As a former military member and current civilian shooter I have always found it interesting how military shooting trends have influenced the world of civilian shooting.
For example, if you own an AR-15 today then there’s a good chance you either own or have at least considered buying a vertical fore grip. Forward grips may be the most popular tactical rifle accessory out there today, but few truly understand why they came about in the first place and what they were actually designed to do on modern rifles.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the reasons why vertical fore grips became popular, and more importantly, how misunderstanding their purpose may be negatively influencing your shooting form.
In the Beginning…
In order to help us understand why vertical fore grips are useful, let’s take a look at why they were first introduced.
Forward pistol grips saw their first widespread use on submachine guns during the 1930’s and 1940’s, and the famous Thompson submachine gun sported one as early as 1918. Several factors prompted weapon designers to utilize a vertically-oriented forward hand grip (often making clever use of the weapon’s magazine in the process).
A vertical fore grip allowed the submachine gun’s muzzle to be more effectively pulled downward during automatic fire and it also kept the shooter’s hand away from the hot barrel. For decades after WWII vertical fore grips remained a feature almost entirely unique to submachine guns, but they would eventually become synonymous with tactical rifles, and the AR-15 platform in particular.
Enter the “Broomstick”
The current popularity of vertical fore grips on rifles began in the mid 1990’s when U.S. special operations personnel began using the SOPMOD kit. The SOPMOD kit was a collection of various M4A1 rifle accessories including lights, lasers, and optics for both daytime and nighttime use.
One of the items issued in this kit was a Knight’s Armament vertical forward grip, and it was included in order to deal with the problem of the forward rails becoming too cluttered to hold correctly when the other accessories were mounted. It also retained the benefits of recoil control and heat mitigation that made it a popular feature on submachine guns.
Despite this rather unique role, AR-15 vertical fore grips soon became a staple accessory for anyone with a rail to mount one on which has led to rampant misuse and poor shooting form.
To Grip, or Not to Grip – Why use an AR-15 Foregrip?
The main problem with people using vertical fore grips is that they’re using them the way they were designed to be used, but on rifles they were not designed for. Gripping the forward pistol grip should only be done as a last resort when there is no other place to put your support hand, such as when your forward rail space is taken up by essential equipment or when there is insufficient fore end space to begin with. This is because we give up a lot of muzzle control when we shift our hands farther from the barrel, mostly due to a thing called proprioception.
Proprioception is our ability to intuitively know where our limbs are in space and is the reason you can do things like clap your hands in the dark. The problem is that this awesome ability only goes as far as our body parts do, and the farther we get from our hands the more guesswork our brain has to do to put whatever we’re holding in the right spot. Even people who swear by gripping their forward pistol grip or magazine-well understand this concept because they will always grip as close to the barrel as they can. When we grip the rifle with our support hand we want to have the most control over the gun as possible, which leads me to…
How to Use an AR-15 Foregrip Correctly
In order to obtain maximum control over the muzzle of our rifle, we want to let our intuitive functions such as proprioception do as much work for us as possible, and for most people this means gripping farther out and higher up on the fore end. By gripping farther out on the fore end we put our support arm more in line with the barrel, which will help us point faster, more intuitively, and with greater precision.
By gripping higher up on the fore end we put the line of the bore closer to the center of our hand for better spatial awareness and we also enable ourselves to exert a downward pressure on the front of the gun in order to counteract muzzle climb.
We also want to put all of our body-mass to work for us when we shoot. By slightly bending the knees and leaning forward at the waist we provide a more aggressive and stable backing for the rifle’s stock.
The torso’s center of mass should be directly above the balls of the feet, much like a fighting stance. It’s also important that you do not lock your support arm, as this will prevent your elbow joint from being able to absorb recoil impulse or small body tremors. This shooting technique is relatively new, but has dominated in competitive matches such as 3-gun competitions where shooters must be both fast and accurate.
A popular derivative of this technique is known as the C-clamp method. This technique involves wrapping the support hand thumb over the top of the fore end in order to pull the rifle into the shoulder and to better control muzzle climb. I do not prefer this method because it does not allow for natural pointing and will obstruct iron sights on many rifles such as this AK clone.
All is Not Lost
Even though they might not serve their originally intended purpose on most rifles, a vertical fore grip can still be an excellent tool for almost any shooter. Vertical fore grips can help a lot with practical shooting technique by providing a stable spot on the fore end to index our support hand grip off of, as well as to allow the rifle to be firmly seated in the shoulder by applying rearward pressure.
There are also several options in the way of angled fore grips like Magpul’s AFG which help users get a proper support hand grip without the wrist strain that some shooters experience when gripping high on the fore end. For a minimalistic support hand aid, you can try something like LaRue Tactical’s HandStops which give your support hand a low profile anchor point on the fore end.
No matter what grip you might use and how you might use it, remember that every shooter is different and that what works for one may not work for another. This guide should not be taken as the only way to properly shoot a semiautomatic rifle, but for many without training it can be a good place to start improving.
What’s most important is practicing and applying the fundamentals of marksmanship at all times and selecting the gear that allows you to do that the best. Be sure to lets us know what foregrip you like best below in the comments!
As a non-combat shooter, this article is very interesting to me. I'll have to give this more thought. Thanks!
As a non-combat shooter, this article is very interesting to me. I'll have to give this more thought. Thanks!
I don't own any AR but I do have a foregrip on a 45 acp carbine and I only use that grip if I shoot from hip level while using the laser sights witch is not very often . Well aimed shots are much more accurate and they make the bulk of my shooting .
I don't own any AR but I do have a foregrip on a 45 acp carbine and I only use that grip if I shoot from hip level while using the laser sights witch is not very often . Well aimed shots are much more accurate and they make the bulk of my shooting .
