My Tractiongrips arrived a day after my rail and laser, otherwise they would have been the first installment of Project Shockwave. If you’ve got a firearm with a plastic (polymer) grip, you’ll want to become familiar with Tractiongrips. Originally designed with the Glock in mind, these peel and stick grips can improve any firearm. Not only are they inexpensive and easy to install, but they work. So I rate them as one of the best values in improving your shooting experience.
That said, shooting the Mossberg Shockwave with its bird’s head grip isn’t always a pleasant experience. If recoil causes the grip to slide in your hand, the tang-mounted safety will likely tear up your thumb’s webbing. At least, that’s what happened to me, first time out. And a quick search of the internet showed that I’m not alone. Tractiongrips to the rescue.
For a little under $12, they shipped me a set of four pre-cut pieces that fit the grip precisely. Instructions are simple to follow, and it’s kind of hard to screw up. Read them twice, prepare a clean workspace, and then clear your firearm. After you’ve verified that it’s not loaded, check it again. Leave the action open too. It’s been said that more accidents happen with “unloaded” firearms than loaded. Don’t add to that sad statistic.
Once you’re sure it’s unloaded, clean the grip, per instructions. Soapy water or alcohol works. Dry thoroughly. Don’t touch it with your oily hands after cleaning, either. Warm the pieces a bit with a hair dryer. If you don’t have a hair dryer, borrow one – you’ll need it if you want to do a good job. Place the top piece first, and warm with the dryer. Then do the sides, lined up with the top piece, and following the contour of the grip. If it all looks good, add the bottom piece. Heat it all up for a good bond. Grab it with one hand, then the other, while it’s warm. Make sure there are no overlaps or lumps. Let it sit for 24 hours, and you’re ready to go.
I cannot stress enough the importance of that hair dryer, after installed Tractiongrips on several firearms. Heating makes the grip material conform easier. It also helps the glue to form a better bond. A heat gun would work as well, but not too close – they generally run hotter than needed. When you’re done, you’ll be able to maintain a better grip, and it usually feels better than plain polymer. In the case of my Shockwave, it allows me to maintain better control when shooting 00 buck. It does fine with the low recoil stuff, but I like to shoot often, so end up reaching for the cheaper ammo. Check out Tractionsgrips.com to see how easy it is to improve the grip on your favorite firearm.
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I don’t have my Shockwave yet, but when I get it, these Traction Grips will be the first mod. Good review!
Joe
This is one of those products that makes a big difference, for a small price. Check back often – I have three more Shockwave articles in the works.
I like the traction grips also. I have found that trimming about 1″-1.25″ back on the piece on the left hand side of the grip [for RH shooter] saves the skin on the inside of my thumb between the two joints where I “grip the grip.”