To Stipple or Not to Stipple...

[jhawk19]

I've just completely upgraded my M&P 9mm...

- Apex Tactical CompAEK Trigger Kit
- Apex Tactical Metal AEK Trigger
- Apex Tactical RAM
- Smith & Wesson 4.95" Threaded Barrel
- 21st Century Gunfighter "Costa Catalyst"
- SSS Stainless, 1-piece Non-captured Guide Rod w/Spring
- Ameriglo Plain Black Suppressor Sights
- Titanium Cerakoted Slide
- Milled Dovetail for Red Dot Sight
- Side Serrations
- Half Top Serrations
- Trijicon RM02

Now, my question...do I stipple or leave "as-is"?

 

[BluGrass]

I've just completely upgraded my M&P 9mm...

- Apex Tactical CompAEK Trigger Kit
- Apex Tactical Metal AEK Trigger
- Apex Tactical RAM
- Smith & Wesson 4.95" Threaded Barrel
- 21st Century Gunfighter "Costa Catalyst"
- SSS Stainless, 1-piece Non-captured Guide Rod w/Spring
- Ameriglo Plain Black Suppressor Sights
- Titanium Cerakoted Slide
- Milled Dovetail for Red Dot Sight
- Side Serrations
- Half Top Serrations
- Trijicon RM02

Now, my question...do I stipple or leave "as-is"?

Stipple. "As is" has gone out the window![emoji1] Very nice btw. I've been thinking about the polymer or metal trigger. How do you like it so far? Already have the duty/carry AEK kit.

 

[Derosa]

Stipple an M&P? Sounds similiar to acne on a teenager. We all are judges.

 

[Mushki]

If you want it go ahead. At this point your all in anyways. Very fine gun btw.

 

[Rastoff]

Stippling is a one way ticket. If you don't like it, you're screwed. So, I recommend getting just the back-strap stippled first. That can easily be replaced.

Here is what I went with:

I really like the way this looks, but it is aggressive. For a normal range day it's great. However, for a class where I'll shoot 700 rounds over a 4 day period, it's a little too aggressive. If I had done the frame as well I wouldn't be happy. So, be sure you'll get what you want before you do the frame.

 

[RobzGuns]

What??? No Dingle-Balls and Fuzzy Dice???

 

[S&W Fan]

Stippling is a one way ticket. If you don't like it, you're screwed. So, I recommend getting just the back-strap stippled first. That can easily be replaced.

Here is what I went with:

I really like the way this looks, but it is aggressive. For a normal range day it's great. However, for a class where I'll shoot 700 rounds over a 4 day period, it's a little too aggressive. If I had done the frame as well I wouldn't be happy. So, be sure you'll get what you want before you do the frame.

I agree with this philosophy. One of our members offers fantastic back straps-had one on my Compact, just ordered 2 for my full size. I like the way the more aggressive backstrap locks the pistol into my hand. I also found I don't feel the need for further stippling on the rest of the grip.....but that's just me.

 

[Peakes]

Love the job A2 does, another set on the way for another Full size. Going back to factory is a breeze also. Way more grip and not alot of overkill on the skin. Great looking M&P by the way!

 

[TTSH]

It's kinda like getting a tattoo. You better know for sure that you're going to like it or else.

 

[jhawk19]

Love the job A2 does, another set on the way for another Full size. Going back to factory is a breeze also. Way more grip and not alot of overkill on the skin. Great looking M&P by the way!

Thanks Gentlemen. Who is A2 and how do I contact him?

 

[dajogejr]

These guys...I'm guessing?

A2 Stippling - Home

 

[PAFMAN3]

Stippling is a one way ticket. If you don't like it, you're screwed. So, I recommend getting just the back-strap stippled first. That can easily be replaced.
.

I agree +1

 

[jhawk19]

Oh, yes. I am familiar with him. I thought he had closed up shop because he was deployed. I can do my own stippling. Some of my work is below. Pretty generic. I just wasn't sure if it would look alright or if it'd be going "overboard". Maybe I already have.

I like stippling, but if you're shooting all day or training with it and not using gloves, stippling can hurt and rub your fingers raw.

