Grip cut-down

[jacob.sebens]

Well, thanks to the intrepid efforts of my predecessors (read: someone else took the chance first), I finally went ahead and Dremeled off part of my grip; I now own a 4" XD9 with a SC grip.

Anyone else wanting to try this is advised to measure lots and lots. From the top of the grip, too; if you measure from the bottom, it won't work once you cut some off. Trust me.

There is a thread out there with some pics (I don't have a digital camera), and it looks just like that. But better, of course, because it's mine.

[PackerfanXD]

I'm jealous. How much to do mine?

[jacob.sebens]

Wow...I hope that winking emoticon means you're kidding. Cutting apart my own (beloved) pistol is one thing...I wouldn't dare cut someone else's. Having said that, if you want to do it yourself, I'll tell you exactly how I did mine, with the caveat that it's not my fault if something goes wrong.

[PackerfanXD]

I'd love to hear exactly how you did it if you are so inclined to tell me.

[jacob.sebens]

Huh...I didn't really expect anyone to ask...let me gather my thoughts (mental machinery whirring)...here we go.

XD Grip Cut-Down

Some people have asked me how I did it; this is how I did it. It worked for me. If you’re not prepared to take the risk that you’ll make a mistake, please don’t do it. It won’t be my fault if you end up with half an XD (but if you do, please post a picture, and we’ll all comfort you).


Tools Used:

Dremel
Cutting disk attachment
Grinding/polishing wheel attachment
1 sheet sandpaper (180 grit)
Pencil
Pocketknife (or razor blade, etc.)
10-rd SC magazine
Magazine sleeve (to run full-size mag through SC pistol)




Process:

Step One: Disassembly

You should know how to do this. Field-strip it, then put slide, barrel, spring somewhere far away. You won’t need them, and there’s no reason to have them near flying melted plastic.


Step Two: Measurement/Marking

Set the XD (which is now only the frame, of course) on the edge of a table so that it sits flat on the magwell. This means that the back of the grip hangs off the table.

Set the magazine sleeve on the table in the same way. This means flat, with back portion hanging off the edge of the table.

Put the magsleeve next to the XD, and draw a horizontal line on the XD with the pencil. REMEMBER: you will cut the BOTTOM of this line.

Move the magsleeve to the other side of the XD, and repeat marking.


Step Three: Cutting

Take a deep breath. Now, go get eye protection (which I stupidly forgot), and put the cutting wheel on the Dremel.

A little BELOW your line, make a horizontal cut all the way through the grip, all the way around the grip. Beware flying melted plastic bits, they burn skin if you don’t brush them off immediately.

Now, the fun part’s over, and the careful part starts. You’ll need to cut higher and higher, until you’ve reached the bottom of your line. Use the 10-rd magazine as an indicator of high spots, and also of how much farther you have to go.


Step Four: Grinding/Sanding

You’ll get to a point where you’re so close, it’s frustrating; it SHOULD fit, but you’re a hair away! Remove cutting wheel, and attach grinding wheel. You will now apply a bevel to the inside of your magwell. For reference, examine the bottom of your original magwell (you cut it off, remember?).

Frustratingly regular checking and regrinding is almost all you have left.

Once the 10-rd mag fits, make sure it drops free when released. If not, you have melted plastic bits inside your magwell. Use the knife to scrape them out.

Congratulations; you’ve finished the hard part. Use the sandpaper to smooth edges, and then go have a beer (or cold beverage of choice).


Please Note: After doing this job, I purchased a Pearce grip for the 10-rd magazine. The bevel is different on it, and so it required a little more shaping. The gentleman at my local gun shop was kind enough to do this on the spot for me with a pocketknife.

Feel free to contact me with any more questions/issues, but please note the disclaimer at the top. Oh, and try not to lose any fingers.

[PackerfanXD]

Your the Man! Thanks for the details! I just may pick up a dremel this weekend. I've been wanting to do this for a while. When I aquire all the tools needed I'll try and find the BALLS to cut mine down also!

[PackerfanXD]

Originally Posted by jacob.sebens

Please Note: After doing this job, I purchased a Pearce grip for the 10-rd magazine. The bevel is different on it, and so it required a little more shaping. The gentleman at my local gun shop was kind enough to do this on the spot for me with a pocketknife.

Was it the Pearce grip that needed to be trimmed down or the bevel on the frame of the XD? And did you use a vice when you made your cuts?
(BTW, I've got the tools needed and am now summoning courage...)
Thanks for your help.

[gsfmiker]

did this make the gun very top heavy? i've considered this too, but i like the balance of my service and my sub. by cutting the grip down, unless you put a high cap mag in, it would seem to be top heavy to me. just wondering...

[TxStorm]

1st off.. VERY ballsy! I've read where a few have done this and I like the look, but not quite enough to do it myself. Think I'll just pay bowietactical $70 and let him do it, even though there is a 10 week wait. Good thing I have 3 services.. lol.

[PackerfanXD]

It's coming along somewhat nicely. I have my basic cuts done and am now fine tuning (sanding/beveling). I'll post pictures when I'm finished (maybe tomorrow). Looks cool so far.