The Prepper Insider is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
With a traditional AR-15 build, the shooter has to support the bottom of the handguard to stabilize the rifle and aim. You can upgrade your AR-15 by attaching a foregrip to the handguard. Foregrips can help with recoil control besides providing a point of reference for holding your AR-15.
Here’s what you need to know about this wide category of accessories and some product recommendations.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-15 Foregrips
- OUR TOP PICK: FAB Defense Gen-II Vertical Foregrip
- RUNNER-UP: AIM Sports Inc Weaver/Picatinny Rail Vertical Foregrip
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: FAB Defense T-POD G2
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Foregrips
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Foregrip
A quality foregrip can enhance your build in the following areas.
Safety
If you’re new to shooting, a foregrip will instantly help you find the right spot for supporting your rifle. It’s an accessory that helps you stabilize and support your firearm. You can use the foregrip to push the AR-15 back into your shoulder to create a firm seating position and enhance your control over the firearm.
Recoil and Shot Placement
A foregrip won’t reduce recoil, but a vertical foregrip can give you better control over movements linked to recoil.
Discharging a firearm causes gases to exit the barrel. These gases result in the gun thrusting backward and can also cause the muzzle to rise. A vertical grip can help you minimize these movements.
Having better control over felt recoil can improve shot placement when you aim again, and using a grip as a reference point also helps you be more consistent with how you hold your AR-15 to achieve more accurate shot placement.
More Shooting Positions
A foregrip can open up new possibilities for shooting positions. Some accessories allow you to mount your AR-15 to a barricade, and you can also find bipod foregrips that stabilize your rifle for long-range target practice and shooting in a prone position.
What Should I Look for When Buying an AR-15 Foregrip?
It’s important to choose a foregrip adapted to your needs. The following features can help you find the right fit for your build.
Weight
A foregrip is an accessory that you will mount underneath the barrel of your AR-15. It will add weight to the barrel and can change the balance of your build.
Take other accessories into consideration when choosing a foregrip, and stay away from heavy grips if you already have several accessories mounted on your barrel. A foregrip with a skeleton design is a good way to reduce the weight of your build.
Ergonomic Design
A good foregrip should be comfortable to hold. Some accessories use features like finger grooves or padding to provide a comfortable fit.
FAB Defense Vertical Foregrip & Bipod
Style and Features
There are two main styles of foregrips. A vertical grip allows for good weapon control in tight spaces. It keeps your support hand away from a barrel that can get hot, and it’s a convenient reference point for supporting your firearm.
An angled grip will keep your hand closer to the barrel for more precise control. It also provides a more natural way of holding your firearm.
You can find variations within these two categories and find some accessories with additional features like a storage compartment, foldable design, light, or swivel points for a sling.
Material
The material will affect the weight and durability of the foregrip you choose. Aluminum is a durable option, but polymer grips tend to be lighter.
Review of the Best AR-15 Foregrips
We recommend the following foregrips for upgrading your AR-15 build.
Best Overall:
FAB Defense Gen-II Vertical Foregrip
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers like this foregrip because of the quick-release feature, ergonomic design, and easy installation process. People often mention the convenient push-button control to deploy the bipod and the fact that they can lock the bipod legs securely.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It’s a versatile accessory that works as a vertical grip and bipod. There is a push-button you can use to transform the grip into a bipod. You can adjust the height of the legs and lock them in place for a stable platform.
The wide angle of the bipod is ideal for stability, and it allows you to pivot your firearm to adjust your shooting angle. Pivoting your AR-15 on the bipod helps you be more accurate and makes the foregrip more versatile.
The foregrip design is comfortable and ergonomic. There are deep finger grooves that provide a point of reference for holding your firearm more consistently. This feature can reduce fatigue and guide your hand for more consistent results.
The construction uses a mix of aluminum, steel, and polymer for a durable result.
