Glock OEM G4/5 backstraps

[GJM]

The last few weeks, I got it in my mind that the medium OEM backstrap (no beaver tail) placed my hand in the optimal position to work the trigger on G4/5 pistols. Trigger aside, the medium backstrap made it harder for me to quickly reach the magazine release, and necessitated using a Pearce butt plug instead of the Glockmeister part I prefer. The combination of the Pearce part and backstrap also seriously reduced the ease for me to reload at speed.

Here are some pics of Gen 4 and 5 pistols.

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It turns out, my testing is showing the medium backstrap is a wash in trigger control, but my reloads really like no backstrap and the Glockmeister plug.

[StraitR]

I've shot Gen3 19's quite a bit, which was kind of my heyday of shooting, and remember the first time I held a Gen 4. Heaven. Adding girth to the grip does me no favors, so I don't even experiment with the backstraps. It's easy to see why the backstrap negatively affects your Gen5 reloads.

That Glockmeister plug fits REALLY nicely. Must have. Thanks for the pics.

[Gio]

I prefer the large backstrap. I sand all my Pearce plugs down to be more of a ramp like the Glockmeister.

[GJM]

I prefer the large backstrap. I sand all my Pearce plugs down to be more of a ramp like the Glockmeister.

That mod to the Pearce would help. Do you have to shift the pistol to reach the mag release with Large installed?

[MGW]

Have you tried cutting down a medium backstrap and still using the plug?

[Nephrology]

Interesting thread. I've found in slow fire hat I can do equally well with the med backstrap or no backstrap on the G17s; on the 19s I can't abide a backstrap.

When you factor in the drawstroke, I find I universally prefer the med backstrap on the 17, and definitely no backstrap on the 19. Something about the 17 w/o a backstrap causes me to invariably fuck up my drawstroke and I always end up pushing my rounds very low. I have no idea why.

I compared a Gen 3 17 RTF, a Gen 3 G19, a Gen 4 G19 w/o BS and a Gen 4 G17 w/ Med. BS at roughly 8x modified "the tests" each (hands to my side, holstered pistol, draw and engage NRA B8 with 10rds at 10y from static position at the buzzer, par time 10s). I found I shot the G4G19 best, followed by the G3G19, and the G17s were about equal. The difference between all 4 was ultimately very little. Its deep in my TJ somewhere, if that thing still exists...

[GJM]

I would be interested in seeing pictures of a Pearce sanded down, and someone who has cut an OEM backstrap so you can use the Glockmeister plug.

[JTQ]

Do you have to shift the pistol to reach the mag release with Large installed?
I used to think it was just me, but at around the 2:10 mark Shannon Smith says "there's basically no gun on the planet I can reach the mag release without shifting the gun in my hand."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfIaMB1TvLI



Edit to add: that video may be so old, it was before the Gen 4 was released with their big mag release button.

[Holmes375]

I cut the medium beavertail back strap down and use it as a grip angle adapter. I'm quite happy with the slight change and have done this on both my Glocks now. Obviously allows any grip plug. Gives me a nice placement on the trigger and doesn't reduce ability to access mag release, at least for my hands.

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[Holmes375]

One thing I neglected to mention was the medium non-beavertail backstrap usage. When I tried that one, effectively replicating the gen 3 standard frame, I was not able to access the mag release as easily as with the little chopped adapter. The latter changes the angle of my hand just enough (lowering the palm heel), to make mag release access friendlier to my range of thumb motion. The adapter fills the hollow with only an additional 2 mm but as we know small amounts of dimensional change can have noticeable impact on grip ergonomics. My hands are over 60 and my range of motion everywhere is not what it used to be.

I've also had a couple folks ask if the adapter might snag up on anything. Not in my experience. Its quite stiff and form fitted. It doesn't move or flex around at all. When I detail strip the hand gun for thorough cleaning it stays in place even with the plastic pin removed. When I initially made the adapter I thought I might have to cement it into place with a contact adhesive but I've found it unnecessary in practice.

I'm an old 1911 guy, came to Glocks late in the game. Only been using them about 5 or 6 years now. Hated 'em at first but adapted given their overall efficacy. The homemade adapter is not a requirement for me with a Glock but I do like mine better when fitted with one.

[peterb]

I would be interested in seeing pictures of a Pearce sanded down, and someone who has cut an OEM backstrap so you can use the Glockmeister plug.

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G19 gen4, medium blackstrap. Just light sanding, but it smoothed the step between the plug and the back of the grip housing.

I pinched my hand on my first reload and added the side cutouts, not realizing that any frame modification is illegal for Production in USPSA or GSSF. Oh well......

[peterb]

G19 gen4, medium blackstrap. Just light sanding, but it smoothed the step between the plug and the back of the grip housing.

Just to be clear -- I sanded the grip housing and the plug to smooth the step. A better approach might be to build up the plug with epoxy and then sand it down flush.

[RJ]

Cool thread. Not in the same league as you guys but I experimented with the beavertail/strap when I got my G19.5.

My size M hands ended up fitting fine without either. I also pretty much have break grip on reloads anyway, and I find it easier to grip firmly.

I added a Glockmeister plug early on GJMs recommendation, it seems to work well. After a few hundred rounds I was confident enough to put on a set of Talon Grips. Like it so far.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180211/cbc95b483aa702dd4d33303cd4c3cfce.jpg

[GJM]

Rich, I really like a Talon on slippery guns like a P99, HK45C or G43. However, it is a compromise, as I need to trim away a lot, to avoid slowing my draw. In my opinion, you have covered up the single best factory texture, that comes on G4/5 pistols.

