Grip Mods and Treatment
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2020 9:36 pm
A while back someone asked about grip finishes. Several suggestions were made and each probably will work well. Here's my take:
I bought a new FWB P8x about 9 months ago. I have a thick palm and short fingers and from experience I knew I would need to modify the grip to get the most out of it. I bought a second grip (not modified at all) just in case I messed up, and to make resell possible. Many shooters don't care what the thing looks like if it shoots well, but I know that with patience and the right tools and materials, you can retain the $2000 looks. Most of the mods are "subtractive" , i.e., grind away; where I needed to add, I create an epoxy mix of 30 min. epoxy and walnut dust. The dust is made of wood rasp shavings taken off a 1' length of walnut acquired at a lumber store for about $5.00 (and lasts a lifetime.) The mix is about 4-5 parts shavings to 1 part epoxy. The texture is generated with a Dremel tool and very small micro router bits.
To the point of finish: I am sold on a woodworkers product called "Howard's Feed-N-Wax. It is composed of beeswax and orange oil. First coat over bare wood is applied with a toothbrush, and subsequent coats with a lint free rag. It cures non-oily, with a sheen and no buildup. It is cheap and because of how much you get, you can use it on cabinets, railings, and other household stuff.
The whole process is a hobby in itself so the time is not resented. It took about 5 hours over 3 days. The air pistol fits me precisely. I have done the same thing 3 times before, over the last 25 years and recognize a proper fit.
JE
Howard's Feed-N-Wax is on Amazon, but be careful you are looking at the good deals, not the overpriced examples (note the volumes).
I bought a new FWB P8x about 9 months ago. I have a thick palm and short fingers and from experience I knew I would need to modify the grip to get the most out of it. I bought a second grip (not modified at all) just in case I messed up, and to make resell possible. Many shooters don't care what the thing looks like if it shoots well, but I know that with patience and the right tools and materials, you can retain the $2000 looks. Most of the mods are "subtractive" , i.e., grind away; where I needed to add, I create an epoxy mix of 30 min. epoxy and walnut dust. The dust is made of wood rasp shavings taken off a 1' length of walnut acquired at a lumber store for about $5.00 (and lasts a lifetime.) The mix is about 4-5 parts shavings to 1 part epoxy. The texture is generated with a Dremel tool and very small micro router bits.
To the point of finish: I am sold on a woodworkers product called "Howard's Feed-N-Wax. It is composed of beeswax and orange oil. First coat over bare wood is applied with a toothbrush, and subsequent coats with a lint free rag. It cures non-oily, with a sheen and no buildup. It is cheap and because of how much you get, you can use it on cabinets, railings, and other household stuff.
The whole process is a hobby in itself so the time is not resented. It took about 5 hours over 3 days. The air pistol fits me precisely. I have done the same thing 3 times before, over the last 25 years and recognize a proper fit.
JE
Howard's Feed-N-Wax is on Amazon, but be careful you are looking at the good deals, not the overpriced examples (note the volumes).
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