Grip Keeper Review: Is This 3D-Printed Training Pistol Worth It?

I’ve been seeing Grip Keeper products advertised more and more, so I reached out to the company to see if they’d be willing to send one over for an honest review. They did provide the product for evaluation, and what follows is my unfiltered take after spending real time with several Grip Keeper training tools.

Short version: Grip Keeper does some things very well—especially when it comes to model availability—but it also comes with tradeoffs you should understand before spending your money.

What Is Grip Keeper?

Grip Keeper makes 3D-printed firearm training tools. Their lineup includes laser training pistols, grip strength trainers with varying spring weights, and even small accessories like target stands. Everything is 3D printed, and that manufacturing approach is both their biggest strength and, in some cases, their limitation.

The major advantage of 3D printing is flexibility. Grip Keeper offers a large number of SKUs across many different firearm models. If you run something other than a Glock—think HK VP9, Walther PDP, Staccato, and similar—you immediately see the appeal. Many competing training pistols simply don’t support those platforms yet.

Build Quality and Realism

Let’s address the 3D printing upfront. Yes, when you look closely, it’s clearly a printed product. That said, the quality is good. The prints are clean, consistent, and far better than the flimsy 3D-printed items most of us have handled.

In hand, the Grip Keeper feels thicker and sturdier than expected. It doesn’t feel cheap or hollowed out to save material. Is it the same weight as a real pistol? No. But it does feel solid, rigid, and durable enough for repeated dry fire and draw practice.

Dimensionally, the realism is strong. The trigger guard shape is correct, the rail is functional, the optic cut works, and it fits properly in real holsters. From a form-factor standpoint, it feels accurate and true to the firearm it’s modeled after.

Grip Trainer Options

Grip Keeper offers multiple grip trainer configurations, including grip-only versions and full-frame versions that mimic an entire pistol. They also offer different spring strengths so you can tailor resistance to your ability level.

I tested a full-frame grip trainer and ran into an issue where my skin was getting pinched under the trigger guard during compression. I want to be clear here: this may be specific to the particular model I tested or to my hand geometry. I know other serious shooters who use these without issue.

That said, it’s something to be aware of. Personally, I would opt for the grip-only version if I could do it over again. It avoids the pinching issue entirely, costs less, and still accomplishes the primary goal of grip strength development.

Laser Training Pistol Performance

The laser training pistol is where Grip Keeper really tries to compete in a competitive space. We’re currently in a golden age of laser dry-fire tools, and there are some very refined products on the market.

The Grip Keeper laser pistol performs well, but it doesn’t lead the pack. The laser activates when the trigger is pressed and stays on as long as the trigger is held to the rear, rather than momentarily flashing. That’s not a flaw—just a design choice—and different shooters will have different preferences.

The laser is not adjustable for windage or elevation. You’re relying on the factory alignment. In my testing out to about 15 yards, it was spot-on, but if adjustability matters to you, this may be a dealbreaker.

Battery access is straightforward through a compartment designed to look like a magazine, which is a nice touch.

Trigger Feel and Training Value

The trigger itself is very mushy. There’s no take-up, no wall, no break, and no reset—just pressure and laser activation.

Whether that matters depends entirely on what you’re training. If your dry-fire session is focused on draw, presentation, grip, or visual index, it matters very little. If you’re trying to replicate your exact trigger press, this won’t do that.

It’s also worth noting that even with a real pistol, dry fire often involves a single realistic trigger press before you’re back to a dead trigger anyway. In that context, I don’t see the trigger feel as a major negative but given that there are competing products that do provide a more realistic trigger I think its worth mentioning here.

Price and Market Context

The laser training pistol I tested retails just under $200. In a vacuum, that’s not outrageous. The issue is competition.

If you run a Glock 19, you have a lot of alternatives in this price range—many of which are more refined and purpose-built. In that scenario, Grip Keeper feels overpriced.

If you run a less common pistol, however, the equation changes. Grip Keeper may be your only option that matches your firearm’s shape, fits your holster, supports your optic, and mirrors your setup. In that case, the price becomes much easier to justify.

Who Grip Keeper Is Best For

• Shooters who carry less-common pistol models.
• Those focused on draw, presentation, and grip mechanics
• Dry-fire practitioners who want a dedicated training tool that fits their existing holster setup

Final Thoughts

Grip Keeper isn’t a universal solution, and it’s not trying to be. Where it shines is model availability and flexibility. Where it lags is refinement compared to some premium competitors.

If you carry a common platform with lots of aftermarket training support, you may find better value elsewhere. If you carry something more niche, Grip Keeper offers a legitimate, functional training solution that may be worth the investment.

As with most training tools, the value isn’t in the product alone—it’s in how consistently you use it.