1/26/13 - The Battlegrip BG-FG Flip Grip from TangoDown allows a shooter to change weapon grip angles in seconds without tools. The user can choose between 24 degrees of rake or a true vertical position for a more comfortable shooting hand wrist angle under certain conditions.

Black and FDE BG-FG

Raked

Vertical

Both positions compared to a BG-16

Overall design - The Flip Grip was developed for situations where a more natural pistol grip may improve weapon ergonomics; reducing stress/strain on the wrist. The Flip Grip has two positions; one with a 24° grip angle (close to standard) and another that is vertical. The difference between the two is the angle the wrist makes with the fore arm. In some situations, like close quarters (vehicles or room-to-room), or on patrol, a standard grip angle can result in fatigue or the wrist due to the amount of ulnar deviation seen by the wrist. The vertical grip angle provides a more natural/less pronounced grip in those situations.

The Flip Grip changes grip angles by rotating the lower portion of the grip. It's spring loaded (with a very strong spring), so you pull down on it and rotate it 180° to change from raked to vertical. It locks automatically in either position and cannot be accidentally changed. It rotates on a large screw, so it's very strong. It's designed to fit any weapon that will accept an standard AR-15 pistol grip. All hardware is stainless steel.

The Flip Grip is installed by disassembling the upper and lower portions; a 3/8 allen is used to unscrew a large screw that keeps the lower portion attached to the upper portion. The screw also captures two flat washers and the coil spring. The upper portion is then installed to the lower receiver like any other AR pistol grip, then the lower portion re-installed. Full instructions are included with the Flip Grip. The Flip Grip does not have any internal storage compartment.

Unlocked

Screw and spring

Notes/Observations - All right, I'll have to admit that when I first saw this, I thought the same thing most others would: 'is this a gimmick?' until I realized that it does make sense for those who can benefit from it. I've come across folks who saw it, and a light bulb came on over their heads as they saw how the Flip Grip would be applied. As mentioned before, operating in confined spaces like vehicles may require shooting with the stock fully collapsed. The closer in the weapon is, the more acute the angle of the wrist becomes, especially with elbows tucked in. When carrying the weapon at an 'alert carry' or low ready position with the muzzle down and stock up for extended periods, the more natural vertical grip angle can reduce fatigue in the wrist. I've illustrated a couple of examples below with the Flip Grip in the raked and vertical configurations, indicating the approximate angle that the fore arm makes with the grip.

Wrist angle raked

Wrist angle vertical

Wrist angle raked

Wrist angle vertical

Having the Flip Grip in the vertical position does not prevent you in any way from operating the AR normally, so you're not going to have to switch back to the raked position suddenly to fire it. The Flip Grip just gives you the option for a more natural grip angle based on how you're carrying or shooting the weapon. It's also more comfortable in the prone position.

At first, handling the AR with the Flip Grip in the vertical position feels foreign, after being used to a raked grip for so long. But, it's actually reminiscent of weapons with vertical pistol grips like the Uzi and other submachine guns, but nose-heavy of course. It does look unusual with a Bren-like grip on an AR, but that's of little consequence. With the larger backstrap, the Flip Grip is suited for larger hands like the tangodown BG-17, so take that into consideration. The trend towards less rake can be seen by the introduction of new pistol grips that have hit the market recently. The others have a fixed angle; somewhere between vertical and the standard angle, but if you prefer to have the ability to switch between two grip angles, then the Flip Grip provides that.

2/15/13 - The Gunfighter's Grip from Bravo Company USA is a reduced angle, enhanced pistol grip for the AR-15 series of weapons. It's available in two versions; with and without a backstrap, and also includes modular inserts to close the gap between the trigger guard and pistol grip.

GFG kit

Mod 0

Mod 1

Mod 0 vs. Mod 1 backstraps

Description - The BCM GFG (Gunfighter's Grip) features a reduced, more vertical angle from the standard A2 pistol grip for the AR-15 series of weapons. It'll also fit any weapon that takes the standard AR grip, like the SCAR 16 or 17. Like the TangoDown Flip Grip and others, it was developed to meet the changes in modern gun fighting stances/fighting techniques for situations where a reduced angle pistol grip may improve weapon ergonomics; reducing stress/strain on the wrist. The reduced angle also puts the wrist more in line with the trigger for improved trigger control.

