Understanding the design of the MagPul AFG

SU17 · Mar 9, 2011

it's not just a cool add on accessory.

I see a lot of people just tossing them on and use incorrectly. But hey, to each there own, put it where you want it, its your rifle. Just want help people understand why the AFG was designed. If used correctly you will notice a difference and why it was design.

below is youtube link of Chris Costa and Travis Haley explaining there theory based products from last years shot show. AFG

YouTube - Magpul Dynamics ShotShow 2010 Part 1

Jettjocky · Mar 9, 2011

Thanks for post, it did take them forever to get to the point of the discussion but now better understand their use

corpulent · Mar 9, 2011

Naw, this thread is useful. I think people just don't subscribe to the idea that there is an absolute way certain things must be used.

To each his own; even Costa, who holds the rifle in what feels to me to be a totally ridiculous manner.

I first had my AFG at the end of the rail, and I felt too extended and uncomfortable. Moved it in about halfway and it feels and works great. I think the key to the AFG is where your thumb ends up, i.e. along the side rail or over the top, depending on the user.

I agree many folks only familiar w/ the broomhandle style of foregrips may not understand the purpose. My friend shot my rifle a few weeks ago and tried to stick his index finger through the hole in the AFG.

Juvicator · Mar 10, 2011

I like mine. I started to notice after using it my left arm was burning, found out my firing posture was bad. Now when I start slouching I can tell. Makes a big difference for me at least.

Bulld4wg · Mar 10, 2011

corpulent said:
Naw, this thread is useful. I think people just don't subscribe to the idea that there is an absolute way certain things must be used.

To each his own; even Costa, who holds the rifle in what feels to me to be a totally ridiculous manner.

I first had my AFG at the end of the rail, and I felt too extended and uncomfortable. Moved it in about halfway and it feels and works great. I think the key to the AFG is where your thumb ends up, i.e. along the side rail or over the top, depending on the user.

I agree many folks only familiar w/ the broomhandle style of foregrips may not understand the purpose. My friend shot my rifle a few weeks ago and tried to stick his index finger through the hole in the AFG.

I agree with you on the costa comment! LOL

It's a little silly to be extended that far and it felt totally uncomfortable to me. I pulled my AFG about 3/4 down the rail and it's just right for me.

DaveFJ80 · Mar 10, 2011

I won't lie. I mainly got the AFG2 since I think it looks good on an AR rifle, better looking than a VFG. But I also figured that if I didn't like the feel of it, then I would just get rid of it and not lose too much money since others would want it. I also picked up a cheap VFG (less than $10) and also played around with that.

In the end, the AFG2 was actually more comfortable for me when holding the rifle and supporting it, but I also popped off the middle hump plate and put in the flat plate piece. While I've always like the idea of the VFG, the AFG gives me more control and allows me to hold the rifle more steady.

The only time I'll use the VFG is if I decide to mount my Surefire to my rifle for a night shoot, since I already have the rail mount and pressure switch. Otherwise, I'll leave the AFG on it.

ChattanoogaPhil · Mar 11, 2011

Here's where I positioned the AFG. If the 15-22 had a carbine length handguard that's about where it would have to be anyway.

Serbonze · Mar 11, 2011

ChattanoogaPhil said:
Here's where I positioned the AFG. If the 15-22 had a carbine length handguard that's about where it would have to be anyway.

I positioned mine at just about the same place. It was the most comfortable for me, which at the end of the day is really what it's all about.

I liked the AFG so much, that I actually replaced the vertical grip on all of my rifles with them.

Jav · Mar 11, 2011

Might try that if it makes for a comfortable/stable grip.

ChattanoogaPhil · Mar 11, 2011

Serbonze said:
I liked the AFG so much, that I actually replaced the vertical grip on all of my rifles with them.

Trying to figure out how to mount the AFG on my Marlin 336....

chuck s · Mar 11, 2011

It's amazing that MagPul was able to come up with a design that has been ignored for (what?) 500 years of shoulder fired muskets and rifles.

Gimme a break, they're a marketing company.

