The 8 Best AR-15 Grip: Pistol and Forward Grips
When it comes to the AR-15, customization is key, right down to the grips. Whether it’s the rear grip by the trigger or a forward one on the handguard, these parts significantly affect how your rifle handles and feels. From the grip’s angle to the material it’s made of, each detail influences your comfort and control. Moreover, choosing the right grip isn’t just about comfort, it can also impact the legalities of owning an AR-15. By the end of this article, you’ll not only have a long list of the 8 best AR-15 grip on the market but the ability to choose your own and find the best grip for you.
In this article, we have separated our best of lists into;
How I Chose the Best AR-15 Grip
As a former Marine and a lifelong shooter, I’ve had my hands on a lot of AR-15 grips, so I know what makes a good one. When putting together this article, I relied on my own experiences and reached out to expert shooters who are familiar with AR-15 grips. Their input helped me create this list of the best AR-15 grips.
I know that picking an AR-15 grip is a personal choice, and what works for me might not be ideal for you. Everyone has their own preferences. That’s why, even though I’ve ranked these presses from 1 to 8, I made sure the selection caters to different people with different needs. I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you know what to look for when you’re buying an AR-15 grip.
The Best AR 15 Pistol Grips
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The Best AR-15 Pistol Grips
- Magpul MIAD Gen 1.1
- Magpul K2 Grip
- BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 2
- Strike Industries AR Multi-Angle Pistol Grip
- Ergo Tactical Deluxe Suregrip
- B5 Systems P-Grip 23
- Hogue Extreme Series G10
- TangoDown Flip Grip
The Best AR-15 Pistol Grip Reviews
Now we’ve had an overview look at our list, let us take the time to individually review each item. In this section we’ll be speaking into the product and looking at the pros and cons.
PMagpul MIAD Gen 1.1 Review
Modularity matters, and if you like modularity, you’ll love the Magpul MIAD. MIAD stands for MIssion ADaptable, and it’s a modular pistol grip system designed for the pickiest of shooters. Magpul makes some of the best rifle gear on the planet, and they typically make it for a great price.
The Magpul MIAD allows you to swap the rear and front strap with replacement models to get the grip to fit your hand be it big or small. The MIAD kit can be easily adapted for nearly any shooter. Better yet, it’s compatible with Magpul’s grip cores.
These grip cores allow you to store a variety of accessories and tools on the gun. This includes a small oil bottle, small parts, and more. With a grip angle of 25 degrees, it is well suited for carbine-style AR 15 rifles.
The only downside may be the somewhat high price Magpul asks. That being said, you are getting a modular grip with core compatibility. The MIAD kit is a great system and well suited for changing terrain and various hand sizes.
Magpul MIAD Gen 1.1 Pros and Cons
- Modular
- Core Compatible
- Non-slip grip texture
- Almost 40 dollars!
Magpul MIAD Gen 1.1 Deals
Magpul K2 Grip Review
Yep, another Magpul, heck, this entire list could be Magpul products. However, we’ll keep it varied because variety is the spice of life. The K2 grip takes the original K and makes a few improvements. They add a beavertail and storage compartment and make it a hair wider for bigger hands.
The K2 offers a fairly tight and vertical 17-degree angled grip. This makes the ole K2 perfectly suited for PDW-style rifles. You can get on the grip regardless of how short the stock is. It’s also well suited for AR pistols and better mimics a pistol grip.
The K2 grip features Magpul’s aggressive grip texture that ensures your hand doesn’t move. The addition of a beavertail allows you to get your hand fairly high on the gun for increased control and interaction with your firearm’s controls. While a little wider, it’s still fairly thin and well suited on a thin and light PDW-style AR.
Magpul K2 Grip Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Great Grip Texture
- Storage Options
- Beavertail can create a gap between grip and receiver.
Magpul K2 Grip Deals
BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 2 Review
BCM is my go-to when it comes to furniture on my AR rifles. The BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 2 is my all-time favorite. As a fan of modularity, I like being able to change the front and rear backstrap to accommodate my hand size and preference. I also like the aggressive grip texture that keeps my hand in place with or without gloves.
