for Springfield XD-S 9mm/.45 (3.3-Inch barrel), Small Backstrap

I installed this Talon grip on my XDS 3.3 and I am not entirely happy with the finished result. I have installed these before and it is pretty easy to do, but this gun just doesn't compliment the Talon grips well. The problem is the large protruding block pattern on the grip of this firearm. The grip features small blocks that are designed to assist with gripping the weapon but that design feature makes the Talon grip impossible to seal everywhere. The problem with this is cleaners and lubrication products will break down the glue if it ever gets underneath the areas that are no fully sealed, and that will cause the Talon grips to lose their bond and start peeling off. I did cut small slits in the Talon grip in between the blocks so it would lay more flat but it did not fix all of the areas that happened.I'm not sure what could be done to fix this problem, but after looking at the finished product I would recommend Talon start offering more "excess" material for the rear of the grip. We are all accustomed to trimming the Talon grips anyway, so maybe offering more material on the rear side would help the issue.I have liked Talon grips in all the other applications I have done, but the design of this pistol's grip makes the Talon grips not a great solution for this gun. I will use it until it start peeling but I won't get another set for this gun.

I was hesitant to think these would make enough of a difference since the stock grips are good enough. But… I’ve been very happy I added these and they are definitely better than the stock grips. I like the feel and putting them on what not that big a deal. I recommend you watch one of the many videos out there before you do, but don’t be intimidated by the application. The fit as delivered (will fit 9mm or .45 versions and 3.3" or 4" barrel length models); adhesion is great my only complaint is not adding them sooner.One warning: IF you intend to use your firearm as a concealed carry, especially as in an IWB (Inside the WaistBand) carry, you probably do NOT want the Granulate Texture (aka sandpaper) is it will both rub your skin raw and abrade your clothing. I've had no similar issues with the Rubber Texture.Very happy with these grips and I will be adding them to my XDm model, too.

These grips are serious business and you can tell right off the bat. My package came in yesterday and I immediately began the task of applying the grip to my firearm.What a difference it makes! Previously I had issues with the grip since my small, sweaty hands couldn't find a comfortable area that wouldn't "bite" into my palm. These grips allow me to have a comfortable, firm grip without creating additional issues.Do not, however, make the same mistake that I did: the granulate is not a good choice for concealed carry. I wasn't thinking farenough ahead and it's starting to cause noticeable issues. The problem is that the grip catches onto my clothes and is abrasive. The lifetime of my shirts will be cut down severely if I decide to keep this on. I think I'll look into removing it and replacing with a rubber grip instead. Don't take this the wrong way though! The grip is still great and I'll swear by it; just think ahead before purchasing the wrong one.

Talon grips are just phenomenal. I have installed them on three different pew pews now, all different brands, and each grip has fit perfectly without a single issue. The confidence you gain from having a truly solid and zero-slip grip is priceless and makes every single penny of these things absolutely worth it. You can even buy the stuff in square sheets if you want to cut your own patterns out. I did this to add some tactile strips to the fore end of a pump action and it made a world of difference.I am 100% biased towards the grit ones though I will admit. I know that the sand paper feel isn't for everyone, and can be a bit harsh for IWB if you don't have a layer between your skin and the grip, but it provides the best grip wet or dry compared to the other materials.

Not sure how the rest of the xds fans feel about the xds but most would agree---concealed carry comes with trade-offs; slimmer, single stack gives you less rounds, etc. These things are generally understood and each makes their own choices based on their own decisions. I like the xds. It is very accurate and it is a good carry but the grip was abhorrent to me. I am not sure why much of the industry is going to this flat profile for a grip but in my case, the talon grip completed the gun that springfield failed to finish. If you are considering a grip you will love how sheer this grip wrap is and yet it gives a completely different and more enjoyable grip. Also, for those who want to also add the crimson trace under the barrel and in front of the trigger guard I can tell you there is no issue to be concerned about.........I put my crimson trace right over the top of the grip wrap with no noticeable effect. Go for it. It was a great decision and I will never regret it as long as the wrap doesn't roll up and fall off with use.

The stock grip on the XD-S is very aggressive and I find uncomfortable. I've never used TALON grips before so this is my 1st time. Installing the adhesive backed grip was not as hard as I anticipated. I followed the instructions and carefully positioned it onto the gun grip then used a hair drier to lock it in place. If you use the larger back strap on your gun then the TALON grip is ready to glue on as is. But if the smaller back strap is used then the grip will have to be trimmed. Fortunately TALON placed guide lines on the grip indicating where and how much to cut off. I use the larger back strap and the grip wrapped around the gun grip making an almost invisible seam at the back of the gun grip.PROS:o The TALON grip has made the XD-S grip very comfortable, very positive difference.o It looks very professional as if Springfield manufactured the gun with it on.CONS:I don't have any cons, this is a quality product that adds so much comfort and it looks professional.