If there’s an individual accessory on “America’s rifle” that truly lets you have things your way, it’s the simple pistol grip. Between all the different major parts and components found on AR-15 pattern firearms, the pistol grip can often feel like an afterthought.
But, since this is one of the primary points of contact between the shooter and the firearm, it’s worth paying attention to.
The A2-style grip has been the default grip for the AR-15, with the design so prevalent that even the FN SCAR series borrowed it. A2 grips are so pervasive that they’re virtually free. If you own an AR-15, chances are you have a few spare A2 grips sitting around in a drawer. However, the grip angle on the A2 grip can leave something to be desired—not to mention many shooters find that single finger groove annoying, just like the tiny gap it leaves between itself and the trigger guard. Fortunately, the firearms industry has many aftermarket options for other grips for the AR-15.
Luth-AR Wing Grip (MSRP: $28.95)
The Luth-AR Wing Grip is a full-size target style AR-15 ambidextrous grip. Luth-AR Wing Grips are molded with a pair of symmetrical thumb ledges that aid in certain precision-shooting grip techniques, like those that maintain the thumb on the same side as the rest of the firing hand’s fingers to avoid torquing the rifle off center. In addition to its namesake feature, the Luth-AR Wing Grip has a gentle-swelling convex profile.
Magpul MOE K-2 (MSRP: $20.95)
In addition to sharing a name with one of the tallest mountains in the world, the Magpul MOE K-2 AR-15 grip adheres to the new-school design patter of having a more vertical angle that better supports the style of modern carbine-shooting done with collapsible stocks and squared-up shooting stances. In addition to its vertical angle, the Magpul MOE K-2 is covered in Magpul’s signature TSP texture, the same pattern that Magpul incorporated into the new Ruger RXM pistol.
Ergo Tactical Deluxe Grip (MSRP: $39.99)
The Ergo brand has been around for some time and has enjoyed some longevity in the market. The Tactical Deluxe Grip is another oversize grip with gentle convex palm swells and a grippier rubber texture that caters to shooters with larger hands. Its design sits right at home on AR-10 or AR-15 pattern firearms, and its profile makes it conducive to precision-oriented rifles.
Mission First Tactical Engage Featureless Grip (MSRP: $39.99)
Even though Mission First Tactical has an entire lineup of Engage AR-15 pistol grips, the fact that it sells a “Featureless” style, California-compliant pistol grip is noteworthy. For those who aren’t in the know, the rear protrusion of a featureless style grip prevents the shooter from fully gripping the rifle. Strange as it may seem, adding such a grip helps make a rifle California-compliant. In the past, most Californians would buy or fashion their own Kydex inserts that also had fins or protrusions. It’s nice to see Mission First Tactical offering this product, with its more solid execution. Ideally Californians should not have to worry about compliant grips, but featureless builds are still a net positive for the right to keep and bear arms in the Golden State.
B5 Systems P-Grip 23 (MSRP: $20)
Like the Magpul MOE K-2 AR-15 grip, the B5 Systems P-Grip 23 has a more vertical grip angle that adheres to modern carbine shooting. It’s also molded with a grippy texture on all four sides. I didn’t discover this grip until a year or two ago, and it keeps growing on me. I’ve also noticed that the P-Grip 23 has become an increasingly popular OEM AR-15 grip for many factory-built rifles. It’s hard to beat for use on a general-purpose carbine.
