grip-ability" and controlling the pistol when firing the high-performance loads. Inexpensive, easy to apply, and effective.

 

[Snagglepuss]

Really works, but in my opinion is ugly. Might as well put sandy duct tape on a gun.
Only my opinion.

 

[Chris Rhines]

Might as well throw in a product placement: www.ericwesselman.com

Great product, and a great guy to do business with.

- Chris

 

[plateshooter]

I use this stuff avaliable at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. I use it on my handguns, rifles, and even a Mora knife handle that I have gutted, skinned, and cut up deer with. I have never had it come loose. One package will probably last most people several lifetimes for grip enhancing. (sorry for the blurry picture)

 

[AK103K]

I've been using it for years. Once you get started, you'll find a place for it on most all of your guns, and not just pistols. It can also work well on certain knife grips and just about anything else that you want a non slip surface on.

 

[HSMITH]

I too am a big grip tape fan. I use a lot less than most of you from the pictures though. I want JUST enough to secure the grip and make sure it doesn't hinder my ability to shift my grip if my draw isn't spot on or when mag changing at high speed I need to re-grip quickly. Too much tape hinders that quick re-grip more than I am willing to give up.

 

[ulflyer]

Suggestion for Excess Tape

The thought came to me that you folks with all that EXCESS tape might want to share. Like, put a strip or two in envelopes and folks that want a sample APPLY HERE.

1. Me ...might keep my Guardian, or 1908, 380 from jumpin around.

 

[Black Majik]

I love skateboard tape. I think it actually blends in well on blued guns.

 

[CypherNinja]

I went to the skate shop and they gave me about a square foots worth of "cutoff".

That stuff works wonders on the fore and backstraps of my CZ75.

I might look into that 3m stuff if it sticks better than what I've got. It sticks pretty well, but is showing signs of letting go in the complexly curved area under the tang.

 

[Old Dog]

I also like the 3M tape; the width works fine for me, no extra cutting required. Leaves just a hair of a gap on either side between the tape and the stock panels. Some folks like their tape to go all the way to the grips or under 'em, but I just don't like all the extra cutting and the tiny gap doesn't look bad at all.

To me, the tape feels much better than some of the sharper checkering on some of my SA and Kimber pistols ...

Agree with Black Majic that the stuff looks fine on blued pistols (not sure why anyone thinks it's ugly -- I've had guys who'd never before seen tape used on 1911 frontstraps start raving about it, both as far as looks and functionality).

 

[pmbiker]

I use the same comcept with a twist. I get boat grip tape from the marina. It works just as well but isn't sandpaper, more like molded rubber. Very grippy stuff.

 

[TheFrontRange]

The thought came to me that you folks with all that EXCESS tape might want to share. Like, put a strip or two in envelopes and folks that want a sample APPLY HERE.

1. Me ...might keep my Guardian, or 1908, 380 from jumpin around.

Hey, I'm a skateboard tape fan myself...and, since it was a member here who got me started with some, I'd be happy to share...I kinda hit the mother lode right after Christmas at the local Academy Sports & Outdoors and found a pack of at least four 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheets for less than four bucks.

Not saying I can send out eighteen million samples here, but anyone who's truly curious about this, drop me a PM and I'll get your mailing address.

 

[TheFrontRange]

I got a PM on this from a couple of you (you know who you are, and I think I PM'd you back)...your tape samples went out via US Mail today (Tuesday 17 January)...enjoy!!!

 

[faustulus]

I use the 3M stuff as well. I've used several different types over the years and seem to like the 3M stuff the best. I used to use it on only my competition guns but now its pretty much on everything. isn't the prettiest in the world, but i prefer function over style.

 

[KenpoTex]

I buy the 3M tape off the roll from ACE Hardware. It's about $1 per foot for the 2" width (they also sell 1" and 4"). It's great. I've used it on the grip-panels on my Glock as well as on several knives.

Cheap, easy, and if it does come off (unlikely) you can just stick another piece on.

 

[LiquidTension]

I've deck tape on my carry piece for several years now. I showed it to a guy at the gun shop and he liked it so much he started recommending it to his customers. I cut off enough for him to do several pistols and I've got enough left to do about 50 guns. It came in a 2'x1' strip IIRC, and cost about $5.