AR-15 Replacement Pistol Grips: We Like Magpul, Tapco

We examined a quartet of products from Command Arms, Ergo Grip, Magpul, and Tapco. We liked the versatility of the Magpul and tactical ergonomics of the Tapco SAW-style grip.

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This month, Gun Tests continues its ongoing series of AR-15 accessories, looking at one of the first items gun owners look to replace after purchase: the OEM version pistol grip. The handle supplied as standard equipment by most gun manufacturers is an undersized, hollow piece of hard plastic that affords little in handling, comfort, or utility. We looked at four contenders who offered their versions to improve on this design. All of them succeeded in besting that lower standard, but we set our sights much higher in identifying the best of the bunch.

AR15 Polymer Grip

The AR-15 is an extremely versatile shooting platform, varying from short-barreled close quarter defense models, to long-barreled target and varmint rifles. These configurations radically change the weight, balance, and ergonomics required for each application. This is becoming even more complex as new technology is employed in its use.

We now have red dot, holographic, laser, illuminated reticle, and night vision sights. Lights with Xenon and LED technology, some now featuring strobe capabilities, are all being mounted on the AR, and thats just in the civilian market. All of this new gadgetry has couple of things in common: A need for spare parts and power. So now we not only need proper ergonomics to balance and handle our guns, but to also to act as storage areas for all our batteries and other spares. Oh, and it should look really cool too.

With these parameters in mind we began to evaluate our four contenders for grip supremacy. We took two pistol grips that were of the one-piece variety from Ergo Grip and Tapco, and compared them to modular designs from Command Arms and Magpul. We found some strengths and weaknesses in all them, and the way in which you utilize your weapon could directly affect your buying decision.

Our test products included the Command Arms UPG16, $40, a modular unit that came with three front and three rear grip panels. Next was the Ergo Grip AR15/M16 Grip Kit Suregrip 4005SBK, $24, which comes with an overmolded rubber hide. Next up was the Magpul MIAD Basic Grip, $36, or Full Grip, $46, with Accessory Grip Cores, $15. The MIAD is an acronym for “Mission Adaptable” and features accessories for specific uses. Last was the Tapco SAW-Style Grip No. STK09201, $20, part of Tapcos Fusion Series of AR15 furniture.

How We Tested

We un-bagged and un-packaged our grips, making note of the contents contained in each. Immediately upon unpacking, each item was reviewed for its overall appearance. We looked carefully for any flaws in their construction, also scrutinizing the cosmetics, fit, finish, and overall build quality. All mounting hardware was examined and assembly directions read (where available). We then set about installing them on each of two platform guns, a tactical version and a barrel-heavy varminter.

A brief note to anyone attempting to replace their ARs pistol grip: there is a small hole in each grip that houses a spring. This spring puts pressure on a detent pin that holds the safety/fire switch in place. If youre not careful, this spring can fly out when the grip is removed, and the pin can fall out. Then you end up an all fours, looking around with a flashlight for these miniscule parts, while your wife and dog look on with amusement. Make sure you pay attention to the positioning of the detent pin and spring, both when installing and uninstalling the pistol grip.

Once mounted, the grips were tested for tactile feel, mobility, and comfort. Storage compartments, grip panels, and other movable (or removable) parts were then cycled through their functions to ascertain possible failure points or design flaws. We then ran each grip through a series of movements intended to coax some sort of mechanical failure from our candidates, whether it was storage compartments that failed to stay fastened, or a grip becoming slick after it became wet.

Afterward, our test results and the general comments of our Gun Tests critics were combined for ranking and recommendations. The compilation of our findings and subsequent Report Cards are as follows:

Command Arms UPG16, $40

Our Command Arms Grip was nicely tucked into a resealable plastic bag. This proved to be handy, as the UPG16 is a modular design, featuring three front and rear grip panels respectively. On the bottom of the grip is a removable snap-fit plastic piece that allows access to the interior of the grip for storage. It comes available in black, olive drab, and dark earth colors.

The UPG16 is a mixture of plastic and rubber molding. The grip body itself has a skeletonized look when devoid of any grips, making it lightweight, but also makes us worry about its sturdiness. The grip panels are rubber molded, and snap into place in the upper and lower areas of the grip. Plastic pins are provided to anchor your choices in grip panels. There were untrimmed edges of rubber flashing on samples, but none prevented us from mounting the panels into the grip.

We assembled all the grip panels supplied, and found the enhanced finger groove panel to be our favorite. The palm swell panels proved to be pretty evenly divided, depending on how ham-fisted our tester might be.

All of the panels suffered from same malady due to their design. Because the rubber panels snap into the frame, there was seam that existed which flexed under pressure and occasionally became a pinch point, even when pinned in place. This became particularly noticeable in action drills.

The bottom plug of the UPG16 snapped easily out of place to reveal storage for batteries, bulbs, or even a spare firing pin. No foam insulation or other packing was provided to prevent those items from rattling.

