showmebob
Member
In March I started this thread to get opinions about changing grip angles to make the gun fit and perform better for me. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=747451
Of course there were a lot of folks with the opinion that I just needed to train more to adapt to the gun. I could always shoot the pistol very accurately slow fire but during drills (especially when first starting) I always shot low. While I respect everyone’s opinion, I wanted to be able to pick up my 3 primary handguns and shoot them interchangeably without an adjustment period. First fast shot accuracy if you know what I mean.
A couple of folks on the thread gave inspiration and some good ideas so I gave it a go. I used the high aggressive backstrap that I wasn’t using for the FNX. I cleaned it thoroughly and applied the epoxy putty. The putty is quick set so it was fast and easy to shape. As it started to set it was very easy to shape it very closely to what I had in mind. I then did initial trimming with a knife before the epoxy became too hard to trim. After full cure, I used a file to get the high spots off and the dreaded Dremmel with a sanding drum for final shaping. To get a course surface for the finish to stick to I final sanded with the Dremmel on low speed and let the sanding drum bounce a lot.
I experimented a lot with spray truck bed liner (had never used it before) to get a finish I would be happy with. After the final coat it’s important to let is set for a few days to fully cure.
The last thing to do was to drill out the grip release hole and install the grip.
Off to the range I went. What a huge difference! The gun points naturally now. Accuracy is much improved. And for an unexpected bonus, even though my backstrap modification is a much less of an aggressive surface than either of the factory supplied backstraps, my control is much better. I no longer need to reposition my grip after a few shots. I can’t explain it but even the draw from the holster feels much better to me.
The cost of this experiment was marginal. The benefits were huge. I encourage anyone who’s gun has a replaceable backstrap and who needs to change the grip angle or shape of their grip to give it a go. It wasn’t hard at all to do. It was enjoyable and made a world of difference!
It should be noted that I made a few mistakes along the way. Yes, I would change a few procedures next time. I wasn’t worried about matching the finish of the gun. Function over finish!
Of course there were a lot of folks with the opinion that I just needed to train more to adapt to the gun. I could always shoot the pistol very accurately slow fire but during drills (especially when first starting) I always shot low. While I respect everyone’s opinion, I wanted to be able to pick up my 3 primary handguns and shoot them interchangeably without an adjustment period. First fast shot accuracy if you know what I mean.
A couple of folks on the thread gave inspiration and some good ideas so I gave it a go. I used the high aggressive backstrap that I wasn’t using for the FNX. I cleaned it thoroughly and applied the epoxy putty. The putty is quick set so it was fast and easy to shape. As it started to set it was very easy to shape it very closely to what I had in mind. I then did initial trimming with a knife before the epoxy became too hard to trim. After full cure, I used a file to get the high spots off and the dreaded Dremmel with a sanding drum for final shaping. To get a course surface for the finish to stick to I final sanded with the Dremmel on low speed and let the sanding drum bounce a lot.
I experimented a lot with spray truck bed liner (had never used it before) to get a finish I would be happy with. After the final coat it’s important to let is set for a few days to fully cure.
The last thing to do was to drill out the grip release hole and install the grip.
Off to the range I went. What a huge difference! The gun points naturally now. Accuracy is much improved. And for an unexpected bonus, even though my backstrap modification is a much less of an aggressive surface than either of the factory supplied backstraps, my control is much better. I no longer need to reposition my grip after a few shots. I can’t explain it but even the draw from the holster feels much better to me.
The cost of this experiment was marginal. The benefits were huge. I encourage anyone who’s gun has a replaceable backstrap and who needs to change the grip angle or shape of their grip to give it a go. It wasn’t hard at all to do. It was enjoyable and made a world of difference!
It should be noted that I made a few mistakes along the way. Yes, I would change a few procedures next time. I wasn’t worried about matching the finish of the gun. Function over finish!
