I was going to write-up a "how to" thread, on this after I finished...but it proved to be super easy.
I picked up a soldering iron, then ran some test patterns on an old magazine which is worn out and destined for the trash can.
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1256416065
I tested out different tips, to try some different patterns, then felt the traction on the different patterns from different angles...then picked the one that provided the best traction while looking half-way decent.
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1256416235
Here it is...only took about 90 mins, including running to the sink to put some cold water on a burn, once. :o
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1256416158
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1256416389
Easy stuff for someone who wants a little more traction on their grip. It feels like it enlarged the grip a hair, so I might have to adjust my grip some.... but it provides a lot better traction.
I had been using the Decal Grip before, with the sandpaper finish...and it was starting to peel away and break off...so I decided it was time for a permanent solution. After I did the mag-well cuts a few years ago...I've been in ESP with that for IDPA anyway...so stippling didn't hurt me there. This will move a SSP pistol into ESP, for those of you who shoot IDPA, or plan to.
I may sand down the side which rides against my body in an IWB holster, but I can always do that later. I tried to pick a traction pattern which allows my grip to ride up higher into the gun, but not back down. Kinda like Ed Browns Snakeskin pattern. I left the beavertail area clean, so I can push up into it high without tearing my skin up.
It's no beauty queen, but that's not why I picked this pistol and use it, and the first place. I'm sure some of the shops out there which charge to do this for you deliver a sharper looking finish...but for me, this does what it needs to.
It was quite easy to do. Anyone hesitant to do it, should try it out on a magazine first...then see how they feel about it. I thought it was a walk in the park.
Enjoy.