Angled Vs. Vertical Foregrip, Which Is Better?

For most shooters, an angled or vertical foregrip can greatly enhance the ergonomics and maneuverability of a rifle. Selecting a foregrip is partially a matter of preference but each type yields distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Why Use A Foregrip At All? 

While there are several popular techniques for running a long gun, most involve a tight seal between the buttstock and the pocket of the shoulder with the support hand gripping the handguard in a variation of the c-clamp. 

The purpose of a foregrip is to provide a consistent tactile indicator for the optimal position of the support hand while providing additional surface area that is easier to grip. As such, the foregrip is typically attached where it is most comfortable for each shooter.

Types Of Foregrips

The two main types of rifle foregrips are angled and vertical. By far the most common, vertical foregrips are rectangular or pineapple-shaped accessories that mount perpendicular to the bottom Picatinny / M-LOK rail. Vertical foregrips attach in much the same way but are usually slimmer and angled toward the shooter.

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Vertical Foregrips

For maximum stability, vertical foregrips are the obvious choice. They are robust and often include aggressive texturing that aids in manipulating the firearm. But that increased control comes at a cost. 

Vertical foregrips take up more space and are somewhat less intuitive, as many new shooters tend to grip them as a toddler would grip a crayon - negating any benefit the foregrip has. 

Angled Foregrips

On the other hand, angled foregrips are more streamlined and fit naturally into the palm of the support hand. This translates to greater maneuverability which is useful for CQB. 

Less material to grip also means less stability than would be possible with a chunkier vertical foregrip. Also, many angled foregrips available on the market are machined from aluminum, which is not as comfortable or grippy as the polymer typically found with vertical foregrips.

Which Is Better, Vertical Or Angled?

The ideal foregrip varies for each firearm and its user. A large individual running an AR-15 with an 18” barrel may opt for a vertical foregrip, like the Bravo Company Gunfighter. 

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A smaller individual running a more compact carbine might choose something more streamlined, such as the UTG Leapers Ultra Slim Angled Foregrip. 

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Additionally, consider the role of the firearm. Is it for home defense, competition, etc.? The context in which it will be deployed can also determine which type of foregrip might be most appropriate (i.e., vertical for a patrol rifle and angled for a lightweight competition gun.)

Selecting The Right Foregrip

The best option for you will blend comfort, shootability, and ease of use given your unique circumstances. Now, maybe you prefer vertical over angled - but you may also find that you prefer a different foregrip for different applications.

Try each kind of foregrip before settling on the one that is right for your setup. Fortunately, there are many great options available right here!

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