Glock 26 X-Grip adaptors vs Pearce pinky extensions

[Pat Riot]

Hello,
I just purchased a new Glock 26 Gen 3. I pick it up in 8 days. Pesky California laws and restrictions...

Anyway, I have a Glock 45 9mm (brought it from Oregon) and have a bunch of G17 mags. I have also rented a G26 at my local range that has magazines with the Pearce extension. It doesn’t add capacity, but gives you a place to put your pinky finger.

Since I am restricted to 10 rounds no matter what magazines I use I was wondering if anyone had a preference regarding the X-Grip with the longer magazines or the Pearce grip extensions?

I have not fired a G26 with the X-Grip. The Pearce extension seems pretty good but I am not sure it’s better than using the X-Grip.

Thank you

 

[Pat Riot]

Oops...I guess this belongs in the “Accessories” section. Apologies.

 

[rskent]

Pat, just a thought.

If you are restricted to ten rounds anyway, why not just get to know the G26 as it is. The G26 seems a little funky when you first start getting to know it.
But if you are like me, once you get past the feel, they shoot extremely well as is. I’m not sure if it’s the width or the weight of the slide, but I shoot mine way better than the G43 or 43X.
It just settles back in my hand and shoots.

Just thinking.

 

[George P]

I put the Pearce XL extensions on my G26 - that silly extra 1/4" length over the regular extension just fit my hand that much better.

 

[Sistema1927]

I shoot my G26 with stock mags better than I do my G17. Go figure. Try it out with the stock mags first, you might be pleasantly surprised.

If I need a little bit more "real estate", I use the Magpul 12 round mags, but unfortunately that isn't an option for you.

 

[L-2]

Here are my thoughts on this subject thread. I'm going to be a bit harsh, whether for brevity or just advice.

-I generally prefer the pinkie extensions for concealment and comfort. I currently use a Magpul "Speed Plate" extension and/or a Glock-brand +2 mag extension
-I've got X-Grips, but not for my G26gen3. I'm using one on my G23gen3 (G22 to G23 conversion) and on my SIG P229R (P226 to P229 conversion). I have previously used another brand's conversion (G22 to G27) but I don't think they were executed as well as X-Grip has done.
-Do be aware of California's "Freedom Week" 3/29/19 to 4/5/19, where it was legal to buy/obtain/import mags over 10-rounds into California. Reading between the lines, nobody would know when any mags with capacities over 10-rounds were obtained for any resident in California (so no whining on forums to members not in California as we really don't care. Use Calguns.net for sympathies relating to Calif. gun laws).

(Also, the last I heard, the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, and Sunnyvale had city ordinances/laws banning mags w/capacities over 10-rounds. I'm unaware of these laws having been tested in court.)

-For X-Grips vs. Pearce grips, it's a personal preference and the relatively low prices of these products allow a person to buy, then decide for him or herself; or even switch back & forth as one's mood dictates.
-If a larger grip than the G26 was desired, then the G19 or G17 (or G45) perhaps should have been bought instead, but you can buy these later if you want.
-Since capacity may or may not be an issue due to "Freedom Week", having both concealment and more ammo capacity are good to have and compromises need to be reached. Do realize, a G17 mag will still work with a G26 without an X-Grip (as I recall the X-Grip will need a Glock to use the older style of baseplate and not the newer Gen5 style of mag baseplate with that lip on the front).

 

[Pat Riot]

I will try it stock, for sure. Thank you, Gents.

I did order 3 Pearce-like pinky extensions on Amazon for $12. If they don’t work out I am not out a lot of money.

Anyone have an opinion on the X-grips? They seem okay. I tried the one for the G19 mag in the store where I bought my G26. It was a nice grip. Since I have G17 mags I am not real interested in buying G19 mags just to use the X-grip but would be interested in opinions how the X-grip for the G17 mags works for folks.

 

[Pat Riot]

Here are my thoughts on this subject thread. I'm going to be a bit harsh, whether for brevity or just advice.

Not harsh at all. I appreciate the honesty.

We must have been posting at the same time.

Thank you for your comments. I am definitely aware of Freedom Week and took advantage of that.

