Best AR-15 Pistol Grips – 2020 Picks

A pistol grip is an important addition to any AR-15 setup. But because it tends not to have a “direct” impact on the performance of the gun itself, it is often overlooked.

In this article, we’ll show you why you shouldn’t overlook this feature anymore, and why a pistol grip can have a big impact on the usability and even on the performance of your AR-15.

We’ll start with a general outline of the basics, and then jump into the best products available on the market.

Comparison of the Best AR-15 Pistol Grips

Are All AR-15 Pistol Grips The Same?

Simply put, no, there are a wide array of features and applications that differentiate pistol grips from one another.

At its basic level, a pistol grip is to place your hand in a position so that it faces forward when you’re holding the gun. All pistol grips share this common purpose of ergonomic design, but many features differ in the comfort, durability, functionality, and usability of the grip. For most people, comfort might be the primary consideration!

Below, we’ll go over some common areas where you can expect differentiation within grips.

How Do I Choose an AR-15 Pistol Grip?

Many features differentiate one grip from another. There are so many options available on the market that you might get a little overwhelmed. It often helps to make your decision based on a variety of factors, and these are some good ones to consider:

Grip Quality

The quality of the grip is primarily determined by the materials used to make it. These materials also play an important role in the overall feel of the grip. A quality grip will last longer, but will also feel more secure and comfortable to use.

Quality grips are generally made of materials such as polymers, rubbers, aluminum, or hardened fiberglass, but you’ll see many options in our list below.

Comfort

Perhaps the most important factor in a proper grip is how it feels in your hand. Of course, everyone’s hand is different, so we can’t tell you exactly what will feel best.

For many, the most important factor is the angle of the grip. The angle of the grip determines how you will rest your hand, and a lot of the comfort will depend on your shooting stance.

The size of the grip also plays a large role in grip comfort and will be primarily influenced by the size of your hand.

Grips are often finished with textured patterns, which help you to maintain your grip even in wet or sweaty conditions. They might even have palm grooves or finger indents.

Another factor is how the grip positions your hand in relation to the trigger. You want it to be as natural as possible, and it might require testing the grip to know for sure.

Finally, the material used to make the grip makes a large difference in comfort. Generally, a grip will either have a hard finish or a rubberized finish (which is a bit softer) and your ideal material will depend on your preferences.

Other

Grips might also have extra functionality. For example, some grips contain handy storage compartments! Read through our list to learn more about these neat features, and to decide which grip is best for you.

Review of the Best AR-15 Pistol Grips

Now that we’ve examined the basics of AR-15 pistol grips, let’s look at the top choices on the market. We’ve divided our choices into categories so that you may choose the ideal grip based on your preferences:

Perks of Getting a New AR-15 Pistol Grip

Getting a new accessory is exciting, but there are several other ways that a new pistol grip can benefit you. Let’s check them out here

Might Correct Shooting Form

A proper pistol grip is designed to work with your shooting form to make shooting easier and more comfortable, and even correct it to some degree. If you’re familiar with your ideal hand placement, grip size, and how you like to hold a pistol grip, then you can buy a grip to your exact specifications, which will make shooting quite a bit more intuitive.

Prevents Fatigue

If your hand is placed in a comfortable spot, and the grip is properly angled to work with your ideal hand placement, then you will find that you get much less fatigued throughout the day. Your hand isn’t fighting the grip, which means that you’ll be more comfortable and be able to handle extended usage with ease.

Extra Comfort

And of course, the major benefit of a new pistol grip, comfort! There are so many options when it comes to grip, and all tout different comfortable features such as textures, softness, angle, sizes, and more! You can buy the perfect grip that feels comfortable in your hand.

Different Kinds of AR-15 Pistol Grips

As you’ve seen from our buyer’s guide, pistol grips differentiate in many different ways. Here are the main areas in which they differ:

Materials

The first major differentiating factor is the material the grip is made of. Grips are mostly made from polymers, rubbers, or aluminum. As we examined above, these make pretty noticeable differences in the feel of the grip, the weight, and the durability. Sometimes, it’s just about how it feels in your hand that decides which grip is your favorite.

