Gen4 G17 "Grip Chop" Project (or making of a G19L)

[poak]

Long story short, I scored a Gen4 G17 through a little horse trading of some old gear I had laying around collecting dust. I'm a long time Glock guy, and I've always thought G19/G23s were perfectly sized handguns. So yeah, it's not a new idea by any means, but I decided to go nuts and hack up a perfectly good pistol and create a long slide G19.

Here's my progress.

A perfectly good pistol and a rotary tool... Yeah, why not?

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/50C2DBEB-07E5-4064-AD97-E855230AC27C.jpg

Now it's time to measure twice (yeah ok, more like a dozen times), and cut once. A dry erase marker and some painters tape go a long way here:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/73B4C18C-B905-4AFB-9FCF-C4C8C51D2382.jpg

Standard cutoff wheel attachments make short work of Glock polymer. Time to pull off the tape and test fit a G19 mag:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/DF5720E1-057D-4EEF-B9FF-1DC54E817522.jpg

Initial success! Time to take a little fine grit sandpaper to my cuts too even it out a little, and smooth the cuts out:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/487A80A6-950A-4C56-83D6-337E99DBC30C.jpg

Alright, making progress, but I need to figure out a method to uniformly radius the sharp edges around exterior of the magwell, and bevel the interior. Might even do a "speedwell" mod to clean up,the look a little. So if anybody has any suggestions, send them my way.

In the meantime, I'll be removing finger grooves:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/38EF49F2-290E-4024-AD24-3C097C455567.jpg

[ruchik]

I have found that some coarse sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood does the trick when trying to sand edges evenly. I also suggest making an angled cut or grind on the heel of the grip, so that it looks more like the stock G19 grip and not so "pointy".

While you're at it, how about some stippling to get a full wrap-around effect, instead of the squares on the front of the grip? Perhaps rounding off the trigger guard too? Some stippling on the frame flats in front of the takedown lever? Yes, you can tell I've gone runaway with some projects that started simple.

[poak]

I have found that some coarse sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood does the trick when trying to sand edges evenly. I also suggest making an angled cut or grind on the heel of the grip, so that it looks more like the stock G19 grip and not so "pointy".

While you're at it, how about some stippling to get a full wrap-around effect, instead of the squares on the front of the grip? Perhaps rounding off the trigger guard too? Some stippling on the frame flats in front of the takedown lever? Yes, you can tell I've gone runaway with some projects that started simple.

Thanks for the pointers, ruchik. This is a work in progress and a full grip stipple is part of the plan (I've been practicing on spare P-Mags :D ). I'm also thinking I'm going to undercut the trigger guard, and bob the tail a little as you described. Trying to decide if I'll go for the speedwell mod or not. After I'm done w/ the frame, I'll be getting the slide milled for an RDS (RMR or Docter III, haven't decided yet).

The wood block sanding method is actually what I did to even out the cut and get some uniformity and symmetry, no I'm just trying to decide the best way to radius the rough edge on he exterior of the magwell.

[ruchik]

When I did a similar grip chop to my M&P, I just took some 180-220 grit sandpaper, then knocked the edges off a bit. To put a nice bevel all around the edges though, I'd suggest placing the frame in a vice, and using two hands to guide a wood block with sandpaper on it at an angle, 45 degrees to the edge you're sanding. Conversely, you could also heat the bottom edges of the grip with a heat gun or a candle, then "roll" the edges inwards to give more of a rounded, factory look. I've never tried that though, so do so at your own risk. However, heat does allow you to work that polymer without actually grinding away at it. There are guys out there who have performed grip reductions on their Glocks simply by heating up the backstrap with a candle, then "smooshing" it on a flat surface. People have also done this with polymer Kahr pistols, to smooth out any hot spots in the frame that interferes with grip.

When you undercut the trigger guard though, or any sort of sanding on the frame for that matter, I suggest using the finest grit sandpaper you can get away with. It will take longer, but I found out the hard way that even 180-grit sandpaper tends to leave gouges in polymer during sanding. I cannot stress this enough; once you make a gouge in polymer, it's very difficult to undo it. It helps immensely to have a dremel for this, as even fine grit sandpaper will make short work of that polymer at dremel speeds.

