Stippled my MK9 grips

[Genin]

I didn't like the slickness of my factory MK9 grips and don't have the cash to buy the G10 ones I want yet. Being a veteran stippler I decided to just stipple my factory grips for now, and the result is wonderful. Really helps my grip stay secure and initial purchase on the firearm is increased.

I only stippler the lower section because I didn't want the stippling to grab on pocket holsters etc (see pic below for reference):

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zpsbzf0ifwx.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zpsbzf0ifwx.jpeg.html)

Heres some whole pistol pics to show the stippling closer. Be advised that after you do this stippling you need to make sure to hit it with some fine sandpaper (I use 1500grit) to knock the high spots off or they will grab your shirts etc when concealed carrying.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zpse9whidti.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zpse9whidti.jpeg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zps7eil75cx.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zps7eil75cx.jpeg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zpsfwyjglww.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zpsfwyjglww.jpeg.html)

[Alfonse]

I like that.

[Bobshouse]

Looks great!

[Redstate]

Looks great!

Yep.

[Genin]

Thanks all. I tried to follow the natural flow of the grips to make it look as factory as possible. I think it didn't take anything away aesthetically and really improved the grip so I'm happy for now. Still going to get some of Alfonse's g10s soon though since I like how bomb proof g10 is, and I like how they look. Hitting the range with the wife soon so I'll see how the new grip helps with control during fire, although it wasn't an issue before.

[yqtszhj]

That looks real nice.

[Ed M]

Nice work!

[gb6491]

Genin,
That is outstanding work!:yo:

Regards,
Greg

[Bills1873]

Looks like that took awhile! Excellent results, makes the whole pistol look different!

[Genin]

Thank you very much everyone for the kind words. I am very pleased to say that I really like how it felt in my hand while firing! I dig it very much and am glad I did it.

bills,
you would be amazed but start to finish (including letting the iron heat up to final sanding) it only took about 45 minutes. It was such a small area that it didn't take long at all. A whole polymer frame usually takes me around 3 hours including sanding down the polymids, stippling, and final sanding so this project was a breeze.

[Bawanna]

Takes longer to build up your courage to do it than it does to really do it.

[Genin]

Bawanna,
That is the truth

[berettabone]

Looks good.......................................

[Genin]

Thank you.

[Phish]

Looks really good.

How small a tip you use when stippling?

[Genin]

Phish,

I use a very fine tip and use fast taps with light pressure. I don't like deep stippling, it's just not my style so that's how I do it. After you sand down the high points with a really high grit sand paper, you'll find it grips like sandpaper without grabbing on clothing etc.

[Bawanna]

What trips most people up stippling is they think it has to be orderly, in sequence with some method to the madness.
Throw that out the window and start poking. If it's not grippy enough poke some more. If it's too grippy poke between the pokes.

Outside of being a bit careful on the border if you have a border, go crazy. I wish metal was this easy.

[AIRret]

Nice JOB!
I really like the way you kept part of the grip standard. Besides helping with pocket carry I'm sure it will cut down on holster wear!

[Phish]

Thanks for the DIY tips!

Got a long winter ahead so will give it a shot as it sounds like fun to do and get a better grip is important on these micro pistols.

[Genin]

Bawanna,
LOL. That's just about the best description I've seen. I do wish I knew how to stipple steel because my front strap would definitely be stippled. I HATE how that is slick. I mean come on, that's the part that should have some good grip.

AIR,
Thank you good sir.

Phish,
You got this hombre. I really like my stock stippled ones but actually put them up for sale here last night because I got my G10 grips. I really love G10. I have it on knives I own and every metal pistol I own now. I just love how strong it is and basically bomb proof. On an all steel gun it just makes sense.

[Bawanna]

Just to clarify for future reference AIRret is a girl, but she's my girl so don't be getting no canoodling idea's or nothing like that.

[Genin]

Roger. Tracking. :)

[boscobarbell]

Nice work. My first thought was that I'd never have the courage to do that, but then I checked the price of replacements at Kahr. Damn, at that price, I may give it a go.

[Genin]

Bosco,
exactly!!!