Gun sales are booming since the 2020 pandemic, the FBI processed nearly forty million background checks in the last year. With the influx of registered gun owners, there is a widely growing need to understand the use of attachments.
When it comes to firearms attachments, the angled and vertical foregrips are two widely known enhancements. These attachments are key in increasing precision and reducing recoil. This guide will give you a better understanding of the differences between angled vs vertical foregrips.
Why Use Foregrips
These attachments can help any gun owner get a more comfortable grip on their weapon. It can also be effective in preventing any wrist or arm injuries when firing your weapon. But, they can also be cool additions to any weapon used for aesthetic appeal.
There are several ways to customize your rifle. Angled grips and Vertical grips can increase your precision but each has vital differences.
The SOPMOD program introduced the vertical grip to the AR15. Laser sights and the addition of the standard forward handgrip was beginning to spring into action.
The US Special operations programs began utilizing these grips in their kits they delivered to soldiers. Many AR-15 now come equipped with several pieces of equipment to help enhance their shooting power and accuracy. The evolution of these pieces began to reduce clutter and bad weapon management.
The Austrian Steyr AUG and older machine guns were seen as inspirations for adding the grips to newer AR-15 models. The KAC forward handgrip was added to the new AR-15 models around the mid-1990’s.
Shooters over the years have adopted new methods to increase comfortability. The grips can combat stress and fatigue on the muscles when focusing or using your weapon for a long duration of time.
Recoil can be dependant on a varying number of factors. But, a well-placed foregrip can allow a user to manage the stress from recoil.
The supporting hand should pull the firearm towards the body when while aiming. The pulling force of your weapon can be handled when adding a foregrip.
These foregrips can also utilize different methods of approach. For example, certain VFG’s can use a thumb break method to hold the weapon in place. Thus, the VFG has different altering mechanics.
But, sometimes when dealing with these grips, you can actually lose some speed and precision. So, each gun owner should understand the reasonings for their weapon usage. This can help aid in the decision-making process.
So, while adding to comfort the grips do not necessarily decrease the overall recoil of a weapon like a powerful silencer. But, they can improve the weapon’s management.
Whether you’re a novice shooter or a competitive shooter, each person should experiment with their styles of shooting.
Vertical Grip Advantages
Vertical grips, known to some as “broomstick” grips, extend out straight down near the end of the barrel. The off-hand grip is given more power in these grips.
These forward grips are considered to be one of the most popular rifle accessories on the market today.
These grips are placed in the palm of the shooter’s hand. The fingers are wrapped around the grip. The surface materials vary greatly depending on the model you choose. The length of the grip can also vary depending on the model as well.
Anyone using their weapon at a shooting range will benefit from the vertical grip. The grip allows for a longer duration of vertical stability.
This can be advantageous for users firing a mass quantity of ammo. This includes shooters firing more than fifty to one hundred rounds of ammunition.
In these situations, barrels and rails can become quite hot. If you are not wearing any kind of protection, they can injure your hands if you come into contact with the barrel. You can come into less contact with the heat when handling a vertical grip.
One thing people should be careful about is the dangers of the grips latching onto any nearby equipment. With that said, users should consider their range of movement when equipped.
Vertical grips have many advantages in their installations and sometimes they include extra features. In certain instances, vertical grips may be able to fold into the weapon. The grip can also include different materials with added internal features as well.
For example, certain grips have interior slots inside the grip. Certain vertical grips can stash things or include a barrier stop. This can allow shooters to rest their muscles after a long session.
Another example of an additional feature is a hollow vertical grip with a small bipod. This bipod can allow shooters to have a steady aim when dealing with long-distance shooting.
Vertical grips place less effort on the chest and shoulder muscles. The grip can distribute the weight along with the arm muscles. This can prevent shooters from exhausting their shoulder and chest muscles when shooting.
You can steady horizontal recoil with a vertical AR-15 foregrip. This can also offer protection for the head from any heat emitting from the barrel.
The vertical grip can give you an advantage in close-quarters combat. It allows you to have a strong controlled grasp of the weapon for muzzle strikes and point control. If there is a chance of someone attempting to disarm, a vertical grip can allow for easy resistance.
The vertical foregrip can be a great way to maneuver for long distances while keeping your rifle at the ready. In these situations, you can keep a grip on your weapon while being able to ready yourself for a snapshot.
Thus, the VFG can be a more provide a more comfortable grip. Military members maneuvering through long terrain have found this to be a great advantage. This can be great for users that are not wearing a proper swing.
These grips are great for users that are used to a more traditional stance. Shooters in this position don’t have to sacrifice weapon control or hang their necks or heads low adding to the discomfort.
The forearm is also releasing the tension, as the squeeze muscles used when handling the When a shooter is raising and lowering the elevation of their rifle, you gain more control.
Are Angled Grips Better Than Vertical
One perspective to consider is the aesthetic of a sharp-looking weapon against an awkward or cumbersome look. This weapon should also have the ability to allow you to position yourself in any situation.
An angled grip can allow for versatility in shooting positions and different shooting methods. They are also compact in their storage capabilities, allowing for a smaller storage solution. These can provide less clutter on the weapon.
If you’re looking for a weapon that can easily be placed onto your shoulder with ease, the angled grip is perfect. The angled grip can allow a shooter to quickly transition horizontally from target to target. This ease of momentum gives you speed with accuracy.
There are a wide variety of vertical grips for any kind of weapon. Certain companies can 3D print a specialized vertical grip for AR-15’s as well.
The angled grip provides that same traction of a hand stop. But, these accessories allow for the same traction with the control of a grip. Angled grips provide a heat shield while allowing for maneuverability.
The barrier stops eliminate unnecessary weight while still being robust enough for hard use. AR angled grips allow for this access and a transition from motion to cover with no issues. Folding vertical grips can at times make this cover maneuver an awkward movement.
The angled grip is considered to be the default because of the natural positioning of the body. Studies have shown that this accessory can reduce tension while shooting.
This grip is favored for rapid-fire tactical situations, giving the shooter more control in their movement. The hand can be placed closer to the rail of the weapon.
The weapon can be pressed into the shoulder, locking in your form. This allows the tension to be released from the hands. After firing a round of ammunition you’ll find this aids in muzzle climb and allows for more direct precision.
Angled Foregrips vs Vertical Foregrips
Should you use vertical foregrips or angled foregrips? There is much discourse as to whether or not a gun owner should choose a vertical foregrip or an angled foregrip. But, in the end, the choice is wholly dependent on personal preference.
The decision is affected by altering variables. Testing both types of grips for your situation will give you a better idea of what to choose. Regardless, comfortability, accuracy when firing, and overall performance are all increased when adding these parts.
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