How to Buy an AR15 Pistol Grip

All modern AR15 rifles come with a few features you can expect, like a stock and a handguard. While it is common to swap out one or both of these parts after purchasing a new rifle, many people overlook the AR15 Pistol Grip when making upgrades, as they assume it is a fairly standard component across all AR15 rifles. However, the pistol grip is one of the most important aspects of your rifle when it comes to stability and accuracy. An AR 15 pistol grip is what you hold on to when shouldering the rifle, giving you complete control over how you brace it, hold it, and aim it. While most factory pistol grips are pretty standard and don't have any special characteristics, aftermarket AR15 pistol grips come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, letting you get an option that is perfectly tuned to your needs. If you're looking for inspiration on what you should upgrade next on your favorite AR 15, here is everything you should know about pistol grips.

What Are the Different Types of AR15 Pistol Grips?

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing an AR15 pistol grip, so the choice can seem daunting at first. One of the most common types you'll find from a lot of manufacturers is a molded grip with finger grooves. like those made by Hogue. This style gives each of your fingers a comfortable place to rest on the pistol grip so that you can grip it tightly in your hand and keep the firearm steady. This is is a pretty standard design for AR15 pistol grips that you may even see on your factory rifle, depending on the manufacturer, and it is a reliable option for most shooters. For people with bigger hands, a similar option is a pistol grip with a large beaver tail on the end. This is an extension of the grip that goes over the space between your thumb and pointer finger and helps you brace upward on the firearm, giving you even more control and making the grip more comfortable.

Aside from the standard option, there are also plenty of tactical varieties of AR15 pistol grips that serve unique purposes. One example of this is the JE Machine Tech Sniper Grip with Base Stand. This pistol grip is designed for long-range rifles and shooting from a position with a solid surface beneath the rifle. The base stand braces against the ground in a prone position or a table from a sitting position, helping you keep the firearm as steady as possible while you line up a long shot.

If you're looking for something that is unique and has other benefits, you should check out skeletonized AR15 pistol grips. The term "skeletonized" is often used with a wide variety of AR15 parts and refers to components where the manufacturer has cut out unnecessary material in the design to leave open holes that go through the components. This gives each part the look of a bare skeleton and can significantly reduce the overall weight of your firearm. Skeletonized parts, and specifically AR15 pistol grips, are often made out of lightweight aluminum to maximize durability using as little material as possible. Even though most AR pistol grips are made from polymer and rubber, taking large chunks out of these materials can ruin their structural integrity. However, aluminum can easily hold up with a lattice-style framework like this, making your pistol grip both robust and lightweight. Plus, these types of pistol grips are usually available in a variety of colors, letting you customize the exact look of your rifle.

What Is the Best Pistol Grip for an AR 15?

The best pistol grip depends on your exact rifle setup and how you plan to use the firearm. For most shooters, one of the most popular and useful AR15 pistol grips is the Magpul MOE line of grips. These AR grips are made from tough polymer and have rubber overmolding wrapped around them so that you can keep your hand gripped along the sides even in poor outdoor conditions. They tend to have more vertical grip angles than other common AR15 pistol grips, giving you a comfortable, well-rounded platform for shooting. They're also functional and slightly customizable, with the MOE-K2+ working just as well with AR10-platform rifles and giving you the option to replace the included grip cap with a storage canister. This lets you store small items and supplies inside the grip where you have easy access to them while you're out in the field. 

While Magpul pistol grips are popular and reliable, they still might not be the best option for you. When trying to decide what you need, start by considering whether you want aesthetics or function. For example, if you only want to take your rifle to the range and shoot occasionally, you don't exactly need a high-end AR15 pistol grip that is specifically designed to cater to long-range shooting, close-quarters engagements, or another niche type of shooting. Instead, you can get a pistol grip that you like the look of, such as a different color or a certain style. On the other hand, if you are trying to improve the performance of your rifle for a shooting competition, you should prioritize the grip texture, shape, and features of an AR15 pistol grip so that you get one that helps you score as high as possible.

Check Out Our AR 15 Pistol Grips Today!

Here at OpticsPlanet, we strive to have all the gear, components, and supplies you need for your adventures and projects. We have a ton of AR15 Lower Parts to help you complete your next build, as well as plenty of ammo to help you train with your firearm once you finish outfitting it with new parts. And, if you're looking to significantly improve your accuracy, check out our huge selection of rifle scopes and red dot sights!