View Full Version : M&P Grip stippling
ghostrider1
06-21-11, 08:50
I want to stipple the grip of my m&p 45 midsize. I've seen a few patterns that I like but, I am hesitant to preform the task myself. Can anyone coach me through this??? I'd rather do it myself than ship it and pay $100 for something I might be able to do on my own.
it's easier than you think..I did both my midsize .45 and my FS9, I started by practicing on a old thermold Ar mag, trying different patterns until I found something I liked. I did the backstraps first, reason being, they are easily replaced if you screw one up (Start with a backstrap you don't use first) the backstraps are made from a softer material than the frame, so, don't the the iron set in one place too long. In my experience, the thermold mag melts at about the same rate as the frame, So, if you have one of these to use, you can get a pretty good feel for it by using the mag. Take your time and think about where you want to stipple the pistol,Don't get carried away, in my case I just did the front and backstraps as I felt that was plenty.
I believe there are also a few how to threads here on the forums. Like Ralph, I practiced before I actually stippled the backstrap. When you start, make sure you go slowly and take a break every so often so your hand doesn't cramp up too bad.
Here is one to help get you started.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=58674&highlight=stippling+backstraps
Here's a thread I started a while ago showing the M&P9 I did.
M&P Stipple thread (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=58396)
Just food for thought. I stippled my M&P9 compact right when I got home. It was my CCW. Carrying it IWB, without an undershirt (it is super hot in Florida now). The stippling did hurt a couple times. Not too bad but was uncomfortable. I now carry a M&P45 compact and do not intend on stippling it, even though I need it to hold onto the gun. This will ensure I'll carry her everyday.
The M&P Pic thread on here has TONS of photos of members doing this . Its good reference
You can do it yourself. I did it to mine, but I did a lot of picture searching before I jumped in. Figure out which style of stippling you like and practice on something else first before you do your M&P.
You can do it yourself. I did it to mine, but I did a lot of picture searching before I jumped in. Figure out which style of stippling you like and practice on something else first before you do your M&P.
Thats very good advice. Get some panels and practice. Ive seen some pretty hideous stippling jobs
You can do it yourself. I did it to mine, but I did a lot of picture searching before I jumped in. Figure out which style of stippling you like and practice on something else first before you do your M&P.
exactly - if you have PMAGS those make great guinea pigs, as said in the thread 13F3OL7 referenced
edit: OP, lemme know if you need stuff to practice with, I have a few AR grips that would make for good practice as well
Does anybody have any suggestions for another material to practice on? No PMAGS around here and I'd rather not practice on the back straps I'm not using. Thanks.
I'll get made fun of for saying this but I tried it on anything I could find. A Wii remote was the funniest. The financee was not too happy when i tried to explain my way out of that one. But hey, it makes for safer gaming (for everyone else, I'm not much of a videogamer)...I don't want controllers slipping out people's hands :jester:
But grab anything you don't care about that's a hard plastic, might not be a perfect apples to apples comparison but you'll get the feel for it, the size tip you want to use, etc.
Like others have already advised, practice on PMAGS or rail panels or an old A2 pistol grip first. Keep in mind that the backstraps burn very differently then the rest of the frame, so maybe practice on one of the backstraps you don't use first just so you can get the hang of it. The frame will burn similarly to a PMAG, but I have never stippled anything else that burns like an M&P backstrap. Anyways, Here is mine. I used a $13 Hobby Lobby wood burner and 2 different tips, and only practiced for about an hour before taking it to the pistol. I started with just the front and backstraps, for this I used the round-nose tip and just went arund the outside and did circles until the straps were covered:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/mhanna91/stipple748.jpg
Then decided to fill in the sides and put forward index points on either side. For the sandpaper texture, I used the sharp-pointed tip and lightly burned into the surface over and over and over again (about 5,000 times lol), you don't have to go deep. The completed job took about 2.5 hours, the sandpaper texture takes a while to do but is well worth the labor in my opinion.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/mhanna91/Stipple001.jpg
Then my boss liked it and wanted me to do his 45 the same way.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/mhanna91/MP45stipple012.jpg
LandCruiser
06-21-11, 19:22
Does anybody have any suggestions for another material to practice on? No PMAGS around here and I'd rather not practice on the back straps I'm not using. Thanks.
