Why have a front/vertical grip?

[CENTURION24]

I admit I think the front grip looks tacticool but after yesturdays shoot I'm left wondering what it is good for.

So I'm at the range and this "tactical coarse instructor" who works at the range comes up to me and starts by asking me how I like my AR. Well after about 30min of b.s.ing I brought up how I wish I never bought my mako grip/bipod. He has me shoot triple follow up shots without the front grip. Grabbing my hand gaurd with my thumb over the top and fired away. Boy what a difference. The gun just kicked back as opposed to up, left or right witch maid it so much easier to bring my sites back on target.
Im done with my 2 frontgrips unless I learn something new about the frontgrip that would be helpful to me.
So I what is the frontgrip good for? A front grip far out on the handguard helps to keep the weapon steady when firing rappid follow up shots but not as well as gripping the handguard itself. Bringing the frontgrip in can help pivot the weapon faster for clearing buildings but you can always use the magwell for that. You can use it as a bipod if your grip can do that or if not you can use a standard frontgrip as a monopod, but again in real world situations like hiding behind a car or a wall you want to rest your gun as low as possible witch would be down on the handguard.
I'm still very new to this and I'm learning as I go so can anyone tell me why I should keep any of my frontgrips on my gun.

 

[Jlduke]

I like the front grip for when I'm shooting from a standing position. It feels more comfortable to me and helps me manage the muzzle climb. If firing from a supported position the grip is in the way. I also take it off if I'm gonna walk around with it slung on my back very much.

 

[oneyeopn]

Centurion, like you I dont find the front grip that useful. I have a brand new, well I took it out shooting one time GripPod USGI issue. I dont find my ability with it to be that great. I am sure if you are using it in a war time situation, clearing alleys and buildings it would be like any other submachine gun and it would be usefull. But for accurate fire instead of spray and pray, I just dont get it. It is like shooting a pistol from the hip. I also dont find the bipod use of it that accurate. I find the traditional bipod with a wider footprint much more stable and accurate. I have pulled mine off and have it plus three other brand new still in the package with instructions to sell. I have changed my Sport again and am trying a quadrail set up with a traditional bipod and will post pictures after I take it out shooting to see if I like it. If not I have a DPMS fluted tubular free float Handguard to try. But a forward verticle grip IMHO is for spray and pray and unless you can burst or full auto it is something left to the soldiers.

 

[desmodue]

Obviously, one size doesn't fit all. Or in other words, one person will love Brand X vert. grip and another will think it's the stupidest thing on earth.

I have tried several vert. grips, stubby, full, pivoting, etc. I didn't like any of them. Instead of a vert. grip I use these...

LaRue Tactical HandStop 2-Piece Set | LaRue Tactical

 

[oneyeopn]

desmodue, I have a set of handguards with hand stops made into them AB Arms. I really like them, if the top rail was level with the top rail on my receiver I would like them better. But I have read and heard good things about the handstops. But in my case the bipod mount and the handstop take up all of my bottom rail with no room for my hand. I find the Mako Magwell grip my best option. But as you said so perfectly. One size doesnt fit all, and everyone is different.

 

[SSgt M]

Comfort and preference, I like holding the magwell

 

[Splittiebus66]

I use the vfg as a far forward hand stop. gives me a bit more to grab onto and pull into my shoulder, similar to this ( Kyle Lamb Viking Tactics)

this version of the thumbbreak style works great for me but YMMV of course good luck BTW the lo pro handstops look awesome too I'll try one one day

 

[Jlduke]

I definitely don't like the grip pod, though for superficial reasons. I think the look horrible on the rifle. I much prefer a bipod that will pivot.

 

[maninblak]

like splittiebus showed, I use the grip more as an index point on the handguard. I see where a vfg could be used as an actual "grip" but those are situational and IMO not the everyday use of the vfg. Indexing the weapon on the handguard in front of and against the grip gives me optimal control of the weapon as opposed to just holding the vertical grip. Magpuls afg is made specifically for the type of hold I'm talking about, and that's what I'm currently using.

 

[oneyeopn]

JlDuke....this is where everyone is different, I prefer a bipod that doesnt pivot. I have one on a hunting rifle that pivots and I have a hard time getting a steady hold on it. I prefer my bipods dont pivot and I do the adjusting instead of another thing to give me play in my aim.

 

[MichiganScott]

Comfort and preference, I like holding the magwell

1+

As an old time target shooter, I have no use for a vertical front grip.

I use bipods on hunting rifles without free floating barrels, but I find I can shoot just as well at distance if I can sling up using a rifle with a free floating barrel.

 

[JaPes]

I admit I think the front grip looks tacticool but after yesturdays shoot I'm left wondering what it is good for.

...I'm still very new to this and I'm learning as I go so can anyone tell me why I should keep any of my frontgrips on my gun.

I use my VFG primarily as a hand stop. Combined with the Magpul Scout Mount, I have two points of reference for my grip.

 

[shutupdata113]

it will give you a consistent hand placement plus it looks cool...i have a magpul afg on my mp15

 

[hardluk1]

Versa-pod is another unit that can be bought with a palm support like you see some rifleman use and an there pivoting pod will fit on it for use on on uneven ground.. Attachs to a sling stud.