Backstrap and Colours - The GFG is available in two models: The Mod 0 and the Mod 1. The Mod 0 is similar to an A1/A2 backstrap while the Mod 1 has a high rise back strap for larger hands/longer fingers. Both are the same width, and are available in Black, Flat dark earth, and Foliage green. It's made in the USA from high quality impact resistant polymers.

Texture - The sides of the GFG are textured. The texture is very similar to the laser swirl pattern found on the TangoDown SCAR panels, which is a slightly grippier version than the texture on the TangoDown BG-16 pistol grip. The front strap of the GFG has raised horizontal ridges that further increase purchase on the grip.

Modular trigger guard inserts - Each GFG comes with two modular trigger guard inserts - one without a tang and one with a tang. The tang acts as a 'gapper/duckbill' and bridges the gap between the front of the pistol grip and the rear of the trigger guard. It also serves to protect the middle finger from the sharp edges of the trigger guard ears on the lower receiver. The user can swap the inserts out, depending on what trigger guard or lower receiver he's using. The modular inserts fit into the GFG using a tongue and groove method; sliding in and out from the front. Since the insert is captured once the grip is installed, there is no way for it to fall out or move. I've illustrated the inserts below with a contrasting coloured grip - each grip comes with same-coloured inserts.

Storage compartment - The inside of the GFG is hollow, and features a large storage compartment. The compartment is full sized, and does not have any partitions or divisions. The compartment is sealed by a hinged trapdoor that's of a pretty interesting design. The trapdoor is plastic that's partially overmolded with a rubber plug that seals the opening. The door has two ears on each side, that when squeezed together with the thumb and index finger, unlocks the door and allows it to be opened. Looking at the bottom of the grip, there are two slotted holes in the bottom rear, which two tabs on the door fit into when closed. When the ears on the door are squeezed together, it compresses the rubber plug, which allows the tabs to clear the holes and unlock. Pretty ingenious. The rubber plug is water resistant; not water proof. While a firing pin is a bit long for the compartment, I can fit one in there because the rubber plug will compress enough to close. This is one of the more secure compartment door designs, and it's very unlikely to open accidentally and spill the contents.

Modular inserts

Insert groove

No tang

With tang

No gapper

With gapper

Storage trapdoor

Notes/Observations - So, the only difference between the Mod 0 and Mod 1 GFGs is the extended backstrap on the Mod 1. As I mentioned above, I have small hands so the Mod 0 works better for me. Like all other grips with backstraps I've tried, the Mod 1 is comfortable and more hand-filling, and also increases the reach to the trigger so that it's not so 'cramped up. However, it also increases the distance that my index finger has to reach for the controls like the magazine release button and bolt drop; such that I can't engage them positively. Thus, I'm limited to standard grips without backstraps. Those with medium sized hands and longer fingers will probably find the Mod 1 a better choice.

I've overlaid images of the standard A2 and TangoDown BG-16 grip over the GFG to illustrate the difference in grip angle. The BG-16 has been my favourite grip ever since it was introduced, and preference for either is going to boil down to personal preference and shooting style. One thing I've wanted on the BG-16 is a textured front strap (I usually stipple them myself), so it's nice to finally get some texture up front on the GFG. As for feel, that's a tough call. I find the rear 'hump' on the BG-16 more palm-filling and that the standard angle provides more leverage when supporting the rifle with one hand when reloading, but the GFG's shape and angle is also just as comfortable - just slightly 'different'.

Mod 0

Mod 1

Compared to A2 grip

Compared to TD grip

Mod 0

Mod 1

Mod 0

When using trigger guards like the Magpul, Wilson; or billet lowers like the AXTS, the tang insert isn't needed. It still can be used, however, if the user prefers it, but some fitting may be required depending on the contour of the trigger guard. The storage compartment is spacious and to keep items from rattling around inside, they can be first put into a small ziploc or cut down sandwich bag then put into the compartment.

