The AR-15 market in the United States is saturated with just about every kind of accessory you might even think you’d need…everything from lights, bayonets, to even chainsaws.
But what about foregrips? What are some options for those?
Lucky for you, we’re going to tackle that very subject…
And tell you about some great ones that are on the market, how to use them, and what they can do for you.
So, let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
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What is an AR-15 Foregrip?
It can actually describe a pretty broad category of devices you add to the handguard in order to offer a different kind of grip.
When holding an AR-15, shooters typically hold the handguard under the bottom with their support hand in a cupping grip.
However, over the years different objects have been added to these handguards to change the way the support hand merges with the gun.
This is often based on the personal preferences of the shooter.
What Does It Do?
The general idea of the foregrip is to help you with recoil control.
While the AR platform chambered in .223 or 5.56 is not an untamable beast when you pull the trigger, rapid fire or full-auto variants can make it more difficult to control shot placement.
The concept of the foregrip is a handle, offering more resistance to recoil impulse than a round handguard, which allows you to snug the rifle harder into your shoulder.
You can also push foregrips into barricades to stabilize shooting positions.
In this article, I’m going to cover a few foregrip sub-categories: vertical, horizontal, and special.
Vertical foregrips are pretty common and they are essentially a bar mounted to the bottom of the handguard of an AR.
Referred to as the “broomstick” in the military, the vertical foregrip has come in a few different variations and they offer some distinct advantages.
Horizontal is a category that means the grip typically runs more along the bottom of the handguard, but it still manages to give you more of a grip to pull the rifle into your shoulder.
Special grips are exactly that. They may base their design on one of the above categories but are different enough to warrant a special section of their own.
Best Vertical Grips & Foregrips
1. Daniel Defense Vertical Grip
This vertical grip is an excellent choice. Made of polymer, it comes in different colors and will work with Keymod or M-LOK so you can pick the one that works best for your rifle.
A prime example of the vertical foregrip, it is shaped to fit the hand with rounded edges and flat sides.
It’s 3.25-inches tall and 2-inches wide, so it fits most hands.
Shooters with larger mitts will feel like their hand is hanging off a bit but they will still have good purchase.
This grip points straight down and allows the shooter to grab it and pull the rifle into the shoulder more firmly.
In the next photo, you can see a variant of the traditional broomstick grip, more of a ¾ grip where the bottom of the handguard is still used, but the grip provides resistance to the rear.
Shooters using this grip will notice a difference in controlling the recoil impulse. A sight picture is typically not that tough to reacquire when using the grip to pull the buttstock into your shoulder.
In addition, it changes the ergonomics of the support arm causing a bit less strain on the wrist than a traditional cupping grip on the handguard.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Magpul M-LOK MVG
The Magpul version of the vertical grip is very similar to the Daniel Defense, though a bit more rounded.
It too is made of polymer, comes in a variety of colors and can mount right up to your rail. Where you mount the grip can dictate how you hold it.
This can be changed with the amount of real estate you have on your handguard.
The MVG is similar in almost all ways to the Daniel Defense grip though I noticed the M-LOK hardware was a bit beefier and the price is much less.
Shooters using this old broomstick style hold have to be careful that they are pulling directly back into the shoulder, otherwise shot placement can suffer.
I enjoy shooting with a vertical foregrip, though I do not use the traditional broomstick shooting style.
Both of these grips are great choices for long shooting days (training) if you don’t have a sling as they held you distribute the weight of the rifle while you are in low ready, or just resting the weapon muzzle down.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Horizontal or Angled Grips
Another variety of the foregrip is horizontal or angled grips. Serving the same purpose, these grips are a bit more stretched out but still offer the same advantages of the vertical grips in different ways.
3. Magpul Angled Fore Grip (AFG)
The AFG is another great polymer option from Magpul that answers the same riddle with a different approach.
Shooters will note the same traditional grip on the bottom of the handguard, though it angles the hand down a bit.
This subtle change makes the wrist bend slightly less, creating a more ergonomic placement.
Shooters who prefer thumb-over-bore will find the AFG is a great addition.
Some other benefits are that it cups the hand and gives you reference points.
You can also pull back and develop some good shoulder pressure with the rear bumper—improving recoil recovery for follow-up shots
The front bumper can be jammed into barricades as a stabilization point for that type of shooting as well.
This grip is a great value and comes in different styles with as many as five different colors.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s your take on the AFG? Rate it below!
4. Strike Industries LINK Curved Foregrip
The SI Curved Foregrip is a great choice for those who like a more traditional grip position for the support hand.
The bumpers cup the hand really well and allow the gun to be driven forward as well as pulled back into the shoulder.
