The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned firearms enthusiast and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless accessories come and go. Many promise the moon but deliver only dust. The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black piqued my interest with its simple promise: enhanced grip and recoil control for a wide range of Glock pistols.
Years on the range and in the field have taught me that a comfortable and secure grip is paramount for accuracy and control. The factory Glock grip, while functional, can often feel a bit slick, especially with sweaty hands or during prolonged shooting sessions. I was seeking an affordable and effective solution to improve my grip on my Glock 17 without permanently modifying the frame.
Upon receiving the Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the Hogue thermoplastic elastomer material. It felt substantial and grippy, not cheap or flimsy. The Beavertail™ design was also a welcome addition, promising to cushion the hand and allow for a higher grip on the pistol, which can significantly reduce muzzle flip.
Compared to other grip sleeves I’ve tried in the past, like the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Glove or even just using grip tape, the Hogue Handall stood out due to its Beavertail™ feature and the promise of a more secure, form-fitting installation. I chose the Hogue grip over these alternatives hoping for improved recoil management and overall comfort. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for a significant improvement in grip and control for a very reasonable price of $12.99.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for a summer afternoon: hot and humid, which naturally leads to sweaty hands. Installing the grip sleeve was surprisingly easy; after a quick cleaning of my Glock 17’s grip, the sleeve slid on with a bit of effort, conforming snugly to the frame.
The difference in grip feel was immediately noticeable. The Cobblestone™ texture provided a much more secure hold than the factory Glock grip. The Beavertail™ feature allowed me to achieve a higher grip, which helped manage recoil more effectively. Even with sweaty hands, the pistol felt much more planted during rapid firing drills. There were no immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of tearing or significant wear, even after repeated use and cleaning. The thermoplastic elastomer material seems to be quite durable.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: just wipe it down with a damp cloth and some mild soap if necessary. It’s much easier to clean than stippled grips or grip tape. Compared to my previous experiences with other grip enhancement methods, the Hogue Handall has significantly outperformed them in terms of comfort, grip security, and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black
Specifications
The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black is specifically designed to fit Glock models 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, and 41 (Gen 3 & 4). It is made from a durable thermoplastic elastomer and features Hogue’s signature Cobblestone™ texture for enhanced grip. The inclusion of a Beavertail™ extends the grip further up the frame, cushioning the hand and facilitating a higher grip position.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The specific model compatibility ensures a snug and secure fit, preventing slippage during use. The thermoplastic elastomer provides a comfortable and tactile surface, while the Cobblestone™ texture enhances grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. The Beavertail™ significantly reduces felt recoil and muzzle flip, leading to improved accuracy and control.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve excels at its primary function: enhancing grip and recoil control. The Cobblestone™ texture is aggressive enough to provide a secure hold without being abrasive. The Beavertail™ effectively cushions the web of the hand, distributing recoil forces more evenly.
One minor weakness is that the sleeve can sometimes shift slightly during extended firing sessions, requiring occasional readjustment. However, this is easily remedied with a small amount of adhesive or by ensuring a very tight initial installation. Overall, the grip sleeve significantly exceeds expectations for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, especially considering the price. The thermoplastic elastomer feels durable and comfortable in hand. The grip sleeve adds minimal bulk to the pistol, maintaining a relatively slim profile.
The design is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills for installation. The Cobblestone™ texture and finger grooves naturally position the fingers for an optimal grip. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve is built to last. The thermoplastic elastomer is resistant to wear and tear, even with frequent use and exposure to the elements. Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve itself is not directly compatible with many accessories. However, it does not interfere with the use of standard Glock accessories such as magazine releases, slide stops, or aftermarket triggers. Its primary function is to enhance the grip, and it achieves this without compromising the functionality of other components.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black
Pros
- Significantly improved grip: The Cobblestone™ texture provides a much more secure hold than the factory Glock grip.
- Enhanced recoil control: The Beavertail™ cushions the hand and allows for a higher grip, reducing muzzle flip.
- Easy installation: The grip sleeve slides on quickly and easily with minimal effort.
- Durable construction: The thermoplastic elastomer is resistant to wear and tear.
- Affordable price: At $12.99, it’s a cost-effective way to improve your Glock’s ergonomics.
Cons
- Can potentially shift slightly during extended use: Requiring occasional readjustment.
- May not fit all Gen 3 & 4 Glock frames perfectly: Some slight variations in frame size can affect the fit.
Who Should Buy Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black?
The Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve is perfect for Glock owners who are looking to improve their grip and recoil control without permanently modifying their firearm. It’s ideal for competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and anyone who values a secure and comfortable grip. This is also a great upgrade for those using their Glock for home defense or concealed carry, providing a more confident and controllable platform.
Those who should skip this product might include individuals with very small hands, as the grip sleeve can add a bit of bulk to the grip. If you prefer a very aggressive grip texture, you might find the Cobblestone™ texture to be too mild.
Must-have accessories or modifications alongside the Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve aren’t strictly necessary, but a quality holster that accommodates the slightly larger grip profile would be a good investment.
Conclusion on Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black
In summary, the Hogue Handall Beavertail Grip Sleeve For Glock 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 (Gen 3 & 4), Black is an excellent and affordable upgrade for Glock pistols. It delivers on its promise of enhanced grip and recoil control, making it a valuable addition to any Glock owner’s arsenal.
The price of $12.99 is more than justified, considering the significant improvement in handling and comfort it provides. I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve their Glock’s ergonomics without breaking the bank. Upgrade your grip, enhance your control, and experience the difference the Hogue Handall can make.