This grip might be effective for those shooting in competitions, but I NEVER would have used it while receiving fire. Hell…90% of the time we weren't even aiming! We supplied suppressive fire while the snipers zeroed in.
This grip might be effective for those shooting in competitions, but I NEVER would have used it while receiving fire. Hell…90% of the time we weren't even aiming! We supplied suppressive fire while the snipers zeroed in.
A vertical handle interrupts the natural flow of both hands pointing at the target. Except for the muzzle lift on auto fire weapons I've never seen a benefit of a forward pistol style grip.
A vertical handle interrupts the natural flow of both hands pointing at the target. Except for the muzzle lift on auto fire weapons I've never seen a benefit of a forward pistol style grip.
Although I don't really care for it, as someone with arthritis in my shoulder, it tends to make it less painful to hold the rifle up.
Although I don't really care for it, as someone with arthritis in my shoulder, it tends to make it less painful to hold the rifle up.
Never liked and never used the vertical foregrip, although on a M249 it's pretty nice.
Never liked and never used the vertical foregrip, although on a M249 it's pretty nice.
Indeed, one of my shooting buds has had his support side shoulder re worked and the broomstick is the most effective method for him to shoot offhand.
Indeed, one of my shooting buds has had his support side shoulder re worked and the broomstick is the most effective method for him to shoot offhand.
Interesting read.
How about using a fore grip with tail cap activated lights?
I notice nothing different in shooting performance but it makes it so you can tuck it in better.
what about the use of a vertical fore stock on a short barrel close quarters rifle? would the "proprioception" be minimized or increased with having the supporting hand vertical, but closer to the body?
I hate vertical grips. I also hate those stupid tactical rails that you can't handle without gloves. I like guns that offer the option of a horizontal grip like the Steyr AUG.
This is exactly why all of my AR's have long handguards, i.e. 15" handguard on a 16" barrel or 14.7" barrel with pinned muzzle break. I've always preferred the support hand gripping as far down the barrel as possible with a slight elbow bend. As the author of the article states, it typically allows for more natural aiming and control of the barrel. It may take a little getting used to for some that have always used a grip closer to the magwell, but it would be worth the effort.
As a non-combat shooter, this article is very interesting to me. I’ll have to give this more thought. Thanks!
I don’t own any AR but I do have a foregrip on a 45 acp carbine and I only use that grip if I shoot from hip level while using the laser sights witch is not very often . Well aimed shots are much more accurate and they make the bulk of my shooting .
A vertical handle interrupts the natural flow of both hands pointing at the target. Except for the muzzle lift on auto fire weapons I’ve never seen a benefit of a forward pistol style grip.
Although I don’t really care for it, as someone with arthritis in my shoulder, it tends to make it less painful to hold the rifle up.
Indeed, one of my shooting buds has had his support side shoulder re worked and the broomstick is the most effective method for him to shoot offhand.
Never liked and never used the vertical foregrip, although on a M249 it’s pretty nice.
Never use one. My Drill Instructors would slap the crap outta me, still…
I don't use my foregrip,it doesn't feel natural,feels more wobbly,I only mounted it because it has a spring loaded bipod in it.
Interesting read.
How about using a fore grip with tail cap activated lights?
I notice nothing different in shooting performance but it makes it so you can tuck it in better.
what about the use of a vertical fore stock on a short barrel close quarters rifle? would the “proprioception” be minimized or increased with having the supporting hand vertical, but closer to the body?
As long as you aren't holding it like Costa, I could care less. He can shoot, but looks like a total jackass in the process. Guess his grip is dependent on what he's getting paid to endorse at the time as to how he hold the rifle, vertical grip, physiological tape, etc. Let the Costa fan boy butt hurt begin in 3,2,1…
I hate vertical grips. I also hate those stupid tactical rails that you can’t handle without gloves. I like guns that offer the option of a horizontal grip like the Steyr AUG.
if you can see it you should hit it. i dont look down my barrel i look at the target.
This is exactly why all of my AR’s have long handguards, i.e. 15″ handguard on a 16″ barrel or 14.7″ barrel with pinned muzzle break. I’ve always preferred the support hand gripping as far down the barrel as possible with a slight elbow bend. As the author of the article states, it typically allows for more natural aiming and control of the barrel. It may take a little getting used to for some that have always used a grip closer to the magwell, but it would be worth the effort.
Never use one. My Drill Instructors would slap the crap outta me, still…
I don’t use my foregrip,it doesn’t feel natural,feels more wobbly,I only mounted it because it has a spring loaded bipod in it.
Same here!
Silly, know-it-all this month type crap. Use your weapon. Customize your weapon or leave it raw. Just use if and get comfortable with the accessories you like. Also get good at using a weapon you have never fired before. It will come in handy if you find one you may need to use. Stop reading articles by experts and emulating the latest Costa-cool tactics. Stick to the basics and practice.
As long as you aren’t holding it like Costa, I could care less. He can shoot, but looks like a total jackass in the process. Guess his grip is dependent on what he’s getting paid to endorse at the time as to how he hold the rifle, vertical grip, physiological tape, etc. Let the Costa fan boy butt hurt begin in 3,2,1…
I got ya, there are a lot of fanboys out there. But if it works (good recoil control and tight shot groups while shooting fast) why say its dumb–or even looks dumb. You don’t have to grip the rifle this way, but if it works, use it.
Harry, I totally agree. My issue is with all of the weekend warriors adapting a certain grip, holster, insert whatever Costa is getting paid to say is the best on the market at the time, because he’s doing it. I guess I’m giving those who jump on the band wagon more of the business than I am him. He can shoot, no question there, but I think we can all agree that he’s an endorsement whore. He seems to back the highest bidder, regardless if it is a quality product or not, as long as his logo can fit on it.