Bottom Line
This two-in-one accessory transforms into a bipod with a push-button. It’s easy to install, and the quick-release feature makes removal quick and easy as well. This foregrip is a great addition to your build because of its quality and versatility.
Runner-up:
AIM Sports Inc Weaver/Picatinny Rail Vertical Foregrip
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This foregrip has received positive reviews from buyers who like the way this accessory looks. The compact design and quality of the aluminum construction are benefits mentioned in reviews. People also like the great fit of this accessory and its comfortable feel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
You can’t go wrong with this compact and sturdy vertical foregrip. It’s an accessory with a simple design that does an outstanding job when it comes to giving you more control over your rifle.
The comfortable textured grip helps you support your AR-15, and the round and compact design will make your build look great. The grip doesn’t use grooves or other features to guide your hand. This round design gives you more freedom when holding the foregrip so that you can find a position that feels comfortable for you.
The sturdy aluminum construction makes this foregrip durable, and the quality mounting clamp results in a secure fit.
You can choose from three sizes, which is ideal because you can get the size that feels most comfortable for you. You can opt for the small grip that only weighs 2.7 oz for a lightweight build.
Bottom Line
This vertical foregrip uses a simple design, but it’s a performing accessory. We like the compact design, sturdy aluminum construction, and the three different sizes you can choose from.
Best for the Money:
FAB Defense T-POD G2
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
There are plenty of overwhelmingly positive reviews for this foregrip from FAB Defense. People love the wide design of the grip and the versatile low-profile bipod feature. Buyers say this accessory is easy to operate and helps with recoil.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This foregrip is one of the best values you can find. It’s a comfortable vertical foregrip with a wide design that doubles as a bipod.
There are three colors to choose from, and the construction uses a mix of aluminum, steel, and polymer. The aluminum legs are a sturdy and durable feature.
The foregrip uses a double-release button so that you don’t deploy the bipod by accident. There are five length settings for the legs.
The quick-release system makes installation and removal easy. The bipod can rotate by 40% to the left or right. You can also tilt it up or down. This feature allows you to get a stable shooting position no matter where your target is.
The non-slip grip features deep finger grooves for comfort, and the ventilated design helps with temperature regulation.
Bottom Line
This versatile vertical foregrip is an incredible value with its bipod feature. It’s an accessory that will add weight to your build at around 15 oz, but it also adds functionality.
Best Angled Foregrip for AR-15:
Magpul AFG1
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers often talk about the ergonomic and comfortable feel of this foregrip. The angled design is a natural way of supporting a firearm, and people think this accessory looks great. Reviews often mention how much it helps with recoil control.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This foregrip from Magpul is a quality angled foregrip with a smart design. The triangular shape and textured side help you find a natural grip for supporting your AR-15.
The low-profile won’t stick out from your build and preserves the sleek lines of your rifles. You can adjust where you want the foregrip to sit when installing it.
The design of this angled foregrip will guide your hand naturally and help you find a more consistent way of holding your AR-15. It’s an accessory that can make a difference with recoil control besides making your follow-up shots faster and more accurate.
This angled foregrip uses a large cutout in its center to reduce weight. It’s a lighter alternative compared to vertical foregrips since it only weighs 1.2 oz.
Bottom Line
This accessory is an ideal choice if you want an angled foregrip with a low-profile. It’s comfortable, and it will help with recoil control and follow-up shots.
Best AR-15 Vertical Foregrip:
Leapers UTG Deluxe Ergonomic Foregrip
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers like the value and quality of this foregrip from Leapers. Reviews mention the convenient installation process with the slide-on rail and the comfortable ergonomic grip. People also like the slots that allow for the addition of pressure switches on either side of the grip to use a light with it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We recommend this durable vertical foregrip because it’s an excellent value. We like the sturdy polymer construction and the tactical pattern of the textured grip that improves comfort.
