In the modern sports shooting world, an AR-15 almost seems incomplete without a foregrip installed. Whether in the vertical forward grip, angled grip, or handstop configuration, the use of a control accessory to help stabilize the shooting position and lessen recoil has become the norm. With the increased demand for such products, coupled with a surge in new firearm owners entering the market, it’s little surprise that manufacturers in the industry are introducing new products to accommodate this. Taking a look back at the origin of the foregrip for an AR-15, and how it evolved from the makeshift control devices of the late ’80s and early ’90s to one of the more popular accessories that can be obtained for a modern weapon, can give some insight into what shooters desire from such a product.
The AR-15 Vertical Grip - Pivotal In History
The origins of the vertical forward grip can be difficult to pin down, as those in the military have been creating makeshift control accessories by hand dating all the way back to WWII, and possibly even earlier. It wasn’t until 1995 when Knights Armament introduced its vertical grip that there was an official, nationalized part for use by those in the military. During the Global War on Terror (GWOT), military units in the US were issued Colt M16 and M4 rifles with vertical grips already attached for ease of use. These simple control accessories helped keep the weapon on target during a sustained fire situation in battle and additionally helped to shoulder the rifle more easily for use with the heavy body armor that was in use at the time. As the military has continued to modernize its armaments, body armor has become lighter and more user-friendly in the years since the vertical and angled grip still continue to play an important role for those deployed in combat.
The Introduction Of New AR Accessories
Following the end of the Assault Weapons Ban in the United States in 2004, civilians were allowed to own firearms that had formally been designated for military use only. This opened up entirely new market space for recreational shooters, and many manufacturers in the industry began to pivot to accommodate the increased demand for new accessories. The influx of new firearms owners in the civilian space not only drove demand for functional, easy-to-use accessories but also allowed for entirely new manufacturers and products to create their own solutions without needing the reassurance of a military contract. Around 2010, MagPul released their polymer Angled ForeGrip, or AFG, for the AR-15 platform as a low-profile and lightweight solution for a control device. In the roughly decade since its release, other competitors have come to market with their own unique solutions to the foregrip, one of which is RailScales.
The vertical forward grip and angled grip were already established products by the time RailScales opened its doors in 2014, however it wasn’t long before they released a core of control accessories to compliment their namesake AR-15 rail panels. First releasing the S3 Handstop, which would evolve into their popular Karve bi-directional stop, RailScales emphasized quality US manufacturing with a functional design and unique aesthetic appeal. RailScales would go on to create the LDAG VFG, for Picatinny style rails, which offered an offset 90º vertical face opposite a more relaxed 70º angled face for the end-user to have maximum maneuverability and function in a compact and lightweight package. The Keymod/MLOK variant of the LDAG, called the Anchor, continued to set itself apart from competitors by being made of durable and lightweight aluminum, and including RailScales patented Honeycomb texture for a non-slip grip.
RailScales - Forever At The Forefront
RailScales has continued to engineer and develop new items in the control accessory space such as the RSB, RSB/M, and even a polymer version of their popular handstop, the Karve-P. As the industry continues to evolve, and the needs of the consumer market shift into future products, it’s a safe bet companies like RailScales will continue to bring new and innovative ar 15 accessories to market for customers to enjoy.
The RailScales RSBM-P vertical grip for MLOK is made from glass-filled nylon, which is a lightweight and durable material that has proven to be an excellent alternative to aluminum. Despite being made from a different material than its aluminum-made predecessor, the RSBM-P still meets the high standards set by the original RSB in terms of strength, durability, and performance.
The glass-filled nylon material used in the RSBM-P grip is engineered to withstand the rigors of regular use, including high levels of impact and stress. This means that the grip can be used in a variety of challenging environments without compromising on its performance or durability. Despite being made from glass-filled nylon, the RSBM-P still maintains the same textured surface and ergonomic design as the original RSB grip, providing users with the same level of control and stability. Additionally, the use of this polymer compound helps to reduce the overall weight of the grip, making it even more comfortable to use for extended periods of time. For those looking for a great alternative to anodized aluminum parts, the RSBM-P is an excellent cost-saving alternative.
The RailScales RSBM-P vertical grip for MLOK is a reliable and high-performance AR-15 foregrip option for those looking for a lightweight and durable grip.
