Converting wood ambidextrous grip to a match Grip

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How to convert a wood ambidextrous grip to a true target grip.

The reason I got involved in this project, is because I wanted to purchase a new FAS 6004 pistol with match grips, but they come in different sizes, and there is no dealer within a reasonable distance to try the different sizes, so I opted to buy one with the ambidextrous grip.

Step 1 Evaluate the grip as it came on the pistol. If there are any pinch points or other areas that are too tight or uncomfortable, file or sand it off until it is as good as you can make it.

Step 2 Visit your local Michael’s or another art or crafts store and buy one or two packages of SculpeyIII. This is polymer modeling clay that comes in many colors, is hardened in an oven at 275deg F, and is very cheap; about $2.50 a 2 oz package. I purchased three, but only ended up using one. The color does not matter much if you plan to paint the finished grip as I did.

Step 3 Mold a thumb rest, and bake it in an oven at 275 deg F for about 15 minutes. When I removed the grip from the oven, I found out that the Sculpey did not stick to the grip, it just fell off. No problem, after it cooled, I just glued it back in place using some E6000 adhesive, holding it with rubber bands. E6000 seems to stick to almost anything, and I use it for all kinds of projects.

Step 4 Mold a palm shelf, and bake it in the oven as above, but do not bake the grip.  After is has set and cooled, glue it in place. You can use wax paper to separate the clay from the grip as you mold it. I molded it with the grip vertical, and a sheet of wax paper on the table. You can do this with your shooting hand holding the grip, while molding the clay with your other hand

Step 5 remount the grip to the pistol and see how it feels. If you have the same results I did, you will see a great improvement, but not be totally happy. It’s time to do some more sanding.

Step 6 by now you have done all you can by just sanding, and it’s time to mix up some automotive Bondo, and do some filling and smoothing. I did this a few times, sanding it smooth after each application.

Step 7 Paint the grip, let it dry, and mount it back on your pistol. I used fast drying flat black in a spray can from Ace hardware.

By this time I thought I was done with this project, but after awhile, I became aware of some tiny places that were just a little too tight, cramped or did not have the exact contour I wanted so I did a little more sanding and repainting. Now I think the grip is as close to perfect as I can get it.

I was so pleased with the results, I started thinking; what if I bumped into something hard, broke off part of it, and had to redo some of the steps?

There is a gentleman who can 3D scan your existing grip, or you can send him measurements of your hand, and he will 3D print a match grip in plastic to fit almost any pistol around. His company is “Precision Target Pistol Grips.” You should visit his web site. Andrew is a great guy to work with. I should know, because I just sent my modified wood grip to him, and received a new 3D printed grip back.

Another benefit is now that he has the 3D scan of my grip in his files, in the near future I plan to send him my PP700SA PCP pistol to have a target grip fitted to it too. The PP700SA is a fantastic pistol, at a ridiculously cheap price that comes with one of the crummiest grips in existence.

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More photos, and 3D printed grips mounted on the FAS 6004 Pistol

This has been a very rewarding project, and as soon as I have upgraded the sights on my PP700SA, it is going to Precision Target Pistol Grips to have a new 3D printed grip made.

As Andrew at Precision Target Pistol Grips says  there is no such thing as one size fits all, and he is correct. if I had purchased the pistol with the match grip, I still would have ended up modifying it to some degree. This way I have a grip that fits me perfectly, and the modifications cost very little.