Harry Rogers, I also admit that I am no crack shot. Lord knows I can take all of the advice I can get. And you’re right, if it works for you, by all means, use it. But I think we’ve all read advice columns that tell you that you’re totally wrong if you hold a weapon a certain way. I’m just happy if I can put something on the paper while holding my beer, lol.
Whatever it takes to get more rounds on target faster. Evaluate what you’re doing and adapt accordingly.
In all honesty Harry, shooting is about half of the fun to me. I really enjoy building, and I use that term loosely, my rifles. I guess whatever makes you happy, right. Anyway, thanks for the insight. Take care my friend.
wow you sound really jaded…. Let me guess, you took a Costa class and he told you that you were a fool and couldnt shoot for shit? Quit bawling and move on ya fuckin troll
And the first fan boy has chimed in. Never took a class. Figured that money could be spent elsewhere. And the only reason he would call me a fool was because I paid that much money to take his class. Let me guess, you’ve taken a few classes, probably do Crossfit on the side, and now you feel like you can call people a troll because they state the obvious. Fuck off Richard.
Tommy Bingham Not even close, I think most of these “instructors” are ego driven assholes that just re-puke the same techniques everyone else teaches. Do I think there’s a benefit for most to take a class? Yes I do. But Costa as good as he is has become too big actually. The USMC trained me, I don’t need yet another class. LMFAO @ crossfit WTF? Yes I called you a troll cuz your bloody vagina is bleeding all over the thread. Stick a tampon in it already!
Well at least we can agree on the instructor aspect and the fact that Costa has become too big. And all differences aside, thank you for your service. Not many of those who shoot step up to the plate and make that sacrifice. These are the ones that I’m referring to. I also think that we could all benefit from a class or two. I have no beef with you, just stating my opinion regarding the way people hold their rifles. I respect your opinion and apologize for makining it personal. Hope you have a good night.
If it looks stupid, but it works, then it ain’t stupid.
Unless your 3rd in the line about to breach and the only color you paint rooms is red. Other than a flashlight you don't need anything. I use a forgrip to pull my rifle one handed into my shoulder while I get the flash ready with my right hand.. What really smerks my grin is a suppressor on a .223 with sub ammo. Go get a .22 you'll have less recoil and more lethality. Know your go
if you can see it you should hit it. i dont look down my barrel i look at the target.
that was some great information thank you I'll start applying that in my shooting
Silly, know-it-all this month type crap. Use your weapon. Customize your weapon or leave it raw. Just use if and get comfortable with the accessories you like. Also get good at using a weapon you have never fired before. It will come in handy if you find one you may need to use. Stop reading articles by experts and emulating the latest Costa-cool tactics. Stick to the basics and practice.
Uhhhh excuse me but I prefer Haley over costa any day<—- warning: there is an extreme amount of sarcasm in that statement.
James Hughes LMAO!
I absolutely agree. I’ve always preached, “Just because you CAN accessorize, doesn’t mean you always SHOULD”. I ran irons on my AR for quite a while before I put a Leatherwood CMR on it. My eyes aren’t what they used to be and the 1×4 on the CMR gives me that edge I need. So it makes it a “functional” upgrade. A lot of people are all about throwing crap on their rifle because they think it will give them this magical ability to shoot better. Keep it simple, train the basics and practice as much as your budget will allow.
I honestly can’t agree with this more. Ide take irons and a hand stop before Ide take a Tacticool rifle any day. I have no need for fore grips and peq15s. I have no need for eotechs or magnifiers. If it’s not functional why use it. Function>form
Practice, practice, practice… It is just that simple… Usually the most dangerous guy is the one that only owns a couple guns and knows how to shoot them…
So many keyboard commandos…
You shoot whichever way is comfortable for you, safe for others, which allows you to hit black, period.
that was some great information thank you I’ll start applying that in my shooting
A vertical grip is more natural than a horizontal one
A vertical grip is more natural than a horizontal one
That is some great insight, but I thought one major reason was left out. Another reason a foregrip is a good tool for the AR platform, is so high speed troops don't put their hands around the magazine and magazine well. This causes the magazine to become inop by pulling back towards the rear and putting too much stress on the mag.
That is some great insight, but I thought one major reason was left out. Another reason a foregrip is a good tool for the AR platform, is so high speed troops don't put their hands around the magazine and magazine well. This causes the magazine to become inop by pulling back towards the rear and putting too much stress on the mag.
So many keyboard commandos…
I only have mine for looks. Don't like the feel.
I got ya, there are a lot of fanboys out there. But if it works (good recoil control and tight shot groups while shooting fast) why say its dumb–or even looks dumb. You don't have to grip the rifle this way, but if it works, use it.
You shoot whichever way is comfortable for you, safe for others, which allows you to hit black, period.
That is some great insight, but I thought one major reason was left out. Another reason a foregrip is a good tool for the AR platform, is so high speed troops don’t put their hands around the magazine and magazine well. This causes the magazine to become inop by pulling back towards the rear and putting too much stress on the mag.
All the time I spent shooting using a magwell grip (in combat mind you) I never once had a magazine fail. you grip the magazine well, not the magazine. Using a magwell grip when your clearing houses is much better than this “reach out as far as i can so that my hand is basically wrapped around my muzzle” grip because well, when you are pieing corners, you can maintain cover better and longer (because you will typically only reveal part of the weapon, not 3/4 of your support arm), which allows you to be safer and stay in the fight longer.
<—– marine, I'll do it my way you do it yours…..guaranteed I'll win
your gun sucks and you're holding it wrong!
I only have mine for looks. Don’t like the feel.
having gone from a 60s model M16 to a M16A4 to a M4 over my service career; I found the vertical grip worked well with that damn 9" carbine forearm. Having grown up shooting rabbits and various winged game; I have always shot more extended. The short forearm of a GI M4 was a pain in the ass without the vertical grip.
