Angled VS Vertical AR Forend Grips
Dr. John Woods 10.11.18
John J. Woods
Magnolia Outdoor Communications
ANGLED VS. VERTICAL AR FOREND GRIPS
Stabilizing the shooting hold of an AR-15 rifle is not without its options. Certainly the majority of common everyday AR shooters will simply shoulder the weapon, grab ahold of the forend with the offhand underneath for support, and shoot away. This is of course, the standard hold format for shooting any rifle, the AR being no real exception in this regard. But are there better ways to keep the muzzle end of these rifles even more steady? You bet.
Some really tacticool shooters have even been seen wrapping their offhand over the top of the quad rail, KeyMod, or M-Lok forend rather than underneath. This is often witnessed at 3-gun shooting competitions as a shooting technique giving some sort of edge I guess to the shooter. The theory here is that by applying judicious downward pressure with the hand on top of the rail and barrel helps to control the muzzle rise, even with the very real controllability of an AR rifle platform.
This is the case, too, even with sustained rapid firing of the rifle. Shooters learn to adapt to trying things that make the shooting more comfortable and accurate. Funny things happen when shooting any rifle especially a semi-auto capable of running out a 30-round mag in mere seconds. Even a bit of fatigue factor can begin to set in thus permitting the muzzle to slump down somewhat in a prolonged string of shots.
To assist with this condition as well as just to offer other viable ways to support the shooting of an AR, accessory engineers and manufacturers conjured up a couple of additional add-ons to help out. These can now be bought from a wide variety of sources in styles, sizes, and colors to suit the shooter. They are easy to attach via Picatinny rail, KeyMod or M-Lok options.
First up is the angled foregrip ala Magpul or others which creates a stable shooting hold aiding in the control of recoil. It attaches underneath the rail. Using this hold thus places the shooter’s offhand positioned high up on the center line of the barrel’s bore. Pushing forward and with slight downward pressure helps to counteract muzzle rise from recoil. Some shooters hold it in the web of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. Yes, it works.
The other option is a vertical foregrip that attaches like the angled models. This hold simply provides a secure grip in the palm of the hand with fingers wrapped around it. Gripping surface materials vary, so find one you like. Some fold up, but most do not. Some have screw off bottom caps to store small items inside. There are long, short, and molded grip models.
I use both of these forend grip devices and find them both effective. The angled model hangs up less, but the vertical offers a more stable hold. You choose one or both as they are easy to put on or take off.