The ambidextrous design of the grips is an interesting feature. You will find slots on both sides of the grip that you can use to add pressure switches for mounting a flashlight or a laser sight to the grip. Having slots for the pressure switches on both sides allows you to control a light or sight with your right or left hand.
The end cap of the grip opens to give you access to a small storage compartment you can use to carry spare batteries for your flashlight.
Bottom Line
This Leapers foregrip is a great buy because of its affordable price and durable construction. There are some interesting additional features that make the foregrip more versatile, including the storage compartment and the slots that allow you to add pressure switches.
Best AR-15 Tactical Foregrip:
Leapers UTG MS QD Covert Combat Foregrip
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The unusual size of this foregrip is something that comes back in reviews, but a majority of reviews are positive. Buyers like the sturdy feel and great fit of this accessory. They think the grip is very functional and looks great.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This foregrip is a sturdy and durable accessory. It comes with an adjustable lever lock and locking plate for a secure fit. The aluminum construction is both lightweight and reliable.
The grip features an anti-slip surface. The size is slightly different than most standard foregrips, but it’s a comfortable design with a rounded grip that gives you more freedom when it comes to hand posture or wrist position.
There are three different models to choose from. The low-profile model is a good option if you want a minimalist build with few accessories that stick out. It can also lower the weight of your build.
There is a foldable model that would be convenient if you need to store or transport your AR-15. It also allows you to get the foregrip out of the way if you decide you don’t need it.
There is a quick-detach lever that allows you to remove the foregrip easily.
Bottom Line
Leapers delivers a quality foregrip with durable aluminum construction. We like the locking plate that provides a sturdy fit, and being able to choose between three different models with different features is interesting.
Best AR-15 Foregrip Bipod:
FAB Defense Vertical Foregrip & Bipod
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
People love this versatile foregrip that comes with a bipod and flashlight mount. Reviewers mention the balance of this grip, its comfortable design, and the bright light that comes with it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This versatile accessory is a convenient way of upgrading your AR-15 build with a bipod and flashlight. The foregrip is an excellent value considering how versatile it is.
The foregrip features deep grooves for a textured surface and anti-slip effect. The wide design of the grip will help you support your rifle.
There is a push-button you can use to open the bipod. The adjustable legs have five height settings, and you will find small pads that make the bipod more stable.
The flashlight mount adds a light to your build, and the grip has slots you can use to add pressure switches to control the flashlight.
You can choose between a quick-release installation or use the locking screw that comes with the grip for a sturdy and durable installation.
Bottom Line
This accessory from FAB Defense is one of the most versatile foregrips we came across. We recommend it because of the quality of the grip and because adding a bipod and flashlight will make your AR-15 build more versatile.
Best AR-15 Foregrip With Light:
Shootersgate Klarus VGL1
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
There are a lot of positive reviews for this foregrip. People like the look and feel of the accessory. A lot of reviewers say the brightness of the flashlight is impressive. Buyers typically like the simple controls and the four modes of the flashlight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are several advantages to adding a flashlight underneath your barrel. A foregrip with a flashlight can improve visibility in dark conditions, and it can also temporarily blind an intruder in a self-defense scenario.
Attaching a flashlight underneath your barrel makes sense since it won’t clutter your upper rail, and it makes the controls easy to access with your support hand.
There are two large switches in the back of this foregrip. The switches are easy to operate thanks to their textured finish. You can locate them easily and press them with the thumb of your support hand. One switch allows you to turn the light on and off while the other controls the four modes of the flashlight.
You can adjust the brightness of the light by selecting the high, medium, or low mode. The fourth mode is a blinding strobe effect that is ideal for a build you would use for self-defense. On the brightest mode, the light emits 1,000 lumens.
The grip uses silicone to create an anti-slip surface, and the finger grooves will help you stabilize your AR-15.
Bottom Line
This Klarus foregrip is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a vertical grip and want to add a flashlight to your build. We recommend this accessory because the controls are easy to access, and the four modes make the flashlight more versatile.
