X-Grips; do you use them?

[Trey Veston]

Determined that my perfect carry pistol was an M&P40c with the optional safety.

Ordered an X-Grip so I could use the 15-round mags from my full-size M&P40 for times when the extra grip length won't print.

Also tried to order a couple of 15-round magazines, but thanks to the California mag ban lift and panic buying, nobody has them for normal prices.

Tried out the configuration and it turned an OK feeling pistol into an amazingly perfect feeling pistol.

I have large hands and the M&P40c is barely big enough for me to get a pinky on. It's not bad, but it doesn't feel reel controllable under rapid fire.

The X-Grip not only makes the gun feel perfect, but it also allows me to carry 15-rounds of .40 S&W IWB under most conditions.

I've used them for my Glock G29 so I can carry 15-rounds of 10MM in the woods.

They are a unique solution, but overpriced at $17 for a piece of plastic that likely has $.10 worth of material in it.

Anyone else use these?

I've talked to a few gun owners who have never heard of them. They could very well be the perfect solution to a number of situations for folks.

No X-Grip and 10-round capacity:



X-Grip added to M&P40 fullsize 15-round magazine...



Now a perfect grip!

 

[Steve in NC]

Trey,
Yes Sir I do. I have a 40c also and all of my other carry mags are 15 rounders with the x-grip extensions. This created an additional issue to consider during quick mag changes. There is a much larger surface area now that your master grip can drag on the extension and not allow a magazine to drop clear. And the early x-grip extensions were made with a softer material and more pronounced texture. With the extra texture and softness of the x-grip extensions it exaggerated this mag drop issue. But I trained through it and learned to hit the mag release button with the 2nd knuckle on my index finger of my master hand and flair the bottom of my hand to stay clear of the mag.
The newer x-grip extensions are a harder material and have less texture that really helps. I also own a M2.0 3.6" and I really prefer to carry the Gen 1 40c when its all said and done. Ironically because the M2.0 has a longer grip area on the frame I don't use the shorter extension supplied by S&W . I just use the larger mags in the M2.0 without the extension at all so mag changes are real easy and you have something to really grab a hold of if you need to physically strip the mag during a malfunction. But the same argument can be said for the x-grip on the 15rd mags in the original 40c also.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

First off, I may be wrong but I think they are solid rubber not plastic. Not that it really makes a difference in the fact that they are a little overpriced.

Yes I do have one on the 15rd G19 mag I keep in my car. It's a SHTF mag if my 12 + 1 G26 and spare 12rd mag run out. I do not think the fit really warrants what these things sell for but to me it's better than gripping the bare mag.

They also make one for the G17 mag to fit the G26 that I've pondered, since I already have a bunch of G17 mags.


I think they're worthwhile if you like a full grip and want the extra rounds. Personally I wouldn't carry with one in the gun as at that point you might as well just carry the bigger gun also. But for spares or bug outs they are pretty sensible.

 

[JR24]

I have used them on my Glock 26 and the 15 round Glock 19 mag and they do make it a much more comfortable gun in the hand.

I never use them for my offside spare mags as they add lots of bulk and have sharp edges that annoy me.

I mention this because I tried to use them for my spare when I owned a Sig 245 and it was not an ideal setup at all. Very comfortable in the gun though, almost felt as good as a real 220

 

[Trey Veston]

I do not think the fit really warrants what these things sell for but to me it's better than gripping the bare mag.

I was just looking at the one on my G29 and the fit is much worse than the fit with my M&P40c. The Glock version looks like a cheap knock-off of the newer X-Grip, so maybe they improved things with the newer versions.

 

[crestoncowboy]

I have x-grip and another brand as well. Maybe pierce but I'm not sure, they are polymer with a set screw to lock them in place. Both work well. I have used them for years in all the sizes to fit my glocks

 

[Al-jim19]

The spare I carry for my G19 is a 17 length magazine. I don’t use an xgrip because I worry it could slide down a little and cause the magazine not to seat properly during a reload.

 

[crestoncowboy]

If it had slid down it would just slip back into place when you seated the mag there is very little friction there. I've reloaded hundreds of times and carried it many many miles from outsiders to consoles etc. with no issue other than being pinched a little in the fat of my hand with my 27 using 22 mags. I use them every time I shoot my carry gun, and I carry one as my spare. Now the other brand I mentioned with the set screw would render the mag useless if it did slide. I have those for my 29 to use 20 mags. I've never had an issue but admittedly haven't used them much either.

 

[larryh1108]

X-Grips are also great for the 1911 Officer's models that allow you to use the regular sized mags.
The extra length is great for those with XL hands.
I've tried finding some cheaper priced ones since they cost as much as the whole mag.
No luck yet but if someone does come in less than $10, they will sell a lot of them.

 

[94045]

I've decided to learn to shoot like Hickok45 and just grip with two fingers on the butt regardless. That way your grip is the same regardless of butt length.

If a 6'8" guy with XXL hands can adjust to a Glock 27 length grip then a 6' 2" guy with L hands should be able to adjust.

That said a longer higher capacity back up mag is never a bad thing.