Now with 12 and 15" free floated forearms I run my M4 like my shotgun.
The article did give a good explanation of the vertical grip…thanks
.. none of it means shit if you don't hit your target. And if you can hit your target quickly and consistently, none if it means shit either. Thanks for the opinion, but its not the arrow, its the Indian.
<—– marine, I'll do it my way you do it yours…..guaranteed I'll win
your gun sucks and you’re holding it wrong!
20 years in The Marine Corps and this method was never even talked about. In the end it is only one of many styles of shooting. You use what is comfortable to you. If this works for you use it.
having gone from a 60s model M16 to a M16A4 to a M4 over my service career; I found the vertical grip worked well with that damn 9″ carbine forearm. Having grown up shooting rabbits and various winged game; I have always shot more extended. The short forearm of a GI M4 was a pain in the ass without the vertical grip.
Now with 12 and 15″ free floated forearms I run my M4 like my shotgun.
The article did give a good explanation of the vertical grip…thanks
.. none of it means shit if you don’t hit your target. And if you can hit your target quickly and consistently, none if it means shit either. Thanks for the opinion, but its not the arrow, its the Indian.
Harry, I totally agree. My issue is with all of the weekend warriors adapting a certain grip, holster, insert whatever Costa is getting paid to say is the best on the market at the time, because he's doing it. I guess I'm giving those who jump on the band wagon more of the business than I am him. He can shoot, no question there, but I think we can all agree that he's an endorsement whore. He seems to back the highest bidder, regardless if it is a quality product or not, as long as his logo can fit on it.
Harry Rogers, I also admit that I am no crack shot. Lord knows I can take all of the advice I can get. And you're right, if it works for you, by all means, use it. But I think we've all read advice columns that tell you that you're totally wrong if you hold a weapon a certain way. I'm just happy if I can put something on the paper while holding my beer, lol.
Whatever it takes to get more rounds on target faster. Evaluate what you're doing and adapt accordingly.
Still playing with a Metal Toy Gun I see.
In all honesty Harry, shooting is about half of the fun to me. I really enjoy building, and I use that term loosely, my rifles. I guess whatever makes you happy, right. Anyway, thanks for the insight. Take care my friend.
Gripstop. Answers all these problems.
Try both and do whatever works best for you.
As I see another person with their thumb on top of the rifle and arm cocked up to the side, I wonder if u have ever entered a combat space with such a grip. I can't stand that grip of a rifle because u block a good portion of your vision on that side of the battle space. Vert fore grip is great for holding ur rifle slung and in ur off hand while u do work with your dominate hand/trigger hand. It works for me, but I put it very close to the mag well and use it for a purpose. To each their own. It's like all the guys with 5 sights on their gun along with 2 flashlights and a bunch of other shit. It all has a weight which costs u in endurance. I like one sight. Even if my eotech goes down I can still shoot basically straight enough for cqc
http://www.lancotactical.com/product_p/ltgs.htm
http://www.lancotactical.com/product_p/ltgsm2.htm
Gripstop, accept no substitutes
Use the index finger method
wow you sound really jaded…. Let me guess, you took a Costa class and he told you that you were a fool and couldnt shoot for shit? Quit bawling and move on ya fuckin troll
Shooting effectively is a science, and there is a right and wrong way to do it.
Forward pistol grips on ARs have gone the way of the bellbottom.
As for what is or is not "Costa cool", we'll talk about that when you can shoot like him 🙂
Well thought out.
And the first fan boy has chimed in. Never took a class. Figured that money could be spent elsewhere. And the only reason he would call me a fool was because I paid that much money to take his class. Let me guess, you've taken a few classes, probably do Crossfit on the side, and now you feel like you can call people a troll because they state the obvious. Fuck off Richard.
Uhhhh excuse me but I prefer Haley over costa any day<—- warning: there is an extreme amount of sarcasm in that statement.
Tommy Bingham Not even close, I think most of these "instructors" are ego driven assholes that just re-puke the same techniques everyone else teaches. Do I think there's a benefit for most to take a class? Yes I do. But Costa as good as he is has become too big actually. The USMC trained me, I don't need yet another class. LMFAO @ crossfit WTF? Yes I called you a troll cuz your bloody vagina is bleeding all over the thread. Stick a tampon in it already!
Well at least we can agree on the instructor aspect and the fact that Costa has become too big. And all differences aside, thank you for your service. Not many of those who shoot step up to the plate and make that sacrifice. These are the ones that I'm referring to. I also think that we could all benefit from a class or two. I have no beef with you, just stating my opinion regarding the way people hold their rifles. I respect your opinion and apologize for makining it personal. Hope you have a good night.
I use a homemade hybrid foregrip made from two separate fore grips. A vertical Magpul foregrip and a Magpul AFG basically cut in half. I post a pic but this thing won't let me. So I'll put one on the facebook GUNSTRUCTION page that linked this article. I am not the first to do this, I saw it on google images and tried it and liked it.
20 years in The Marine Corps and this method was never even talked about. In the end it is only one of many styles of shooting. You use what is comfortable to you. If this works for you use it.
Still playing with a Metal Toy Gun I see.
You know it. It’s all about the toys.
What if you have gas piston ar that for grip will get VERY hot if you want to add any thing other than a stock grip you will need a forgrip or risk a good burn
I like the vertical fore grip to just take the use off of the magazine in the well.
If it looks stupid, but it works, then it ain't stupid.
I think you have good points but how I hold my weapon is personal preference. I use the fore grip the way i am comfortable with and works best for me. you should do the same.
Gripstop. Answers all these problems.
Try both and do whatever works best for you.
