Grip Force Adaptor - The most valuable after market add on piece to any Glock

[JimSig]

Before I ordered the Grip Force Adaptor for my Glock, I hesitated for a while. In the advertisement literature, it is highlighted that the Grip Force Adaptor changes the Glock Grip angle to a 1911 style. That was an enough reason for me to hesitate ordering one because I was at ease with my Glock grip angle. I became so used to it (by virtue of training) that I somehow don’t want to go all over again with a new grip angle and train again. However, that Beaver tail option was constantly calling my name and reminding me that I badly need it as my big fat hand get rail tracks every time I am tempted to have a high grip on my Glock for better controllability. Eventually, I gave it a shot and ordered one from the designer website: http://shop.gripforceproducts.com

I received my grip force adapter this past Saturday on 3/19/2011.. I installed it that evening on a G22 and WOW.. What a difference.. I was extremely satisfied and could notice the difference in my wrist enhanced stabilization by just pointing and dry firing that I decided to order another one for my Glock 17. The next day Sunday morning I went to the range and put 100 rds thru my G22 with the Grip Force adaptor. The intention was to test some of my reloads and at the same time to test the Grip Force adaptor. Later in the day, I shot a steel plate practice match, and my performance was better than any other time.

This is by far the most valuable after market add on piece to any Glock.. The company that designed and manufactured it did an excellent job on the design, the fit and finish and the quality.. They really had it all right.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6063/gfa4w.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/i/gfa4w.jpg/)

Here are some observation points on the function of the GFA as I have concluded from pointing and dry firing as well as from shooting 100 rounds during my reloads testing and the steel plate practice. I am not an expert by any means, just an enthusiast shooter, and I occasionally shoot IDPA as well:

1) The effect of the GFA on the Glock grip angle is minimal and marginal.. This is important to highlight for Glock fans who are big on the Glock Tactical grip angle.. As a matter of fact, I was hesitant at the beginning to try it out because of this very advertised point. The GFA in all practical sense does not change the Glock grip angle, and this is a very positive point indeed.


http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3003/gfa1.jpg (http://img848.imageshack.us/i/gfa1.jpg/)

2) The GFA balances out the curved shape of the back grip surface providing more material to enhance the contact with the web of the hand thus allowing for more control of the grip and more wrist stabilization.. This enhanced contact mechanism balances the forces exerted by the holding fingers of the strong hand and the back of the palm in a fore-after fashion. Such balance in the palm and holding fingers muscles allow the index finger to work freely and control the trigger in the most correct motion… Again this is my personal interpretation. I might be using the wrong terminology, but it just feels right and that your wrist is like concrete.

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/7097/gfa3.jpg (http://img859.imageshack.us/i/gfa3.jpg/)

3) The beaver tail plays three roles: a) First it acts as a reference point for consistent grip and draw (indexing), b) Second, it allows the shooter to hold the grip at the highest point possible (i.e. as close as possible to the bore axis) thus minimizing any overturning moment for better muzzle flip control without the hazard of slide tracks on the web of the holding hand; and c) the beaver tail acts as a small cantilever beam (overhang) transferring passive pressure from the hand web to stabilize and control the gun in-plane rotation for additional muzzle flip control.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6299/gfa2.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/i/gfa2.jpg/)

These are my personal observations.. And I have the record to prove it.. I shot a steel plate practice match on Sunday, and this was only the first time ever using the GFA, and my score was better by one second (Average time dropped from 5.5 s to 4.53 s).. that is almost a 20% improvement in performance. That front sight was almost in the same place with minimal vertical movement every time I fired a round making subsequent shots and target acquisition faster and easier to follow...

I really felt that such a genuine design deserves an honest review.

----------------------------------------------- edited for adding extra video links on installation -------------------
Here is an update to some links on the manufacturer website for installation

GEN 123 Glocks using regular installation: :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU9fQQQwmyw

GEN 4 Glocks using regular installation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFlTj0Uk5g

Special (Semi permanent) installation - Personally I found that this is not necessary since the regular pin installation is robust and reliable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8N1vvqIuwY

------------- Edited to add pictures as requested by Batman --------------------
Here you go.. Help these pictures help:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7148/gfa5.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/gfa5.jpg/)

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/9818/gfa6.jpg (http://img847.imageshack.us/i/gfa6.jpg/)

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/7555/gfa7.jpg (http://img809.imageshack.us/i/gfa7.jpg/)

[Billetproof]

Very informative and very well written.
Thank You!:thup:

[agroomes1]

Great review! For 27 bucks it might be worth checking out. Thanks.

