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In this Pewcentric Spotlight, Dave tests the DIY silicon carbide grip kit from 71 Creative, turning a safe queen pistol into a range-ready firearm. Watch the full walkthrough from unboxing and prep to epoxy and grit application.
In this episode of Pewcentric Spotlight, Dave from Pewcentric walks through a hands-on upgrade using the 71 Creative Silicon Carbide Grip Kit with creator Kris VanWagner.
The goal of the project is to transform a pistol that previously felt uncomfortable and underused into a competition-ready firearm with improved grip and control. Grip texture plays a critical role in shooting performance, especially for competitive disciplines where stability and recoil management are essential.
Kris explains how the silicon carbide grip kit allows firearm owners to apply professional-level grip texture themselves. Instead of sending a pistol frame to a gunsmith for permanent modification, shooters can complete the process at home using the tools included in the kit.
The kit contains everything needed for the upgrade, including epoxy, brushes, tape, sandpaper, and silicon carbide grit. Users simply tape off the desired grip areas, prepare the surface, apply epoxy, and coat the grip with carbide grit to create a durable, high-traction texture.
One key benefit is customization. Shooters can control exactly where the grip texture is applied, tailoring the grip pattern to their preferences. Kris also offers practice grip blanks so users can test the process before applying it to a real firearm frame.
The process takes approximately 15–20 minutes of active work and cures fully within 24 hours. Once complete, the upgraded grip offers improved traction, better control during rapid shooting, and a more confident feel in the hand.
This DIY firearm upgrade demonstrates how shooters can improve ergonomics and performance without expensive custom gunsmithing.
(0:06) Hey, Dave here from Pewcentric, the marketplace where firearms enthusiasts just like you discover unique gear, services, and training.
(0:13) Basically everything but the guns.
(0:15) Pewcentric Spotlight is our ongoing series of deep dives into unique, new, fascinating listings that are available right now on the Pewcentric marketplace.
(0:25) And today we're going to be showcasing what's inside this box.
(0:30) And we're joined today by the creator of this kit.
(0:34) Kris VanWagner of 71 Creative.
(0:36) How you doing, Kris?
(0:38) How are you doing Dave?
(0:40) I am doing great and feeling bold because what we're about to do is something pretty interesting.
(0:47) We're going to be taking this kit and what's inside of here and basically making this pistol usable for me in competition.
(0:57) It currently sits on my shelf underutilized because it doesn't feel right to me and grip is everything for me and I'm hoping you can help transform this into my next carry optics gun.
(1:09) Absolutely.
(1:14) All right so as you can see I haven't opened the package and it's got by the way 71 Creative branded tape.
(1:22) That's a nice touch.
(1:31) Find out what you include in here.
(1:32) Basically tell us a little bit about what this kit is.
(1:36) Yeah so it's a silicon carbide grip kit basically your choice of flavor of grit.
(1:43) I also offer a sample kit if you're not sure which grit that you want.
(1:50) So you get a little sample of each but essentially it comes with everything you need.
(1:54) It's got your epoxy, application brushes, knives to trim your tape, a whole roll of tape, a little catch bowl to keep the grit from going everywhere, sandpaper for your frame, and disposable brushes to apply the epoxy.
(3:57) Once you do it you'll see how easy it is.
(4:03) The whole process takes about fifteen to twenty minutes and then you let it cure.
(5:07) First step is preparing your workspace and making sure the pistol frame is clean.
(5:40) Wash the frame with a grease-cutting soap if it has oils or chalk on it.
(6:01) Tape off the areas where you want the grip texture applied.
(6:26) Leave areas like the beavertail and finger groove uncovered for comfort.
(8:54) After taping the grip area you lightly sand the surface.
(9:00) This creates a better surface for the epoxy to adhere to.
(14:30) After sanding wipe down the surface with alcohol to remove dust and oils.
(15:32) Next step is mixing the epoxy.
(16:47) Apply the epoxy evenly across the taped grip area.
(19:26) Once the epoxy is applied begin sprinkling the silicon carbide grit across the grip.
(20:18) Rotate the pistol so the grit coats the entire surface.
(21:46) Apply multiple coats of grit until the epoxy stops absorbing it.
(23:22) After coating the grip remove the tape carefully.
(26:36) Use a cotton swab to shape edges and clean any excess epoxy.
(27:19) Once complete set the pistol aside to cure.
(27:42) The grip can be handled after about six to eight hours.
(27:46) Full cure takes about twenty four hours.
(27:57) With the magic of editing it's now twenty four hours later and this is the result.
(28:35) The grip texture is solid and nothing is coming off.
(28:44) The crisp lines come from the taped edges.
(29:13) The carbide follows the contours of the original grip.
(29:34) The new grip provides significantly more traction.
(30:01) This is a fantastic product and it was easy to apply.
(30:18) If you're interested in trying this yourself check out the store at pewcentric.com slash 71creative.
(30:32) Links are below.
(30:33) As always please like and subscribe to help grow the Pewcentric community.
(30:38) We'll catch you next time.