As I see another person with their thumb on top of the rifle and arm cocked up to the side, I wonder if u have ever entered a combat space with such a grip. I can’t stand that grip of a rifle because u block a good portion of your vision on that side of the battle space. Vert fore grip is great for holding ur rifle slung and in ur off hand while u do work with your dominate hand/trigger hand. It works for me, but I put it very close to the mag well and use it for a purpose. To each their own. It’s like all the guys with 5 sights on their gun along with 2 flashlights and a bunch of other shit. It all has a weight which costs u in endurance. I like one sight. Even if my eotech goes down I can still shoot basically straight enough for cqc
http://www.lancotactical.com/product_p/ltgs.htm
http://www.lancotactical.com/product_p/ltgsm2.htm
Gripstop, accept no substitutes
Use the index finger method
Well thought out.
I use a homemade hybrid foregrip made from two separate fore grips. A vertical Magpul foregrip and a Magpul AFG basically cut in half. I post a pic but this thing won’t let me. So I’ll put one on the facebook GUNSTRUCTION page that linked this article. I am not the first to do this, I saw it on google images and tried it and liked it.
I use the Magpul AFB and love it.
What if you have gas piston ar that for grip will get VERY hot if you want to add any thing other than a stock grip you will need a forgrip or risk a good burn
It would take hundreds of rounds shot in a very short time to make a typical quad rail so hot you could not touch it. You would need a fully automatic weapon to do that.
Now if you are running skinny tube rail, maybe it takes less, but even then I think you would only have an issue if your hand was on the part of the rail that had the gas block right under it and you dumped 6 mags in a row or more.
I like the vertical fore grip to just take the use off of the magazine in the well.
Gripstop! If you don't use it then fuck you!
I think you have good points but how I hold my weapon is personal preference. I use the fore grip the way i am comfortable with and works best for me. you should do the same.
I like the mako/fab defense ptk foregrip… very ergonomic and comfortable and is easy to find the correct hand placement on it http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-foregrips/id-699/ergonomic-pointing-grip.html
I cut mine off real short and only use it to help position the gun and make sure my hand is always in the same spot.
I use a foregrip because I like to pull it tighter into my shoulder. Works for me.
I use the Magpul AFB and love it.
Also good for piston AR, she gets HOT. I use a grip-pod myself, like it quite a bit.
Gripstop! If you don’t use it then fuck you!
I like the mako/fab defense ptk foregrip… very ergonomic and comfortable and is easy to find the correct hand placement on it http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-foregrips/id-699/ergonomic-pointing-grip.html
I cut mine off real short and only use it to help position the gun and make sure my hand is always in the same spot.
Funny my best friend is a marine he doesn't hold his rifle like this"marine" he holds his right in front of his mag well
I use a foregrip because I like to pull it tighter into my shoulder. Works for me.
Also good for piston AR, she gets HOT. I use a grip-pod myself, like it quite a bit.
My foregrip acts mainly as a resting platform so I agree with the point of this article.. but…
1. If you have a good shooting form.. you died 20 seconds ago because you were shot.
2. If you have a good grip.. you died a second time for taking the time to stop pissing yourself before returning fire.
3. If you have a good stance, you're probably not making proper use of cover and concealment, or maintaining constant motion when in the open, and you're dead. This is why you need to learn to put your sights on target and pull the happy switch under any circumstances.. Do it suspended upside-down with bunnies licking your bare toes. Hold your rifle out with two hands on the pistol grip like you think it's a glock and land a shot on the target.
Anyone who tells you that what you are doing is wrong, doesn't understand that they have never done anything right when under fire.. or has just never been under fire.
interesting points. not sure if i 100% agree with all of it. gripping a rifle vertically is a fairly natural position is most situations whether by a grip or mag well vs gripping horizontally. it just depends on what you have and what you are comfortable with.
Funny my best friend is a marine he doesn’t hold his rifle like this”marine” he holds his right in front of his mag well
My foregrip acts mainly as a resting platform so I agree with the point of this article.. but…
1. If you have a good shooting form.. you died 20 seconds ago because you were shot.
2. If you have a good grip.. you died a second time for taking the time to stop pissing yourself before returning fire.
3. If you have a good stance, you’re probably not making proper use of cover and concealment, or maintaining constant motion when in the open, and you’re dead. This is why you need to learn to put your sights on target and pull the happy switch under any circumstances.. Do it suspended upside-down with bunnies licking your bare toes. Hold your rifle out with two hands on the pistol grip like you think it’s a glock and land a shot on the target.
Anyone who tells you that what you are doing is wrong, doesn’t understand that they have never done anything right when under fire.. or has just never been under fire.
Love this.
I do paintball, and I actually legitimately aim at my target about 10% of the time, the rest is shoot and scoot.
Can you stop commenting on this article with your paintball bullshit? You are a disgrace to our men and women overseas ACTUALLY fighting in real wars. God you kids today are pathetic.
His experience is limited and may not be very applicable but he is only stating his opinion and giving a frame of reference. Try not to be so irate. I get your point but your delivery could be better.
Paintballing ain’t REAL firearms shooting. In paintball, the worst you get is bruising and a mild head ache if the paint baller you are up against keep targeting your noggin!
I have gone paint balling with friends who are avid enthusiasts and have had my “ass handed to me” competing against them.
BUT when I take them shooting with my ARs up in Angeles Crests range, its a training course for them- their firearms discipline, aim, and body control are those of people totally UNFAMILIAR with a REAL long gun!
Can’t compare the two- on is a “game” the other is real life if you have to use a firearm for home or self defense, or as a LEO or military personnel.
People who airsoft or paint ball have the LUXURY of knowing that short of a catastrophic accident, they will only walk away laughing a bit bruised and ink stained.
Real firearms manipulation, and targeting means you put down your intended target( an animal in hunting, a criminal asa cop, or a burglar as frightened half asleep homeowner)
You can rambo and do all manner of silly things as a paintballer, but poor posture, hand grip, breathing, alignment of eyesight and targeting with a handgun or rifle can lead to even more tragic results..