At the range, I used the GFG in a variety of positions - and the reduced grip angle does provide a different feel from the regular A2 or BG-16. Definitely not as obvious as TangoDown's Flip Grip in the vertical position, but a very good compromise between the two extremes. I think that the reduced grip angle does provide a more natural wrist angle in most positions (most noticeable when using a 'elbows tucked' stance with the buttstock closer to the centerline and collapsed), and over longer durations of carry may reduce wrist fatigue. I do find the BG-16 grip shape more comfortable in the hand, but the GFG angle more natural, if that makes sense. The texturing on the sides and ridges on the front strap ensure a good grip with and without gloves.

Grip angle, size and shape are largely a matter of hand size, shooting style and personal preference. The BCM Gunfighter's Grip is well made and designed and if the ergonomics suit you, you won't be disappointed with it.

5/1/13 - Hot on the heels of the BCM Gunfighter's Pistol Grip is the Gunfighter's Vertical Fore Grip from Bravo Company USA. It's a straightforward vertical grip for the carbine with a storage compartment and a 5° angle that can be forward or rearward facing, depending on the user's preference.

BCM Vertical grip

Flat dark earth

Black

Rail Clamp

Description - The BCM GVFG (Gunfighter's Vertical ForeGrip) is an ergonomic foregrip that mounts to any handguard with a 1913 rail section. It measures about 4.6" tall, and has a flattened grip cross-section. The flattened grip cross section provides better rotational control of the grip than a round/cylindrical cross section when it's used for controlling the weapon. The grip portion is about 1.75" on the long axis and 1.17" wide.

The grip attaches to any mil-spec 1913 Picatinny rail with a spring loaded clamp. The clamp is tightened by a single flat head screw. The octagonal nut on the threaded end of the screw fits into a molded recess to prevent it from spinning. The clamp on the screw side has two springs that keep it open when the screw is loosened. This makes for quicker installation, as the clamp is always wide open and the screw is under spring tension. The clamps are removable and can be swapped to the other side, so that the screw head is on the right hand side. There's no practical reason for doing so, though, as there's no throw lever that gets in the way. The top of the grip has two recoil lugs that keep the metal screw centered in a rail slot. The VFG is available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, and Foliage Green, and is made from the same high quality impact resistant polymers as the BCM Gunfighter's Grip.

Texture - The VFG shares the same textured pattern as the BCM pistol grip on the sides, and the front and rear straps have the same raised horizontal ridges that further increase purchase on the grip.

Storage compartment - The inside of the VFG is hollow, and features a large storage compartment measuring about 3.7" deep. The compartment is full sized, and does not have any partitions or divisions, and will easily house a spare firing pin and bolt. The compartment is sealed by the same type of hinged trapdoor that the BCM pistol grip has. The trapdoor is plastic that's partially overmolded with a rubber plug that seals the opening. The door has two ears on each side, that when squeezed together with the thumb and index finger, unlocks the door and allows it to be opened. There are two slotted holes near the bottom, which two tabs on the door fit into when closed. When the ears on the door are squeezed together, it compresses the rubber plug, which allows the tabs to clear the holes and unlock. The rubber plug is water resistant; not water proof. It's a very secure compartment door designs, and it's very unlikely to open accidentally. To keep items from rattling around inside, they can be first put into a small ziploc or cut down sandwich bag then put into the compartment.

Texture close up

Storage compartment

Angled back

Angled forwards

Notes/Observations - When I first saw the 5° angle incorporated into the BCM VFG, I wondered how comfortable that would be vs. a vertical grip with no angle. It actually works very well, and I prefer the grip angled to the front than to the rear. The slight angle helps lock the hand higher up on the grip where it transitions to the rail. All edges and corners are rounded/smoothed out, so the transition between the grip and the rail is comfortable.

The flattened profile of the grip also provides more rotational purchase than a cylindrical grip - something that might come into play when lowering the carbine with the support hand while the other hand goes to the pistol during a transition to pistol. The texturing on the sides and ridges on the front strap ensure a good grip with and without gloves. Like pistol grips, vertical grip choice depends largely on hand size, shooting style and personal preference. The BCM Gunfighter's Vertical Grip is simple, functional, well made and designed.