I think I will pick up an X-grip to try with the G17 mags just to see if I like it.

Since I have shot Cowboy Action for years the pinky wrap is not an issue. I will just have to shoot the gun and see.

 

[AK103K]

I tried the Pierce extensions when I got my first 26. After a couple of good pinches and blood blisters on my pinkie doing reloads, and pinching it while shooting with them, I figured out, they werent for me.

I also came to realize, they also just made the gun unnecessarily bigger, which was just counterproductive. I went with the 26 because it was small. Well, sort of anyway.

Once I figured out that I got a good solid grip with my pinkie wrapped under the mag, and I was shooting the 26 as well as my 17's, I never looked back. Its just a short learning curve and quickly picked up and appreciated.

I use a 17 mag for a reload with all my Glocks. Makes no sense to do otherwise. With the 26, it basically becomes a 17 with a simple mag swap. I dont use anything adapter wise on the mag, as I see no point, and I see another blood blister in the making every time I see them. It also limits that mag, to that gun.

With a 17 mag in the gun, it feels like a 17 in your hand, and your pinkie just rests on the mag, giving you a full grip.

I have 17's, 19's and 26's, and the 17 and 26 feel natural and perfectly comfortable in my hands as they come. The 19 has a cramped grip for me, and I find it uncomfortable and annoying, especially the earlier guns with the front cut out. I actually shoot (slightly) better with the 26, because I can wrap thet pinkie under and get a solid grip. Its kind of in limbo with the 19 and feels uncomfortable and I cant wrap my pinkie under, but its also jammed up and not comfortably fitting the grip either.

 

[Buzznrose]

I will try it stock, for sure. Thank you, Gents.

I did order 3 Pearce-like pinky extensions on Amazon for $12. If they don’t work out I am not out a lot of money.

Anyone have an opinion on the X-grips? They seem okay. I tried the one for the G19 mag in the store where I bought my G26. It was a nice grip. Since I have G17 mags I am not real interested in buying G19 mags just to use the X-grip but would be interested in opinions how the X-grip for the G17 mags works for folks.

I love shooting my G26 with XGrips and a G15 mag. I don’t have them for G17 mags

 

[FL-NC]

I like the Pierce extensions.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Pierce +2 extensions for carry mags and a X-Grip G19 mag in the car.

I've said it before the Pierce extensions on a 26 make it feel and carry like a bobbed 19 IMHO. Anything any bigger than that and you might as well go with a 19.

 

[Pat Riot]

Thank you all for your input.

I bought some imitation Pearce floor plate pinky extenders, I am picking up an X-grip tomorrow and when I pick the gun up next Tuesday I will have all 3 configurations to try.

 

[Pat Riot]

I picked up my Glock 26 on Tuesday.
I took it to the range last evening.
The gun had 50 rounds through it when I did these tests so definitely not broken in and I am definitely not dialed in with shooting it.
The ammo was Remington “Target” (UMC) 115 grain FMJ.
The distance was 10 yards.
Shots were a bit faster than 1 second each. My range has a 1second between shot rule. I push it a little.

Target after shooting using the Tenako grip extension. These are better looking than the Pearce extension and they have texture that mimics the Glock front strap.
Tenako 3pc Extension Fits Glock... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KDLTLHZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share







Glock 17 mag with X-Grip





Factory magazine with no extension.



I did better with the X-Grip but the group from the plain factory magazine is better than the group with the Tenako extension.

I like the feel of the Tenako extensions. They do give me a better but and odd feeling grip.

The X-Grip feels great. I got no pinching. The one thing I do not like about the X-Grip is that it doesn’t snap or lock to the magazine. It slides when removed from the gun. You would think a company that goes through the trouble to make such a nice ergonomic designs would put a small lip at the base to secure the grip extension to the magazine.

I need to run some more ammo through this gun and I need to see what it likes in self defense ammo. My Glock 45 seems to like Hornady American Gunner 115 grain best. Maybe I will get lucky with Baby Glock...Hmm, Call we Call them “Baby Glock” any more since the 42 & 43 have been released? Haha

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I like mine with no mag extensions.