Then you’re not taking Full Advantage of what you can get out of Paintball. I could give you a Mini-novel’s worth of reasons how that is so ‘lame.’ Comparing Paintball to a Real Life Scenario Where Your LIFE COULD END. But let me spin this in a Positive way. And btw, I was a Semi-Pro MilSim (Military Simulated) Player for nearly 10 years, so please understand that I know Exactly what you mean about “Shoot & Scoot.” And in “Real Life” situations, That very action Could indeed save your life. But you should Practice on hitting Moving targets while on the run. Because if your rounds aren’t spitting dirt, dust, wood, or whatever in my physical proximity; I would not hesitate to expose fully expose myself -making my shot Easier- and take you out. Period!
In a Fire Fight, your enemy may not always know your location, and you may hustle to an opportunity to take your opponent out; you. By making your Shot(s) Sure, you have just given yourself that One shot in a 3 second window, opportunity to take that enemy out of the equation; possibly saving someone’s Life: Yours For Sure. So you want to be Damn Sure that That One (1) Shout COUNTS.
Take the time to Learn, Benjamin. It may get you killed a few dozen times in PAINTBALL. But if you Master your paintball Weapon, you will strengthen your ‘chance’ of surviving a Fire Fight. Sure, have fun. after all, what use is Living, if you cannot take the pleasures in Life? lol
Thanks for taking the time to read this…
~Peace~
110,000% agree…
interesting points. not sure if i 100% agree with all of it. gripping a rifle vertically is a fairly natural position is most situations whether by a grip or mag well vs gripping horizontally. it just depends on what you have and what you are comfortable with.
That's why you go with a Suppressed SBR in 300 blackout!
Agreed, foregrips can be useful but 9 out of 10 just get in the way. On another subject, does anyone have any firsthand knowledge about Daniel Defense 300 ISR
The AFG is the wrong angle to work correctly on Carbine Length Handguards.
As i told a D.S. way back when,when he asked who taught me to shoot.I told him my Grandpa who learned from his daddy in Tennessee,or he learned in the trenches in France.It still worked in the 80's
Vertical grips? LOL We had a technique that worked quite well in CQB anyhow its like a C grip but your forefinger that is on foregrip is pointing same as muzzle so lets do the math finger+muzzle pointing same direction where is bullet going, nah lets be a pussy and get a foregrip and look cool
All opinions aside, this will hopefully educate at least a few people. Nice article.
Agreed, foregrips can be useful but 9 out of 10 just get in the way. On another subject, does anyone have any firsthand knowledge about Daniel Defense 300 ISR
The AFG is the wrong angle to work correctly on Carbine Length Handguards.
As i told a D.S. way back when,when he asked who taught me to shoot.I told him my Grandpa who learned from his daddy in Tennessee,or he learned in the trenches in France.It still worked in the 80’s
Vertical grips? LOL We had a technique that worked quite well in CQB anyhow its like a C grip but your forefinger that is on foregrip is pointing same as muzzle so lets do the math finger+muzzle pointing same direction where is bullet going, nah lets be a pussy and get a foregrip and look cool
All opinions aside, this will hopefully educate at least a few people. Nice article.
What ive learned when teaching Marines to qualify with their M4 is that natural position for the individual is proven to be more accurate than forcing someone to shoot a certain way.
What ive learned when teaching Marines to qualify with their M4 is that natural position for the individual is proven to be more accurate than forcing someone to shoot a certain way.
When shooting a tactical carbine, your support hand should be positioned with thumb horizontal–the same way you're holding a handgun. So I'd rather have a horizontal fore grip instead. On another note, using a vertical fore grip usually puts the center of the grip below the axis of the bore, and that affects the muzzle flip. In addition, shooting an AR is comparatively easy, so you'd most probably get your hits regardless of the way you're holding your rifle. But when having to deal with something chambered in 7.62×39, things get more complicated.
When shooting a tactical carbine, your support hand should be positioned with thumb horizontal–the same way you’re holding a handgun. So I’d rather have a horizontal fore grip instead. On another note, using a vertical fore grip usually puts the center of the grip below the axis of the bore, and that affects the muzzle flip. In addition, shooting an AR is comparatively easy, so you’d most probably get your hits regardless of the way you’re holding your rifle. But when having to deal with something chambered in 7.62×39, things get more complicated.
Glad you liked it!
That's great to hear! It never hurts to apply a new technique.
As a competetive shotgunner myself, I know just how you feel. I run my FN SC1 on the skeet field the same way I do my AR. Glad you enjoyed the article!
Sometimes compromises must be made, especially concerning military-issued equipment. Typically for close quarters, good is good enough, and small impacts ont he effectiveness of natural proprioception are not an issue.
AFG
AFG
If it's a pistol or a rifle everyone shoots better with a Sig Brace.
Same here!
If it’s a pistol or a rifle everyone shoots better with a Sig Brace.
You know it. It's all about the toys.
Love this.
Isn't that what the mag well is there for? O.o
Great article – thaks
I pretty much had to get a VFG for my Rock River Operator II because the half-quad fore end gets blazingly hot after a mag dump on a sunny day. It keeps me from getting burned.
Isn’t that what the mag well is there for? O.o
Great article – thaks
I pretty much had to get a VFG for my Rock River Operator II because the half-quad fore end gets blazingly hot after a mag dump on a sunny day. It keeps me from getting burned.
I prefer the them on all of my AR's and my AK. They help me with quick and very accurate target acquisition at 100 hundred yards on half human silhouettes. I have the AFG on the AR pistol because uncle sam's bench men (ATF) says I cannot have the vertical grip, but it is still very helpful with target acquisition and they both seem to help with barrel rise and getting back on target quickly. Whatever helps you get to the range to practice and have fun, I say do it.
