Adding Texture to Your Combat Handgun
April 5, 2012
If you have not noticed, polymer pistols are becoming more and more popular. In 1982, the Austrian gun manufacturer, Glock, came out with a highly innovative but controversial pistol design using polymer for their pistols. At first, it was rejected by the traditional crowd because they believed guns should be all steel construction. However, after 20 years of service, Glock has proven itself to be one of the most durable and reliable handguns, and the majority of law enforcement agencies across the nation and the world choose the Glock as their duty weapon.
As you all know, I have been a 1911 and a Glock shooter all my life. I love the Glock, but there is one thing that Glock and other polymer pistols should definitely improve. The grip can be very slippery, especially with sweat and oil. So I usually put grip tape (skateboard) to increase the friction on my pistols. To maintain consistency, I try do the same to my airsoft guns as well.
Stippling
Stippling is a process of putting extra grip texture on your polymer frame pistol such as the Glock or ATP. It can be done to your polymer magazines as well. The reason why experienced operators stipple their guns and equipment is to increase the consistency of the grip between the equipment and the operator’s hand. It also aids operators in gripping their equipment and guns more consistently. Of course, stippling does add a “tacticool” look to your gun.
Today, my coworker Aaron brought in newly purchased KWA ATP. I immediately noticed that there was something different about Aaron’s ATP. His ATP has a unique look to it. After Aaron handed the ATP to me I immediately noticed that he has stippled his ATP. With the stippling done, Aaron’s ATP has a very unique look, and it also functions really well.
After talking to Aaron, he informed me that he used a standard soldering iron from Walmart or Home Depot. Aaron recommended that you use a cheap soldering iron because most likely you are going to get plastic on it and potentially ruin the soldering iron.
After ensuring his ATP was unloaded, Aaron began to wipe down the stippling area. Using a sharpie, he marked the outline of the area. Aaron then used a soldering iron to follow the line. After marking the outline of the area with the soldering iron, Aaron began his stippling steps. Aaron informed me that it takes roughly 4 hours for him to finish the stippling job, but the result is amazing.
Conclusion
Stippling is a very time consuming process, but in my opinion, it is worth every single second. But before you begin to stipple your equipment and guns, make sure you understand that once you have started the process, there is no going back. You are basically melting plastic on your pistol and equipment to create the texture. If you have decided that you are going to do-it-yourself, it is my recommendation that you practice on a piece of polymer before you begin.
Question:
What do you think about having your airsoft guns and accessories (magazines) stippled?
Do you wish Airsoft GI to provide customers with a stippling service?
Although it does improve the grip and the quality of the hold of the handgun, aesthetically, i find that it looks to uneven to be appealing. And in a sport where 90% is looking cool and only 10% is shooting the opfor, I’d vote for the non-stippled handgun. If i were to carry my Glock into combat or as a duty pistol, I would probably consider doing this, but for airsoft, i’ll pass.