SD9VE grip variation

[dsk]

I recently picked up a used SD9VE in excellent shape, HEW prefix. I have only one complaint about it, and it's that the "checkering" (if you can call it that) on the front and back strap is very dull and provides very little traction. Yesterday I looked at a brand-new one (XFX prefix if I recall correctly), and while the frame looks basically the same I noticed the plastic is more of a matte finish than mine plus the checkering is noticeably sharper, not visually but it definitely feels better than on mine. Has anyone else noticed this sort of thing? Did mine come out of a worn mold, or perhaps the plastic has begun to shrink slightly with age? Aside from that I have no serious complaints bout this pistol, but now I'm trying to find some way to improve traction on the grip without bulking it up with tape or a grip sleeve.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

The new sharper checkering was introduced around Dec 15/Jan 16. For the older dull checkering, I like to stipple with a soldering iron and make my own side panels for the sides out of non skid tape.

 

[dsk]

Thanks, so apparently there is indeed a difference. I assume either the old molds wore out or S&W was addressing some complaints with the new ones. I'm going to try some pieces of grip tape first, otherwise I might try to chase the checkering with a needle file to see if I can make it a little sharper/deeper.

 

[ou1954]

I don't seem to have any problem. What am I missing?

 

[dsk]

If the grip isn't slipping in your hands then you don't have a problem. When I grip my SD9VE it feels like it wants to shift around in my hand due to lack of traction at the rear. Everybody's hands are different.

 

[RJJ 1971]

The new sharper checkering was introduced around Dec 15/Jan 16. For the older dull checkering, I like to stipple with a soldering iron and make my own side panels for the sides out of non skid tape.

Plus one on voting for the soldering gun and stippling it.
Best thing I ever learned off YouTube.

 

[The Nothing]

-1 for stippling. I'm left with a $300 paper weight since stippling voids S&Ws warranty

 

[martybee]

-1 for stippling. I'm left with a $300 paper weight since stippling voids S&Ws warranty

I agree! If you need more traction, use some skateboard tape.
You can remove it for Warranty purposes.

mb

 

[Valorian]

If the grip isn't slipping in your hands then you don't have a problem. When I grip my SD9VE it feels like it wants to shift around in my hand due to lack of traction at the rear. Everybody's hands are different.

My gun was slipping as well. I decided on some talon grips. Best decision I could have made.

 

[indie_rocker]

I wrapped the grips on my old style SD9VE with a self sealing silicone tape. It has been more durable than I thought, lasted a couple years now. There is no adhesive to clean up if you don't like the outcome. It's tacky to the touch. To clean it up wipe it down rubbing alcohol and it's super tacky again. I've sent it in to S&W for warranty work with the tape on it and received it back in the same condition.

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