KSD grip durability?

Brooklynite · Mar 17, 2017

I'm planning on ordering a set of 3rd gen KSD grips, but the wood seems pretty thin, which could be an issue since the grips also help keep the hammer spring in place.

I was wondering if anybody has had an issue with their grips being damaged under recoil? being dropped? etc...

The pistol I'm planning on putting them on is used at the range and I'd like better fitting grips for target shooting, but it's also my nightstand pistol, so something that would affect the gun's durability might be a problem.

jsbethel · Mar 17, 2017

Brooklynite said:
I'm planning on ordering a set of 3rd gen KSD grips, but the wood seems pretty thin, which could be an issue since the grips also help keep the hammer spring in place.

The mainspring is kept in place by a plastic block much like Hogue grips.

Brooklynite · Mar 17, 2017

jsbethel said:
The mainspring is kept in place by a plastic block much like Hogue grips.

Thanks, good to know. I've only used the factory plastic grips.

0849 · Mar 17, 2017

Brooklynite said:
I'm planning on ordering a set of 3rd gen KSD grips, but the wood seems pretty thin, which could be an issue since the grips also help keep the hammer spring in place.

I was wondering if anybody has had an issue with their grips being damaged under recoil? being dropped? etc...

The pistol I'm planning on putting them on is used at the range and I'd like better fitting grips for target shooting, but it's also my nightstand pistol, so something that would affect the gun's durability might be a problem.

I do not have any long term experience with the KSDs, but have been using Hogues for years on my 3rd gen 3913 and CS9 and the retention for the spring on the Hogues is extremely secure; the general concept for the plastic block retainer arrangement for the KSDs does look somewhat similar to the Hogues, certainly only time will tell though.

former-NY Brooklynite

nocents · Mar 17, 2017

I put some on my 3913 ccw....look good but durability is suspect...never been dropped...hairline cracks developed below each grip pin hole and another on the backstrap....before you say it got treated rough...almost the same cracks appeared on a 3913 safe queen that I put another set on....in all fairness the grip pin hole cracks were probably my fault for not prepping the pin enough...but that area below the hole is minimal at best and a VERY weak point.....disappointing too because they look and feel great..................................................................................

Daedalus-NC · Mar 17, 2017

I just ordered a set of KSM grips and waiting delivery, so I have no hands on knowledge.

Question, could the area below the grip pin be reinforced with epoxy or something on the inside so it does not show? Maybe this could prevent the crack from getting started.

StakeOut · Mar 17, 2017

They are great looking grips and that complement is coming from a guy that put's only factory wood on his 1995 and older guns.

Oh,my 59 has original black plastic.

TTSH · Mar 17, 2017

As pretty as they are, I sincerely doubt that glued-together wood grips are going to stand-up to regular use as well as S&W Xenoy or Hogue rubber grips.

03Fatboy · Mar 17, 2017

I bought a pair initially and sold them off on the boards shortly after. They didn't appeal to me like many and durability I would suspect is an issue should you damage them. They are very thin and in my opinion fragile relative to impact that may be encountered from carrying. My first pair cracked installing only the grip pin. They sent sent me another, and I didn't even bother installing them. I sent the cracked pair back btw. Believe me, I wanted them and really like the look of them but my experience turned me off.

loeman · Mar 17, 2017

When I first heard of KSD grips 6, 9, 12 months ago, I can't remember, I was hot to order. I'm glad I waited to hear about some practical experience. Keep your comments coming. BTW the grips appear to be beautiful.

nocents · Mar 17, 2017

hindsight being 20/20 I wouldn't buy anymore for 3rd. gens.....but speculate that 2 piece wood panels held on by machine screws like on Sigs (which I am quite sure is the way God intended them to be held on) would be more problem free IMO

........P.S....Sigs and 2nd. gens

Brooklynite · Mar 18, 2017

Thanks for the feedback. It is disappointing, but not too surprising.

I still might pick one up in case my pistol gets relegated to range use only.
There are no other options for a thicker 3906 grip that I know of. Might have to go with one of those ugly grip sleeves.

SVT28 · Mar 18, 2017

I've had my CS40/CS45 grips from KSD for about 6 months now and I have zero complaints. They have been taken off and reinstalled multiple times with no issues. They currently reside on my recently acquired CS45D.

Note: I did drop my CS40 with these grips and the gun hit the ground grips first. Other than a very very very small indention, there was no other damage to my firearm or grips. Also, I've shot a LOT of 40 when these were on the CS40 and again, no issues.

SVT28

duncan · Mar 18, 2017

03Fatboy said:
I bought a pair initially and sold them off on the boards shortly after. They didn't appeal to me like many and durability I would suspect is an issue should you damage them. They are very thin and in my opinion fragile relative to impact that may be encountered from carrying. My first pair cracked installing only the grip pin. They sent sent me another, and I didn't even bother installing them. I sent the cracked pair back btw. Believe me, I wanted them and really like the look of them but my experience turned me off.

Must depend on the brand of gun the grips were made for. I ordered a walnut set for my Sig P220 Stainless. They look great on the gun and were of high quality.

Problem is that they were thick and had palms swells. On a P220 most people don't want thicker grips. So they are off the P220 in my parts drawer.

Reminder, it will take 2-3 months to get the grips if they come from KSD in Turkey.

Daedalus-NC · Mar 18, 2017

I ordered mine through Amazon this week. From order to delivery from Turkey took four days via DHL!

Brooklynite · Mar 19, 2017

SVT28 said:
I've had my CS40/CS45 grips from KSD for about 6 months now and I have zero complaints. They have been taken off and reinstalled multiple times with no issues. They currently reside on my recently acquired CS45D.

Note: I did drop my CS40 with these grips and the gun hit the ground grips first. Other than a very very very small indention, there was no other damage to my firearm or grips. Also, I've shot a LOT of 40 when these were on the CS40 and again, no issues.

SVT28

The location of the hole for the screw in the CS40 & CS45 looks like it's in a spot much more conducive to these type of grips.
If the KSD grips were all secured that way (like the wooden 3rd gen hogue grips) I think that would be a good thing.

As was mentioned earlier, the hole for the pin is cut in the same spot as the factory grips, and leaves very little wood between the hole and the edge...

Like on Nocent's 3913:

Hogue for comparison:

I'll probably still pick up some KSD target grips and just use my revolver for HD.

They look great, and the flat sides of the thin 3906 grip leave way too much empty space between my hand and the grip while shooting.

KSD grip durability?

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