Solution for the rare TacStar grip… Get a Hogue grip!

(Mods: this is kinda long, but the worldwide hunt for the TacStar slip-on grip made me go to extra lengths.)

Hey, I found a way to put an end to your endless hunt for the TacStar slip-on grip.

You need the Hogue “Handall” slip on grip and a heat gun. Check the pic, I can’t find a part number, only that the package says “universal” and “fits Glocks”.

Bought the grip tonight, and as I was leaving the store, I recalled that someone here on the forum said that the Hogue was “sloppy” on the AF grip. Oh well, I said, the money’s been spent, let’s see for myself….

Yeah, it was sloppy. The dimensions are close but not perfect. The finger groove part fits great, the sides fit great, but the backside had a lot of “slack” for a better word. It was “puffy”, to use another word.

So I got to thinking about those heat-shrink electrical joints, thought maybe my idea might work, and damned if it didn’t.

Here’s how:

1. Figure out which way it goes on. I didn’t pay attention to the directions, I saw that there’s a curve on the slip-on that matches the grip’s rear-side curve, so I went with that and installed it in that direction.

2. It’s not tough to slip on, just takes a little work. I had my plan of action in mind, so I purposely didn’t use any pliers etc. to get it on. You shouldn’t either, and don’t pull too hard at the edges… you don’t want to stretch the rubber too much.

3. When it’s on, you’ll note that it wants to sit straight in a certain spot on the grip. Again, the finger grooves will feel flush, the sides will feel flush, and you’ll be able to sink your finger into the back of the grip because of the excess rubber.

4. This step is optional, but after it was in place, I decided to let it sit for a couple hours to let the rubber recontract and “heal” from the stretching. It did make a difference, IMO.

5. Break out the heat gun. I used my Harbor Freight special… (damn, I hate Harbor Freight! :lol:) and MAKING SURE THE SLIP-ON WAS ALIGNED SO IT’S SIDES ARE FLAT WITH THE SIDES OF THE GRIP, I worked from the bottom up, applying heat to both sides and the back (no heat to the finger grips!). Kept the heat gun moving constantly, about 4-6 inches from the grip, looking for an even heat across the whole slip-on.

6. Let cool. It was pretty darn warm when I got done with it, the grip underneath as well, but it didn’t smoke or visibly melt during the procedure.

7. BOO-ya!!!! One highly sought-after mod for an AF grip.

Pics below, and not too shabby if I do say so myself.

(I don’t have to remind you guys to remove the tank first and keep the heat away from teh breech, do I? :wink:)

Tight, almost feels like it’s molded on.

Paid $11.00 for it at the local gun shop.