A lot of emphasis is placed on the finish of a bolt carrier group, or on the chambering of a rifle, or on the barrel length, insomuch as it relates to the performance of the overall rifle. Very little, or at least comparatively little, is placed on handling, yet so much of handling is determined by the rifle’s ergonomics, specifically the AR15’s grips.
But a rifle that handles better will result in an operator that is more confident and less fatigued, and that will result in an operator that connects with his or her target more proficiently and more consistently.
So, that being the case, the focus of this article will be on how you can improve the handling of your sporting rifle, specifically with an emphasis on the AR15 grips.
Replace the Pic Rail Handguard with an M-LOK Rail System
First, let’s talk about your rifle’s Picatinny rail handguard. If your rifle has one of these, one of the best things you can do to boost handling (not to mention expandability) is replace the handguard with an M-LOK rail system.
M-LOK rail systems may be newer, but there is an ever-increasing cohort of shooting attachments flooding the market that are compatible with them, and on top of that, they are lighter and more comfortable to handle, especially without gloves, than Pic rails are.
M-LOK rail systems have a series of slots, with no raised ridges, making them much more comfortable to handle. This can improve operator comfort, with no need to wear gloves, and on top of that, no need to add rail covers, either, which just ends up adding more weight to the rifle overall.
Of course it also helps that M-LOK rail systems are lighter, too, so you can potentially lighten the rifle by replacing the handguard, which in turn may yield a rifle that points and maneuvers more favorably, especially in tight quarters. This can represent a big upgrade for a carbine or an SBR or especially for an ARP.
It also opens the door for one of the other upgrades we’re going to cover here, which entails the installation of a vert grip on the bottom of the rail.
Install a Vert Grip on the Bottom of the Handguard
This is actually an upgrade you can make whether or not you have swapped your Pic rail handguard for an M-LOK rail system, but one way or the other, installing a vert grip along the bottom of the handguard can constitute a huge improvement to the rifle.
A vert grip is basically exactly what it sounds like. It’s a grip that you mount to the front of your rifle, typically the base of the handguard, which extends down vertically from it. Many operators find that it offers considerably more ergonomic control over the rifle, and a much more comfortable grip, on top of that.
With a hand on the forend you’ll get reasonably good control over the rifle, but with a dedicated vert AR15 grip on there, you’ll enjoy much more precise control, which can improve your ability to shoot accurately, especially when precise control is warranted.
One more note: if you don’t love the idea of a vertical grip dropped off the bottom of the rifle’s handguard, there are many vert grips you can get that sport a folding profile. So, when you need it you can fold the grip down, and when you want to stow it you can fold it up against the base of the handguard. This minimizes the overall profile of the rifle for easier handling and transport as well.
Upgrade Your AR15 Grips
Lastly, even if you don’t want to install a vert grip, you can upgrade your rifle with overmolded grips that go right over the top of the pistol grip.
These are larger, with more comfortable contours, than most stock AR15 grips, so most operators that install them claim they make the rifle handle much more comfortably, which can reduce fatigue and also make it possible to uphold higher standards for accuracy.
Then again, upgrading an AR15's grips is straightforward enough, and overmolded grips are only one option. It’s generally just a nut and washer that secure the factory pistol grip; you can remove these and replace the grip entirely with an aftermarket alternative like an Ergo Grip if you so choose. That can have an even more profound effect on handling, comfort and accuracy.
Shop AR15 Grips Here
Want to explore your options insomuch as they are relevant to upgrading your AR15 grips? Shop our collection; we carry many options here and if you have any questions about making the upgrade, what tools you need, or are not sure about compatibility, get in touch with us directly and we will be more than happy to help.