Which one is right for you? TALON Grips vs. Stippling.
Nobody is going to debate that every shooter out there benefits from having a better grip. I mean it is simple math right? More traction = better grip = better shooting. The question becomes how do you improve your grip? There are a number of techniques that you can use to improve your grip. In Step 5 of this Free eBook, we talk about accuracy as it relates to the way that we grip the handgun. The article explains the High Grip with Thumbs Forward technique. The article goes on discussing Tightness, One-Handed shooting and Breathe. These are all crucial things that can be improved with practice.
Practice alone, cannot fix a slippery grip. So what are your options?
TALON Grips are a stick-on gun grip that changes the texture of your gun improving your grip. Benefits of TALON Grips include:
- They are quick and easy to install (5-10 minutes)
- They allow you to reposition the grip several times without affecting the grip, so if you make a mistake, you can correct it.
- They can be removed at any time returning the pistol to factory condition.
- They are affordable at $19.99 each.
- They do not affect the gun manufacturer’s warranty.
- They can easily be changed/replaced when the time comes.
- They are made in the USA
- They provide maximum coverage giving extra traction to most of your firearm
- The thin material (only .5mm thick) does not change the overall size of the grip
Stippling is an alternative to TALON Grips. It’s another popular way to improve the slippery factor of your gun. First, here are some considerations with stippling:
- A good stipple job will cost anywhere from $85-150+
- Time, yes, you can buy a soldering iron for $15 and stipple multiple guns, but doing a great job takes practice, patience, and hours.
- Stippling has little room for error. If you make a mistake with an unsteady hand, it will be there for the life of the frame.
- You will probably void your manufacturer’s warranty
- It can be gross to find all of the dead skin stuck in the stippling, but a quick brush and a bit of elbow grease can fix that.
- The texturing can wear down over time and you have to re-stipple to bring back the aggressiveness.
Stippling can be great! It is an effective way to get more texture on your gun so you can shoot better. It is a great way to customize your handgun (if you have the skills and time). Stipple jobs can look super cool and provide great traction.
So if you think through the considerations above and have the skills and time, stipple your gun! If you want a cheaper, quicker and easier alternative buy TALON Grips. Either way, a better grip is going to help improve your performance.
Up from the holster to the meet and greet with the non-strong hand to pushing out to the intended target, I believe there can be no doubt it truly is in the purchase grasp of your handgun that determines your shooting proficiency! Not a more convincing argument could be made for TALON Grips! Good article! All my handguns have TALON Grips.
I put ’em on all my plastic firearms just to preserve the wear on the plastic ’cause once the frame is gone on them, they’re gone. Wait…….that applies to everything we touch, including all metal firearms….Now I’m beginning to panic and sweat about all the wear I’m instituting on the stable. What to do……………….and additionally, covering up the OEM styling of the pistol detracts from the very thing it was purchased for in the first place. What to do, what to do.
Stippling is also a negative if you ever decide to resell the gun. Not everyone likes it, and most shooters have their own individual taste on what texture feels best in the hand. At least with Talon’s you can remove and replace at any time.
Love my Talon grips, I have them on all 3 of my pistols they are especially good if my hands are sweating.
For those of us, my age, we remember when guns were primarily metal. Including their frames. In those days it was checkering. Fer few owners had either the patience or skill to do it. And it to was expensive. Most “plastic” frames now have some sort of enhancement to their grips. The question comes from what purpose you gun is for. Self Defense or Competition. Some owners do both with the same pistol but most don’t. When you modify one for competition maximizing your feel on grip is a good thing. To permanently altering your grip by stippling you better know exactly what works best for you. With Talon you can experiment with different styles without voiding your warranty and effecting the value. It gives you options. Like if you decide you prefer a different backstrap or texture of the grip. For a daily carry one, I do not want one that rubs me raw. For comp, it is worth it. Especially if you have to compete in the rain. Of all the “mods” to a Glock Talon is one of the least expensive and easiest to do. I have some form on all five of mine but not the same style. Before committing to a permanent.change try them all. They work for me.
Talon grips are on all my yeti ramblers,mugs, and colsters. Would not have any drink ware without Talon grips on bottom. Don’t have to worry about it sliding or scratching you tables. Stick to your guns and drink ware. Try them you will love them.