Hogue Handall- Universal Grip Sleeve
Initial Thoughts
When I first opened the package I was very pleased
to see a well packaged product. The grips were packaged in the original
OEM box and came with a trimming guide to boot.
When I took it out of the packaging, which was easy enough to not require
me to call in S.W.A.T. This left me holding a small piece of tube shaped
rubber. My first thought was this won't be so hard to install. Well I
was a little off there. but you'll see more as you read on.
Function
This product was designed by Hogue to allow people with fixed grip guns
(XD's, Glock's, H&K USP etc.) to be able to make some changes to their
grips to allow a more stable and more comfortable grip.
For anyone who doesn't know exactly what a Handall is, its a piece of
shaped, contoured and textured rubber that slips over the grip and gives
the gun a better gripping surface.
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The handall is extremely comfortable once installed. Its made of rigid rubber. The shape fit my hand quite well and made shooting much more comfortable. I can't say whether or not they helped me improve on accuracy. When I've take the XD-40 equipped with the Hogue grips i can say I shot 50 rounds more than usual with much less hand fatigue.
Features
The best way to cover the majority of the features is to just list them:
Proportioned finger grooves and palm swells.
Cobblestone textured grips
Virtually oil & solvent impervious rubber.
Installation
I'd love to say installation was a snap but then I'd be lying. When I went to install the grip I followed all manufacturer installation and common sense precautions. However it was a tough 5-10 minutes of struggle to get it on and into place. Even though the Handall is made of rubber you shouldn't stretch it out to far or it will be loose and not fit well to the handle. So you have to inch it up a little bit at a time until its firmly in place.
One more important detail is trimming. I know your probably thinking "why would this fool cut up his Handall?" The reason it needs to be trimmed is because if you do not cut a notch for the grip safety the handall with be constantly holding the safety into position and will disarm the safety. a small square off the back on the Handall and this is remedied quite easily.
Draw speed
The wider grips didn't interfere with any of my holsters and had no negative effects on the draw. There were a couple holsters that were very close to being a problem with the added width, but most holster manufactures make the holster with enough hand clearance to prevent any contact. When reholstering the added with didn't case any interference with tactical reholstering when this was possible with the holster.
Tactical / Concealed Applications
The added width and better griping surface have many use situational purposes. I'll go over a couple things and give you my recommendations. I feel that specific uses, competition, hunting are best for this grip for the XD. Because the grip is a modified product not specifically and designed or meant for guns with grip safeties. I do not recommend the grips for CCW purposes there is too much to risk to have a product that could feasibly disable the grip safety. My recommendation if you really want to use a Handall on a CCW weapon trim extra rubber off around the grip safety and make a habit of checking your weapon on a routine basis to make sure you aren't carry a gun with a disabled safety.
Turnaround Time
I have to say I was pleased to no end when working with James. My order was placed on 5/30/04 and TWO days later I had them it in my hands and ready to go. I received the Handall and some other test goodies all on 6/2/04. So turnaround was less than most state waiting period to pickup a firearm ... I was phenomenally pleased! James has THE fastest service of ANY company I have yet to work with.
Customer Service
Orders can be placed right online from the website. I was in communication the whole time with James. He was a great guy to speak with and he answered all my questions and always took the extra step to make sure I was well taken care of.
Warranty
The warranty is the manufacturers warranty which is a 30 days warranty.
Repairs (If Necessary)
As a necessary modification to make the product work, the handall has to be trim out of the box to go around the grip safety. Keep in Mind this modification does void the warranty.
Value vs. Cost
This is a good product for the price, It provides a very useful service for a very low cost.
XD-HS2000 Online Store