-- Chuck

Quizmaster65 · Mar 11, 2011

Just got mine in the mail today. This design is so much more comfortable and natural feeling than the broomstick style. I love it!!!

Rustpot · Mar 11, 2011

chuck s said:
It's amazing that MagPul was able to come up with a design that has been ignored for (what?) 500 years of shoulder fired muskets and rifles.

Gimme a break, they're a marketing company.

-- Chuck

I can't think of anyone who had a similar design before this. We've all used the grip mechanics, but it forces you to grip with only the first two fingers and thumb.

Rifles dating from before Vietnam were all about one shot, so there's no need to develop tactics to control the weapon under sustained fire. This grip doesn't facilitate a steady sight picture to fire a round much further than 100 yards.

Modern combat tactics that mimic what competition shooting has taught modern shooters. High to the bore line, maximum contact with the weapon. The AFG facilitates that without losing tension in the pinky and ring fingers, or going with a very long exaggerated arm extension favored by the competition guys with long tube handguards.

You look at some of the products Magpul has made. Nothing they make is exactly like someone else (except the rail covers). Everything is either made first, or improves upon an existing product idea.

I'm not a super fanboy or a stock holder or employee. I've started getting into the AR market and after using some of their products I can see why they are so highly regarded.

hwill · Mar 13, 2011

I have the AFG on the 15-22 but replaced it on my AR15 for the MOE MVG.
Even installed a MOE MVG on my ACR.

SU17 · Mar 13, 2011

Agreed that they are a marketing company, just the made a design more comfortable. Plus for $30 is not bad.

I used many designs, Tango short stubby grip, Knight Armament Company Hand stop.

but a lot those cost way more than the $30. Especially the KAC hand stop $55.00.. but that KAC prices for ya

I didn't get the AFG untill after I took the tactical Carbine class. Like they said in the video, before the AFG was designed, they went to design team to build a grip for there shooting style. And that style been around for a long time.

I myself have have it forward all the way on a mid length, but then I have my stock fully collapsed.

Here is video of how the technique is implicated. Plus is a great company for muzzle brakes. I myself use a BattleComp 1.0 and the Surefire MB566k.

YouTube - BattleComp Promo

Panzerslayer · Mar 13, 2011

I don't like holding the thumb over the top.

Alex Mac · Mar 13, 2011

Have to chime in here and say that I also love my AFG2.

In fact, after using and shooting many of my friend's Rifles, I had already decided that I wanted Magpul Items on my AR when I finally purchased it. The main selling point for me was the form-to-function element of the items. Everything they made was made to fulfill a purpose, and that appealed to me. The AFG, made the weapon more comfortable, and easier to control. The MOE Pistol Grip was WORLDS more comfortable than the standard AR pistol grip, and even has some small storage space in the grip. (Not always needed, but a neat feature.) Also, the MOE (Or CTR, I have owned/Used both) Both seemed (In my opinion) to operate in a manner superior to the original equipment.

I do agree that using the theory behind the products is crucial to getting the most bang for your buck. Of course (to me at least) it seemed that just using the AFG2 for the day (was running my friend's AR) that my posture adapted to the grip, and the shooting style it encouraged. After a while, it simply felt comfortable, and I actually found myself shooting that way the next time I went out.

Full disclosure, I'm a Fan. However, I didn't start as one. Magpul has definitely impressed me with products like the AFG/AFG2, and now it's all I run on my AR.

Just my 2 cents.
-Alex

SU17 · Mar 13, 2011

oh Alma

VooDuuChild · Mar 13, 2011

I love my mine, it's so sweet!

U.S. Beast · Mar 14, 2011

ChattanoogaPhil said:
Trying to figure out how to mount the AFG on my Marlin 336....

I am currently looking at buying two of these, can't figure between the afg and the afg2, I was wondering since I saw you have both what you prefer, I know to each his own, but I am curious about your experience with them. I read a afg vs afg2 thread on ar15's forum, but still looking for more then just one opinion.

Maybe I'll buy the afg1 and afg2 since im going with two anyways lol

Understanding the design of the MagPul AFG

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