Grooves and Contours

Different grips are also defined by how they are molded and designed. As we checked out above, grips are differently grooved and contoured for maximum comfort. They also have different textures and patterns to help with grip in slippery conditions. A lot of this will come down to personal preference. Sometimes, you need to try a few grips to get a feel for them.

Skeleton vs Traditional

Although there are no official categories of grips, they can be roughly divided into a skeleton and traditional. Skeleton grips are designed to use highly durable materials, without adding too much weight to the grip. They tend to be more expensive than traditional grips, but you do tend to get a much more solid grip.

Comparison Overview

Hogue AR Stock vs Magpul

Hogue and Magpul are two popular brands that make AR grips. Both brands are highly regarded, and make a diverse array of grips for you to choose from. It’s hard to say which is better, as the differences depend on your personal preferences. We examined a product from both brands above, and we’d highly recommend either one.

AR-15 Vertical Grip vs Angled Grip

Believe it or not, some shooters actually prefer a vertical grip for their AR. The difference between vertical and angle primarily comes down to how you shoot. You want the grip to work with your shooting form. You need to figure out how you are most comfortable holding the grip and buy one that fits your style. There are all sorts of different angles to choose from.

Pistol Grip vs Rifle Grip

Grips can be suited for all sorts of different weapons. Many will use pistol grips on their rifles to make shooting more comfortable and intuitive. Most of the grips you find will fall into the category of “pistol grip”, and there isn’t a dedicated category of “rifle grip”. Although, many will use pistols grips on their rifle.

How to Install a Pistol Grip on AR-15

Installing a pistol grip on an AR-15 usually isn’t very complicated. Of course, it will depend on the exact grip you buy, and your AR set up. So take these factors into account, and use an instruction manual if you have one. That being said, here is a general guide, and you can refer to the video below for even more info.

You’ll likely need an Allen Wrench or long screw driver for this task.

1. Lay receiver upside down on work table.
   
   
2. Place safety detent spring in a compartment on top of the receiver of AR-15.
   
   
3. Place grip into position in its designated spot behind the trigger on your receiver, ensuring that safety detent spring slides into place on the top of the pistol grip.
   
   
4. Use a screw to screw the pistol grip into the receiver.

Quite simple! It’s not a difficult process, but it does require precision.

Conclusion

Thanks very much for reading our guide to AR pistol grips. An often-overlooked accessory, a pistol grip makes such a difference in how a gun feels to old, and can make a noticeable difference in your shooting as well. We gave our top pistol grips in our list above, but the most important thing is to choose a grip that you are comfortable with.

People Also Ask

Before we wrap up, let’s check out the most commonly asked questions about pistol grips:

Can I Put an Angled Foregrip on an AR Pistol?

Vertical foregrips are illegal in the USA for AR-15s. However, vertical foregrips are generally deemed as 90-degree grips. On the other hand, angled foregrips are generally legal. It is often difficult to tell, as the laws are murky at best. You should be fine with most angled grips, but it doesn’t hurt to check your local laws.

Does a Pistol Grip Improve Accuracy?

It depends on the person, but if you buy a proper grip, it definitely can improve your accuracy. A proper pistol grip can make the gun more comfortable to hold, and also align more properly with your ideal shooting form and hand placement, which can improve your accuracy.

Is it Legal to Put a Handstop on an AR Pistol?

It depends, it is illegal to put a vertical handstop on an AR, but most angled hand stops are legal. As we examined in the question above, it doesn’t hurt to check your local laws.

What Does MOE Stand For AR-15?

It stands for Magpul Original Equipment, which is a popular brand that makes AR-15 grips.

Will Airsoft Pistol Grips Work on an AR-15?

Sometimes, it depends on what you mean by “airsoft” pistol grips. Some airsoft guns use AR-15 grips. So long as the grip is designed to fit into the receiver of an AR-15, it will work.

Are You Allowed Pistol Grips on AR- 15 9mm Pistols?

In most places in the USA, yes. But, as you saw above, there are specific rules which apply to California.

Are HellFire AR-15 Pistol Grips Now Banned?

It depends where you are. In many places, Hellfire triggers are not banned, although there has been a lot of talk about banning them soon.

Will AR-15 Pistol Grips Fit DPMS 308 Panther?

Yes, the DPMS 308 Panther is compatible with the AR-15.