review and tips for Pearce grip extension for XDm 40 compact 3.8

[beakman]

OK, anyone who is on the fence about getting one of these grip extensions, I'm here to knock you onto the "OMG I need it now!" side of the fence.

Just picked up my XDm40c last week, and the dealer was out of the extensions. A quick visit the midwayusa.com took care of that problem. I went ahead and ordered 2 since I'm getting a second shorty mag to carry.

Installation is a breeze: just depress the small button in the bottom of the mag's current baseplate, slide the old baseplate off, slide the Pearce on. 60 seconds tops.

Installation tips:

* Unload the mag. I know it shouldn't need saying, but someone will try it with a full mag if it isn't said.

* I used one of those sticks the ladies use to put their hair up in a knot to depress the baseplate release. They're roughly pencil size and have a nice rounded tip that won't scratch or mar the surfaces (or your hand if you slip!).

* As you slide the old plate off, follow along with your thumb behind it to stop the spring and locking plate from flying out. Keep the mag pointed away from your face in case you suck at this and everything flies out!

Grip was INSTANTLY better. Fitment was dead on. Reduced perceived recoil and reacquisition of target is faster. It just plain ol' rocks! Get it! Get it NOW!

Only cons: some sharp edges. These include:

* what we called "flashing" when I was a kid building plastic models. It's the spot where the piece was attached to the group of pieces when it was being molded. Mine had two small, sharp pokies on the rear corners.

* where the textured pinkie's textured grip area meets the smoother areas, all the way around. This is due to the textured area being ever so slightly higher than the other surfaces.

To fix these, I took one of my wife's finest disposable nail files (emory boards, she says) and smoothed the pokies and sharp edges right down. The file I was using was very, very fine, which allowed me to work down the ridges slowly without overdoing it. Also, this file had foam in the center rather than cardboard. This allows it to conform to the curves of the extension and allow the sanding to blend in nicely. Pretty much it's a miniature version of those foam sanding blocks you use for woodworking and drywall patching.

It's all feel, just rub your fingertip all around and knock down anything you don't like.

So, in conclusion: yes, I performed my first XDm mods with two things from my wife's makeup drawer. Hey, if it works, it works.

[JimBledsoe]

The first thing I did, after I bought the XDM 3.8 compact, was buy Pearce grip extension. they're great. I wasn't sure it would make such a big difference--but it does. The pinky now gets a firm purchase on the grip.

[kapt_krunch]

I used a nail file on the sharp edges. Worked wonders. I've got 7 for my XDm and 3 for my XD. I'm debating ordering a few for my parents as well.


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[duplessis]

just got mine in...best $8 i have ever spent.

[15shot]

Definitely a must if you're going to use the 13 round mag...best investment I've made!

[OKcherokee]

Have one on all my compact mags.

[SoccerKyCoach]

Just ordered mine for my XDm-9 3.8" compact. Should arrive about the same time as my N82 Tactical Professional IWB holster.

[Thischickispackin]

I love my grip extension as well. I unfortunately didn't read any instructions before attempting this. I relearned a bunch of cuss words, before I finally had help to put it on. Needless to say, I'm a girl.

[richeyo2]

Use on all my XDm compacts & love them! Makes a world of difference IMO.

[M1A4ME]

Good to hear. I bought my 3.8 XDm last weekend. Didn't find a mag. extension at the show, stopped at Green Tops on the way home, they didn't have any either. Got to the house, got on the internet and ordered one from Midway. When it comes in it'll go on the short magazine.