The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Gunsmithing or Modifications for your Rohrbaugh => Topic started by: musician on February 12, 2005, 08:19:29 AM

Title: grip tape on front strap
Post by: musician on February 12, 2005, 08:19:29 AM
I've been away from the Forum for awhile (four hurricanes in SW Fla. have a way of turning life upside down), so I don't know if this topic has been broached.

When I shoot my R9s, the recoil tends to be up and to the right, sometimes painfully raking the trigger guard against my trigger finger.  Now, I know this is an "operator" problem since it doesn't happen all the time, but I eliminated it by applying a strip of skateboard tape to the front strap.  It's amazing how this stuff improves the "gripability" of the gun and vitually eliminates my gun's tendency to twist during recoil.  And since it's on the front strap it doesn't cause any hangups during the draw (in fact, it helps because it creates a tacky surface to grab).

Anyone else try this?

Musician
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: BillinPittsburgh on February 12, 2005, 06:36:39 PM
I have tried skateboard tape on the frontstrap of my 1911.  I found that it did help my grip.  I cut the piece wide enough to fit underneath each grip panel to hold it in place, but not wide enough to that there was anything extending over the holes in the frame on the sides of the magazine well.

I took it off when my law school ring wore a hole in it, and haven't put a new piece back on, although I might.
Title: grip tape on front strap
Post by: TW on February 12, 2005, 09:06:57 PM
>>This sounds like a great idea to at least try out.  Likewise my big fat trigger finger gets whacked with each shot...maybe this is something the boys at the factory should look at...???...TW<<
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: GeorgeH on February 13, 2005, 10:58:03 PM
Skateboard tape today reminds me of sandpaper. Somewhere back in 1983-85, when skateboarding enjoyed a comeback, I saw some tape that was sold in a sheet large enough to cover the entire deck of a skateboard that was sort of spongy with a pebble finish. Does anyone know if something like that is sold today?
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: musician on February 14, 2005, 08:27:39 AM
Hi, GeorgeH--

     I have found the stuff you describe in a hardware store.  It's sold as boat deck or step anti-slip material.  I've not seen sheets, but cut-to-length rolls in a variety of widths from 1" to 6".  The stuff I've seen is gray and is not as sandpapery as the black skateboard tape, and is thicker.

Musician
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Craigt on February 14, 2005, 05:31:53 PM
Hi Folks,

Try www.mcmaster.com.

Not looked lately but a few years ago I found some there.  They have everything.  Can make credit card orders on line.  Almost everything is next day delivery without the extra charge.

Happy hunting.

Craig T.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: GeorgeH on February 14, 2005, 08:14:05 PM
Thank's for the info.

I've walked (barefoot) on boat anti-skid tape, but I never actually "looked" at it. Now, I need to check this stuff out.

Another idea, well actually an old idea, 20 years ago I used to wrap rubber bands around the stock of a handgun to give me greater control. Before I gave up on rubber bands, I started to wrap tape around them as well. But the tape wasn't the normal stuff that you would usually use. This tape sticks only to itself. In a boat store it is typically white and called "rigger's tape." In an auto parts store it typically balck and sold in the wiring deptment. In boating it is used to wrap turnbuckles. In a car it is used to tape a wiring harness.

The problem with the rubber band/tape wrap is that you have to redo it frequently but it works great.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: BillinPittsburgh on February 14, 2005, 11:05:13 PM
The tape I bought was sold by a bicycle shop, in all different colors (I went with a gray/black).  I bought a 10 foot roll, more than I will ever likely use for shooting.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: GeorgeH on February 15, 2005, 12:02:15 AM
I'm beginning to get interested in trying out some anti-skid/skateboard tape.

This thread reminded me of a "tape" that I saw used on RV's. It is a foam like tape, that is smooth, and not sticky to the touch. The way you apply it is to wrap it around whatever and then heat it with a hair dryer. I saw it used in an RV to insulate either the water or propane line to keep condensation from forming.