Foregrip Types
Comparing foregrip types will help you narrow down your options.
Angled Foregrip vs Vertical Foregrip
A vertical foregrip is a handle that you mount to the bottom of your barrel. It’s a convenient accessory if you already have a cluttered accessory rail, and it provides you with a point of reference for holding your firearm.
A vertical foregrip is a good option for controlling muzzle rise, and it keeps your hand away from the barrel in case it gets hot. Vertical foregrips tend to have more features, like storage compartments or a built-in light.
An angled foregrip is a lightweight accessory that provides you with a more ergonomic reference point for supporting your AR-15. It won’t stick out from your build, and it’s a more natural way of holding your rifle.
Handstop vs Foregrip
A foregrip is an accessory that you hold to support your firearm. It gives you better control over recoil, and these accessories are usually more ergonomic than the handguard.
A handstop is a smaller accessory that protrudes from the handguard. You’re supporting your rifle by holding the handguard, but the handstop guides your hand into a natural position and helps you be more consistent with how you hold your AR-15. It’s a lightweight alternative that won’t stick out from your build like a foregrip.
How to Remove the Foregrip on AR-15
You can remove a foregrip from your AR-15 with a hex key. In most cases, you will attach the foregrip to the handguard rail by using a mounting clamp and rail screws.
Use the hex key to loosen the rail screws. You should be able to open the mounting clamp and slide the foregrip off the rail.
How to Install a Vertical Foregrip on AR-15
Installing a vertical foregrip on an AR-15 is a simple process. If you have a grip with a light, start by attaching the light to the mini-rail on the foregrip. Use a hex key to secure the light. You can skip this step if you’re not attaching a light with the foregrip.
Here is how you can mount a vertical foregrip to your handguard accessory rail:
- Choose where you want to attach the foregrip. The placement should allow for a natural shooting posture.
- Slide the foregrip mounting clamp over the handguard rail.
- Tighten the rail screws with a hex key.
- Grab the foregrip and make sure it feels sturdy. Keep tightening the rail screws until you get a secure fit.
You can see the installation process in the following video:
Conclusion
Upgrading your AR-15 build with a foregrip will help with recoil control and can make you more consistent with shot placement.
If you’re looking for a reliable vertical grip, we recommend the FAB Defense Gen-II Vertical Foregrip because of its sturdy construction and ergonomic design. If you would rather add an angled foregrip to your AR-15, we recommend the Magpul AFG1.
People Also Ask
Here are a few additional things you should know about AR-15 foregrips.
Should I Put a Foregrip on my AR-15?
You don’t necessarily need to add a foregrip to your AR-15. A foregrip can enhance recoil control and can make you more consistent, but if you’re comfortable with supporting your rifle by holding the handguard, you might not need a foregrip.
Where Do You Put the Foregrip on an AR-15?
You need to mount the foregrip on the rail that runs underneath the barrel. You can adjust the position of the foregrip on the handguard for a comfortable fit.
Magpul AFG1
What's Better, Angled or Vertical Foregrip?
An angled foregrip creates a more natural angle for supporting your AR-15. The low-profile of this accessory is also an advantage.
A vertical foregrip can be heavier and stick out from your build, but it’s easy to use and will keep your hand away from the barrel that can get hot.
Are Angled Foregrips Legal on AR Pistols?
You can legally add an angled foregrip to an AR pistol. If you decide to upgrade an AR pistol with a vertical grip, you will have to register it as an “any other weapon” first.
How to Hold an Angled Foregrip
Your index finger should rest against the flat portion of the angled foregrip, and your other finger should wrap around the angled portion.
How to Use an Angled Foregrip
An angled foregrip allows you to adopt a more natural posture when holding your AR-15. All you have to do is press your hand against the angled foregrip as if you were supporting your rifle by its handguard. The triangular shape of the angled foregrip will guide your hand.