VZ GRIPS

[ACP]

I recently ordered a new gun and was disappointed; posted elsewhere on the forum. I decided to jump on the VZ bandwagon to celebrate my refound R9 joy. I just received them and put them on my Robar R9. (You already know what my gun looks like with the Yankee 2500 photo, less the mag extension).

I have been critical of G10. However, unlike the drab, flat, charmless factory G10 grips, the VZ grips are smokin hot. Consider that my VZ grips are replacing factory carbon fiber grips.

Thank you to the many who posted positive things about VZ.

[Z]

The VZ grips do make a world of difference.

I like the black checkered and the carbon fiber myself.

[coyote]

i've been thinking about getting a set (when i eventually have a R9s in hand) and was a little concerned about the tappering thinness at the back of the grip causing less surface area for the web of the hand to absorb recoil (compared to the wider factory grips which would appear to increase the contact area's size).

any thought on if the different grip thicknesses, where it contacts the web of the hand, change the "felt" or perceived recoil sensation?
(of course, i'm fully aware that actual recoil doesn't change when changing grips of the same weight)

(was that confusing enough?)

[MRC]

In my opinion, the factory grips are far too "slick" and flat allowing the pistol to "slide" in my hand.  NO Grip!  Recoil seemed considerable.

With the VZ grips and mag extensions, I felt I had complete control of the pistol during a fast 7 rounds.  Recoil was very acceptable even with my old, stiff hands and wrists.  A big improvement in control and felt recoil.

My opinion.

[Z]

I agree with MRC.

The VZ grip a are thinner near the back strap and front strap. I have the G10 checkered. I also use one of Yankee2500 mag extensions. The combination give you more control and a better grip.

[coyote]

i love the look and feel of VZ's thinness at front and back. to me, that radius is so much nicer feeling in the hand (and far better looking) than the slab sided factories or hogue extremes. its the main reason for wanting to order them (besides the beauty).

i was worried that the thinness at the rear would increase felt recoil, yet you're both saying that in spite of the thinness they do indeed increase control and feel better in recoil. is that correct?

also, do you think that little bit of checkering on each panel actually helps? or are the smooth just as viable?

[MRC]

Yes, I do feel they increase control and feel better in recoil.  I did not think that the recoil of the R9 with stock grips was punishing, it was just too slick and I started to lose my grip before I could empty a magazine.  As you lose your grip, you notice the recoil more.

I have only shot the R9 with the checkered grips, but I think with a mag extension, the smooth wouls be just fine.  I am just guessing.  I do like the looks of the smooth grips better.  VZ told me they would trade my grips back if I changed my mind on color or checkering.  Can't beat that.

[Z]

The checkering helps out!

[Mullin]

Great picture!  I was wondering . . . before taking the picture did you lightly oil or wax the gun?

[coyote]

Great picture!  I was wondering . . . before taking the picture did you lightly oil or wax the gun?

wish i could take credit, but that image is directly linked to VZ's website, so you'd have to ask them.  

[Mullin]

linked to VZ's website, so you'd have to ask them.  

Done, I'll post VZ's answer here after I hear back from them.

[Z]

The checkering on the VZ grips add enough grip to make a difference.
It hit the palm of your hand on one side and two fingers on the other side.

You can always try a set, if you like the keep them and if you don't, sell them. They should go quick in the clsssifiesd ads here.

[jmoh]

Hi all,

I got a pair of VZ grips today (checkered black/cherry) and I love the way they feel on the weapon. I have run into a snag and was hoping someone has a picture of the inside of the right grip (the one with the cutout) , after installing mine I noticed a rattle where there had been none before. The weapon seems to function fine however the trigger is noticeably loose and wobbly. I took off the grip and reinstalled the factory one, no rattle and the trigger tightened right up. I looked at the cutout on the VZ and noticed that it was different in dimension than the factory grip. It seems that the VZ is pressing on the transfer bar spring and when I take the VZ off, the spring pops out of the hole in the transfer bar. I'm including a picture of the insides of the factory and VZ grips. I noticed a difference in the thickness at the backstrap area, the front of the grip and the lower cutout is wider on the factory grip. I don't know if this matters or not? It could be user error on my part. I can't imagine I'm the only one with this issue and I'm not knocking VZ in any way. I really want these to work on my pistol but I can't take the rattle and loose trigger. Maybe I'm not installing them correctly, any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

[tracker]

I noticed recently when I removed my grips for the first time that the sear trigger bar spring was creeping up the post and resting against the inside right grip. Consequently, as I looked at it after removing the grip, it decided to pop out as if to say, "gotcha." I opened up the spring slightly with a small flat headed screwdriver and seated the spring better than it had been in the first place. You might try that or just send the grips back to VZ if that doesn't work for you. It may be that your VZ grips are slightly deeper in the cutout and allow the spring to move too much in the firing process.

[yankee2500]

Mike,
   The pin that the trigger pivots on is held on each end by the grips, possibly the locating pin holes are too large (or larger than on the factory grips)

Tracker,
   I have always thought there should be a small groove machined around that post to keep the spring from sliding off, I had the same problem you described and fixed it the same way.