Pistol Gear / Canyon Creek Grip Chop - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

FHBrumb · 05-23-2008, 06:39 AM

I read the Sticky Thread here where Pistol Gear recommended Canyon Creek for XD Gunsmithing needs. The Pistol Gear website has a link. I sent Rich an email asking for a grip chop, and he was happy to do the work. The quote was $75 labor plus $35 shipping. It cost me less than $50 to ship my XD-45 to Rich overnight priority FedEx.

The pistol got back to me yesterday. This is almost exactly a month after I saw it go away. Rich had originally quoted me three weeks to turn the pistol around, so I think he hit it real close, considering shipping this way and that, and all that life has to offer... I'm pretty happy with the accuracy of the ETA.

The XD looks great. I sent a 10 round compact mag along, and a 13 round mag with the XD Gear Sleeve on it. The pistol looks marvelous with either mag in it. I'll snag a sleeve for each 13 rounder I have now, likely from Pistol Gear...

For those contemplating the mod (self done or sent out), the main cut is just about 1mm inside the XD-45 marking on the side of the grip-frame. It gives the look of a rectanguler "grip and rip" spot for pulling out stuck mags, but really is barely noticable. As I talked myself into the mod, I never exactly knew where the cut would be, and that made me nervous. I ended up at a local shop that had an XD Compact, and made a pretty good guess, by comparing. But anyway, the cut is about 1mm below the top of that rectangular area.

The magwell was beveled a bit, but one day, I'll bevel it a hint more. The work Rich did is a pretty close approximation to stock beveling.

For my hands, the grip length is perfect. I have very small hands, and I grip the pistol with all four fingers placed on the checkering, and I can just feel the magizine with my pinky. For those with normal to bigger hands, the Pierce Grip Extension might be a welcome addition. For me, I'm done with this part of the pistol's customization.

Next up is likely a Springer Precision sear and spring set. Then likely a set of TFOs. Again, both likely from Pistol Gear...

Anyway, thanks to Pistol Gear for the hook up, and thanks to Rich at Canyon Creek for quality work, and an accurate ETA for turn around. To say this was worth the money would be an understatement.

I'm off to the range!!!

**Old School** · 05-23-2008, 06:55 AM

If you are going to post like this, you better post some pictures too!

The XD market place is fortunate to have two quality Smiths that really appreciate the XD for what it is. Both Rich at Canyon Creek and Scott at Springer Precision are top-shelf Smiths. Problem with either are rare and quality from both is common.

OS

Carnivorous · 05-23-2008, 06:58 AM

Pictures...?

**1lowlife** · 05-23-2008, 06:59 AM

Yes, pictures would be appreciated by all...........

FHBrumb · 05-23-2008, 10:28 AM

I just got back from the range. The 10 round compact mag passes!!! All in all, I put over a hunnert rounds in today. I've been shooting my S&W 9mm a bit, and had almost forgotten what it's like to shoot a 45ACP. I really like this pistol.

As for pics, I suck with a camera, but here goes...

**Old School** · 05-23-2008, 04:30 PM

Perfect!

05-23-2008, 06:39 AM	#1
FHBrumb XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 268	Pistol Gear / Canyon Creek Grip Chop I read the Sticky Thread here where Pistol Gear recommended Canyon Creek for XD Gunsmithing needs. The Pistol Gear website has a link. I sent Rich an email asking for a grip chop, and he was happy to do the work. The quote was $75 labor plus $35 shipping. It cost me less than $50 to ship my XD-45 to Rich overnight priority FedEx. The pistol got back to me yesterday. This is almost exactly a month after I saw it go away. Rich had originally quoted me three weeks to turn the pistol around, so I think he hit it real close, considering shipping this way and that, and all that life has to offer... I'm pretty happy with the accuracy of the ETA. The XD looks great. I sent a 10 round compact mag along, and a 13 round mag with the XD Gear Sleeve on it. The pistol looks marvelous with either mag in it. I'll snag a sleeve for each 13 rounder I have now, likely from Pistol Gear... For those contemplating the mod (self done or sent out), the main cut is just about 1mm inside the XD-45 marking on the side of the grip-frame. It gives the look of a rectanguler "grip and rip" spot for pulling out stuck mags, but really is barely noticable. As I talked myself into the mod, I never exactly knew where the cut would be, and that made me nervous. I ended up at a local shop that had an XD Compact, and made a pretty good guess, by comparing. But anyway, the cut is about 1mm below the top of that rectangular area. The magwell was beveled a bit, but one day, I'll bevel it a hint more. The work Rich did is a pretty close approximation to stock beveling. For my hands, the grip length is perfect. I have very small hands, and I grip the pistol with all four fingers placed on the checkering, and I can just feel the magizine with my pinky. For those with normal to bigger hands, the Pierce Grip Extension might be a welcome addition. For me, I'm done with this part of the pistol's customization. Next up is likely a Springer Precision sear and spring set. Then likely a set of TFOs. Again, both likely from Pistol Gear... Anyway, thanks to Pistol Gear for the hook up, and thanks to Rich at Canyon Creek for quality work, and an accurate ETA for turn around. To say this was worth the money would be an understatement. I'm off to the range!!! __________________ Can you believe they let me buy a gun?

05-23-2008, 06:55 AM	#2
Old School XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 7,626	If you are going to post like this, you better post some pictures too! The XD market place is fortunate to have two quality Smiths that really appreciate the XD for what it is. Both Rich at Canyon Creek and Scott at Springer Precision are top-shelf Smiths. Problem with either are rare and quality from both is common. OS __________________ Visit www.pistolgear.com for all of your XD needs!

05-23-2008, 06:59 AM	#4
1lowlife XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Great Lone Star State Posts: 2,637	Yes, pictures would be appreciated by all........... __________________ Tired, tired, tired.........

05-23-2008, 10:28 AM	#5
FHBrumb XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 268	I just got back from the range. The 10 round compact mag passes!!! All in all, I put over a hunnert rounds in today. I've been shooting my S&W 9mm a bit, and had almost forgotten what it's like to shoot a 45ACP. I really like this pistol. As for pics, I suck with a camera, but here goes... __________________ Can you believe they let me buy a gun?

05-23-2008, 04:30 PM	#6
Old School XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 7,626	Perfect! __________________ Visit www.pistolgear.com for all of your XD needs!

05-23-2008, 06:58 AM	#3
Carnivorous XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 614	Pictures...?

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