As to finishing the frame once you've sanded it, Rit's black dye in powder form works very well at bringing the factory color back to the frame. Just completely strip down the frame, dunk it into a simmering pot/pan with the dye in it, and let it stew for about 30 minutes. Let it cool off, and you've got a fairly colorfast solution. Smells funky, though, so try to use a steel pot that you're not really going to use again. You could always Duracoat the frame, too.

I would also carve out a secondary finger groove for your support hand, into the trigger guard just in front of the curve where the trigger guard meets the frame. Your index finger from your support hand will lock into that, helps a lot.

[Airhasz]

I'm really enjoying this thread. Ruchik, could you post some pics of the trigger guard modifications you speak of or a link to your work? Thanks.

[shadow93]

When I did a similar grip chop to my M&P, I just took some 180-220 grit sandpaper, then knocked the edges off a bit. To put a nice bevel all around the edges though, I'd suggest placing the frame in a vice, and using two hands to guide a wood block with sandpaper on it at an angle, 45 degrees to the edge you're sanding.


This was my first thought when I saw him ask that also. If you want it to actually be rounded I'm wondering if you could take something that has a J-Bend and do the same as if you were making it at a 45 degree angle. Wrap the sandpaper inside the rounded edge of the J and evenly go around it. It should put a symmetrical rounded edge on it then.

I've never done grip work to a glock though hence why I want to follow this thread. I want to flatten out the trigger guard bump as that little thing irritates my finger like no other.

[ruchik]

I haven't begun working on the baseplates yet, but that'll give you an idea of what I did. Not pretty, and you can see some of those gouges I was talking about, but it works!

[Airhasz]

Thanks for pics. Trigger guard on my G26 needs some reduction but my G19 feels fine. Anyone recommend a good video of Glock trigger guard reduction? I checked out a couple but not that great of a job.

[ruchik]

Are you talking about undercutting the trigger guard? If so, all you need is a wooden dowel, pencil, or pen, wrap some sandpaper around it, and sand away.

[poak]

Glad to see there's some interest in the thread.

Seems like I've seen a lot of before/after threads, but not a lot of threads detailing each step along the way.

I'll be keeping this updated as I perform each step, but it'll be probably next weekend until I get a chance to mess with this project again.

[ZINCOGNITO]

Good work man! I've actually been looking into getting something like this done. Especially after a buddy of mine emailed this pic:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j91/zincognito/5DB10D64-21D0-4C7A-991F-E075A057A604_zpslfv0pxhl.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/zincognito/media/5DB10D64-21D0-4C7A-991F-E075A057A604_zpslfv0pxhl.jpg.html)

[g-men10455]

I'm going to buy another M&P FS to chop the grip to a compact size.

[Linkscoach]

I've always wanted to do this to a 19 but not sure I would gain a lot.

[Voodoo_Man]

I had one cut.

before:
http://i.imgur.com/Wj2TLi0.jpg

after:
http://i.imgur.com/d4PBkfd.jpg

The cut help for concealment, other than that its totally your preference.

[trinydex]

to the op: you may want a little more space between the mag baseplate and the bottom of the grip. seems like it's fairly tight. tigher than a stock glock with the same sized magazine hanging out the bottom.

[Bulldog7972]

What is the advantage to doing this?

[ZINCOGNITO]

What is the advantage to doing this?

Concealability of a full size pistol along with a longer sight radius.

[krm375]

I have an extra 17 laying around really considering doing this, how are you getting your initial measurements for the cut? magazine length? or just putting the magazine against the grip and measuring that way?

[SPDGG]

I have an extra 17 laying around really considering doing this, how are you getting your initial measurements for the cut? magazine length? or just putting the magazine against the grip and measuring that way? ^ Mag comparison helps, G19 to a G17. But, I prefer having a G19 for measurements & cut below that for tuning space to get things right. Baseplate, bottom of mag, angle differs from the G19 & G17

[poak]

to the op: you may want a little more space between the mag baseplate and the bottom of the grip. seems like it's fairly tight. tigher than a stock glock with the same sized magazine hanging out the bottom.