The case the gun came. I practiced on that until I felt comfortable enough to start on my polymer pistols. Note: the pistol are going to be a firmer material that the gun case. The way it feels under the iron will be different, but if you choose to do that you'll be able to see for yourself. Go slow.
I practiced on the back straps first to see how it would look. Just keep in mind that the back straps are softer than the actual frame.
ghostrider1
06-22-11, 12:44
Thanks guys!! I went out last night na bought a soldering pen. I started practicing on one of my gun cases/boxes. I did pretty good but it was'st any picoso. I really like the design that "bowie tactical" uses kn their M&P's. I think that patter is sexy and just right as far as aggressiveness.
Like others have already advised, practice on PMAGS or rail panels or an old A2 pistol grip first. Keep in mind that the backstraps burn very differently then the rest of the frame, so maybe practice on one of the backstraps you don't use first just so you can get the hang of it. The frame will burn similarly to a PMAG, but I have never stippled anything else that burns like an M&P backstrap. Anyways, Here is mine. I used a $13 Hobby Lobby wood burner and 2 different tips, and only practiced for about an hour before taking it to the pistol. I started with just the front and backstraps, for this I used the round-nose tip and just went arund the outside and did circles until the straps were covered:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/mhanna91/stipple748.jpg
Then decided to fill in the sides and put forward index points on either side. For the sandpaper texture, I used the sharp-pointed tip and lightly burned into the surface over and over and over again (about 5,000 times lol), you don't have to go deep. The completed job took about 2.5 hours, the sandpaper texture takes a while to do but is well worth the labor in my opinion.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/mhanna91/Stipple001.jpg
Then my boss liked it and wanted me to do his 45 the same way.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/mhanna91/MP45stipple012.jpg
Wow, that's some of the best, if not, the best, stippling job I've seen on an M&P. Great job!!!
Does anybody have any suggestions for another material to practice on? No PMAGS around here and I'd rather not practice on the back straps I'm not using. Thanks.
Back straps are cheap and easily had (we sell them). So go ahead and practice on the one you are least likely to use.
C4
I recently stippled my M&P45 using a cheap $10 soldering iron. I used a Glock mag loader to practice on, and settled on using the sharp tip my iron came with. I started with the frontstrap and the underside of the triggerguard. I did the backstrap last, as the material is much softer and easier to goof up. Each part took about an hour.
Here are some crappy cell phone pics:
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af142/jasonpharez/IMAG0087.jpg
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af142/jasonpharez/IMAG0086.jpg
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af142/jasonpharez/IMAG0085.jpg
Grant, do you offer the backstraps with the stippling like that on your personal M&P?
I had the opportunity to shoot an instructor's pistol with one installed, and I liked it. He stated he got his from you.:)
MRevolutionIX
06-24-11, 08:39
Grant, do you offer the backstraps with the stippling like that on your personal M&P?
I had the opportunity to shoot an instructor's pistol with one installed, and I liked it. He stated he got his from you.:)
I would buy these also!
ghostrider1
06-24-11, 09:41
ARJJ, I like that stipling job!!!
ghostrider1
06-24-11, 12:56
Guys, i just received an email from salient arms. They charge $300+ for stippling and......... $65 s/h. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys, i just received an email from salient arms. They charge $300+ for stippling and......... $65 s/h. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll do it for $299 plus $60 shipping :jester:
All you need to do is practice on something else, then draw out your design and go to town. Take your time and don't rush it.
ShadowShooter
06-24-11, 19:42
Guys, i just received an email from salient arms. They charge $300+ for stippling and......... $65 s/h. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you don't want to do it yourself, consider Lane at Cold Bore Customs.
360 stippling is only $70.00 plus $10.00 return shipping and he is lightening fast. 5 days total on mine. It's $30.00 more to have that 20 foot long hideous OEM beavertail shortened.
