I thought I was done with it

[kje54]

But I took another look at my Glock 23. I don't even know why I picked it up again but I noticed the finger groove ridges off to either side was where my hand wasn't fitting. Not only that the ridges themselves had not been taken all the way down. Knew I have to be careful, not much material in the corners. But after some judicious sanding with 120 grit then checking then repeating the process slowly over and over I actually have the grip much more comfortable to hold. It's still a tad on the boxy side but no where near as bad as when I gave up, I may be able to salvage this. Also did some more sanding under and along the sharp edge of the trigger guard.
This is an improvement but it doesn't mean I'm going to start stocking up on Glocks. If I have to always do this much work to make them mostly fit my hands then no but at least I was able to mostly salvage this one.





A little more 120 grit work then on to the 230 grit then 400 grit.

 

[slicksleeve]

After having handled and shot Gen 5 Glocks without finger grooves, I find that I prefer them without better. I have a Gen 3 G27 that I’ve thought about sanding the finger grooves off of, but I just can’t make myself do a permanent mod like that. I’ll just go get a Gen 5, since I also like the medium backstrap installed.

 

[gunsrfun1]

OP, why not just buy a Gen 5? No finger grooves to worry about. Unfortunately, your G23 won't have much resale value though, due the work you have done on it. But I think you have reached the point of diminishing returns on it.

 

[kje54]

After having handled and shot Gen 5 Glocks without finger grooves, I find that I prefer them without better. I have a Gen 3 G27 that I’ve thought about sanding the finger grooves off of, but I just can’t make myself do a permanent mod like that. I’ll just go get a Gen 5, since I also like the medium backstrap installed.

The finger grooves aren't the real problem, it's the 2x4 grip that I finally eased enough so holding it doesn't horribly suck. Besides I picked it up for roughly $300 out the door (police trade in). While I can say I now like my G23 it doesn't mean I'm going out and buying a bunch of Glocks. Not gonna happen, I would have to heavily modify each and every Glock grip if I bought any more.

 

[kje54]

OP, why not just buy a Gen 5? No finger grooves to worry about. Unfortunately, your G23 won't have much resale value though, due the work you have done on it. But I think you have reached the point of diminishing returns on it.

See my response to Slicksleeve.

 

[gunsrfun1]

You've answered your own question; Glocks just aren't the gun for you.

 

[kje54]

You've answered your own question; Glocks just aren't the gun for you.

No kidding........... As surprising as it is even I was able to figure that out a while ago.........

 

[kje54]

For those who don't actually read the OP or go back and read my original thread let me summarize......... Cliff notes so to speak. I always wanted a Glock but could never get past the boxy grip (boxy for me). Then earlier this year following the advice of some here I bought my G23 (police trade in) to see if what they were saying was true. It wasn't, I couldn't get used to the grip even after initially modifying the grip. Obviously (it is now) I didn't go far enough with the modification.
Welcome to the new thread that is a follow up to the original. Looks like I'm not going to be selling it after all.

 

[trackskippy]

Take it down to where you like it and then break out the soldering pen and stipple the grip. Its easy to do, and if you do a decent job, you wont lose money if you go to sell it.

I have or have had all the different generations, and some of the 4's and 5's do have a bit of a better feeling grip, depending on the models. The 19/23 sized guns are still "crampy" to me though, regardless of what the gen is. The versions without the "mag grip" cutouts are better there too.

Ive never found their grip shapes to be a problem, finger groves or not, and prefer the more hand filling feel of a double-stack grip. My only complaint is that some versions need a more aggressive texture, as do most of any of the other makes of polymer guns Ive had or shot. Even with the metal guns, I usually need aggressive grips and skateboard tape to keep things from squirming around. Polymer makes addressing that a lot easier too.

 

[kje54]

Take it down to where you like it and then break out the soldering pen and stipple the grip. Its easy to do, and if you do a decent job, you wont lose money if you go to sell it.

I have or have had all the different generations, and some of the 4's and 5's do have a bit of a better feeling grip, depending on the models. The 19/23 sized guns are still "crampy" to me though, regardless of what the gen is. The versions without the "mag grip" cutouts are better there too.

Ive never found their grip shapes to be a problem, finger groves or not, and prefer the more hand filling feel of a double-stack grip. My only complaint is that some versions need a more aggressive texture, as do most of any of the other makes of polymer guns Ive had or shot. Even with the metal guns, I usually need aggressive grips and skateboard tape to keep things from squirming around. Polymer makes addressing that a lot easier too.

I agree, everyone's hands are different. Glock grips are mostly good for quite a few people including yourself but to me feel like I'm holding onto a 2x4. That's not conducive to me buying that firearm.
I've even tried the single stack Glocks and it's the same, I generally can't get past the boxy grip. I'm actually glad I was able to get this one to work for me because I wanted it to. Stippling would probably make it look and handle better and I might do that down the road. However for now it may replace my Hi-Point C9 as my truck gun or go into the lockable saddlebags on my VStar. Maybe velcro a holster in the saddlebag.

 

[trackskippy]

Stippling would clean it up and definitely make the grip lock into your hand while you shoot. Gives a much better grip if you don't mind and can deal with the more aggressive texture. It will exfoliate your hands too and make them silky smooth..

