Glock 34 frame mods and trigger upgrade

[MSparks909]

Decided to modify the frame on my Gen4 34 last night. I've always had an "issue" per say with the hump on the full size (17, 22, 31) frame Glocks. I also have a Gen4 19 and I find it much more comfortable to draw and aim quickly because the hump doesn't protrude into my hand as much as my 34. Plus, I hate finger grooves on my pistols. So after reading some on grip reductions and stippling/finger groove shaving, I decided to jump into it last night...mind you this is my first time messing with a polymer frame to this extent. I used the "candle method" to reduce the hump on the grip. Used a dremel to remove the finger grooves, undercut the trigger guard and round the nose of the trigger guard. Used a $10 wood burner from Walmart to stipple. Couldn't retain the factory backstraps with the grip reduction. Tried unsuccessfully. I have medium-sized hands, so the small(er) grip doesn't bother me. I noticed in immediate improvement with how the gun points when I draw with my eyes closed. Front sight is right on target every time. All said and done, I'm pleased with how the frame turned out.

Here's a before pic:
http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx223/gradboat09/Glock34.jpg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/gradboat09/media/Glock34.jpg.html)

During:
http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx223/gradboat09/InProgress.jpeg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/gradboat09/media/InProgress.jpeg.html)

After:
http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx223/gradboat09/Glock1.jpeg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/gradboat09/media/Glock1.jpeg.html)

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx223/gradboat09/Glock2.jpeg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/gradboat09/media/Glock2.jpeg.html)

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx223/gradboat09/Glock3.jpeg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/gradboat09/media/Glock3.jpeg.html)

I also ordered a trigger kit from Glock Triggers. Decided to go with the Vogel kit. This is my primary competition and carry gun. The factory trigger has had an abnormally harsh break that I haven't been able to get rid of. I've tried the $.25 trigger job, used the dremel to round the nose of the trigger bar (which has helped some) 3 different times, but this trigger is still rough compared to my factory Glock 19's trigger. So I decided to spend some money on an upgraded trigger system. Planning to install it later this evening. I'm either going to stick with the stock 5.5# striker spring or go with the 5# striker spring in the kit to lower the pull weight slightly. The pull weight on this trigger will still be more with the 5# spring and Gen4 trigger bar than a 5.5# factory spring and the Gen3 trigger bar, so I'm not worried about it being "too light." I'll keep an eye for light strikes, but if there is none, I'll probably just stick the 5# in there. Might play around with the 4.5# and 4# springs at matches and in practice to see how they feel/perform.

[Psalms144.1]

Nicely done! I desperately want to have the balls to try the "candle" method of hump removal (I'd like to slim my Gen4 G19 down A LITTLE more...) but I'm too CS to try it. Any words of wisdom on specific procedures/tips?

Thanks for sharing.

[MSparks909]

Nicely done! I desperately want to have the balls to try the "candle" method of hump removal (I'd like to slim my Gen4 G19 down A LITTLE more...) but I'm too CS to try it. Any words of wisdom on specific procedures/tips?

Thanks for sharing.

Just jump in and go for it.

I started off holding the frame about 2" from the candle and moving it around slowly, heating up the entire area of the hump. Once you've done that for 1-2 minutes, then hold the frame about an inch from the flame. This is where you need to start paying attention otherwise you can heat up one area too much and it will start to bubble (ask me how I know...). Keep moving the frame around, heating up different areas of it. When the factory Gen4 stipples begin to look "wet" and shiny across the surface of the hump, now is the time to press down firmly onto a desk/table/hard surface. Hold it for 10-15 seconds and inspect.

I had to do the heat/press method about 10 times to get the shape that I liked. This process took about an hour from start to finish. I took my time and did not rush. If you push down hard on a hot frame, you will mess up the factory stippling, which I did not mind because I was planning on stippling myself anyways. Just something to consider. Again, take your time and do not rush. If you've heated the area for a minute or two and pushed and the grip didn't start to bend, you need to get the polymer hotter and then try again. Push straight down, do not roll the grip. As you roll it the back of the grip moves from side-to-side, which works against flattening the hump.

Also, insert an empty magazine into the frame while you're heating/pushing on it to keep from possibly deforming the magazine well.