Gun enthusiasts are always looking for the latest modification on the guns they own. The purpose of firearm modification is to enhance the performance and various aspects of the firearm. Many individuals may buy firearms for various reasons. Those working in armed forces usually require a modern firearm to enforce safety and meet any threat.
Apart from the armed forces, many individuals buy firearms for personal security and also for sports shootings. The reasons for modification can be from functional to cosmetic. There are few reputable shops that offer gunsmith services to restore, upgrade, and customize various firearms. Most of the alterations help the individual to better grip and use the gun. Some of the common modifications include
- Repair or replacement of grip
- Changing sights such as telescopic sight or adjustable iron sight
- Removing extra weight to improve recoil movement
- Metal engraving
- Stippling metal or wood
- Enhancing the metal finish through electroplating
- Adding a long barrel to increase velocity or a short barrel for reducing weight
What is the Purpose of Gun Stippling?
One popular trend you may come across at the range or the gun store is ‘gun stippling.’ There are dozens of different restoration and customization options. One such option is ‘custom handgun stippling’ which involves improving the grip of the firearm.
A gunsmith usually converts a factory stock grip and adds ridges, dots, and dimples to allow the individual to grip the gun firmly. The process of ‘stippling’ results in a custom gun that is visually more stylish and appealing. For many individuals, stippling provides them with a better grip even in wet and slippery conditions.
The key aspect of stippling is to reduce the overall grip size of the gun and make it a better fit for the gun owner. Experts say that stippling also adds consistency that helps the individual’s training. There are many different types of firearms, but most Glock owners implement gun stippling. The stippling process not only enhances grip but also improves rail panels, frames, and fore-ends.
The Techniques of Stippling
Apart from the customization of a gun, stippling is a very artistic process that impacts the looks and composition of an object. In art, stippling is the process of individual dots to form a shape, texture, or shadow of an object.
The artistic procedure of stippling involves applying individual dots to a surface that will be quite distinguishable from a distance. The gunsmith usually looks to fill the positive and negative space. The higher concentration of dots, the more the shadow will be cast on the object. Objects that need to feel closer are more detailed, and those in the distance are less detailed.
The stippling process depends on the media and materials the gunsmith uses. However, gun stippling involves melting tiny holes in the polymer frame of the firearm. The application of dots offers a more sturdy grip and particularly for those who use competition firearms.
The Reasons of Gun Stippling
There are not one but dozen of reasons to stipple a gun. But the most common reason is providing traction while gripping the gun. You may think of stippling the gun you own but do remember that it is a permanent modification. If you want to keep the gun to yourself, then you may consider stippling the gun. It is quite possible that stippling can lower the resale value of your firearm.
Apart from stippling the gun, there are other options, such as sticking skateboard tape or adding Talon grips. For a custom handgun stippling, a gunsmith uses a soldering iron and any carving or engraving tool.
First, the soldering iron is heated to max temperature, and to avoid any inconvenience, the gunsmith will test on a similar surface. However, some of the gunsmiths today use modern technology that involves laser engraving. The latest CNC laser stipples the gun in numerous alluring patterns and textures.
You may think of getting the tools and doing gun stippling as a DIY (Do It Yourself) activity, but it may damage the gun. It is better to take the gun to professional gunsmiths who offer high-quality customization and restoration services.
Few authentic shops offer many other gun customization options, such as grip chops, finger groove removal, and trigger guard undercuts. The best thing about customization is you get to choose from various textures and patterns. Some of the common patterns are sprinkles, lava rock, dragon skin, and guardian. Most of the stippling is done to Glocks, but some gunsmiths even stipple Sig and M&P.
Advantages of Gun Stippling
The advantages of the gun stippling process from an expert gunsmith are
- Improved traction and firm grip
- A textured grip is easier to hold even in wet condition
- Superior quality
- Better recoil
- Excellent shooting accuracy in a competition
- Affordable price
You can stipple the gun at home, but it requires careful consideration and buying certain tools. Even if you buy the tools, you may not know how to stipple and ruin your gun. A gunsmith is professional and skillful to ensure proper attention to detail.
A gunsmith works in a place that offers proper ventilation as the fumes due to the stippling process can be problematic. The gunsmith can also remove finger grooves from the grip. One of the important aspects is pressing the soldering iron into the polymer to make tiny holes.
Instead of stippling the gun yourself, it is better to ask a professional who can enhance the grip of the gun. However, adding a stipple is a permanent modification that makes the gun look more versatile and handy to use. The modified gun can be used at the range for practice or while participating in competitions.
If you have small hands and sweat often, then stippling can provide a strong grip on the gun. Some of the individuals ask to stipple on the front and back straps of the gun.
Conclusion
Few authentic gun stores offer high-quality gun restoration and upgrades. You can easily ask them to stipple the gun and even apply some other valuable modifications. The option of upgrades works best if you want to keep and use the gun for a long time, as after modification, the resale price of the gun lowers.
Check out “PostPear” for more exciting blogs.
