Fore Grip Thoughts

[mike_sa]

Since installing my Bonesteel hand guard my next purchase will be a fore grip.  I was thinking Magpul AFG 2 or a stubby vertical.  Additionally I was going to buy a thumb rest of some sort.  Thoughts, comments or ideas?

TIA

[Sheepdog]

I use an AFG2 and tend to prefer them against vertical grips if I can help it. Just gotta decide what color you want.

You might try something like this: http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-foregrips/id-700/versatile-tactical-support.html for your thumb rest if you want.

[RSR]

If you're only holding the rifle, then afg.

If you're holding and want a bipod, then perhaps take a look at vertical.

One question I have is how a standard vertical grip would work with mag changes...  Imagine w/ the stubby you're fine.

[Ohio_OJ]

I also have the bonesteel rail and have been working my way thru vertical grips. I really wanted to like the Magpul AFG but I just can't get used to the feel.

I have tried several shorty grips and I can tell you that I have a few 3 & 3/4" long and they interfere with mag changes at anything less than 1/2 way down the rail.

I have just ordered a BCM Gunfighter MOD-3 shorty grip, this one is very short and I like the mounting system.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XBCMVG1913MOD3BLK&name=BCM+GUNFIGHTER+MOD-3+Picatinny+Vertical+Grip+Black&search=GUNFIGHTER+MOD-3

[mobiltoy]

I have the magpul and fab defense angled grips and for me the fab defense ptk is better.  I'm am also using their pistol  grip and together they feel very natural. Fwiw, bill 

[knoxy]

I've got the AFG2 on my bonesteel rail. I love it, but it was a bit too long, so I actually cut off the flat part on the front of the grip.

This lets me put a TRS1 light on the lower rail, right in front of the grip.

[SpetsNazGRU]

I use Magpul VFG stubbies on a number of my guns. They are good as hand stops too. Never bought into the AFG hype.

[RSR]

I use Magpul VFG stubbies on a number of my guns. They are good as hand stops too. Never bought into the AFG hype.

Unsure what's "hype" about the AFG?  If you want to bash the exaggerated C clamp grip, go ahead but the AFG's utility isn't just w/ that grip...

On my Troy/NEA railed VZ, I run the AFG with a Gas Pedal thumb rest.  Basically it equates to a standard rifle grip with a firmer, more ergonomic hold on the rifle, and you can do elbow out or down, but I prefer down and think it meshes better with angles and force, etc.  W/ Bonesteel, I'd probably just use the AFG due to wider railed lower and solid upper edge of side rail for similar thumb placement...

I look at the AFG as basically being the same hold across all weapons even if not AFG configured -- palm up and thumb forward vs knuckles and thumb forward.   For me, this is important. 

Magpul did a good slideshow when they released the AFG on the whys: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/12/02/new-magpul-afg-angled-foregrip/

I agree w/ pretty much everything here regarding the C clamp grip: http://www.gunnuts.net/2013/07/02/curing-the-tactical-turtle/
And here as well -- and agree that there are portions of this technique like the AFG and mounting stock on your pec rather than shoulder that help w/ weapon control (and slightly rolling your shoulders forward helps too): http://loadoutroom.com/5695/the-over-exaggerated-c-clamp-grip-hype-or-not/

Another good read: http://kitup.military.com/2011/11/afg-vertical-grip-or-no-grip.html

And using the vertical grip optimally is a lot like an AFG anyways: http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/how-to-hold-an-ar15-foregrip/


And here's a great read on the whys of a grip pod: http://www.defensereview.com/the-grip-pod-system-vertical-foregripbipodweapon-stabilizer-is-it-a-viable-option-for-your-tactical-carbine/

Ultimately everyone has preferences and like any choice your foregrip is a compromise. 

[CitizenPete]

I use an AFG2 and tend to prefer them against vertical grips if I can help it. Just gotta decide what color you want.

You might try something like this: http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-foregrips/id-700/versatile-tactical-support.html for your thumb rest if you want.

The Fab Defense foregrip and thumb stop fit my medium size hands very well.   I switched out the Magpul grip and alternate with the FAB vertical bipod/flashlight foregrip (which are decent for a night op, IMHO) and the FAB grip.  About to order another grip/thumb set ( http://www.zahal.org/products/ergonomic-pointing-grip-vts-combo-deal?path_parent=153447) from ZAHAL as the standard setup for a VZ58 SBR build, so I am waiting for the ZAHAL Black Friday 30% off sale    BTW... FREE Shipping.

Good to have in your stock of accessories (IMO):

• http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-combined-foregrips-flashlight-mounts/id-234/foregrip-bipod-with-built-in-tactical-light.html  (I've used this on a number of tactical rifles including VZ58 and they are more durable than expected and very functional.)
• http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-foregrips/id-699/ergonomic-pointing-grip.html
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXcopVGqn1k
• http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-foregrips/id-700/versatile-tactical-support.html

[Ohio_OJ]

I got my BCM Gunfighter MOD-3 shorty grip installed today and it is exactly what I wanted. I can move it all the way toward the magwell without making mags loads difficult.

[RSR]

Another good read: http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/accessories/vertical-fore-grip-versus-handguard-grip-which-is-better/

[Airacuda]

Anything you add to three front will add weight. Adding weight slows down movement and makes starts and stops more difficult.
Not to be left behind by new ideas. I tested 3 different holds on 6 steel targets at did distances from 25 to 200 yards. I did this because know it alls told me my mag grip was outdated. With timer in hand and expecting to learn a faster way to engage.......mag grip won. Repeatedly.....for me. Your results may vary. Whatever you use, practice, practice.
And when you get tired. Toss the big knurled brake. Feels like you dropped a pound off the rifle.