The guy is a genius when it comes to grip work.
willowofwisp
06-24-11, 20:24
Guys, i just received an email from salient arms. They charge $300+ for stippling and......... $65 s/h. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
their stippling looks horrible..and their Glock in the surefire magazine looks like a joke.
ARJJ, I like that stipling job!!!
Thanks. I looked at a lot of pics online before I started, and one night I finally got bored (and ballsy) enough to do it. I couldn't believe how easy it was.
I'd like to find a generation 2 G19 to do next, perhaps with a more aggressive pattern. I also have an M&P40 that I'd like to do the striations (versus stippling) just for some variety.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1010089.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000923.jpg
Here's my stippling job. All done with a wood burning kit and about an 1 1/2 hours later for each. I practiced on the Medium backstrap first. I use the small on both on my M&P. What a difference!
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa69/kr_30/5e30c3c2.jpg
Grant, do you offer the backstraps with the stippling like that on your personal M&P?
I had the opportunity to shoot an instructor's pistol with one installed, and I liked it. He stated he got his from you.:)
Yes, they are on our website under S&W.
C4
Fixing to undertake this task in the (somewhat) near future.
What sandpaper grits (if any) are people using or recommend?
If you don't want to do it yourself, consider Lane at Cold Bore Customs.
360 stippling is only $70.00 plus $10.00 return shipping and he is lightening fast. 5 days total on mine. It's $30.00 more to have that 20 foot long hideous OEM beavertail shortened.
The guy is a genius when it comes to grip work.
I agree 100%. He has done a few for me and buddies...
Here's my G20SFL (made that term up)
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/hunt_ak/Guns/a6443bcb.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/hunt_ak/Guns/DSCN1193.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/hunt_ak/Guns/DSCN1191.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/hunt_ak/Guns/DSCN1190.jpg
Here's a thread I started a while ago showing the M&P9 I did.
M&P Stipple thread (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=58396)
Just food for thought. I stippled my M&P9 compact right when I got home. It was my CCW. Carrying it IWB, without an undershirt (it is super hot in Florida now). The stippling did hurt a couple times. Not too bad but was uncomfortable. I now carry a M&P45 compact and do not intend on stippling it, even though I need it to hold onto the gun. This will ensure I'll carry her everyday.
I just got some wife beater tank tops to wear under my shirt, since my M&P9c is stippled. It's hot enough in Vegas that the tank top doesn't make a whole lot of difference.
ghostrider1
06-27-11, 10:23
Thank you guys for the helpful hints. I think I'm going to let the folks Bowie Tactical handle this job. I don't want to destroy the frame. If they destroy it, they have to replace it. Lol!!!
devilsdeeds
06-27-11, 11:36
I'd really suggest that you try it yourself on a backstrap. It's not hard and if you mess it up you can buy a new one for cheap. Bowie does a great job but it's a long wait and not cheap for something that you can do in 1-2hrs.
I'll vote again for Lane at Cold Bore Custom. Super quick turnaround and top-notch job. He's my go-to guy for Glocks and I'm sure if I ended up with a few M&P's that needed some custom work, they'd go there...
ShadowShooter
06-27-11, 20:37
I'll vote again for Lane at Cold Bore Custom. Super quick turnaround and top-notch job. He's my go-to guy for Glocks and I'm sure if I ended up with a few M&P's that needed some custom work, they'd go there...
Copy that. When I get another M&P it is going right over to Lane. He does some of the best, if not the best, trigger guard work on M&Ps in the business.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/dexnel/Triggerguard.jpg
Fire_Medic
06-27-11, 22:00
Lets not forget fellow board member GentleBen from Boresight Solutions......
BearClaw Bigsby
07-21-11, 15:39
I am about to undertake my first stipling effort. I see a variety of different textures and designs. What is the general consensus of the best texture for grip? or is it all user dependent?
How does the stipple hold up under hard use?
How does the stipple hold up under hard use?
I stippled my M&P myself and the texture wasn't to aggressive. I noticed that over repeated use the texture seemed to smooth out a bit especially on the handle, nothing drastic and still has great grip. Could also be I got adjusted to the texture.