The grip angle allows for a squared-off stance and the use of PDWs or carbine-style rifles. You can square up without your rifle putting strain or discomfort on your wrist. The Mod 2 offers a storage compartment that’s waterproof with a seal in place for storing any manner of goodies.
The Gunfighter Grip Mod 2 offers a contemporary design that’s ideal for the modern rifle enthusiast. Its ergonomic shape ensures that your wrist and trigger finger are properly aligned, providing a comfortable and natural position.
BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 2 Pros and Cons
- Modular
- Storage Options
- Awesome Grip Texture
- Might be Too Vertical for Some
BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 2 Deals
Strike Industries AR Multi-Angle Pistol Grip Review
We’ve talked about different grip angles, and we’ll talk a lot more about that later. What if a grip allowed the user to set the preference to their shooting style? Well, that’s what the Strike Industries Multi-Angle Pistol grip does. You can adjust the grip angle from a more vertical 10 degrees to a steeper grip angle of 35 degrees, tailoring it to your preferred shooting stance and comfort.
Both of those go well beyond normal when it comes to verticality and swept-back design. This allows the grip to customize the grip angle as they see fit. AR 15 rifles are modular, and you might switch uppers and lowers around, and this pistol grip doesn’t mind. Adjust it as you see fit.
The texturing is tough to beat, and Strike Industries even allows for storage in the device. Strike includes the Grip Plug Tool holder insert for small tools, batteries, and similar items. It’s modular, adjustable, and works well as just a standard pistol grip.
Strike Industries AR Multi-Angle Pistol Grip Pros and Cons
- Adjustable for Various Angles
- Aggressive Grip Texture
- Storage Compartment
- Pricey
Strike Industries AR Multi-Angle Pistol Grip Deals
Ergo Tactical Deluxe Suregrip Review
When you call yourself Ergo, you best be making comfy grips. I can’t speak for all of Ergo’s products, but the Tactical Deluxe Suregrip certainly checks the bill for comfort. The Ergo Tactical Deluxe grip embraces your hand like an old friend and feels like it’s made specifically for you. Heck, even lefties will feel comfy with this bad boy.
The Ergo Grips come in a 25-degree grip angle or a 15-degree grip angle. The 25-degree model is perfect for rifles and carbines, and 15 degrees fits well on ultra-short rifles. The external texture is rubberized and very tacky. It sticks to your hand and prevents it from sliding downwards or slipping off the grip or just up or around the grip.
Once you’re locked in place, it stays locked in place. While the grip is hollow and storage is possible, you have to purchase the grip plug separately. The Ergo is the grip to go with if you want to maximize comfort without many other concerns.
Ergo Tactical Deluxe Suregrip Pros and Cons
- Super Comfy
- Tacky Texture
- Available in Different Grip Angles
- Grip Plug Sold Separately
Ergo Tactical Deluxe Suregrip Deals
B5 Systems P-Grip 23 Review
Do you want an affordable, downright budget-friendly option that isn’t your standard A2 grip? Well, I have you covered with the Type 23 P-Grip from B5 systems. I’ve seen the P-Grip sold for as low as 11 bucks, and at that price point, it’s tough to find a better carbine or short rifle pistol grip.
We get a sharp vertical angle for smaller rifles and AR pistols. It’s complete with a beavertail for a higher grip and a very aggressive grip texturing. It’s not fancy, modular, or anything like that. It’s a simple but effective grip that won’t break the bank.
Heck, B5 even makes it in a wide array of colors so you can match it to your furniture.
B5 Systems P-Grip 23 Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Great Texture
- Multiple Color Options
- No modularity
B5 Systems P-Grip 23 Deals
Hogue Extreme Series G10 Review
The Hogue Extreme Series G10 Piranha takes us out of the polymer realm and brings us into the G10 world. G10 is a crazy molded and pressurized fiberglass material. The Piranha grips wear aggressive texturing, and Piranha is the proper name for texturing this aggressive.
