AR Build, Grip and Trigger Guard

Grip

The grip may be one of the more misunderstood parts of the AR. There are dozens of grips available, but what do they mean, and will you automatically be a bad-ass just because you spent an extra $30 on your build?

Grips serve two functions. The first is ergonomics, or control of the weapon. The grip has to fit your hand comfortably. The second is usability. Some grips include storage compartments or other features.

Here is my take on grips. Your AR is a tool, not an accessory. Make it work for you. The problem with commercially available grips is that they may or may not fit your hand. You have to consider width, depth, and contour. You need to be able to engage your weapon without thinking about rearranging your paw on the grip. For this reason, I have always taped my grips. Above is a picture of my grip taped up with "digital camo" patterned duct tape. Duct tape is a great choice for overall use, although it will deconstruct in hot climates, and turn brittle in extreme cold. Given my temperate location, a taped grip is far superior to a purchased grip. I am able to place the tape in exactly the right places to fit the contours of my own hand - it is truly a custom fit. Another benefit of tape is that if I have to wear gloves in the winter, it is no problem to change the tape to accommodate the new dynamic. Your AR is a tool; make it work for you.

However there are two good reasons to purchase an aftermarket grip. The first is the climate issue. I do not recommend using tape in desert environments. Extreme heat will cause the tape to melt. Alternatively, you could use boiler tape designed for high-temp environments, but I have found this tape to be a bit stiff for grip applications. Extreme cold will also affect tape, so you Northerners might want an aftermarket grip.

The second reason for an aftermarket grip is the availability of storage compartments in the bottom of the grip. This is actually a HUGE advantage for the wilderness weapon. My recommendation is that you purchase a grip with a storage compartment and promptly stock it with a few water purification tablets. This could very well save your life. Imagine being out in the woods, fending off zombies and cannibals, looking for some post-nuclear holocaust abomination mutant squirrel for dinner, and you trip and fall. Your gear is ripped off by a sharp rock, and hurtles over a cliff into a raging river. The laughing fates snap your ankle, and there you are, four miles from camp over rough terrain with just your rifle. Fever sets in, as your body fights to survive. Sweat drips from your brow, and a terrible thirst overpowers you. You find a small stream of water and quench your thirst in long, lusty gulps. Three agonizing days later you die of dysentery. Ok, maybe that is far fetched, but it is the same principle as a condom. I would rather have one and not need it than need one and not have it.

Trigger Guard

 There are two types of trigger guards available: regular, straight trigger guards, or slightly convex or "bowed" trigger guards.

As the picture above demonstrates, the convex style has more finger room. Your choice here is based upon a few different factors. The size of your fingers, obviously, whether you wear gloves, etc. If you live in a colder climate, I highly recommend the convex guard. On the other hand, I have had my gloves get caught between the bowed guard and the trigger before. For my personal build I am sticking with the straight guard. It works, and my hand fits fine, even gloved.

The grip and trigger guard are determining factors in whether you can engage your weapon rapidly, accurately, and comfortably. Choose wisely.