Grip Force Adapter for Glock Pistols

It looks a little goofy, but the feel is worth it. For this guy who was raised on 1911s, it serves as a much more familiar feel.

Last week I got out and shot 400+ rounds through my new semi-tricked out Glock 35. That was the most rounds I’ve run on a Glock in any single trip and the lowest knuckle on my thumb has paid for it big time. Not so much as a needing stitches type injury, but a pretty hefty repeated gash and a nasty scab which proved to be a bane in the several days following. Back in December I began adopting a more correct “thumbs forward” or “combat” style grip which takes my overall grip on the gun up higher and closer to the bore axis and allows me to get an equal amount of both hands on the surface area of the frame.

I’d spent some time trolling GlockTalk.com and TheHighRoad.org searching for solutions and most guys called me a _ _ _ _ _ for even complaining about it. Bottom line, I love Glock pistols, but if I am uncomfortable or thinking about something other than breathing and trigger control while I’m lining up targets my effectiveness will be reduced significantly. In this case it wasn’t just a minimal scratch. The serrated rear portion of the slide did some pretty good work getting into the meat of my knuckle making most everyday activities a painful reminder of my Glock’s distaste for my hand.

Anyway, all of that nonsense to say that the Grip Force Adapter beaver tail style grip mod for Glock pistols seemed like many guys’ favorite inexpensive and simple fix rather than paying for an expensive grip modification or a grip reduction, which in most cases voids the warranty of your Glock and also empties your wallet. So I jumped on Amazon and found the Grip Force Adapter for Gen 1-3 Glock pistols and was pumped to see it came both with a ribbed version and a smooth version depending on the shooters preference. The original ribbed version is longer and changes the grip angle from a traditional Glock fit to more of a 1911 feel.

Installation was a bit of a bear, but with a 3/32 Glock Armorer’s tool or punch and a  small punch hammer I was able to slip on the original grip force adapter in just a few minutes. The kit comes with 4 polymer trigger assembly pins (good thing cuz I broke the first one in about 30 seconds due to impatience), simple instructions on the packaging and both the smooth and ribbed grip adapter. I haven’t fired with it installed yet, but I can already tell within a few minutes of dry firing drills my hand is more comfortable, the slide is now at least 1/8″ further away from my poor knuckle, and I’m coming to point of aim faster during draw.

Grip Force recommends customizing for a personalized fit by using light grit sandpaper or an emery pad.

No guarantees that this $25 add on will be the solution to my problems, but early indications suggest it's going to work beautifully. Even with other 1911s in the house, after fondling the Glock 35 with the GFA installed this morning, it's a safe bet that this is not my most comfortable grip.