[akrapovic]

Very nice write up

[turbolag23]

i've been thinking of giving one of these a try to improve my grip. may have to give it a try now.

[TomE]

I would imagine that this GFA will put the aftermarket beavertail service industry on notice

[JimSig]

i've been thinking of giving one of these a try to improve my grip. may have to give it a try now.

Definitely recommended.. you won't regret it..

[miked]

Good writeup.

I tried one as well after reading the last thread on them. I was waiting to get more range time with it before I wrote something up and you beat me to it.

I installed mine on a G19 and have no complaints. Once mounted it seems very solid (I did not use any additional adhesive).

I know it's not for everyone but I would definitely recommend it.

[JimSig]

I would imagine that this GFA will put the aftermarket beavertail service industry on notice

It is an open market.. And may the best product win .. :score:

Seriously, this product was really thought, planned and very well executed. It is definitely worth to give it a try..

[Batman]

Do you have to buy the glue seperate? Do you have to buy their glue? What else would work?

Great Review!

:batman:

[JimSig]

Do you have to buy the glue seperate? Do you have to buy their glue? What else would work?

Great Review!

:batman:

No glue or adhesive is needed.. It is an add on piece that utilizes the Trigger housing pin for support. The GRIP FORCE ADAPTOR comes with a longer trigger housing pin to replace the shorter one in the installation. i appologize that I skipped much of the details on the installation because I assumed that people who are interested will visit the posted website and learn more about the product. i limited my review to the way I felt the add on Grip Force Adaptor contributed to my performance enhancement (shooting-wise ;)..

I will update my post with extra links on the product and installation videos from the manufacturer website.

[Batman]

Ii appologize that I skipped much of the details on the installation because I assumed that people who are interested will visit the posted website and learn more about the product.....I will update my post with extra links on the product and installation videos from the manufacturer website.No appologie needed! However I did visit the product web site and didn't see any information on installation except for the link to their glue. Naturally I had to ask!

Now I see the YouTube links and I'm good to go.

[Buzzcat]

Nice review JimSig!

Regarding the housing pin, do you get the impression it's in there to stay or is there a possibility it'll start drifting over time?

From your pics, it almost looks more like a button than a pin.

[JimSig]

Nice review JimSig!

Regarding the housing pin, do you get the impression it's in there to stay or is there a possibility it'll start drifting over time?

From your pics, it almost looks more like a button than a pin.

First impression answer, looks like it is there to stay.. the fit and finish is really outstanding.. I'll be shooting an IDPA match this Saturday, so i will post an update on how the setup holds up- -but I am not expecting anything wrong to happen.. The fit is really tight, if you see the installation video, the pin simply doesn't just go thru. You have to install it almost partially then you have to index the first hole then wrap the Grip Force adaptor around the back of the grip to click over the other side. There is bearing load between the pin and the adaptor. Besides the pin that comes with it is of a slightly larger diameter than the Glock pin to hold tight.. it really looks like these guys did their homework right.

[Buzzcat]

You have to install it almost partially then you have to index the first hole then wrap the Grip Force adaptor around the back of the grip to click over the other side.

Thanks for the info... but that creates question 2. You say "wrap it around", is it soft plastic? Looks like a hard plastic piece to me.

Just inquisitive, thanks for your help.

[JimSig]

Thanks for the info... but that creates question 2. You say "wrap it around", is it soft plastic? Looks like a hard plastic piece to me.

Just inquisitive, thanks for your help.

No no no.. LOL.. it is hard plastic.. I might have miss-expressed myself.. you have to "turn it around" - best way is really to watch the installation video.. here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU9fQQQwmyw

[Batman]

JinSig, can you post a pic of it off the gun? I'm wondering what the inside of it looks like and how it conforms to the pattern on the Glock grip.

Thanks,

[RSF]

they work great and were developed by some of the best in the industry

[Rusty]

The GFA is the heat for anyone who resonates with the Glock operating system and reliability, but shoots better with 1911-style ergonomics. It is not only for those with large paws. It works great for medium size hands as well. For those using a proper high thumbs forward grip, you will like the added support in the "V" between thumb and index finger. It also puts the trigger on the pad of the index finger, rather than the first joint, for improved trigger control.

