The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: biggyboom on March 10, 2010, 06:49:45 PM

Title: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: biggyboom on March 10, 2010, 06:49:45 PM
Just looking for your opions on vertical grips on ar type weapon systems. I have one on my m4 and love it for "movin and groovin" in any sort of moving string of fire, but find it annoying when shooting stationary. I take mine on and off.  Just wondering how you folks handle it.  Do you leave it on and deal or do you just use your mag?
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: twyacht on March 10, 2010, 07:32:30 PM
Hello biggyboom, welcome to DRTV.

For my Sig556, I keep the foregrip on it, and have a quick release NcStar bipod, that I can fold and leave on or take off very quickly.
Although, I'm left-handed and shoot rifles right-handed, I don't find the foregrip an issue, standing and shooting, stationary, etc,...

(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/DSCF1490.jpg)

The fwd. stock on the Sig is all rails, and uncomfortable (for me), to shot in a traditional rifle stance. Additionally, the fore-grip allows for larger arm muscles to be engaged, than if my wrist were turned upward to cradle the front of the rifle. Plus the Sig556 is more fwd. heavy than an M4, and this helps. If I had a smooth fwd stock, it might be different, but I have just gotten used to the foregrip. Although, for stationary shooting, I do adjust the rear stock "out" to lengthen the rifle and create a more stable line from butt end to fore grip.

Take Care.

tw

If it were my Mauser or Winchester rifle that's different, but for an AR, it's what works for me. Feel free to post a pic of your M4, we kinda like gun porn around here...


Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: fightingquaker13 on March 10, 2010, 08:22:16 PM
Damn TW! Is it a Florida thing? If you can't keep your feet out of the picture, at least put a damn pair of shoes on! You and Haz are making us all look bad. ::)
FQ13 ;D
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: scott.ballard on March 10, 2010, 08:40:12 PM
I use the CTC MVF-515 with both the light and the laser for my home defense rifle.  Never let it be said that I didn't make use of every advantage to identify and target the intruder properly before I fired.

I leave it on all the time because it doesn't really bother me and I want my light with me all the time.  Just like the front activation CTC grips on my 1911, it took a bit of time to get used to it, but now I would feel odd without it.

Since I use 30 round mags primarily, I don't really have a problem with it when I go prone.  The laser is a big help when firing from atypical positions such as under cars.

Stay Safe,
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: bafsu92 on March 26, 2010, 03:36:23 PM
I have some type of vertical grip on all my AR type rifles. I just put a magpul afg on my designated marksman type 5.56 9I'll post pics when I get a chance) and really like the feel, sort of the best of both worlds. On my other rifles, more like M4 configuration I keep the vertical grip back pretty close to the magwell so I can still grip the rail ahead of it for more precision aiming etc. I really like grip Itec Defense makes, it's a segmented vertical grip so you can use it full length or as a stubby. Their light/laser grip is nice too and a great deal at a bit over $200 retail with a red laser and a 700 lumen rated light.
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: 2HOW on March 26, 2010, 04:42:31 PM
I'm not a proponent of vertical grips, especially on a small caliber weapon like a AR 15, I do like them on a 12 Ga shotgun or a large caliber rifle used for CQC and a sub pistol type application. Unless your full auto with an AR its overdone.
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: Michael Bane on March 31, 2010, 09:35:37 PM
I'm just not crazy about vertical foregrips...maybe if I spent more time with one...

Michael B
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: Dakotaranger on March 31, 2010, 11:40:35 PM
The advantage I see with a vertical foregrip is just that it is close to a natural fighting stance.  W/o the vert grip It feels unnatural for me. to the point I've thought about putting rails on my Winchester deer rifle.

IF it doesn't work for you for stationary shooting then don't.  Like anything if it works for you do, if not don't
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: m25operator on April 15, 2010, 10:18:41 PM
I do not think the vertical foregrip is a plus, I have one, and it is for 1 purpose, the weapon light switch is attached to it, so in the dark, yes I use it, but in normal shooting, daylight etc... I do not use it, I use a very forward grip on the fore end to DRIVE the muzzle where I want it. Yes the vertical foregrip allows you to pull the butt with a lot of tension into your shoulder pocket, but it is not a natural stance.  I recommend, trying both under time limits, and let that be your guide. A lot of techniques depend on how much time and energy the shooter is willing to devote to it. A normal person with little time might benefit from the vertical grip technique, but if you are A fast twitch type of person, the forward grip is better. IHMO.

Now, vertical grips that serve a dual purpose, like a grip pod, or a folding grip, can have some advantages, allowing a bipod, and switch built in.

Nothing is perfect.

None the less, whatever you decide, it needs to be learned, and learned well.
Title: Re: vertical grip advantage or not?
Post by: Rob Pincus on May 03, 2010, 06:44:40 PM
I don't like the position for shooting, nor do I like the more "fine motor skill" nature of achieving the grip in a specific place/way under stress... but I don't discourage students who have gotten comfortable with them from keeping them.

So, while I'm not a fan in general.... but I have been playing with a integrated Laser/light/grip model from Crimson trace, if you are into VFG, this one certainly gives you the tools you'll also want in one convenient package.



-RJP