Whether they are setting up their very first AR-15 build, or are an experienced firearms owner with hours upon hours at the range, most end-users of the AR-15 weapon platform will agree that the accuracy of the rifle is paramount to overall performance. While improving weapon accuracy based solely on the addition of a singular product is relatively subjective to the end-user, an entire industry has been built around products designed for this express purpose. There are many AR 15 accessories that are marketed with the idea that adding them to the firearm will increase accuracy for the end-user straight out of the box, specifically in the category of vertical foregrips and handstops. With the variety of options available to the end user, there are many factors to consider when looking at foregrips for an AR-15. As more companies bring their own innovative solutions to market, it can be difficult to determine what features to focus on that will be applicable to shooting performance.
The Foundation Of The Foregrip
First, it’s important to take a look at what exactly makes up an AR-15 foregrip, as not every control accessory available fits this definition. Forward grips aid in the maneuverability of the firearm, since the natural angle of a person's outstretched hand is more oriented to grasping objects at a vertical angle, rather than a horizontal one perpendicular to the body. Typically, the off-hand method of shooting involves standing/kneeling while using the non-firing hand to support the weight of the rifle for more accurate shot attempts. The use of an off hand accessory to assist the user with controlling recoil has been around for quite some time, however the use of foregrips on the civilian market wasn’t popularized until after the GWOT saw militaries of the world begin to standardize their use. As the rifle platform has continued to evolve since then, so too have the styles of foregrip that can be attached. These have taken on many iterations over the years, from the original “broom handle” appearance that was popular in military use, to what now encompasses a broad array of foregrips in different angles, sizes, weights, and attachment methods.
The Balance Between Angled and Vertical Grips
The RailScales designed Anchor AR-15 foregrip for MLOK and Keymod is a balanced mixture of both an angled and vertical grip combined into one product. It uses their patented COG system that allows for attachment to both MLOK and Keymod rail systems, and has a reversible design allowing for either a 70º or 90º angled attachment to the rail to allow for multiple shooting positions. Machined out of 6061 aluminum, and enhanced with multiple lightening cuts throughout, the Anchor is both durable and lightweight, coming in at only 1.7 oz, which allows for much more material strength over similarly weighted polymer offerings on the market. Both “grip” faces of the Anchor have the Honeycomb texture, popular on their namesake RailScales panels, which adds additional grip purchase in harsh shooting conditions.
The Anchor by RailScales - Increase Your Accuracy
While the improving accuracy of the AR-15 weapon platform is dependent on a number of factors, which proper shooting mechanics play an integral role in, most modern shooters opt to have some form of control accessory to help manage recoil and accuracy. After taking an objective look at how adding a vertical forward grip or handstop to the AR-15 MLOK rail can help with accuracy, independent of subjective factors such as shooting experience and mechanics, it becomes clear that utilizing an AR-15 foregrip like the Anchor by RailScales can help a proficient shooter become more accurate.