It doesn’t just stick to your hand. It bites it and holds onto it. G10 is a rugged and strong material but isn’t friendly for modularity or adjustability, so you get what you get. The grips come in both strict 15-degree angles and standard grip angles.
Some might not like the aggressive texturing, but if you want a true no-slip grip, it’s the way to go. The Piranha series, in particular, exemplifies that aggressively textured grip. G10 also gives you some stylish looks, if that matters.
Hogue Extreme Series G10 Pros and Cons
- Extremely Aggressive Texture
- Rigid And Sturdy
- Stylish
- Extremely Expensive
ProductHogue Extreme Series G10 Deals
TangoDown Flip Grip Review
When it comes to grip angles, you either get a swept-back design or a vertical design. What if you could have both? It sounds silly, but TangoDown figured it out and created the flip grip. Shooters can pull and rotate the grip to switch between a vertical or swept back grip. The vertical works great for modern shooting styles and allows for a good squared-up shooting style.
The swept-back grip design is better for long-range, precision-oriented shooting and feels comfy in bladed stances. Bladed stances might not be common, but sometimes cover, concealment, or your use of support requires it.
The Flip Grip gives you the best of both worlds and makes it super easy to flip at a moment’s notice.
TangoDown Flip Grip Pros and Cons
- Flips to Two Different Angles
- Aggressively Textured
- Thin and Ergonomic
- Somewhat Heavy
TangoDown Flip Grip Deals
Best AR-15 Forward Grips
Now we’ve covered the Bet Pistol Grips, let us take some time to look into the Best AR-15 Forward Grips. See our list below.
Best AR-15 Forward Grips
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Best AR-15 Forward Grips
Best Forward Grip Reviews
Now we’ve had an overview look at our list of the Best Forward Grips, let us take the time to individually review each item. In this section we’ll be speaking into the product and looking at the pros and cons.
Magpul AFG 2 Review
Magpul made the angled foregrip a thing, and they’ve continued to revamp it and improve it. The AFG 2 represents a thinner, lighter design than the original AFG. Magpul designed the grip with a modern shooting stance in mind with the ability to use the famous C-clamp to reduce muzzle rise and increase control.
The AFG 2 comes ready to attach to a Picatinny rail and mounts drama free. It’s simple but very effective. It lets you assume a grip that helps control recoil and muzzle rise and provides that constant index point without a big knob sticking downwards. Hell, it makes using mounted pressure switches easier.
Magpul AFG 2 Pros and Cons
- Increases Firearm Control
- Provides an Ergonomic Grip Point
- Interchangeable Finger Shelf
- Requires almost 5 inches of rail
Magpul AFG 2 Deals
BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3 Review
BCM, much like Magpul, makes another appearance. This time it comes with BCM’s classic stubby design. The BCM Gunfight Vertical Grip Mod 3 isn’t hanging downwards like some giant knob and doesn’t take up a ton of rail space.
The Mod 3 features a forward grip angle and can be used as a traditional vertical grip. Flip this sucker around, and the angle allows you to run the nub like an angled grip allowing you to exert force to control recoil and muzzle rise. The Mod 3 works with your natural body motions to better control the weapon.
The flat sides make it easy to wrap your hands around and help maintain a rock-solid grip on the gun and grip. BCM makes them for direct mounting to M-LOK, Keymod, or standard Picatinny attachments.
BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3 Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Reversible
- Doesn’t Provide Much of a Grip when Used Vertically
BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3 Deals
Troy Modular Combat Grip Review
Sometimes you want a stubby grip, and other times, you need a big long grip. Why swap out grips when you can go modular. Troy offers you modularity with the Troy Modular Combat Grip. The grip allows you to choose between a short and long attachment to get the grip you want and need for a specific situation.
If you want maximum durability, then Troy has you covered with an aluminum design that’s tough to beat. On top of that, it offers you a waterproof compartment sized just right for storing extra batteries or M&Ms.
The grip is round, fairly ergonomic, and maybe a little bulky. The grip sports a ton of texturing and makes the grip easy to, uh, well, grip. It’s a neat and simple setup, but you’ll pay for the all-metal design.
