Picking The Best AR-15 Grip

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Choosing a pistol grip is among the main considerations for anyone building an AR-15. It’s also among the very first things that a brand new owner will upgrade on their gun or pistol. But with all the high-quality parts available available available on the marketplace, choosing the best AR-15 pistol grip could be challenging.

Lots of pistol grip makers provide top-shelf build quality, ergonomics, and aesthetics. Therefore, in most cases, what you choose will come down to personal taste. I would even say that if you stick to a reliable brand, you really couldn’t go wrong no matter what you choose.

But, there are a few factors you’ll wish to be mindful of, and I’d taken the time to detail the vital ones here. I’d also put together a comprehensive collection of the best AR-15 pistol grips and break out my top five favorites.

What To Consider When Selecting a Handgun Grip

The purpose of any pistol grip is simply to orient your hand allowing you to run a weapon in a way that is stable and safe. But there are several other factors you should think about, as the use of several pistol grips may not match your particular needs.

Foremost, you would like to make a decision based on the other components of your installation. As an example, if you use your AR-15 as a personal defense weapon or rely on your gun as a duty weapon, you would like to concentrate on getting a grip that is both comfortable and rugged enough to work in almost any situation.

In case your AR-15 is a range gun or some thing you break out once-and-a-while for pleasure, then you are probably able to forego some of those considerations and concentrate more on price or aesthetics.

If you do competitions, your needs may change. In either case, it’s an AR accessory that you would like to make work for you or your particular style. To get a little bit more in-depth, I’d put together a listing of various considerations to assist make things a little easier.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort and ergonomics are enormous when choosing a pistol grip for any AR-15 pistol or gun. To put it simply, you should look for a grip that not only matches your intended use but one that feels right to you. Here are a few things to contemplate when selecting a grip:

  • Size and Orientation
  • Reduced Grip Angle VS. Standard Grip Angle
  • Finger-to-trigger Positioning
  • Construct Material
  • Rubberized Finish VS. Hard Finish
  • Aggressive Texturing VS. Smooth Texturing
  • Palm Swells VS. No Palm Swells
  • Finger Grooves VS. No Finger Grooves

For an AR-15 pistol build particularly, I dig the new grip angle material. I’ve discovered that an angle facilitates a posture. Additionally, it places your hand and wrist at a much much more comfortable position relative to some standard angle grip. This can be great when shouldering a pistol or for a gun with the butt stock dropped all of the ways.

Palm Swells and Finger Grooves

Rubberized finishes and competitive texturing make a large difference when managing a weapon for long time periods. These attributes are excellent, particularly in wet or sweaty environments. I’ve discovered any texturing and stippling to be uncomfortable, however, and it could make carrying your weapon a nightmare.

I enjoy the rubberized finish you’ll discover on several grips like the Hogue and Ergo grips. But from my viewpoint, this isn’t a deal breaker.

The one thing to consider is the size and shape of finger grooves and palms. Many individuals, especially those with big hands, enjoy a considerable palm swell and finger grooves. Others, however, find them annoying. I like them, especially on the Hogue above and Ergo grips.

Durability, Aesthetics, and Price Point

There are plenty of high-quality AR-15 pistol grips available from manufacturers nowadays, that durability and aesthetics have become secondary considerations. Most grips price between $5 and $50 as well, so you’re not breaking the bank.

As I mentioned previously, it’s hard to discover a bad pistol grip if you stick with a good brand. AR grips are made from polymers or reinforced fiberglass and are nearly indestructible under most conditions.

Therefore, concentrate largely on choosing something you’re comfortable with, matches your spending budget, and matches your requirements.

Top 5 Best AR-15 Handgun Grips

Magpul MIAD

The Magpul MIAD made my list for its combination of clever design, ergonomics, and aesthetics; it’s also super popular. And, it’s packed with features that would impress just about anyone.

The MIAD is a standard drop-in replacement for most AR-15 lowers. At the box, you’ll get three back straps, two front straps, and a removable core that retains a 1/2 ounce lubrication bottle, and mounting hardware. The rear straps are to match your hand size. Be aware that the rear strap doesn’t have a beaver tail like the moderate and straps. The interchangeable front straps come without or with a finger shelf (A2 or A1 style.)