 

[AK103K]

I like mine with no mag extensions.

Yea, me too.

 

[Browning]

Anyone have an opinion on the X-grips?

For my Glock 26 I just normally get the 12 rd mags from GT Distributor. The +2’s on those are actually from Glock. I also have a few Pierce +2’s and a few older Glock mags with Pierce 0’s with just the pinky rest.

I have a few X grip adapters and one I regularly use with a G17 mag. I put grip tape on there so it has the same basic feel and so the gap doesn’t pinch my finger on reloads since it’s solidly together. Otherwise the X grips slide back and forth a bit and become separate pieces. This will get more pronounced as time goes on, so I just grip taped mine.

I personally like it. With just one reload and 12 in the pistol I have 29 rds.



If I were limited to just 10 rds with a G17 mag I probably wouldn’t use it. I always use it as a reload. It puts it past where the Glock 19 is.

G19 for comparison


I can actually get all my fingers on with just the Glock factory or Pierce +2 pinky rests. Using the X grip for carry puts it past where the G19 would be. If I were forced to choose between the three extensions I’d choose the Glock factory +2.

 

[Pat Riot]

If you are restricted to ten rounds anyway, why not just get to know the G26 as it is

I also came to realize, they also just made the gun unnecessarily bigger, which was just counterproductive. I went with the 26 because it was small. Well, sort of anyway.

Anything any bigger than that and you might as well go with a 19.

I like mine with no mag extensions.

Yea, me too.

Well Gents, thank you all for your comments and input. After testing the grip extensions, the X-Grips and factory mags with factory base plates I have determined the best course is no extensions at all and just using factory magazines the way that they are made.

I now have over 450 rounds through this G26 and once it settled in and I got used to the grip I shoot it just fine. I bought it for CCW. Why add to it’s dimensions if I don’t have too.
I did install some Tru-Glo TFX sights on it, just like on my G45 and I am very happy with the gun.

Thank you all for tour input.

 

[FL-NC]

I like the Pearce extensions on a 26.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

. Why add to it’s dimensions if I don’t have too.

Well for those of us with XXL hands it would be to get a full grip. It's also nice to have 2 extra rounds onboard.

My 26 next to my 17...










I'm glad you found a combo that works for you.

 

[Pat Riot]

Well for those of us with XXL hands it would be to get a full grip. It's also nice to have 2 extra rounds onboard.

Thank you.

That was part of my problem, XXL hands.
And being in California adding 2 extra rounds isn’t an option. Once I figured out my grip both left and right handed it got easier.

 

[Trey Veston]

A thread about Glocks and California and not a single snarky, useless comment about either. It's a Christmas miracle!



BTW, I bought the X-Grip for my G29 and while it is OK, I wasn't impressed with the fit. I bought one for my M&P and it was MUCH more refined. Weird.

Glock X-Grip:



M&P X-Grip:

 

[Pat Riot]

A thread about Glocks and California and not a single snarky, useless comment about either. It's a Christmas miracle!

View attachment 875121

BTW, I bought the X-Grip for my G29 and while it is OK, I wasn't impressed with the fit. I bought one for my M&P and it was MUCH more refined. Weird.

Glock X-Grip:

View attachment 875119

M&P X-Grip:

View attachment 875120

Thanks for the belly laugh.

I actually like the X-Grip. I learned real quick not to seat a mag with the X-Grip with my left hand while gripping the gun grip with my right. Damn thing pinched me. For home and range the X-grip is fine but for carry maybe not so much.

 

[AK103K]

I learned real quick not to seat a mag with the X-Grip with my left hand while gripping the gun grip with my right. Damn thing pinched me. For home and range the X-grip is fine but for carry maybe not so much.

Yup, they can raise quite the blood blister if youre not careful, and one of the reasons I dont use them. Ive been pinched by them just shooting with them too.

 

[JDR]

If you already have G19 mags I also really like the X-Grip adapters;

https://www.glockstore.com/X-Grip-for-Glocks?quantity=1&color=1

When I had my G26 I usually carried it with the stock G26 mags, but at the range I often used the X-Grip adapters with G19 mags.