Troy Modular Combat Grip Pros and Cons
- Modular
- Ergonomic
- Durable
- Expensive
Troy Modular Combat Grip Deals
BCM KAG Review
The KAG or Kinesthetic Angled Grip is about as minimalist as it gets. You might be surprised to know that Travis Haley teamed up with BCM to create the KAG. It’s hardly a foregrip and more of a finger stop, but it still falls within that angled foregrip realm.
The KAG is designed to provide a constant indexing point and hand stop. The magic comes from Haley and BCM designing the KAG to feature a “biomechanically efficient forward rake to create an interface for positive retention and joint relief to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, allowing for smooth weapon manipulation. Without substantial increase to the girth of the weapon system.”
That’s a fancy way of saying the grip is extremely ergonomic and designed to allow the shooter to exert control and mitigate both recoil and muzzle rise. It’s simple but very comfy and is a solid minimalist take on the foregrip.
BCM KAG Pros and Cons
- Minimalist Design
- Ultra Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Might be too small for some.
BCM KAG Deals
Best AR-15 Grips – Buyers Guide
So now that we know what grips work let me help you get a grip on getting a grip. This will be a deep dive into how the function of the grip and how the grip works, and the little differences you might not consider when choosing the best grip for your weapon. Due to the fact we are talking about two different types of AR 15 grips, we’ll break this into two sections. The first section will cover the rear grip you have to have, and the second section will cover forward grips.
Rear AR-15 Grips
Believe it or not, the angle of your grip makes a huge difference in how a weapon handles. Traditional models, like those found on the M16A2, feature a swept-back design suited for longer rifles with extended stocks. In contrast, modern AR pistols and compact rifles benefit from more vertical grips, promoting better control and ergonomic advantages for shooters adopting squared-up shooting stances. Optimal grip angles range from nearly vertical (10-17 degrees) for PDWs to moderately angled (20-35 degrees) for carbines and full-length rifles.
Grip Material: What’s your grip made out of? That makes a big difference in how the grip feels in your hand and can affect both function and price as well. I won’t say one is the best option, but in general, polymer seems to be the standard. Let’s dive into the three materials most common in AR 15 grip design.
Polymer: Polymer, injection-molded AR 15 grips are the most common type of grip. Polymer has been the mainstay of the AR world since its origins. Don’t let the idea of plastic fool you, they are very well made and plenty tough. Polymer offers a good balance of great texture, an affordable price point, and often unbeatable modularity.
Aluminum: Aluminum grips are somewhat new and have grown in popularity. These metal grips are a bit more stylish than effective. They tend to be expensive and somewhat heavy. While there is nothing explicitly terrible about these grips, they don’t offer many advantages over polymer other than style.
G10: G10 comes from stacking layers of epoxy-soaked glass cloth and adding heat and pressure to the mix to create a high-pressure fiberglass laminate. G10 has become quite popular for gun and knife grips, and G10 made its way to the AR 15 world. Made from durable materials, G10 is not only strong but also lightweight. It’s also heavily textured and provides a great no-slip grip. G10 tends to be quite stylish with a number of color options available, but also a little expensive.
Hand Size: Considering your hand size is important when selecting an AR-15 grip. While military-issue grips may be uniform, civilian shooters can find grips that better fit their hands. Grips typically accommodate a moderate range of hand sizes, with options available for larger or smaller hands. Grip size directly impacts comfort, control, and ease of use when handling the firearm.
Storage: Many modern polymer AR-15 grips feature integrated storage compartments, accessible through hinged covers or adapter plugs. These compartments offer convenient space for storing tools, spare parts, or other small essentials. While storage is a useful feature, it should complement grip comfort and ergonomics rather than overshadow them.
General Ergonomics Features
There are a few small ergonomic features you should consider. These don’t fit into other categories but can be easily grouped into general ergonomics.
