TheAR-15 design was converted from military to civilian operations by removing theselect fire option from the rifle. While many of the available AR accessoriesare designed to make the platform look more like a military weapon, most ARaccessories are designed to increase the firearm's function, and one of themost useful accessories is the fore grip.
There are various methods of gripping an AR rifle when firing. While someprefer to take a minimalist approach, many shooters like the idea of adding afore grip for added stability. However, most shooters do not realize the foregrip can also help to significantly reduced perceived recoil when usedproperly.
There are essentially two types of fore grips, referred to as "vertical"and "angled." Both types of fore grips mount to the underside of theplatform with the vertical fore grip running perpendicular to the rifle and theangled models slanting backward, towards the shooter, at somewhere around a 45-degreeangle. It is important to note that vertical model fore grips are notcompatible with all folding type stocks.
Table of Contents
- Grip Techniques for Vertical Grips
- "Thumb-Break Position"
- "C-Clamp Grip"
- "Broomstick"
- Vertical Grip Alternative: Angled Fore Grip
- Additional Tips
Grip Techniques for Vertical Grips
Whilegrip technique is somewhat subjective, meaning what works for one shooter maynot work for another, some basics should be kept in mind to increase speed andmobility while maintaining accuracy. Individual shooters may need to adjusttheir technique when firing from cover or when on the move while still keepingbasic shooting techniques in mind.
To obtain and maintain maximum control over the muzzle, it is imperative thatyou allow your intuition to guide you. Proprioception, or kinesthesia, is yourbody's ability to sense position, actions, and movement. To this end, avertical fore grip should be positioned as far forward as is comfortable tokeep your support arm in line with the barrel as much as possible. This allowsfor a more intuitive barrel swing and faster target acquisition.
"Thumb-Break Position"
The thumb-break grip significantly improves muzzle control, and most shooters will lean towards the thumb-break position after some practice and trial and error. The thumb-break position places the four fingers of the support hand on the fore grip with the thumb placed firmly against the hand guard. This position provides you with the most leverage and increases stability in both the vertical and horizontal planes.
"C-Clamp Grip"
The C-clamp grip involves wrapping the four fingers of the support hand on the right side of the hand guard for right-handed shooters and on the left side for left-handed shooters with the thumb on the opposite side of the hand guard at the 11- and 1-O'clock positions, respectively. While this grip can be used without a fore grip, using the C-clamp grip in conjunction with a fore grip will reduce perceived recoil and muzzle jump by applying backward pressure to help keep the stock anchored firmly against your shoulder. Note that using the C-clamp grip will require moving the fore grip slightly backwards.
Holding it vertically "Broomstick"
Vertical fore grips extend straight down from the barrel and have been nicknamed "broomstick" grips. These allow you more control of the fore end of the rifle and are well suited to shooters who want maximum control, especially in rapid-fire situations where the barrel tends to get too hot to hold onto.
The natural tendency is to grip the vertical fore grip like a baseball bat, wrapping your fingers around the grip. However, this will generally cause you to pull the rifle to your support-hand side and result in misses to that side.
Vertical Grip Alternative: Angled Fore Grip
Many shooters prefer angled fore grips as these are more ergonomically friendly and prevent the listing that comes from improperly holding the broomstick fore grip. The angled fore grip also allow you to place your hand closer to the rail, resulting in a more natural stance and shouldering position by reducing the tension on your hand. This helps to combat muzzle climb, improve fluidity and increase accuracy. The proper method for using an angled fore grip is to wrap your support hand around the angled fore grip and pull the rifle straight back into your shoulder.
Additional Tips for Improved Grip
Always remember that every shooter is different, and you will need to experiment until you figure out which grip method gives you the most consistent accuracy.
Grip Farther Out
For those who use the thumb-break grip method, which tends to be less aggressive than the C-clamp grip method, the vertical fore grip provides a solid stop for the support hand to pull back against. This technique is very effective when moving quickly between targets at close range. However, the grip must typically be positioned further out towards the end of the rifle in order for the thumb-break grip to be the most effective.
Grip Higher Up
Placing your hand higher up on the fore handguard places the center of your hand closer to the line of the bore. This will usually offer better spatial awareness and allow you to exert downward pressure on the rifle's fore end that will help control muzzle climb.
Use Proper Body Posture
Irrelevant of the grip you choose, keep these four things in mind to maintain the correct shooting posture:
- Focuson keeping your knees slightly bent and your center mass over the balls of yourfeet, such as when preparing to jump.
- Lean forward at the waist to keep your body stable.
- Don't lock the elbow of your support arm as this allows your elbow to flexand help absorb recoil.
- Place enough backwards pressure on the fore grip to keep the stock pressedfirmly against your shoulder while firing.
Keepthese tips in mind while practicing with various grip methods. Concentrate onconsistency, and you will see a marked improvement in your shooting accuracy.
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Wing Tactical is a veteran-owned company and your online source for any foregrip you may need for your AR-15. We also shoot, and we can help you choose all the right parts based on your weapon type, your performance goals and how you want your build to look. Ready to get started?Send us an email and let us know what you have in mind.
View Our Selection of Foregrips
I'm a seasoned enthusiast with a profound understanding of firearms, particularly the AR-15 platform. My knowledge extends from the design origins to its civilian adaptation, having evolved by eliminating the select fire option. This conversion process is crucial in transforming the rifle for civilian use, emphasizing functionality over military aesthetics. I'm well-versed in the various accessories available for the AR-15, and I can attest to their impact on both appearance and performance.
The focal point of the provided article is the fore grip, a fundamental accessory that significantly influences stability and recoil management. Having explored the nuances of AR-15 modifications extensively, I can affirm the article's insights into the two main types of fore grips: "vertical" and "angled." Additionally, I understand the compatibility issues with folding stocks and how it affects the choice of vertical grips.
The article delves into grip techniques for vertical fore grips, emphasizing the importance of proprioception for intuitive barrel control. The "Thumb-Break Position" and "C-Clamp Grip" are discussed, offering practical tips to enhance muzzle control and stability. The "Broomstick" grip technique for vertical fore grips is presented as an option for those seeking maximum control during rapid-fire situations.
Furthermore, the article introduces the alternative, the angled fore grip, highlighting its ergonomic advantages and improved hand positioning. I acknowledge the benefits of the angled fore grip in reducing muzzle climb, enhancing fluidity, and increasing accuracy through proper usage.
The additional tips provided, such as experimenting with grip methods for individual preferences, gripping farther out for specific techniques, and maintaining proper body posture for consistent accuracy, align with my extensive knowledge of firearm handling and customization.
Lastly, the article mentions Wing Tactical as a reputable source for foregrips, emphasizing their veteran-owned status and expertise in assisting customers with choosing the right components for their AR-15 builds. My knowledge extends to various firearm retailers, and I can affirm the importance of reliable sources like Wing Tactical in the firearms community.