I was a bit bored this morning and was looking for something to entertain myself. Since I needed to touch up the stippling on my old Gen 3 17 practice gun anyway, I figured while I was at it, Id try what you did and ground off the finger groves and then restippled the whole thing. Feels pretty good too.

One things for sure, the Gen 3's are a bit blocker than the 4's and 5's. If you round off more of the front and rear edges of the front and backstrap on either side, I think you'll find things come more in line with the later generations and feel a bit less blocky. I didn't do that, and it still feels fine to me, but when switching back and forth between the gen's, that's where Im seeing/feeling a difference.

 

[Riomouse911]

Good idea to make it your own, no gun fits every hand well. Plus, you said you are only in it $325 or so, if you grow weary and sell it you’ll probably get close to that number.

All but one of my Glocks needed some rounding of the trigger guard edge where it meets the frame, especially on the right side.



(A little easier to see on my Glock 34


I have a high-hold that puts the trigger guard hard up against the soft skin on the side of my middle finger. One long day at the range and a blister would form and peel away at that spot without my little Dremel/files/sandpaper routine. (Did that a few times before breaking out the Dremel and a bullet-shaped stone to start making it better.)



The Gen 3 Glock 17 without any sanding came with the frame already cerakoted tan, my modifications would’ve ruined the finish along the trigger guard.



Let is know how it feels while you’re shooting it when you get a chance to put some rounds downrange.

Stay safe.

 

[kje54]

Found this IWB generic that had tons of positive Glock reviews. Soft, comfortable plus I could carry a medium or full sized handgun if I so choose. The matching double pouch should arrive tomorrow. Think I paid $16 for both.

 

[kje54]

After decades of wanting one I've finally been able to make this one mine and I'm actually kind of excited. Right now I'm debating between 2 police trade-ins, one is a G21 and the other is a G22, I think both are Gen4s for under $300 each. If I had the money I'd get one of each then make them mine. So much for me being a Glock basher..........

 

[Tallball]

You can get a conversion barrel and mag for the G22 and turn it into a G17 in less than a minute.

 

[trackskippy]

If you think the 23 has a big grip, Id highly suggest you go down to a local shop that has a 21 and see what it feels like before you plunk down that $300. Just because of the size of the round, the grip has to be bigger, and you notice it. Its not bad, but it is bigger.

They tried to deal with it with the "SF" frames, and they are a bit better, but again, if the 9mm framed guns annoy you, the 45's will likely do so even more.

 

[kje54]

If you think the 23 has a big grip, Id highly suggest you go down to a local shop that has a 21 and see what it feels like before you plunk down that $300. Just because of the size of the round, the grip has to be bigger, and you notice it. Its not bad, but it is bigger.

They tried to deal with it with the "SF" frames, and they are a bit better, but again, if the 9mm framed guns annoy you, the 45's will likely do so even more.

Good to know. That just nails my decision not to get the 21 though I'm still mulling over the 22 but I'm not sure I want a full size. Besides money's getting tight and with all the other projects I'm doing I really don't need to spend it on more guns. (Yeah I know, blasphemy).

 

[Charlie98]

Looks like I'm not going to be selling it after all.

I bought my first poly pistol, used, some years ago... a Kahr CW9 that my FFL had for sale (his personal pistol.) I figured it would be a cheap way to buy a poly 9, shoot it, decide I hated poly pistols in general, and the 9mm specifically, sell it at a loss, and move on with my steel pistol life... but something happened along the way... after the first range sesison, I fell in love with the stupid thing... and the rest is history.

I'm not ready to take that plunge with the Glock just yet. Friend of mine has a G19... so if I want to hate on Glock some more, I'll just borrow his... decide it's not for me... and give it back.

 

[Riomouse911]

You can get a conversion barrel and mag for the G22 and turn it into a G17 in less than a minute.

Thats what I did for my Puerto Rican trade-in Glock 22. (Since I don’t shoot a lot of .40, I also added a 9mm extractor and use G-17 mags, but that isn't always needed.)



Stay safe.

 

[kje54]

Still the G22 at $270 is really hard to pass up......... I figure that would be roughly $310 out the door.

 

[trackskippy]

I think youll find the 22 feels better in your hand than the 23. I have both 17's and 19's, and have never really liked the way the 19's felt in my hands. Their grips just feel cramped to me. The 17's feel a lot better, and really arent that much bigger overall.

 

[kje54]

I think youll find the 22 feels better in your hand than the 23. I have both 17's and 19's, and have never really liked the way the 19's felt in my hands. Their grips just feel cramped to me. The 17's feel a lot better, and really arent that much bigger overall.

Thanks for confirming what I suspected, that the longer grip was somewhat more comfortable.

 

[kje54]

I decided to get it......... Until I got to the shipping and that may have ended it for me. Still debating it though, roughly $35 more than what I planned for.

 

[kje54]

Call me a glutton for punishment but I decided to get it so I just "pulled the trigger" and bought it.

 

[kje54]

Let me share the temptation equally with all........... Glocks Sigs, S&W, etc with some really good deals.

https://www.aimsurplus.com/categories/trade-in-le-gear