I like 3rd Generation handguns. I like them a lot. One item that never appealed to me on them was the grips.
They are suitable for use but never really felt all that comfortable to my hand.
Case in point - the Shorty Forty grip. As you know the Shorty Forty is based on a 6906 frame. So, 6906 grips will fit it. S&W only made the grips in the round-back version, not a flat-back.
Hogue makes a wood flat-back grip but the overall width is very block-like and way too big for my hand.
Taking (or borrowing) a page from CALREB, I purchased a set of 6906 grips and removed the rounded arch, making the grips essentially a flat-back. A definite improvement but still lacking in comfort. Not too mention that the backstrap was now smooth. The minuscule-checkering on the sides of the panels just wasn't cutting it.
I'd watched a few videos on YouTube about stippling grips. Some are very nice looking and other's...well. I thought it over and decided against undertaking that project.
In December of 2012 I bought a used 5904 - battle-scarred and nearly finish bare. The grips were scratched and dented and worn smooth in some areas. I called S&W and ordered a set of flat-backed grips and installed them. Nice but still the same problem I was having with the Shorty Forty grips. Not enough side panel checkering to suit my needs.
Browsing the forum I came across a photo of a Model 915 that had Robar's grips on it. I was intrigued. The texture and style looked just like what I wanted. Surely there was a way to nearly replicate that look and texture without stippling. I thought it out.
Here's the end result of my thinking.
S&W 5904 - Phalanx:
Perfect! Notice I experimented with the round-arch grips. The texture is extremely grippy without being soft or abrasive to my hands or clothing. It feels great and looks even better!
I was so taken by this project I did the Shorty Forty too.
S&W Shorty Forty - Windsucker:
...and since warmer weather is right around the corner and with it comes a change in my CCW handgun, I just had to modify the grips on Phaedra.
RIA 1911A1 Tactical CS - Phaedra:
All in all, the projects turned out nicely and now I have three unique grips that are customized for me. And all without using a soldering iron. *chuckle*