Vertical Forward Grip: Still Useful?

There are so many different grip techniques and devices that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Everything in the gun world moves in trends; some are good, some bad, and others receive mixed reactions. When I first became interested in AR-15 rifles, most of them had carry handles, quad rails, and, yes, vertical grips. It was about as normal as placing a red dot on your gun. Half of the old quad rails would tear up your hand if you didn’t have a vertical grip.

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At some point, a new trend sprung up, and everyone started using the magwell of their rifle for secondhand support. All of a sudden, it wasn’t cool anymore to have a vertical grip, at least if you wanted to be “tactical.” But little did those guys know this new style would also get knocked off its rocker. Along came angled foregrips and hand stops with the free float rails. Everyone realizes you have more control over the gun when your support hand is further down the barrel.

Now, the c-clamp, modified c-clamp, or forward grip are the newest and hottest methods. Is there a reason behind this movement of tactics? And what about the vertical foregrip? Is it still relevant? The answer to that question is yes, maybe, and maybe not, all at the same time. It all depends on what works best for you. I’ll admit I’m not a fan of gun “experts” who claim their way is the only way. Aside from safety practices, different people need different gear and tactics.

Why the vertical forward grip?

Everyone has reasons why they like or don’t like something. Vertical foregrips are not new and can be found on some old classic guns like the Tommy gun, AK-47, and others. Automatic guns were easier to shoot with something to hang on to with your support hand. As the M16 rifle mutated into a short rifle with a quad rail, the military used foregrips in some cases, but mostly with special forces who were attaching a lot of equipment to the rail. With a short handguard, there wasn’t much room for equipment and a place to hold onto the gun.

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Other people use the vertical grip because they think it’s cool. The real reason something should be used is because it’s needed. Having said that, I don’t like backseat drivers, so if it works for you, then go with it. The point is to put a little thought into why you need/want something and what works best for you. When it comes to forward grips, I’m not going to say they are a must-have or should never be used.

The last time I used a vertical forward grip was to protect my hand from heat. I performed a test on a barrel, documenting how well it held up when extremely hot. For this, we shot mag after mag without a break. The handguard was too hot to hang on to, so we used a vertical foregrip.

Where should the vertical grip go?

It’s easier to move the muzzle of your gun when your hand is closer to it instead of back on the magwell. I like keeping my left hand out as far as possible, so if I use a vertical grip, I place it further down on my handguard. I know of an old army vet who puts his foregrip just in front of the magwell. He shoots with a forward-style grip with his arm extended (not using the vertical grip). He uses the vertical grip when carrying his gun for long periods because it’s easier on his arms. I don’t think I’d like it, but it works for him.

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People who wrap their hands around the handguard often use a vertical or angled foregrip as a hand stop. This allows you to pull your hand against the grip for leverage. It also allows you to change the angle of your grip to something more comfortable. This is why you see a lot of those short vertical grips out there. Instead of picking a place on your rifle and sticking it there, hold the gun and see where your arm feels comfortable. Place the vertical grip where it works best for your hand.

Size and placement of the Vertical Foregrip

The reason people grip their guns as close to the muzzle as possible is for control. If you are not sure if you should use a vertical grip or go without one, try both. It’s okay to mix it up and see if something works better for you than it does for someone else. Vertical grips come in a lot of different shapes and sizes so check them all out before picking one.

If you have large hands and want a good grip on that gun, a full-size grip may be the best option. Magpul makes many different sizes to choose from, and their stuff is good quality. Deciding where to place it on your handguard again depends on your arm length, the weight of the gun, and what you like. To some, grabbing a vertical grip is more comfortable than grabbing the handguard. To each his own, right?

Do you need a vertical forward grip?

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As I mentioned above, some newer grip methods are being used today, but some don’t understand why. When you see a new tactic or method, it’s fine to try it out—heck, it’s even recommended. I like having an open mind about tactics, and the only way you learn is to ask questions and try things out. I’m a law enforcement firearms instructor, and I’ll be the first to admit that many agencies adopt practices without understanding why.

Many times, they cite “best practices” to avoid lawsuits and civil litigation. Do some research, ask for some opinions, and then try out different equipment and methods. See what you like and what works for you, not the YouTubers. I tell people to do what’s comfortable and use the equipment that makes them better.

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