The inner core retains a reusable 1/2 ounce lubrication jar, that is a nice touch. Just fill it up with your favorite lubricating oil, also you’re ready to proceed. Other grip cores are offered via Magpul which enable you to store anything from bullets, or an extra firing pin and bolt.

Hogue OverMolded.

The Hogue OverMolded pistol grip is another enormously prevalent selection, and for a great reason. With its rubberized end, generous hands, and finger grooves swell the Hogue grip is comfortable and ergonomic- particularly if you’ve bigger hands. And, at only $18 it is a steal. The rubberized grip is grippy and offers excellent buy even with wet or sweaty hands. The Hogue OverMolded pistol grip isn’t without fault. It does not come with mounting hardware, which means you may either have to purchase the bolt, washer, and spring separately or reuse your old things in case you’re upgrading.

The grip does not come with a core plug, which means you will have to purchase that. It does adapt the Samson Manufacturing Field Survivor Tool that is a sweet addition if you wish to spend the money. Otherwise, a separate kernel plug is available that retains 123A, AA, or disc.

TangoDown BG-17

I adore the TangoDown BG-17 pistol grip for it’s easy, clean and unique design. The back strap comes with a curvature that’s supposed to fill and encourage the hands as well as provide the correct finger-to trigger positioning. I do not know about everything, but I do know that the BG-17 is a grip that decreases fatigue when compared to the typical A2 grip.

The BG-17 pistol grip can be just a bit bigger than it is brethren the BG-16, which I discovered was a tad too small. In my standpoint, but the BG-17 is just right and offers an excellent alternative. It is aggressive texturing can be Excellent and offers a secure purchase whatever the elements. TangoDown’s BG-17 also features a resistant storage compartment which allows easy access to spare batteries or other small parts. At $37, however, the TangoDown BG-17 is somewhat on the website. It’s made in the united states, and for what you get it worth every penny. BCM Gunfighter MOD-3.

The latest trend is pistol grip design is towards grips with a grip angle. The vertical nature of the clasp promotes a squared position as opposed to some bladed stance which became less and less popular over time. The grip angle is excellent for AR-15 pistols as well because the clasp put your hand and wrist in a neutral position when shouldered. The BCM GUNFIGHTER Grip MOD 3 is an example of this kind of grip which offers a grip angle and ergonomics. The entire Bravo Company United States product lineup has received excellent reviews from customers, and I am no exception. In fact, I will probably be using this same grip on an approaching AR-15 pistol build.

The MOD 3 is a welcome addition to the BCM GUNFIGHTER pistol grip lineup and is marginally bigger than their previous models. It offers a palm swell which makes the grip feel great small or big. It includes a weather resistant storage compartment for storing additional batteries or other accessories. The grip comes along with a bolt and washer, but you will need to buy another detent spring or maintain your old one. At only $18, the MOD 3 is also a killer deal. Magpul MOE-K2. The Magpul MOE-K2 is another reduced angle pistol grip that is getting great reviews.

Similar to the offering from Bravo Company United States, the Magpul improves ergonomics when utilized on an AR-15 pistol or a rifle with the butt stock collapsed. The MOE-K2 has some other distinctive characteristics, which makes it worth considering. The new texturing Magpul uses from, and only great my perspective delivers a better buy than the original MOE-K grip. Its unique rear strap design does take some getting used to, but is nicely designed and aide in trigger finger placement. I think that it helps, but I discovered the rear strap to be somewhat uncomfortable after prolonged use- particularly from the webbing between the thumb and forefinger finger.

The MOE-K2 also accepts Magpul grip cores like the MIAD. That is one feature I love about the Magpul pistol grips. The MOE-K2 comes in at a reasonable $20 and comes equipped with all the required hardware and traction cap. Final Thoughts&hellip. Deciding on pistol grip is not rocket science. But, you can see there are some things to bear in mind when making a decision. If you’re unsure about what to select, try a few out. You are bound to find one that you like. Ask a reliable friend what they recommend or look around the net or on YouTube for some suggestions. I will be updating this article periodically as we test new pistol grips.

Mind when making a decision. If you are still unsure about what to pick, try a few out. You’re bound to find one that you like. Ask a trusted friend what they recommend or look around the net or on YouTube for some suggestions.

I’ll be updating this article periodically as we test new pistol grips. In the mean time, if you have any input or want to make a recommendation, leave it in the comments below!