External Texture: When you grab an AR grip, how it feels matters. A slick grip might be fine if you shoot bare-handed; your skin sticks naturally to smoother surfaces. But when it’s wet or you’re under pressure, a less aggressive texture could make your grip slip. On the flip side, a super-aggressive texture might feel like it’s grabbing your hand too hard, causing discomfort over time. If you wear gloves, though, that rougher texture could be just what you need for a solid grip.
Tacky Rubber: Ever held a grip that seems to cling to your hand? Those sticky rubber grips can either be a godsend or a nuisance, depending on your preference. They prevent slipping without the discomfort of a harsh texture, making them great if you need reliability without the roughness.
Finger grooves: Finger grooves on grips can be polarizing. Some shooters swear by them for the added grip they provide, keeping your hand from sliding around. But they’re not for everyone; if your hand doesn’t fit perfectly, they might feel awkward or uncomfortable. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it feature that divides shooters based on personal comfort and hand size.
Palm Swell: Moving to the back of the grip, a palm swell is a rounded bulge that fills your hand. It promotes a higher grip, which can enhance accuracy when shooting from supported positions. It’s all about comfort and precision, especially for shooters who benefit from a fuller grip.
AR-15 Forward Grips
We’ve covered the standard AR 15 grip now, and we’ll talk about forward grips. Forward grips come and go in popularity and are certainly an optional accessory. Forward grips on guns have been around forever, with guns like the Thompson submachine gun rocking them decades ago.
Forward grips have a few benefits and a few downsides, but to really discuss forward grips, we have to break them down into two categories. We have vertical forward grips and angled forward grips. The difference is important and even has legal implications. Let’s dive into the differences before we go any further.
Vertical grips: Vertical grips used to be essential back when rail systems were new, helping users grip their weapon despite bulky accessories like lights and lasers hogging up handguard space. They also shielded hands from heat and provided stability against barriers, making it easier to maintain a secure shooting position by preventing the hand from slipping back.
But they do add bulk to your firearm and can snag on stuff around you, which might get annoying. And just so you know, the ATF says vertical grips aren’t for AR 15 pistols since those are meant to be fired with one hand.
Angled Grips: Angled foregrips became a thing as gear got smaller and handguards got roomier. They give you a solid reference point and let you pull your rifle tight against your shoulder for better control. They’re less bulky than vertical grips and can actually be used on AR pistols, unlike the straight-down kinds. But they don’t protect your hand from heat, so you might want gloves if you’re going to shoot a lot.
Stubby Grip: The stubby grip is kind of a middle ground between vertical and angled foregrips. It’s shorter, keeps a low profile, and still lets you shoot at an angle. It gives you a bit of heat protection and good control over recoil, blending the best parts of both types. Choosing between grips like these really comes down to what feels right for you and how you like to handle your AR.
A Good Grip
Woo boy, I told you this would be a lot about grips. Grips, grips, grips, holy crap, isn’t there a lot to know? Did you ever think the thing you hold on a rifle could be so complicated? Well, here we are after a few thousand words on grips.
Do you have any further questions? Any suggestions for good grips? Let us know below!
Best AR-15 Grip – FAQs
Are thumb rests adjustable on AR-15 grips?
Yes, thumb rests on AR-15 grips come in different styles. Some grips have fixed thumb shelves or molded shapes where your thumb naturally rests. Others offer adjustable parts or modular designs that let you change the position or size of the thumb rest. This flexibility helps you find the best fit for your hand and shooting style.
Can a positive grip help with trigger control?
Absolutely! Having a solid grip makes a big difference in how well you control the trigger. It ensures your hand stays steady, which is crucial for making accurate shots, especially when you need to shoot quickly or with precision.
What are the benefits of using a larger grip on an AR-15?
A larger grip on an AR-15 is great if you have bigger hands. It feels more comfortable and secure, giving you better control over the rifle. Plus, it reduces tiredness when you’re shooting for a long time.
Do all AR-15 grips have storage compartments?
No, not every AR-15 grip has storage. Some grips these days do come with built-in spots for things like batteries or tools, but it depends on the brand and model you choose. If having storage is important to you, make sure to check the grip’s features before buying.
About Travis Pike
Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.
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