Yeah, the pic w/ the mag slapped in was taken immediately after the initial cut. When you're cutting w/ a dremel, you're gonna wanna leave room for margin of error. I left enough meat at the bottom in preparation for what I'd be removing through sanding the bottom to a very uniform and even cut.


I have an extra 17 laying around really considering doing this, how are you getting your initial measurements for the cut? magazine length? or just putting the magazine against the grip and measuring that way?

I used a G19 to make my initial measurements. I lined them up side by side, and made my mark w/ a dry erase marker, then used painters tape to make a more visible guide to cut by.

It's nice to have a G19 mag around to test-fit following your cut.

[92fs]

Thanks for pics. Trigger guard on my G26 needs some reduction but my G19 feels fine. Anyone recommend a good video of Glock trigger guard reduction? I checked out a couple but not that great of a job.
Thank you for the tip!

[cali_ed]

It's been few months I wanted to know what the finished product t look like I'm going to do the same to mine

[poak]

It's been few months I wanted to know what the finished product t look like I'm going to do the same to mine


I'll try to get some pics up of progress.

This project moved to the back burner for a bit, I really need to get around to finishing it.

Since my last post I filled the backstrap w/ a little DevCon to aid in the shaping of a sort of "speedwell". I've also acquired a Trijicon RMR (RM01) that I plan on mounting to the slide after I send it off to be milled. I'll be doing a stipple job on it as well.

[cali_ed]

Sweet looking forward to seeing it.ive been thinking of using a mag well on it for easier more positive reload. Suppose the grip could be cut a tad shorter?

[Texaspoff]

Grip chopped Glocks are supper popular right now for sure...

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/6b253d42-b168-4ccb-a08c-710cfb688b1f_zps6ed90889.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/5bfe9883-ff63-4c5b-87b8-b1152b921ad2_zps351bf3ce.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/DSC_0693.jpg

TXPO

[Up1911fan]

Lane did my carry Gen4 G17. Need to send him my spare to have done over the winter.

[punkey71]

29601

Gen 3 & 4 19L's by Lane.

Harold


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jandbj]

19k/26L in my future. Just need to get an extra Gen4 G19 frame and work up the courage to make the cut.

[bubba04]

Are you taking orders again?


Grip chopped Glocks are supper popular right now for sure...

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/6b253d42-b168-4ccb-a08c-710cfb688b1f_zps6ed90889.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/5bfe9883-ff63-4c5b-87b8-b1152b921ad2_zps351bf3ce.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/DSC_0693.jpg

TXPO

[medic75]

Wow a bunch of nice looking cut downs

[cali_ed]

19k/26L in my future. Just need to get an extra Gen4 G19 frame and work up the courage to make the cut.

I'm just waiting to see if I get approved for my ccw if not its a moot point. I also want to do a guard under cut

[medic75]

I'm just waiting to see if I get approved for my ccw if not its a moot point. I also want to do a guard under cut

From what I know it's usually not a hard process in most states, or at least the two I've got. Good luck, I need to find a cheap flock now...lol

[trinydex]

Good work man! I've actually been looking into getting something like this done. Especially after a buddy of mine emailed this pic:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j91/zincognito/5DB10D64-21D0-4C7A-991F-E075A057A604_zpslfv0pxhl.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/zincognito/media/5DB10D64-21D0-4C7A-991F-E075A057A604_zpslfv0pxhl.jpg.html)

does anyone know if there is an ideal inlet depth in relation to the magazine length?

i have a 19L and it every so often will give me a pinch when i load a 19 sized mag. it is very infrequent, but does making the inlet deeper make this better or worse? as i see it there isn't that much of a detriment to inlet more.

[cop1211]

Good work man! I've actually been looking into getting something like this done. Especially after a buddy of mine emailed this pic:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j91/zincognito/5DB10D64-21D0-4C7A-991F-E075A057A604_zpslfv0pxhl.jpg (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/zincognito/media/5DB10D64-21D0-4C7A-991F-E075A057A604_zpslfv0pxhl.jpg.html)

Who did the work?