Other than aftermarket sights, this is the best $27 I have ever spent on a Glock accessory.

[JimSig]

JinSig, can you post a pic of it off the gun? I'm wondering what the inside of it looks like and how it conforms to the pattern on the Glock grip.

Thanks,

Here you go.. Help these pictures help:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7148/gfa5.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/gfa5.jpg/)

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/9818/gfa6.jpg (http://img847.imageshack.us/i/gfa6.jpg/)

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/7555/gfa7.jpg (http://img809.imageshack.us/i/gfa7.jpg/)

[JimSig]

The GFA is the heat for anyone who resonates with the Glock operating system and reliability, but shoots better with 1911-style ergonomics. It is not only for those with large paws. It works great for medium size hands as well. For those using a proper high thumbs forward grip, you will like the added support in the "V" between thumb and index finger. It also puts the trigger on the pad of the index finger, rather than the first joint, for improved trigger control.

Other than aftermarket sights, this is the best $27 I have ever spent on a Glock accessory.

For someone who joined MGO in 2008 and had only 4 posts. To have the 4th post on the Grip Force adaptor means alot... :) Rusty is absolutely right on this comment.. :thumbup:

[Batman]

Well, you've sold me. I ordered one to try out. Thanks for the pics. I inside is very aggressive so now I see how it matches up with the Glock grip pattern. Locks right in.

Excellent information.

Again thanks for the post. This is exactly the type of information I envisioned in this product review forum!!:salute:

[thatguy423]

I just installed one on my G19 today.. My first impression is that I like it...A lot.. I will go shoot it tomorrow and post a review soon.

[JimSig]

I just installed one on my G19 today.. My first impression is that I like it...A lot.. I will go shoot it tomorrow and post a review soon.


Wait till you shoot a rapid fire string.. you will love it.. :-D

[JimSig]

Here is an update on the effect of GFA on IDPA division.. BAsically there is none according to this email I got from an IDPA official..


========================= QUOTING =========================

As long as the product is only attached via the pin and not permanently glued on the frame or the frame permanently altered, this product would be legal for SSP.

Robert Ray
International Defensive Pistol Association
2232 County Road 719
Berryville, AR 71616
870-545-3886

[HemiChallenger]

nevermind

[JimSig]

nevermind

What was the question..

[steelhdgreg]

I just ordered a couple for my 17 and 19. Looking forward to getting them and then heading to the range!

[michiganfan]

When I read this I was a "Doubting Thomas" , but I ordered one for my 19. Went to the range today and as JimSig said WOW. Did everything he said it would do. I would recommend this to anyone who owns a Glock.

[JimSig]

When I read this I was a "Doubting Thomas" , but I ordered one for my 19. Went to the range today and as JimSig said WOW. Did everything he said it would do. I would recommend this to anyone who owns a Glock.

told ya .. :banana:

glad to know you like it.. now I have the GFA on all my glocks..

[malignity]

Looks nice. Do they fit compact glocks? IE, glock 19 and 23? I'm considering one for my G23... not sure if it'll work though or not. I have an early Gen 3, which I think may be a 2 pin design, not a 3 pin. (I have to double check, I don't remember off hand.)

Also curious if I could throw Talon glock grips over top without an issue. I imagine so. Talon Glock grips are amazing for Gen 3's... and I'm thinking both could make a nice difference; especially with my Ghost Tactical trigger. :)

[JimSig]

Looks nice. Do they fit compact glocks? IE, glock 19 and 23? I'm considering one for my G23... not sure if it'll work though or not. I have an early Gen 3, which I think may be a 2 pin design, not a 3 pin. (I have to double check, I don't remember off hand.)

Also curious if I could throw Talon glock grips over top without an issue. I imagine so. Talon Glock grips are amazing for Gen 3's... and I'm thinking both could make a nice difference; especially with my Ghost Tactical trigger. :)

yes they do fit on Glock 19/23 as is. I have one on my Glock 19.

the GFA GEN3 fits glocks gen 1-3. The 2 vs 3 pin designs are not an issue. they all have one pin for the trigger housing in the grip. The difference is 1 pin vs 2 pins in the frame in the vicinity of the slide release which has nothing to do with the GFA.

You can apply any tape of your choice after you install the GFA - no problem.

[malignity]

Awesome. I think I might order one then. :)