Ergo Grip AR15/M16 Grip Kit

Suregrip 4005SBK, $24

This grip features an “overmolded rubber hide that somewhat resembles the consistency of a pencil eraser.” That description came straight from the Ergo Grips literature and is the best description weve found to describe the tacky feel and surface texture. It is supplied in black, coyote brown, dark earth, foliage green, and OD green.

We had experience with the Ergo Grip in other gun tests, with mixed results. In our October 2007 review of AR-15 defense guns, we found versions of this grip on two our rifles. We really liked its feel on the compact, retractable-stock rifles, but were ready to glue an ill-fitting tethered storage cap shut by the end of the test.

We found ourselves with an Ergo Grip in hand when we tested AR-15 varmint rifles in June 2008. The 24-inch bull-barreled Stag Arms overwhelmed the smallish frame of this grip. This is still the case, but Ergo does offer a Tactical Grip with a heavier frame that may work better. Despite these shortcomings, there was a lot to like about the texture and feel of the grip. Our test models end cap also had a better fit than our previous versions, but its short tether limited our access to the storage compartment. It did, however, prevent us from misplacing it.

Ergo also supplies a notched piece of rubber that fit over a portion of the trigger guard. It has been patented as The Gapper, and purports to fill the void between the grip and trigger guard. It supposedly cushions your knuckles, and prevents debris from entering in this open space. We did not discern an appreciable difference between it and the extended flange present on other grips, but it makes great promotional material.

We also noticed that Ergo may have recognized some its own shortcomings, as the company is now advertising an improved lanyard and tether design for 2008. Our product apparently was left over from 2007.

Magpul MIAD Basic, $36/Full, $46

Accessory Grip Cores, $15

We next turned our attention to Magpuls MIAD grip. True to its military heritage, MIAD is an acronym for “Mission Adaptable” and features accessories for specific uses. Like the Command Arms UPG16, the MIAD is a modular design, but is significantly different in its concept and design execution. It comes available in black, dark earth, foliage and od green. It also was the most expensive grip we tested

For $36, you can buy the Basic package, which includes three backstrap sizes and two front panels. For an extra $10, you get the Full Kit, which includes two additional front panels, one of which functions as an enhanced trigger guard. They are also available in the three popular colors. A mounting screw with applied thread locker and roll pins are included in both kits.

The MIAD uses a hard polymer compound for all its grip components, giving up some cushioning for durability in the process. It uses a stippled finish on the sides and back straps of the grip to provide traction. We were initially concerned that this finish might be too abrasive, but it did not prove to be in field use.

The back straps come in three sizes, with one of them leaving off the enhanced curvature between the thumb and trigger finger. Their locking method differs substantially from the Command Arms approach. The back straps slide down a grooved track along the length of the grip to snap firmly in place. We found this method very secure, but Magpul includes a roll pin if you wish to really lock it down.

The front panels utilize the same grooved method, but without a snap fit because of the interface with the rifle. Here a series of horizontal grooves instead of stippling help the user hold it tight. Raised finger grooves come in options of none, one, or two depending on the grip selected. This is where we believe an extra ten bucks buys some real value. We particularly liked the extra front panel that doubles as an enhanced trigger guard. This allows a gloved finger access to an otherwise small space, and the polymer used affords enough strength to resist some substantial abuse.

The core of the grip is also substantially different than the all the others tested. The basic core is designed to handle three additional rounds and firmly locks into place. For $15 the operator can buy one of three optional cores for AA and AAA batteries, CR123A batteries, or a spare bolt and firing pin. The battery cores feature waterproof caps. The AA/AAA core is even reversible with “spent” marked on one side to keep track of good and bad batteries. This system greatly reduces unwanted rattles as well.

We found the overall performance of the system both efficient and effective.

TAPCO Saw Style Grip

No. STK09201, $20

This entry into the fray is part of Tapcos Fusion Series of AR15 furniture. They feature a group of like-designed products to coordinate the look of your rifle. All of the components are molded of a hard polymer material, and are available in three colors, the ever familiar black, OD green, and dark earth. We looked at the black model.

This grip is said to be inspired by the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Indeed, this product has a more angled profile than the other pistol grips we tested, along with an increased width and an exaggerated swell along the bottom of the grip.

The Tapco version also uses a simple but effective set of horizontal ribs that run down the length of the grip that provide additional surface. It also has a small flange that extends out to cover a portion of the trigger guard. The Tapco Saw Style Grip also features a trapdoor instead of a removable cap. It swings well out of the way to expose an ample but empty storage area. It is held in place with a wire form not unlike a bent paper clip. It is a simple, effective way of holding it in place. Batteries or spare parts will need to be cushioned by the end-user with foam or other packing materials to be stowed silently.

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1108-Command-Arms-UPG16.pdf

1108-Falcon-Industries-ERGO.pdf

1108-Magpul-MIAD-Mission-Adaptable.pdf

1108-TAPCO-SAW-Style-Pistol.pdf

1108-RIFLE-ACCESSORIES-REPORT.pdf

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