Glock Backstrap Mod - Candle Method

[marb4]

Has anybody here used the "candle method" to reshape/reduce the backstrap on a Glock? My understanding is that you use a candle to gradually and gently heat the backstrap then "form" it on a hard surface. I really like my recent purchase (Glock 26) but that hump in the backstrap just feels really awkward. I'd like to hear from anybody who's actually had the courage to do this.

 

[Inebriated]

Never done it, but check out GlockTalk... they've got some good info regarding Glocks.

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=19254678&postcount=5

 

[plouffedaddy]

I've used it. It works just fine as long as you're patient.

 

[481]

Has anybody here used the "candle method" to reshape/reduce the backstrap on a Glock? My understanding is that you use a candle to gradually and gently heat the backstrap then "form" it on a hard surface. I really like my recent purchase (Glock 26) but that hump in the backstrap just feels really awkward. I'd like to hear from anybody who's actually had the courage to do this.

No guts here, man.

I have had the rear of the grip reshaped on one of my Glocks. Had it done professionally. Beats trying to explain what I was doing to the folks at Glock.

 

[Alberforth]

There’s a gal on Youtube who does video blogs on things like holsters and guns from a lady’s perspective. She had a video of someone performing this operation but a year or so ago it was made private, so I guess you’d have to ask her for access to it. And of course first you’d have to track her down as I don’t remember her name.

 

[TEAM101]

I've done it. Take your time, don't overheat the frame, and roll it on a countertop to flatten it. I heat it and dip it in cool water to finish it off.

 

[bluethunder1962]

Do you think it is just different from your other guns and it will feel normal the more you shoot it. I would never have the guts to do that to one of my guns.

 

[rcmodel]

I can think of several things better then a candle to use to heat the grip.

At best, it will still be staining your clothes black with candle soot two weeks after you do it!

Buy a $9.95 heat gun at Harbor Freight!
If nothing else, it is clean controllable heat!

rc

 

[Cocked & Locked]

the blob

Has anybody here used the "candle method" to reshape/reduce the backstrap on a Glock?

I understand how heat can reshape the Glock grip but how does heat reduce it? Gotta go somewhere...collapse it concave? Don't understand.

 

[481]

I understand how heat can reshape the Glock grip but how does heat reduce it? Gotta go somewhere...collapse it concave? Don't understand.

They are using the heat to soften the polymer and then reshaping the curvature of the grip to a smaller radius while keeping its convex shape.

The other way to do it is to cut the section out, reduce it/cut it down, and apply an epoxy exterior which is then finished to match the polymer frame.

If I tried somwthing like that you could fairly call it the blob 'cause that's what it'd be.

 

[Alberforth]

It's hollow so you're just collapsing it. Trick is not to get it too soft and lose control of the process, which seems like is not the problem when using a candle. Problem appears to be even heating and not getting the exterior too soft trying to get the interior soft enough.

 

[One_Jackal]

Unless this backstrap is cheap and easy to come by I would have a pro do it. If your gunsmith isn't interested it's not likely a good idea. When you flatten an pipe shaped object you take much of the strength from it.

 

[GLOOB]

Buy a $9.95 heat gun at Harbor Freight!
If nothing else, it is clean controllable heat!

I don't think this would be a good idea. The candle works because it provides a small pinpoint of heat.

If I were doing a lot of these mods, professionally, I'd look into getting an SMD soldering rework station. You can control the temp and airflow, and put it all through a tiny air nozzle.