Let’s talk about something you may not have thought much about where your AR15 is concerned.
That is the pistol grip.
A lot of people never consider their AR’s grip.
I’ve had people tell me that the factory grips on ARs will basically just tear up your hand for extended use.
Now me, I’ve been a soldier in the infantry, and I’ve used an M16 with those factory grips on it for a long period of time.
I don’t remember my hands ever getting chewed up… but the first time I ever got a rubberized pistol grip on an AR, it felt SO much more comfortable.
So that got me thinking: Can changing the grip on the AR reduce fatigue?
Will it help my shooting?
D0es it even matter?
I spoke with my friend Ox about this, and here is a run-down of what he told me.
3 Things You Don’t Know About AR15 Pistol Grips
A lot of people will indeed tell you the factory grips on an AR15 may well tear up your hand in extended use.
Then again, you may think it’s fine.
If it’s not broke, you may feel no need to fix it.
It’s not a must-have, but it is definitely a modification that can help.
There are a bunch of manufacturers making oversized grips now.
The right one really depends on you.
AR15 Pistol Grip Tip#1: The Right Size And Shape
The right pistol grip depends on the size and shape of your hand.
How big is your hand?
How long are your fingers?
What is going to put your trigger finger where you want it so that you can run that trigger straight back and forth, without disturbing sight alignment?
That part is important.
As with anything, before you buy a new, fancy grip for your AR15, you should really try it out.
See if it’s going to work for you.
Because the last thing you want to do is actually make your shooting less accurate, or make the grip less comfortable.
AR15 Pistol Grip Tip #2: How Tight Are Your Fingers?
When you grip the AR15, look at how tight your fingers are.
The tighter you hold your fingers, the harder it will be to hold firm tension.
It may not seem like a problem for a few magazines worth of shooting.
You may pick up the rifle, fire a few rounds, and think, “This is fine.”
But what happens when it’s no longer a couple of magazines?
What if it’s a couple of days worth of shooting, or of carrying that rifle and being ready to shoot?
What if it’s a long-term survival scenario in which you must be armed?
Again, the tighter your fingers are, the harder it will be to hold firm tension long-term.
AR15 Tip #3: How Wide Are Your Fingers?
You might think, then, that a wide, smooth, oversized grip is the way to go.
After all, your fingers can’t be too tight then, can they?
The problem is that a grip that is too wide can create the same tension.
You want a wider grip, but not one that’s so wide that it causes fatigue.
Everyone’s grip is different.
You have to find the “sweet spot” in between that is comfortable for you.
Only then will you be able to have the best balance to prevent fatigue and provide for accurate shooting.