This thread has got me thinking.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: theirishguard on February 28, 2005, 06:46:18 PM
Has anyone thought of taking the R9 to a "good" gunsmith and having the front strap stipled?    Tom
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Craigt on March 05, 2005, 10:21:35 PM
You folks inspired me to try this on my Colt 380 Pony Pocketlite.  It has always twisted quite a bit when fired, especially when I get a little sweaty.  I put a strip of some anti-skid tape (don’t know where it came from) on the front strap and back strap.  Went to the range today and it was like a completely different gun.  Stayed put in my hand.  Actually a lot more fun to shoot now.  I think I will try removing the back strap tape and see how well it does with tape just on the front strap.  

Thanks for the inspiration.

Of course the Colt is just a poor substitute for the R9 until mine arrives.

Craig T.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: itguy on August 18, 2005, 10:18:43 AM
Can someone provide a photo of successful front/rear strap modification with tape or otherwise?

This would be much appreciated! :)
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Michigunner on August 23, 2005, 10:03:57 AM
Yes, a picture would be greatly appreciated.  The pistol grip does seem just a little slippery.

Now to  find some skateboard tape.  I hope it is more common that Mobil 1 0W-30.

Bill

Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Tse_Gee_La on September 09, 2005, 01:39:46 AM
I used to put skateboard tape on my 1911 until I had it checkered.  It worked so well I put it on the back of a HK P7M8 and I bought the kit for Glocks.  I also used hocky stick tape.  It is cheap and easy, but you do have to replace it every once in a while.  I tried the softer rubber tape but never liked it as much as the grip tape.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: sslater on September 19, 2005, 11:47:33 PM
The other day I bought skateboard tape strips at the local K-Mart.  The only color they had was "clear", but it sure looks white on the gun.  The strips were just the right width for the R9S.  I applied the tape to both front & backstraps.  The stuff feels like sandpaper.

At my range session today, I found the tape really helped keep the gun from squirming in my hand.  I was a little concerned about the tape being too aggressive, but there was no problem.  In fact, I noticed that my trigger finger didn't get irritated at all this time.  (First couple of times out, I got a little blister.)  I think I'll get some black tape tomorrow.

BTW:  My owners manual recommends replacement of the recoil spring at 250 rounds.  At 200 rounds the original spring is almost two full coils shorter than a new one, so I replaced it a little early.      

Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Michigunner on September 19, 2005, 11:58:03 PM
sslater,

Glad to hear about the skateboard tape strips.  I'll get some, too.

Thanks for providing the details.  A little extra control sounds very good.

Tse_Gee_La may have the best idea of all:  get it checkered.

Bill
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: sslater on September 20, 2005, 11:46:26 AM
Michigunner,
I think I'd favor sandblasted stippling (like the skateboard tape finish) over checkering.  That will have to wait until my R9S needs to go back to Rohrbaugh (hopefully NEVER), because the frame would need re-anodizing.

Now that I have my R9S, I'm not anxious to let it out of pocket, so to speak!   ;D  
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Michigunner on September 20, 2005, 11:54:15 AM
sslater,

That sounds good to me.  Anything to stop the 'squirming' in the hand.

I appreciate your comments about this important subject.

I noticed you are also in Southeast Michigan, like myself.

We live a few miles from Adrian, which is not too far from the state line.

Since this is the big, bad Internet, I no longer give exact GPS coordinates.   ;)

Bill
Title: grip tape on front strap
Post by: TW on September 20, 2005, 01:58:51 PM
>>Another item which I have found to help with control of the firing sequence is a pinky extension by Pierce.  This has been discussed in depth on a couple older threads.  One of these days I will try the skate board tape too - anything to help..TW<<
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: theirishguard on September 20, 2005, 03:16:07 PM
Maybe Chris or Duane can call Karl or Eric and ask when they will have that option.
Tom
Title: grip tape on front strap
Post by: TW on September 20, 2005, 03:30:41 PM
quote author=theirishguard link=board=Gunsmith;num=1108210769;start=15#19 date=09/20/05 at 14:16:07]Maybe Chris or Duane can call Karl or Eric and ask when they will have that option.
Tom[/quote]

>>Actually...I've already done that.  Eric said he and Karl got along great with Mr. Pierce at the last Shot Show where the first R9 pinky extension was made by modifying a Kahr extension...having them made and sold for the R9 is on their "to do" list.