 

[S&W Fan]

Yes, Aaron is deployed but is still able to do the backstraps, I just communicated with him 2 days ago and ordered my backstraps from him. It might take a couple of weeks to get them but I can handle that.

 

[scarolina360]

I just dropped my backstrap, magazine base plates and the pin off to a local guy for stippling. I will have them back tomorrow.

A friend of mine had his whole grip done and while it gripped well I can see a long day at the range ending with raw hands like others have stated. There for I am going with just the back straps and mag base plates for now.

 

[mrwintr]

Like one person pointed out, if you stipple it your stuck with it. I would first order some Talon grips in rubber, or the more aggressive sand texture. The Talon grips are about $17.00and it is a easy way to see if that is enough grip for you. If they don't cut it then you can decide on the permanent stippling.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

You've already sunk a lot of $$$$ into a plastic gun, stippling can't hurt you down the road much worse at this point.

 

[bolewine]

You should take a look at Talon grips. I use the sandpaper ones on my comp. gun and love them!

 

[Smith357]

I often imagine 50 to 100 years years from now, some M&P collectors will griping about all these hacked up non-original guns.

 

[Harkrader]

To tattoo or not to tattoo, BAH, what a question!

tat2dchad on the forum, of Needle Freaks Tattoo, stippled mine and did a nice tattoo of a caduceus for me. I like the difference the stippling makes in the feel of it for my hand.
I like it and would do it again.
I posted pix of it on the forum, but have no clue how to find them.

 

[Woodman90]

How is the grip for you? Do you plan to keep the gun or sell down the road? I'm guessing you plan to keep with all the slide work done. If you have trouble with the grip or feel like you need some texture to grip it better, stippling may be a good option. As others have stated you could always start with the backstrap as that can be replaced. The frame on the other hand isn't as easily replaced. If you decide to stipple I would spend the money and get someone really good to do the work, that way your less likely to be unhappy with the results. Diversified Firearms Concepts, Boresight Solutions, or Salient Arms Int. would be the top choices, but be ready to pay for it.

 

[Rastoff]

I often imagine 50 to 100 years years from now, some M&P collectors will griping about all these hacked up non-original guns.

I bet 100 years from now no one will care about plastic framed guns.

 

[KertP]

Try Talon grips. They come either as "granulate" (i.e. sandpaper) or "rubber" textures. I tried the granulate and think they are the cat's meow. I thought they might be too aggressive, and Talon gives instructions to reduce their aggressiveness by using 120 grit sandpaper, however, I have found them to be perfect. If the sandpaper texture is too much for you, then you can always go with the rubber texture. Either way, it is a cheaper, and reversible, way to get the extra grip on your M&P frame.

 

[TexasLonghorn]

Who did the titanium finish? I just picked up my first M&P9 after selling my Glock and I'm looking to have the same thing done to mine.

 

[dannybot]

https://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=8000177F-1388518377

It's like board tape, you'll be able to grip with dirty, oily or sweaty hands without worry of dropping the gun. Comes in a three pack and you can remove it.

 

[Chadwick99]

I've never owned an M&P until I purchased my Shield over a year ago and first thing I noticed upon my first range trip was how slippery the grip felt while shooting. First thing I did was walk out of the range and find a local guy who could stipple the grip and dropped it off that same day. I've never stippled any of my other guns before and I never had any intention of doing any mods at all to it. I'm extremely glad I did it now that it's done and I couldn't imagine it any other way. Your M&P shown is AWESOME and I say go for it at this point. I don't think you will regret it as long as it it done professionally and doesn't look like some one did it with poor quality control.

 

[PCnotPC]

If you ever want or need to sell this pistol you may already be facing a difficult sale due to the modifications you have already done, so you may as well go all-in and stipple it the way you want it.

 

[Peakes]

Just plain more functional and dresses em up!

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

I find it's all to easy to to be overdone and become unpleasant to shoot after a couple of magazines. It's all preference though... and how soft the skin on your hands is.

 

[getoff]

go big or go home! all my (gasp!) glocks get it. i remove finger grooves, under cut the trigger guard, and stipple the front of the grip. i have done several for myself and a bunch for friends. be sure as once you start, its a one way ride...