[LSP552]

Rich, I really like a Talon on slippery guns like a P99, HK45C or G43. However, it is a compromise, as I need to trim away a lot, to avoid slowing my draw. In my opinion, you have covered up the single best factory texture, that comes on G4/5 pistols.

This^. My Gen 4s (don’t own any 5s) don’t get any grip treatment. My 2 and 3s either get Talon or 3M tape. I like a slim strip of 3M tread tape on the outside of the backstrap and front. I keep the tape away from my body side and this adds almost no bulk but anchors the pistol in my strong hand without adding any printing:catching stuff to the sides of the actual grip. Works great for carry guns.

[Doc_Glock]

$0.02. I generally like larger grips. I tried and preferred the large backstrap in a Gen 4 Gun. I found the pin that held it tended to walk, so I gave up on back straps on Glocks, and run them bare. I don’t notice it any more, but I am not an anyone’s level here and am a bit grip agnostic.

[Cool Breeze]

I cut the medium beavertail back strap down and use it as a grip angle adapter. I'm quite happy with the slight change and have done this on both my Glocks now. Obviously allows any grip plug. Gives me a nice placement on the trigger and doesn't reduce ability to access mag release, at least for my hands.

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23696I like what you have done here. Have you tried this vs. A grip force adaptor? I am wondering if this has the same effect but I don't know how much the added size of the GFA adds. Seems like a much easier solution than GFA as I have to do a lot of sanding on the sides of that thing to get those nubs off. I don't want or need a full beavertail and the size of yours looks perfect.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

[RJ]

Rich, I really like a Talon on slippery guns like a P99, HK45C or G43. However, it is a compromise, as I need to trim away a lot, to avoid slowing my draw. In my opinion, you have covered up the single best factory texture, that comes on G4/5 pistols.

Yeah, no worries. I quite like it, my self.

Shot an 87-2X on a B8 at 25 yards 2 hand unsupported today, which for me is pretty near my best ever with my VP9 (91-1X). AND I managed to get 10 rounds all on the paper; a first for me lol.

I think the Talon rubber kind of ‘squishes’ in, just the right amount, for me. I did grip the snot out of it in that 25 yd string.

I think I’m set with the G19.5 now (finally!); just waiting on my SCD which will be shipping in a few weeks or so. As a ‘one gun’ solution, it’s really working out for me. For sure I’ll continue to evaluate it on draws. I’ve not been able to resume USPSA since we’ve been caught up in renovation Hell with the condo purchase, but hopefully “soon”. Plus I will be taking shooting segments at Tac Con in Little Rock next month, and of course Gabe’s Class which I’m scheduled to take in September in Lakeland.

And obviously if it doesn’t work out it peels right off. :cool:

[Holmes375]

I like what you have done here. Have you tried this vs. A grip force adaptor? I am wondering if this has the same effect but I don't know how much the added size of the GFA adds. Seems like a much easier solution than GFA as I have to do a lot of sanding on the sides of that thing to get those nubs off. I don't want or need a full beavertail and the size of yours looks perfect.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

I do have a GFA in my drawer of unused goodies that I bought for a gen 3 G32. Just dug it out and put the calipers to it. The back strap portion below the pin hole is approximately .100 thick including the nubs, thus slightly thicker than the modified OEM back strap. Without the nubs that measurement is .050. Moving up into the web curve above the pin hole the thickness remains at .100 and then increases slightly as it curves into the beavertail portion.

I find the modified OEM strap to be very nearly as effective in grip angle change as the GFA version but much more elegant (can one use that adjective when talking Glock?!) as it blends with the pistol quite nicely. I like beavertails on range guns and home defense tools but they get in my way for AIWB. I made the first one for my carry G19 sans the beavertail but I left the tail intact on my G17 strap as its my house gun.

The improved grip texture of the G4 G19 and the modified back strap grip adapter was a big hit with me and I sold my gen 3 G17 and replaced it with the gen 4 version so I could have them set up the same.

Hope this helps and happy sanding!

[Gio]

Here’s one of mine. I just ordered the aluminum plugs from ndz to try that look decent in pictures. I’m not sure if they are production legal for uspsa, it depends how much it weighs (has to be less than .5 oz).

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[MSparks909]

Yeah, no worries. I quite like it, my self.

Shot an 87-2X on a B8 at 25 yards 2 hand unsupported today, which for me is pretty near my best ever with my VP9 (91-1X). AND I managed to get 10 rounds all on the paper; a first for me lol.

I think the Talon rubber kind of ‘squishes’ in, just the right amount, for me. I did grip the snot out of it in that 25 yd string.

I think I’m set with the G19.5 now (finally!); just waiting on my SCD which will be shipping in a few weeks or so. As a ‘one gun’ solution, it’s really working out for me. For sure I’ll continue to evaluate it on draws. I’ve not been able to resume USPSA since we’ve been caught up in renovation Hell with the condo purchase, but hopefully “soon”. Plus I will be taking shooting segments at Tac Con in Little Rock next month, and of course Gabe’s Class which I’m scheduled to take in September in Lakeland.

And obviously if it doesn’t work out it peels right off. :cool:

Just add a 19X and throw a weapon light on it. Leave it the dedicated HD gun.

[RJ]

Just add a 19X and throw a weapon light on it. Leave it the dedicated HD gun.

If I won the lottery, a G17.5 for USPSA+HD would work pretty well for this also. :)