I personally wouldn't go with a $200 soldering iron stippling job. I don't like the looks of it but if you're OK with that YMMV. If I were going to invest that much money in my $800 USP I'd just sell it and buy something different.
Except for the critical fact that many users on this discussion board have tried alternative HK pistol platforms (P30/P30L, VP9/40, P2000, etc) including actually purchasing both platforms, and still voiced preference for the HK USP, except for the inferior ergonomics. Getting a modification like this solves the problem permanently. And the difference in the way it feels in the hands is simply phenomenal and must be experienced to be believed.
Having the grip heavily modified turns off a lot of potential buyers.
If it is a do-it-yourself job and of questionable workmanship, this is indeed true. However, I would submit a stippling job from a firm which specializes in the procedure will actually enhance the value of the weapon, especially if the purchase receipt can be provided should you choose to sell the pistol. Other firms which do excellent stippling work on H&K Pistols include Robar, Cold Bore Customs and 610 Precision.
The Talon grips seem thin and I believe they cover the grip spikes. . .
The Talon grips are indeed thin, and because of this are going to have minimal to no effect in terms of rectifying the noticeable discomfort of the grip spikes on the front and rear panels. This conundrum is integral to the problem – if you want something which will dull the aggressive grip checkering, it is going to have to be of a certain thickness, which itself will make the grip bulkier, decrease trigger reach, and increase the difficulty of one-handed manipulations. If you truly want to get the most out of an HK USP, I would respectfully submit that you need to bite the bullet (pun intended) and pony up for a professional grip retexturing. And I would say the very same applies to the FN Pistols (even more uncomfortable than the HK USP in my opinion,) and the Glock Generation 4.
You are going to get what you pay for in terms of the performance with a $200.00 professional stippling job vs a $8.00 Hogue slip-on grip or $15.00 Talon Grips. I’ve tried slip-on grips from Hogue, Pachmayr (both original and the Tactical Grip Gloves) and Uncle Mikes (also known as Butler Creek). I have done this song and dance since January 1994. I even used a razor blade to cut the palm swells out of the Hogue gripsleeve (and ruined about 5 of them before I had the process down.) None of these products provide the comfort and performance of the custom grip stippling.
It's me not the gun lol I have soft delicate hand hah
So do I – it’s called “office hands.” Which is why you convey that information to the workshop who does the grip re-stippling so they can pick out a package which is best for you! Best of luck with the project!
