The AR Foregrip and Handstop Buyer’s guide

Will an AR foregrip, handstop or handstop improve my shooting performance? If so, which models are the best to get? What are their benefits? Foregrips were historically used to control full auto fire in compact automatic guns. The majority of this lineage comes from the submachine gun, and the original Thompson was a classic example. “Jerry” Campbell, of the OKCPD, firing a Thompson.Later submachine weapons would either have foregrips installed as standard features or be designed to be gripped using the magazine well. This was a common feature of SMGs from around World War II. Examples include the German MP40 Grease Gun, the Soviet PPS-43 and the M3 Grease Gun. Foregrips also appeared on some light machine guns, such as the Chauchat M1922, Bren M1922, Hotckiss M1922, with some evidence suggesting that they were sometimes attached to BARs. The first service rifles to feature forward pistol grips were not seen until later, when intermediate-caliber select fire rifles became common. AR-15 foregrips have been around almost as long as AR-15 rifles. The first examples were jerry rigged during the Vietnam War. Usually an A1 pattern pistol grip was bolted onto the handguard of a CAR-15. Bobby G. Pruett, MACV-SOG holding his CAR-15 equipped with a modified foregrip. The CAR-15 was designed to be an ersatz submachinegun as well as a carbine. This idea fits perfectly into the classic application of foregrips. Later, more official AR foregrips were developed for commercial use. They bolted directly to the holes in an A2-pattern (again, this is more common for the CAR-15), and-during GWOT (Global War on Terrorism–to quadrail handguards on the modern M4 carbine or M16A4 rifle. Knight’s Armament’s VFG, also known as the “broomstick”, and the Grip Pod (a vertical grip with a bipod inside) were the first models to be produced in large quantities. A Knight’s Armament Broomstick Grip is presumably attached to an M4 carbine in Iraq. What’s the Difference Between a Foregrip and A Handstop? Foregrips are handguard accessories that can be grasped with a full hand. The shooter may then use the grip to pull the rifle back towards the shoulder in order to increase stability. Handstops can be used to either pull the rifle into your shoulder, or push it forward. An Arisaka Defense finger stop. When pulling back on the handstop, it functions much like a foregrip. The stop can also be used to prevent the user from getting their fingers too close to the muzzle when pushing forward. These accessories can also be used to create a barrier stop in either configuration. The stubby grip is a good compromise between the traditional broomstick grip and the angled handstops/grips. It gives you the best of both worlds. Shooters who use them tend to cup both the grip and handguard. Some shooters prefer this grip when they use the C clamp grip or top-mounted tape switch. Foregrips are available in vertical (like the classic broomstick) or angled (like the Magpul AFG). Handstops have a much lower profile compared to the rest of the firearm. An AR-15 is fired with an angled grip. Photo: Wikipedia.The main difference is that the foregrip allows you to hold the gun in either a vertical or angled position. A handstop, on the other hand, enhances a more traditional grip and gives you a physical indicator of where to grip your handguard. Do AR Foregrips Offer Any Real Benefits to the Shooter? On paper, foregrips or handstops are supposed to give you more control over your rifle. Several studies have shown that grip strength decreases as wrist flexion increases. In other words, the more you bend your hand, the less grip strength you will have. In reality, the answer is not so simple. Shotgunners, for example, have used body mechanics without foregrips to manage recoil for a long time. The Army Research Laboratory published an article in 2015 that contained some of the most conclusive results regarding the effectiveness of AR foregrips. The Army Research Laboratory conducted a study where military and police personnel participated in different drills to measure their performance. Each course was run with and without the foregrip attached. The use of a vertical foregrip did not affect accuracy, shot speed, or recoil. This was true whether they were firing the CQB or long-range courses. AR foregrips can be a personal preference. Installing a foregrip probably won’t improve your shooting skills, but it won’t hurt them either. That said, just because they won’t make shooters more accurate or faster, doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of their additional benefits. Some foregrips, handstops, and vertical foregrips can be used to create barrier stops. Photo: Wikipedia.Another thing to consider is the fact that a vertical grip keeps the hand away the handguard which can become hot enough to cause minor injuries with a heavy firing schedule or the right environment. Should you install a foregrip to your AR? It’s entirely up to you. They have some benefits, even if their performance isn’t improved. Use one if you prefer it over a bare-handguard. The 7 Best AR Foregrips Magpul AFGAFGThe Magpul Angled Front Grip, or AFG, is one of the most popular angled foregrips available. It is made of durable molded plastic and features fore-and-rear ridges that give your hand some forward boundary. This is what some people prefer in an angle grip. Three models are available in different sizes. Two for 1913 Picatinny Rails and one for MLOK. Each model is available in four colors. MSRP: $26.95 – $34.95 // magpul.comArisaka Defense finger stop Arisaka Defense offers its Finger Stop in Picatinny and M-LOK variants as well as KeyMod. The company also has other styles such as the Indexer. It is made of aluminum and can be used either as a finger stop between the fingers of the supporting hand, a rear handstop, or as a barricade. MSRP: $28 // arisakadefense.comBravo Company KAG The Kinetic Angled Grip or KAG has long been a staple model of angled handstops. It’s easy to understand why, given their durability and low cost. The KAG has both a vertical and a curvy side, which are both textured for extra grip. Available in a variety of colors, they are compatible with Pic rail, KeyMod or M-LOK handguards. It is a good size for a middle ground and its shape makes it versatile. MSRP: $21 // bravocompanyusa.comKnight’s Armament Forward Pistol Grip If you’re trying to clone a military AR, why not get the original M4 foregrip? It’s made from durable, high-impact injection-molded polymer. The storage compartment can hold an AA battery for your optic. Quad-rail handguards are available in black, OD Green, and two shades of tan (light and dark). Knight’s Armament is not cheap. MSRP: Starting at $80 // Knightarmco.comNC Star Vertical GripFor budget-conscious consumers, NC Star makes a decent clone that’s eight times cheaper than the Knight’s Armament Forward Pistol Grip. Enough said. MSRP: Less Than $10 // ncstar.comStrike Industry AR-15 Bikini HandstopStrike’s Bikini Handstop comes in a two-pack and retails for around $10. Install one handstop for a low-profile polymer or both handstops to keep your support hand in place. It is low-cost and easy to install. It works with either a push or pull technique. MSRP: $12.95 // strikeindustries.comBravo Company BCM Vertical Grip Mod 3The BCM Gunfighter VCG has a slight curve on one side, allowing the user to have the front surface straight or curved, depending on preference. BCM offers models in black or FDE that are compatible with Picatinny or M-LOK. There is also a more expensive version that has a storage compartment. This model is versatile and solid because it can be used in many different ways. MSRP: $21 // bravocompanyusa.comMore AR Upgrades:NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDSThis impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains62 printable targetsfor rifle and handgun range use. The grids and bullseyes are in MOA. Subscribe to the Gun Digest newsletter and we will send you your print-at home target pack immediately. Enter your email below.