The inside of the foregrip is serrated and allows for great retention.
Strike Industries is known for some cool innovations and this foregrip does not disappoint.
It comes with the Link system which allows it to be mounted to either M-LOK or Keymod. Made out of coated aluminum, the Link is tough and very lightweight.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Special Grips
At least a couple of products currently on the market defy specific categorization because of their approach to accomplishing the same mission of the foregrip.
5. Ryker Grip
The Ryker Grip represents a complete departure from the traditional methodology.
The developers at Ryker studied the body mechanics of shooting and moving a rifle. They then created a product that has a lot of shooters scratching their head — until they try it.
The guys at Ryker have some interesting military backgrounds and they have done some testing with active-duty military who have given them feedback.
Also, the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) recently gave the thumbs up to the Ryker Grip so even though it looks totally different, some serious shooters have given it the nod.
The basic concept is that it serves as an ergonomic grip which mounts on the side of the rifle.
This places the thumb up, and palm in, toward the rifle. Having used this unorthodox grip, I can tell you it removes a lot of the binding that happens in the wrist and forearm.
Shooters can drive the gun with surprisingly better accuracy and speed.
The Ryker is made of polymer and is tough.
It currently must mount on a side Picatinny rail, sadly that limits what handguards can use it. It is reversible so lefties need not despair.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. Mid-Evil Industries 360 VFG
The 360 VFG (vertical foregrip) is a great evolution of the traditional broomstick.
The unit mounts to your rail like a standard grip, but that’s where the similarities end.
With a twist of the bottom portion of the shaft, the upper portion loosens and can rotate.
You can curve the 360 VFG back, forward, and even out to the side.
You can hit just about any angle as it rotates on a ball pivot at the base. Once you have it in the position you like, simply tighten the end and it locks into place.
The whole unit is made of aluminum, weighs 5.2 ounces, and measures 3 7/8-inches long.
The end of the grip can unscrew exposing the hollow handle for battery storage. It comes in four colors and is available for Picatinny, Keymod, and M-LOK!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Bravo Company KAG
Developed by BCM in conjunction with Travis Haley (Haley Strategic Partners), the Kinesthetic Angled Grip is a minimalist approach that brings maximum results.
The KAG reminds me of a comma and it is every bit as useful.
This small grip has a foot firmly planted in the horizontal and vertical foregrip worlds.
Mounted on the bottom of your handguard, the KAG serves as a great reference point for the back of your hand.
It is so small, you hardly notice its presence but it is extremely comfortable.
It cups the back of your hand and also angles it down slightly, releasing some of the binding that happens in the joints when you raise a file.
Despite its small size, it holds enough of your hand to allow you good backpressure, pulling the rifle snugly into your shoulder.
With the KAG you can shoot a traditional support grip (albeit more ergonomic) or a thumb-over-bore.
The KAG comes any color you want, as long as that color is black.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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8. Tyrant Designs Mod Foregrip
A newcomer that just looks so good…and performs as well.
The Mod Foregrip from Tyrant Designs definitely pops out and gives you a very nice and secure grip with its rubberized texture over the milled aluminum.
When you want a full grip foregrip that stands out…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Final Thoughts
There are so many great options out there when it comes to mounting a foregrip to your handguard.
Ultimately, you have to decide which will work best for you, and the only way to truly know that is to try them.
I have used all the above products and find them to be excellent. Depending on your use of your rifle, you may find one that is a great fit for you too.
Regardless, if you get one and like it, you need to train with it!
So…what is your favorite foregrip? Tell us about it in the comments! Once you have a foregrip – you’ll want to grab some other upgrades for your rifle! So, check out our articles on the 5 Best AR-15 Flashlights, Best AR-15 Handguards, and the Best AR-15 Upgrades.
42 Leave a Reply
Magwell works just fine as a grip..........no $ or extra weight.
I just use the 30 round Mag............works fine.
I assume you meant magwell and not mag
Another good article as always, but I also think you're missing a few salient points that are very relevant. For example, why no comments re: when an AFG is the only option vs a vertical grip as it relates to barrel length and AR rifle vs pistol? I run 300BLK which is optimized for a 10.5 barrel in my setup... so that means I have a pistol per ATF and can't run a vertical grip unless I get a tax stamp for an SBR. I can, however, legally use an AFG or hand stop. Also, surprised there's no conversation re: vertical grips and bipods. While not as common these days, it wasn't long ago that many used a bipod that was in the handle of the vertical grip. All that said, I love the KAG and most things designed with or by Travis Haley including their collaboration knives with Toor. Worth adding, the KAG is one of the few that comes for 1913, M-Lok or Keymod. And its short enough to fit on the short, lower rail of a Kel-tec P50... most others are too long.
