Tarpley, I really wish you hadn't posted that link! Now I feel it is incumbent upon me to share a recent developement that contradicts my statement below.
VaughnT
Senior Member
Registered: Dec 2002
Location: Western SC
Posts: 124
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.
A recent disaster with a local smith forced me to ship my 1991 off to Ted Yost for repairs. Subject to "while you're there" syndrome like anyone that's ever done home-remodeling or the like, it wasn't hard for Mr. Yost to talk me into having the frontstrap and MSH stippled with what he calls a "sharkskin" texture.
I really, really, really didn't mean for him to do anything more than get her shooting reliably - like she had before being butchered. But having to pay $50 in shipping, one way, I thought it best to have him put in some better sights while he had it at the shop. Once he was able to get the gripsafety fixed, which required frame welding, he asked that fatal question I really didn't want to hear: "Is there anything else you want me to do?"
Oh boy.
As my buddy from Pickens County would say, "It was on like a pot of neckbones.", and I wound up with a 1* upgrade package.
I still contend that skateboard tape is the best, most tactical, frontstrap treatment and lay a pox on all smooth-talkin' gunsmith/artists.