I prefer the them on all of my AR’s and my AK. They help me with quick and very accurate target acquisition at 100 hundred yards on half human silhouettes. I have the AFG on the AR pistol because uncle sam’s bench men (ATF) says I cannot have the vertical grip, but it is still very helpful with target acquisition and they both seem to help with barrel rise and getting back on target quickly. Whatever helps you get to the range to practice and have fun, I say do it.
i dont understand he says right in the article that every shooter is different why is everyone acting like children if you dont do it this your a dick or that way your an ass my way is best come on its just an article to give you something to think About or i forgot nobody likes to think anymore they can type stuff and pretend there experts,LOL
by the way thanks for article keep it up like reading your blog never commented until today thoughj
i dont understand he says right in the article that every shooter is different why is everyone acting like children if you dont do it this your a dick or that way your an ass my way is best come on its just an article to give you something to think About or i forgot nobody likes to think anymore they can type stuff and pretend there experts,LOL
by the way thanks for article keep it up like reading your blog never commented until today thoughj
It's your rifle. If you can shot and hit with it, hold it the way you want to. Screw these articles.
Very interesting
Barrels heat up close quarters combat techniques you will find u flag ur arm while entering . Broom sticks are combat proven
If I listened to everything everyone ever told me about what I'm doing wrong with my personal and work weapons I'd never freakin shoot. I'd spend so much time retraining my stances and grips and movements I'd never get lead on target. Frankly, I'm sick of high speed hot shots with a few years in the military thinking their way is the only and perfect way.
Very interesting
Barrels heat up close quarters combat techniques you will find u flag ur arm while entering . Broom sticks are combat proven
If I listened to everything everyone ever told me about what I’m doing wrong with my personal and work weapons I’d never freakin shoot. I’d spend so much time retraining my stances and grips and movements I’d never get lead on target. Frankly, I’m sick of high speed hot shots with a few years in the military thinking their way is the only and perfect way.
E X A C T L Y
Do they get lead on target??
Verticals fore grip works for various stuff: hand stop (like in the article), wrist hook/stop for stability when shooting under an obstacle, monopod, etc
James Hughes LMAO!
I personally started with the AFG on my AK, then down graded my AK back to poly furniture because the rail made the front end entirely too heavy. When got my first AR I wanted to my AFG on the stock MOE furniture, HOWEVER I mounted the included Magpul VFG for the hell of it. I liked it as it still allowed me to "C" grip the front however the grip had the tendency to get caught on shit when in the low and ready position…even worse when it's on your back. The funny thing that I noticed was the MOE hand guard has a little notch (mid length) right by the gas block that my index finger always gravitated towards. As a result I've removed all the specialty grips and have been using this little notch as a built in hand stop….for my index finger. If you have mid-lenght MOE furniture, try it out.
Verticals fore grip works for various stuff: hand stop (like in the article), wrist hook/stop for stability when shooting under an obstacle, monopod, etc
I absolutely agree. I've always preached, "Just because you CAN accessorize, doesn't mean you always SHOULD". I ran irons on my AR for quite a while before I put a Leatherwood CMR on it. My eyes aren't what they used to be and the 1×4 on the CMR gives me that edge I need. So it makes it a "functional" upgrade. A lot of people are all about throwing crap on their rifle because they think it will give them this magical ability to shoot better. Keep it simple, train the basics and practice as much as your budget will allow.
I honestly can't agree with this more. Ide take irons and a hand stop before Ide take a Tacticool rifle any day. I have no need for fore grips and peq15s. I have no need for eotechs or magnifiers. If it's not functional why use it. Function>form
I personally started with the AFG on my AK, then down graded my AK back to poly furniture because the rail made the front end entirely too heavy. When got my first AR I wanted to my AFG on the stock MOE furniture, HOWEVER I mounted the included Magpul VFG for the hell of it. I liked it as it still allowed me to “C” grip the front however the grip had the tendency to get caught on shit when in the low and ready position…even worse when it’s on your back. The funny thing that I noticed was the MOE hand guard has a little notch (mid length) right by the gas block that my index finger always gravitated towards. As a result I’ve removed all the specialty grips and have been using this little notch as a built in hand stop….for my index finger. If you have mid-lenght MOE furniture, try it out.
I have an angled foregrip And I am also using a hand stop. I've been experimenting between the two. I still haven't made up my mind completely yet but I am getting better results with the stop. Thanks for the info. I'll take all the help I can get.
Anyone else use an angle forgrip turned around backwards? I like it…
I have an angled foregrip And I am also using a hand stop. I’ve been experimenting between the two. I still haven’t made up my mind completely yet but I am getting better results with the stop. Thanks for the info. I’ll take all the help I can get.
YES!! I use the reverse position for the hand stop so it acts as an index to always return to the same place for my forward hand.
Anyone else use an angle forgrip turned around backwards? I like it…
When you must begin your argument with an appeal to authority, I must assume that it is to compensate for a lack of empirical evidence.
When you end your article with a dismissal of your argument, I must assume you are merely attempting to generate traffic rather than eliminate ignorance.
I disagree with the use of the trendy "modern" grip, reaching far out with the off hand and keeping teh arm close to the barrel. The traditional off hand grip, with the elbow out and down, serves to engage the entire torso in the process of proprioception, not just the arms and shoulders. You don't see a boxer swinging from shoulder height, they swing from their core. This grip is the latest fad, and folks are only successful with it because they practice a lot. Spend as much time practicing with a traditional grip, and you will have better results.
When you must begin your argument with an appeal to authority, I must assume that it is to compensate for a lack of empirical evidence.
When you end your article with a dismissal of your argument, I must assume you are merely attempting to generate traffic rather than eliminate ignorance.