That all said...the more people who ask for this product - the quicker it is likely to show up...!  So perhaps interested forum members might consider writing the R-Bros short notes to this effect and send by snail mail...TW<<
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: X-RAY on September 24, 2005, 08:08:43 PM
     I've used a similar type of tape called 'wing walk' tape used on aircraft wings.
     It was used to give the presnoell a non-skid surface to walk on.
     It may be available through an avionics supply source.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Michigunner on September 24, 2005, 08:45:12 PM
X-RAY,

Welcome to the  forum.  Glad you are here.

Thanks for the advice on the airplane tape.

Bill
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: theirishguard on September 24, 2005, 10:52:24 PM
X-ray, welcome, enjoy, thanks for your help.
Tom
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Michigunner on October 01, 2005, 11:09:53 AM
Each time I ask for skate board tapes, they don't seem to know about it.

I'm starting to think we live too far away from all the action.

Bill
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: RJ HEDLEY on October 01, 2005, 01:11:51 PM
Bill go to a Marine Supply,  a Boat place , they will have it..
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Michigunner on October 01, 2005, 04:02:39 PM
Thank you, RJ.

I think it may add some to the controlability of the little dickens.

Bill

Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Chuck_S on October 25, 2005, 08:22:30 AM
Grip tape or front strap checkering slows my ability to get a fast grip on the pistol.  

Great on range guns when I want cloverleaf groups.  Out of the holster I'll take 'em anywhere in the 0-ring of an IDPA target.  Cloverleafs only mean I'm not shooting twos fast enough!   ;)

-- Chuck
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Richard S on October 25, 2005, 08:51:39 PM
X-RAY

Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: EdMan on November 03, 2005, 01:35:52 AM
I’ve used skate board tape on the front and rear surfaces of my R-9 grip. It works very well, but the tape on the front strap is too aggressive. I have the same problem as Chuck. Skate board tape on the front strap actually slows down my draw from my smart carry holster. It keeps my fingers from quickly sliding around the front of the grip. Those of you who have used a smart carry holster with tight jeans know what I’m talking about. I have skate board tape on my R-9’s back strap only. I saw a video demo clip of Karl Rohrbaugh shooting a R-9S. It looked as if his pistol had a piece of bicycle tire inner tube around the grip. As many of you know this idea has been used for many years as an inexpensive pistol grip enhancer. I’ve used it on some of my pistols and it works pretty well. Some of you may want to try it if you can’t get grip tape or don’t like the sandpaper feel of skate board tape.

Ed
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: Newt on November 03, 2005, 09:34:06 AM
It was probably a Houge Handall slide over grip you saw. I have used this with my R9's but they will slow down the draw from a pocket due to the rubber not sliding smoothly against cloth.
Title: Re: grip tape on front strap
Post by: EdMan on November 04, 2005, 12:20:24 AM
Hey Newt,
It could be a Houge Handall on Karl’s R-9s, I can’t see it that well. I had one of those on my Kel Tec P11. I took it off because it slowed me down when drawing the gun from concealment. I tried my Houge on my R-9, it was too large. Although I think there are different sizes of this grip enhancer. I also find that a piece of bike tire inner tube is cheaper and less tacky than the Houge, so it doesn’t slow down my draw as much, but it does slow down my draw somewhat. I find that skate board tape on just the back strap of my R-9 works best for me. You all do what’s best for you. Don’t be afraid to try different ideas.

Newt it sounds like you are serious about realistic self defense hand gun practice. As you know experienced concealed carry hand gun users not only practice static target shooting, but also practice drawing and engaging targets from their everyday concealed carry holsters (hopefully while heading for cover, but that’s material for another thread). Anyone of you who want to try this please start your practice with an unloaded pistol! When we practice in this realistic manner we sometimes find that what feels good standing on the range doesn’t work in a real life confrontation. Life is full of compromises.

Ed