Choosing the Best Foregrip for Your AR-15

A comprehensive guide to shooting more accurately

The AR-15 is one of the most versatile and customizable rifles on the market. One of the most popular upgrades AR-15 owners make is adding a foregrip. Foregrips can significantly improve shooting comfort, control, and accuracy, especially during extended shooting sessions, moving and shooting, or rapid fire, which can come in high stress situations like close quarters combat. But with several types available, which foregrip is the best for your AR-15?

In this guide, our team at Tactical Human Performance will break down the different types of foregrips, their advantages, and how to choose the one that best suits your shooting style.

Types of AR-15 Foregrips

1. Vertical Foregrip (VFG)The vertical foregrip is one of the most popular and widely used foregrips for AR-15s. It offers a straightforward, vertical hold on the rifle, allowing the shooter to pull the firearm into their shoulder more effectively, increasing control.

   
   

   Pros:

   • Provides excellent control, especially in rapid-fire situations.

   • Reduces recoil by giving the shooter a solid grip.

   • Helps mitigate muzzle rise, improving follow-up shots.

   
   

   Cons:

   • Can be bulky, especially on shorter rifles.

   • Some shooters find it uncomfortable over extended shooting sessions.

   
   

   Best For:The VFG is ideal for tactical shooting, fast-paced scenarios, or situations where you need to maintain a solid grip on the rifle under stress.

   
   

2. Angled Foregrip (AFG)Angled foregrips, like the Magpul AFG, offer a more ergonomic hold than traditional vertical grips. Rather than forcing your wrist into a 90-degree angle, the AFG allows for a more natural hand positioning.

   
   

   Pros:

   • Promotes a natural wrist angle, reducing fatigue.

   • More compact than vertical foregrips, making it better for smaller rifles.

   • Provides good muzzle control without being as bulky.

     
     

   Cons:

   • Doesn’t offer as much leverage for pulling the rifle back into your shoulder compared to a vertical grip.

   • Can feel awkward for shooters who are used to vertical grips.

     
     

   Best For:Angled foregrips are great for shooters who prioritize comfort during long shooting sessions and those who want to maintain a low profile on their rifle.

   
   

3. HandstopThe handstop is a minimalist option, designed to give the shooter a tactile point of reference for where to place their support hand. It prevents the hand from sliding too far forward on the rail, especially on shorter barrel AR-15s.

   
   

   Pros:

   • Extremely lightweight and low profile.

   • Helps with hand placement and prevents overextension.

   • Ideal for maintaining control while staying light and maneuverable.

   Cons:

   • Doesn’t provide as much control as a full grip.

   • Offers limited leverage for pulling the rifle into your shoulder.

   
   

   Best For:Handstops are excellent for those who want minimal added weight and bulk, particularly for home defense setups, SBRs (short-barreled rifles), or pistols where every ounce counts.

   
   

4. Hybrid ForegripHybrid foregrips combine elements of both vertical and angled grips, often allowing the shooter to use it in multiple ways. This provides flexibility in shooting style and comfort.

   
   

   Pros:

   • Offers the best of both worlds, with multiple grip options.

   • Ideal for shooters who want flexibility in hand positioning.

   • Often includes ergonomic design elements to improve comfort.

   Cons:

   • Can be more expensive than single-purpose foregrips.

   • Might not be ideal for shooters who prefer one style over the other.

     
     

   Best For:Hybrid grips are perfect for shooters who like to switch between different shooting positions or want a versatile option that adapts to different scenarios.

   
   

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Foregrip

1. Shooting StyleIf you’re a tactical shooter or regularly engage in high-speed drills, a vertical or hybrid foregrip will likely give you the control and versatility you need. For precision shooting or casual range use, an angled foregrip or handstop might be more comfortable and efficient.

   
   

2. Rifle ConfigurationThe size and weight of your AR-15 play a role in choosing a foregrip. Short-barreled rifles or AR pistols benefit from smaller, lighter options like handstops or angled grips, whereas a full-sized AR-15 can handle the bulk of a vertical grip more comfortably.

   
   

3. Comfort and ErgonomicsEvery shooter’s hand size and wrist flexibility are different. Try out different grips if possible to see which feels most comfortable over long shooting sessions. The key is to find a grip that aligns with your natural shooting stance without causing unnecessary strain.

   
   

4. Weight and BalanceIf you’re carrying your AR-15 for extended periods, weight is a major factor. Adding a heavy vertical foregrip might upset the balance of a lightweight build, whereas a handstop or angled grip could provide the control you need without adding unnecessary weight.

   
   

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best foregrip for your AR-15, whether you are using it just for training or for operations. Each grip style offers unique benefits and is suited to different shooting styles and rifle configurations. Whether you prioritize control, ergonomics, or versatility, there's a foregrip option that will fit your needs. Consider your shooting goals, comfort preferences, and rifle setup to make the right choice for you.

Top Pick Recommendations:

• Best for Tactical Shooters: Vertical Foregrip (VFG)

• Best for Comfort and Ergonomics: Angled Foregrip (AFG)

• Best for Minimalist Setups: Handstop

• Best for Versatility: Hybrid Foregrip

  
  

Choose wisely and enjoy your enhanced shooting experience! Be sure to follow Tactical Human Performance on Instagram!