Gripstop is the new standard to which all future foregrips should be compared. It is the next evolution.
I disagree with the use of the trendy “modern” grip, reaching far out with the off hand and keeping teh arm close to the barrel. The traditional off hand grip, with the elbow out and down, serves to engage the entire torso in the process of proprioception, not just the arms and shoulders. You don’t see a boxer swinging from shoulder height, they swing from their core. This grip is the latest fad, and folks are only successful with it because they practice a lot. Spend as much time practicing with a traditional grip, and you will have better results.
An TheSpecialist Dinh ,, Such a great round!! Got to love the whisper, and appreciate a comment like yours worth acknowledging.
I tried the dual optics, but I had it on left side so instead I rolling the weapon to what I felt was a somewhat awkward position, I just had to lift it a half inch and lower my head just a little. But whatever is comfortable for the operator is what's really important after accuracy of course
I tried the dual optics, but I had it on left side so instead I rolling the weapon to what I felt was a somewhat awkward position, I just had to lift it a half inch and lower my head just a little. But whatever is comfortable for the operator is what’s really important after accuracy of course
Yeah, OK maybe a little extreme POV here, but if you can put rounds down range more accurately with a fore grip, then use it! Only you will know, with practice, if it makes you a better shot. If it doesn't, but you like it because it looks cool, go for it. The ability to accessorize an AR is always touted as a point of superiority over the AK. If if gives you confidence then by all means use it. Only those who buy your ammo or pay your house note have license to wax poetic on what is appropo on your weapon. Now, I have muscle control/coordination issues from spinal nerve damage..means I can't shoot off-hand worth a hoot anymore but with a fore grip and wrapping the sling around my arm I can stabilize my weapon well enough to shoot paper and steel out to about 800'. Use any accessory or tool that makes you better or your job easier. May God Bless and buy made in USA.
The original Thompson .45 cal submachine gun had a forward vertical grip because it used a large round drum magazine which made it next to impossible to grip the forgrip horizontally. Hold one and you will see your arm remains bent just to grip it. When the military went to the box magazine the forgrip disappeared back to horizontal for maximum control and accuracy. Gripping a rear vertical and a forward vertical often effects you sight alignment which is why you mainly saw forward vertical grips on subguns….not rifles.
All the time I spent shooting using a magwell grip (in combat mind you) I never once had a magazine fail. you grip the magazine well, not the magazine. Using a magwell grip when your clearing houses is much better than this "reach out as far as i can so that my hand is basically wrapped around my muzzle" grip because well, when you are pieing corners, you can maintain cover better and longer (because you will typically only reveal part of the weapon, not 3/4 of your support arm), which allows you to be safer and stay in the fight longer.
Practice, practice, practice… It is just that simple… Usually the most dangerous guy is the one that only owns a couple guns and knows how to shoot them…
The original Thompson .45 cal submachine gun had a forward vertical grip because it used a large round drum magazine which made it next to impossible to grip the forgrip horizontally. Hold one and you will see your arm remains bent just to grip it. When the military went to the box magazine the forgrip disappeared back to horizontal for maximum control and accuracy. Gripping a rear vertical and a forward vertical often effects you sight alignment which is why you mainly saw forward vertical grips on subguns….not rifles.
Nice Article 🙂
I do paintball quite a bit, which requires alot of manipulation of the weapon in high stress situations (as it does hurt when you get hit and you want to avoid it at all cost.) I found that the best setup was to put the forward grip as close to the magazine well as possible as that is my hand naturally falls there when bringing up my sights. Doing such I saw a significant improvement in handling. It’s really honestly kinda funny how often I don’t really truly aim at all when in a firefight and just end up laying down suppressing fire in the general direction and running the other way.
Nothing like some paintball/airsoft kid trying to carry over his game experience to real firearms. There is no such thing as “sighting” when playing your pathetic little game. You are shooting paintballs out of a smoothbore barrel. The accuracy is garbage and you’re damn right all you’re doing is “laying down suppresive fire”. Pick up a real come then come back and comment.
Red Martin, what do you think?
Thank you, Kyle! I was just about to run out and buy a foregrip for my AR, but after reading this I scrapped that idea.
Mine is the bipod grip, otherwise I probably would not have just a vert. front grip.
Guess this is all well and cool, but I only ran into a view guys overseas who held a weapon like they were trying to win a “cool” contest.
I have gone back and forth with the VFG. I am old enough that I was taught to use a long gun with out them. When I carried my M16A2 in the military we did not have them. I actually like the natural/traditional grip better.
I currently have one but I don’t use that C-clamp grip and I never will after trying it. When I put my hand on it my pinky and ring finger are on it, my middle finger touches it and the bottom of the rail and my thumb points forward towards the target on the side of the rail like my pistol grip. My elbow is down not out like the c-clamp grip. For me it comes down to the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Advantages, easier/more natural to grip when walking with the rifle slung for long periods of time. Press/pull on barriers, use as a monopod (think car hood etc), easier to activate my light at 11oclock with push button, can pull the rifle in better with the VFG. Disadvantages – extra crap on the rifle, extra weight on the front of the rifle, could get snagged (has not so far). I have my forward enough that I can still use the traditional grip, which I do for longer slow fire.
This is good article about them.
http://www.breachbangclear.com/the-real-uses-of-a-vfg/
Also if you read the book Green Eyes Black Rifle by Kyle Lamb (Delta) he may open your eyes to why to use them.
Paralysis by analysis
Who cares? Shoot which ever way is most comfortable and allows you to be on target.
The third fourth and fifth pix in this article…LMFAO.
So tactical.
I enjoyed the Article, and I appreciate your taking the time you put into it. Thank you! My preferred FG, is the Angled Grip w/Thumb Grip. (Love that Thumb Grip!!!)