[IGETEVEN]

Is using a forward vertical grip on a rifle ergonomically superior to supporting the barrel with an upward palm? It has been pointed out that when you turn your wrist sideways to grip a vertical grip, you are changing the muscles you are using to support the weight of the front of the weapon; more forearm and less bicep. Biceps generally are stronger than forearms, so are you creating more work for yourself (and possibly sacrificing some accuracy and wasting energy) by using a vertical grip?

I use them on almost all my SUR's. I don't grip it hard enough to make a difference between the forearm and bicep. Most rifles weigh about 8 pounds. With training you get used to it.

Since I have started using them, I have grown to love them, feel more in control of the rifle, and recover to target more easily. It would not be probable for me to adjust back to common horizontal upward palm support.

They do get in the way of prone and supported at times, but I am able to adjust.

Oh, you can really crank that barrel around in a vicious arc with excellant control too....if the need should ever arise to adjust the attitude of someone. YMMV.

Thoughts??

Jack

[junho806]

I have read some of its advantages in real life situations like ease of control of the rifle when clearing rooms and such
I think I'll try it out

[slowryde45]

I used to run them on mine, but have switched back over. Just personal preference, I feel that I can get on target smoother and with more control without the vertical grip. But like you said, for some they work out better.
I always felt that they got in the way more than they contributed, so I took mine off.

With one exception, I have one that has a quick release mount, with the built-in bipod. No, not the Gripod, but more likely a copy. I haven't put it through too much use yet, but for those times when a little extra stability would be helpful, like for longer shots, it has come in handy. And when you don't need it, just fold up the legs and slide them back into the vertical grip. And if you don't need that, then it's just a flip of a lever and pop it back in a pocket.

Slo

[Car54]

I put a UTG 5 multi-position grip on my AR and although only running about 150 rounds through it so far I like the grip. Same thing as Jack said that shooting prone and supported, the grip can get in the way but thats the nice thing about the UTG grip, just adjust the position if needed.

[Dillinger]

I think you have hit on the application perfectly My Friend.

I have used them in a stack and practicing to clear a room. In that application, I love them. Like you, I feel that I can come on target quicker and easier, with rapidly changing target position, I feel, is better done with a downward, vertical grip. Since both hands have a vertical grip, it feels like a more solid "triangle" with my chest/shoulders as the base.

If I need to do any longer distance shooting though, I do not like them and do feel they affect my accuracy. Others may not have the problem, but I learned to shoot with a "finger tips and thumb" support under the forearm when shooting standing/off hand. On the ground, in prone, I almost always shoot supported in my traditional "tactical" position, so again there is no need for the VGT.

Which is one of the reasons I really love the quick release types like the ones made by Brobo Engineering and Tangodown. The Tangodown models even have a sealed "O" ring for storage of extra batteries for my EoTech.

[c3shooter]

Have used one for squirrel hunting for years. Mossberg started making this one with a folding forearm in 1949.



Mossberg 152. click to enlarge pic

[yesicarry]

I live in Lakewood, Wa.. Pistol preference here..

[TXnorton]

My brother had installed a front vertical grip on his (then) new Bushmaster a few years ago. We went to the range to get him sighted in (with his also then new Trijicon ACOG) and he could not hit squat shooting off a bench with sand bags.

The next time we went to the range, I advised him to take the forward grip off, and shoot how he had always shot before. He was on target and deadly accurate within a half box of ammo!

I think the forward grip would be good in tactical fast reaction point and shoot situations, and maybe Ok for target shooting if you spend a good bit of time getting used to it (which seems to be good advice for anytime you get something new).

[Gus556]

I like the vertical foregrip on my Short AR, feels more in control with the light weight and short barrel/stock. For my NM A-2 I would not even concider it. With the classic palm, I am more accurate and I have more flexibility for sitting the rifle for long shots.

[bkt]

A vertical foregrip helps me get my sight picture back a little faster. It works for me. Might not for you.