Best handguard and vertical grip options
- Thread starter CV32
- Start date
I presume you're talking about ff rail systems? Yes they aren't cheap but good gear never is.
Tdc
I agree. I run a slick/smooth tube system. The rails are of no use to me and add weight. I'm really happy with the smooth tube.
TDC
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I've always been partial to the Tango Down stubby VFG's. I've never found a QD model in the stubby though... always in the full length. I don't grip it like a broomstick - I usually shoot with the thumb wrapped over the top, ala Chris Costa/Magpul. It elevates my skills up to 'super mall ninja'. 
Really, just more comfortable.
They are a PITA to get on and off, but if you don't want it to move ever... they are pretty sweet.
Really, just more comfortable.They are a PITA to get on and off, but if you don't want it to move ever... they are pretty sweet.
Yea, I've got the Magpul RVG, it's a good compromise between a handstop and a vert grip, I find when I'm shooting standing, I use it more like a handstop.. Admittedly I use the Magpul style grip too, however, as I start shooting kneeling and prone, I'll use it more as a vert grip
blaxsun
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Honestly, I've never really figured out the appeal of a vertical grip on anything but a PDW or a SBR AR15. In these scenarios, it's advisable simply from a safety standpoint due to the ultra-short barrel and minimal hand guard space. If one is using an AFG or vertical grip primarily as a hand stop anyway, you might as well save the weight and just get a hand stop. Gear Sector and KAC make a nice aluminium one; LaRue (and soon to be Magpul) have a nice lightweight polymer version.
Troy MRF-C BattleRail 7" is my favorite. Totally FF, takes minutes to install and is rock solid, while only adding 4oz to the rifle. As for vertical battle grips I like the Tango Down stubby or the Troy Modular Combat Grip.
better yet, proprietary handstop to do what you tried to emulate
Not exactly...mine appears to have a much smoother transition between the handguard and the grip which is ideal for my small hands. However, that one you have is pretty nice...better than the ones I saw when I was considering buying an off-the-shelf handstop.
Rail-mounted stops don't really work for me for a couple reasons:
- Railed handguards are larger in diameter and are pretty much impossible for me to get a solid "thumb on top"-style grip on.
- Handstops that attach to rails all seem to have at least 5mm of "flat" vertical material between the rail and the handstop, which is no bueno for me...my fingers just get hung up on that surface and it's uncomfortable.
The IWC one (that also attaches to an MOE handguard, or others that have holes in them) is probably the smoothest that I found:
In the end though, it wasn't quite as smooth or comfortable as my MOE, and I already had the MOE anyway. A quick dash with a radial arm saw is all that was needed.
I'm a really big fan of the Troy TRX free float hand guard. I like them much better than having gobs of rails all over the place that I am not using, and they are fairly light. As far as vert grips go I have a Larue, a couple Troys, and a few AFG's. And some of my guns have naked forends. They all work OK for me, but I prefer the Troy over the Larue just because you have two length options instead of one. If you like the looks or feel of something, run with it til you find something you like better.