A., yep, using the same platform and love the KAG.
Skip the others and go with the Bravo Company KAG if ya just gotta have a grip. I've tried all of these at one time or another, none of them do or help anything better or worse overall than the Bravo Company KAG plus it costs less than the rest on this list. But! If you have carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis the Magpul Angled Fore Grip (AFG) will be your best friend.
I’m just looking for something best that fits a 7.5in ar pistol 223/556
Same. Remember it’s a federal law that you can’t use a vertical grip on an ar pistol. What I have been trying to find out is if we can use vertical stuby grips. I’m guessing not but I’ve found YouTube videos that say otherwise.
for something like this your best bet for it to fit and also not break any laws, the Arisaka Indexer. I have the indexer on my mcx and not only does it work great, it doubles as a barricade stop
Mid-Evil Industries 360 VFG - kinda gimmicky, and 5.2 ounces is not so good when you want to keep weight down.
is there an angled foregrip that is California legal?
There is no confirmed legal angled foregrip, however, any angled foregrip that is NOT a vertical foregrip should be legal on both featureless and fixed magazine rifles. Personally, I stick to handstops like the Strike Industries Link Curved Foregrip.
Its been a while, but the last time I looked - in California vertical grips are not permitted but angled grips are permissible.
isn't it still this way?
all gun laws are illegal, I dont let commies rule me, this is still America right? but if you are determined to comply, bcm kag, or ‘hand stops’. please vote commies out
Most people I know use the vertical grip to impart more force when using the muzzle end as a striking or thrusting weapon and use a c grip when running and gunning.
C grip is amongst the stupidest fashion to hit the firearms community... bunch'o'spec force wannabees
....and you're an idiot.
I feel that. These modern day fools is lame.
can’t believe a full length vtr didn’t make the list.
Fab Defense makes some really good AR hardware too, foregrips included.
I really like the Vendetta Precision Angled Grip. Sturdy aluminum, and has a tone of ways you can use/hold it.
Would the Ryker Grip be legal on an AR pistol?
The riker is considered a foregrip not a handstop
Is that a Radian Model 1 you're mounting to in the pics?
looks to be an LWRC ic-di handguard
Where should i put a Magpul broomhandle grip on a SBR with 11.5 inch barrel with Magpul front cover? In the middle or front of grip? Thanks.
Paul, I'm not sure what you mean by front cover.
With that short a barrel, I'd place it as close to the muzzle as you can get without risking your fingers. That's going to give you the best muzzle control and maneuverability. If this doesn't answer your question, give me some more details.
I meant front handguard.
Thanks
Okay that makes sense. Placement depends on grip. If you're grabbing the fore grip fully with your support hand you can go as far forward as you dare. Most rails will stop short of muzzle blast risk. If you place your hand in front of the fore grip, like in the second image of the Daniel Defense grip above, you may want to scoot it back a smidge.
What about California laws?
Brian,
I can't give legal advice but this is what I found online:
Section 12276.1. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 911, Sec. 3.)
Cite as: Cal. Penal Code §12276.1.
(a)Notwithstanding Section 12276, “assault weapon” shall also mean any of the following:
(1)A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
...
(F)A forward pistol grip.
(2)(B)A second handgrip.
It seems if you have a detachable magazine, adding a "forward pistol grip" turns your rifle into an "assault rifle".
B5 systems grip stop beats them all hands down
I operate my AR15 one handed, therefore I do not have to worry about a foregrip.
WTF? I use my toes.
Marcia, if the time for confiscation does come I'm not gonna be worried about what grip is on my rail. In fact I'm not gonna be worried about anything but me, my family and my close circle of former teammates who all will be right behind me.
I was searching for this review a week early lol. Had a really hard decision between Arisaka's finger stop & Rail Scales Karve P. Decided to go with the Karve P. Seems like minimalist stops are the new go-too's. The B5 Gripstop & Zero Bravos hand stop seem to be popular offerings too.
Thanks Spike, some nice prospects to pick from. I'm with you...minimal.
Since having a "pistol grip" on the gun is one of the defining features of an "assault rifle" perhaps having the angled foregrip is the better way to go come time for confiscation. Just sayin'.
When it comes to confiscation, I just want something which will give me a grip like a Louisville Slugger, which I can use after I've run out of ammo, and my bayonet is so dulled it can no longer penetrate.
just stick a 12g co2 charge behind the bayonet; it'll penetrate alright lol
Oh yeah, it makes sense Marcia. Brilliant idea, keep them coming please!
If you mean that because you can better control recoil and have faster follow up shots to drive off the confiscators, I agree.