I also ended up making the thumb forward notch and trigger finger notch more aggressive.
http://tapatalk.com/mu/452fc624-381b-816c.jpg
One thing I found helpful. Put an empty mag in for a deeper stipple mark. Take the mag out for more shallow - since the grip wants to flex a little. And be really gentle on the backstrap. It melts fast.
Packing tape is good to keep straight lines too. Avoid electrical tape because it melts.
Here are a few of my guns that I have stippled. I have some more pics on another forum but I don't post here much and don't want to link if it isn't allowed.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/51f123ed.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/IMG_3486Large.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/ef9a1d93.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/IMG_3247Medium.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/IMG_2610Small.jpg
FromMyColdDeadHand
08-04-11, 18:51
Is there any place to get replacement rear grip panels ? I'd like to stipple and thin out the largest one, but I'd like to have a back-up. I like th way the 'tang' on it fits my hand, but I'm not a fan of the buldge on either side.
G&R Tactical has them.
Grant, the owner, is very active on this forum. I've made a few orders with him and everything has always been great.
Is there any place to get replacement rear grip panels ? I'd like to stipple and thin out the largest one, but I'd like to have a back-up. I like th way the 'tang' on it fits my hand, but I'm not a fan of the buldge on either side.
www.speedshooterspecialties.com has them in stock in black and FDE and I believe that they are only $5 each.
Here are a few of my guns that I have stippled. I have some more pics on another forum but I don't post here much and don't want to link if it isn't allowed.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/51f123ed.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/IMG_3486Large.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/ef9a1d93.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/IMG_3247Medium.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z305/aziator/IMG_2610Small.jpg
Aziator does some really knockout textures. I have some back strap inserts that he did, in his "Starburst" pattern, and I love them. The aesthetic he achieves is as good as the grip traction, which is to say really damned good.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/Trisagion/Y12TacticalLightHolsters/I-13_MP9TLR3_web_01.jpg
Copy that. When I get another M&P it is going right over to Lane. He does some of the best, if not the best, trigger guard work on M&Ps in the business.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/dexnel/Triggerguard.jpg
Do you any other pictures or your m&p? I just mailed mine out to him today and I need something to look at until it's done.:p What work did you have done?
ShadowShooter
08-09-11, 20:29
Do you any other pictures or your m&p? I just mailed mine out to him today and I need something to look at until it's done.:p What work did you have done?
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/dexnel/MP.jpg
360 texture; with border.
Texture forward frame flats; with border.
Trigger guard work; undercut - round and texture front.
Shorten/reduce beavertail.
I had him do my Benelli as well. Love it!
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/dexnel/BenelliM4.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/dexnel/MP.jpg
360 texture; with border.
Texture forward frame flats; with border.
Trigger guard work; undercut - round and texture front.
Shorten/reduce beavertail.
I had him do my Benelli as well. Love it!
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd395/dexnel/BenelliM4.jpg
Very nice Shadow. I'm getting the same done minus the beavertail work. I'll post pictures once I get it back. Benelli looks great too.
I did the backstrap, pinky extension, and the mag release on my 9c
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k571/dhunley123/Gun7.jpg
I also did my .45fs.
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k571/dhunley123/IMG_0418.jpg
I just didn't have the stones to do the actual frame...
I just didn't have the stones to do the actual frame...
The frame is easier and more forgiving than the backstraps. You did a great job! Stipple away!
The frame is easier and more forgiving than the backstraps. You did a great job! Stipple away!
Thank you! I may end up doing it but I'm just not sure I have it in me. I'm pretty happy with the way it feels now so I'll probably just leave it. Thanks for the kind words though.
ghostrider1
08-23-11, 20:31
Ok guys, I finally got the balls to do it. I stippled my grips, all 3 of'em. What cha think????
Ok guys, I finally got the balls to do it. I stippled my grips, all 3 of'em. What cha think????
It looks like you did a nice job. Any plans on doing the frame?
ghostrider1
08-24-11, 08:12
I might get the balls to do the frame. I think I can do it though. It wasn't hard at all and it didn't take long to do.
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