Questions on AR-15 Forend Vertical Grip

[ninjalawyer]

My wife, the main user of my AR-15 is interested in putting a forend vertical grip on it. I think it might make sense since she tends to support the rifle by the magazine when she shoots it, and a proper grip would probably be comfortable. Who's got one on their rifle and how do you like it? I'm looking at the buffertech tango down grip and planning on mounting it to my handguards with an aluminum bolt-on rail. What do people like and dislike about various models?

And while I've got your attention... I think it might look good with a Fobus G27 pistol grip-- do any of you have any thoughts on those?

 

[Damon]

The vertical grip gives a different feel to the rifle. Some like it, some don't. I like it. The Tango Down grip will be more comfortable.

 

[jason10mm]

The TD grip feels very nice and is built like a tank. It has a very functional storage compartment as well (a spare bolt lives in mine). Just be aware that tolerances of the rail can vary widely (not on the TD grip, but on whatever rail you get) which is why it behooves you to buy brand name stuff from Knights, GG&G, etc unless you can physically touch and manipulate the rail, rifle, and grip to see if they are all compatible. Also be aware that if you plan on mounting a rail to the stock handguards there may be some wobble in the grip (you may have to remove the inner heat shield to attach the rail and that loosens up the handguard).

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Also be aware that the Tangodown grip is built for the 1913 spec - some manufacturers of rail systems and bolt-on rails reduce the depth of the cut on the 1913 spec in order to keep them from protruding too low. The TD grip will not fit on these rails without some alteration.

 

[ninjalawyer]

Also be aware that the Tangodown grip is built for the 1913 spec - some manufacturers of rail systems and bolt-on rails reduce the depth of the cut on the 1913 spec in order to keep them from protruding too low. The TD grip will not fit on these rails without some alteration.

That's worrisome, since I just bought a cheap-ass rail and don't have the grip yet... Exactly how deep does the cut need to be?[

 

[Belial]

I have installed Tango Down Grips on several brands of rails that I was told you can not do. Little work with a file and you can get her done. Just got to want it...

Cheers

 

[trapshooter]

Ninj...

Given that your SO uses the mag for front support already, the vert grip is probably a good idea. Very good for rapid shot recovery and control up close. Properly used, can do the same in slow fire with practice. It should be remembered that the M4 configuration with the vert grip was intended for automatic fire situations (w/wo burst control), and the M4 collapsible stocks (an integral part of the configuation) were an adaptation required by heavy body armor.

I guess the short version is, the whole M4 package is a circumstantial setup in response to a specific set of requirements. OTOH, I can see where the shorter LOP on the M4 stock and the vert grip would be more suitable for those who are somewhat smaller in size than your average SF operator in armor.

Having said that, the cool thing about the vert. grip on a lower rail for your wife is that it can be moved around on the rail to suit her preference, and once she figures out where that spot is, the grip can be removed and rerplaced exactly where she had it, as desired. You can also get rail covers to hide the rest of the rail on either or both sides of the grip when it's on, or use the rail for other cool stuff (like a light, etc.) You might like it too.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I think the absolute best way to go, especially if you don't know for sure that your wife will like the vert. grip, is to go with a John Mason. Instead of spending $30-50 for a vert. grip and then another $20-50 for a rail and mount screws, you can get a John Mason for as little at $15 +S&H. I have one on my AR15 and it is holding up fine. I bought just the grip to mount on my Storm as well. For this kind of money, you can't go too wrong. If your wife doesn't like the vert grip, then you aren't out a major investment. If she does, then you have a very inexpensive and very functional one for her to use.

http://www.johnmasen.com/Merchant2/...re_Code=J&Product_Code=1505N&Category_Code=AA

Vertical grips offer the shooter something of a pugilistic firing position. It has been my experience that the vert grip is great for shorter range shooting or where you need to be able to quickly change the direction the gun is pointed, such as for clearing rooms. Maybe it is just me, but the pugilist stance is not great for longer range shooter and I find a revert back to a more traditional stance and grip on the fore end.