[ARCHIVED THREAD] - AFG user, post feedback here! (Page 1 of 7)
Posted: 12/17/2009 8:47:12 AM EDT
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Alright Fellas. I just received confrimation that all sample AFG's were shipped yesterday. Most of you should receive them by Friday with some of the local guys taking delivery today. PO box address will arrive Sat or Mon.
Per the instructions in the original thread Here please let us know what you think of the AFG in this thread. Pics would be great. I don't expect guys to instantly dump info. Post in here that you have received the package and give yourself a chance to make it to the range and try it out. If you can't make it to the range try some dry drills in your man space. All comments are welcome good, bad or ugly. Thanks guys. 
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Alright so I can't find my camera, so pics will have to wait.
BUILD: Magpul knows what they're doing, especially when it comes to polymer. This product is no different from the rest. Nowhere does it feel weak, cheap, or like its going to break. The supplied hardware is just as rugged. The only thing I don't like about the way this thing is put together is, well, the way its put together. I'd prefer a one-piece design, but I can understand how that'd be difficult with a device like this if you wanted to provide any level of customizability (is that a word?). But by no means do I think that brings the caliber of this product down at all. When it is completely assembled, it definitely feels like one piece. Very solid. COMFORT: The first thing I did was put this on the end of my 13.2" LaRue rail, with the default finger nub on there. It didn't feel right at all. Something just wasn't comfortable, I thought maybe it was the extreme distance coupled with the finger nub. I dragged it in a bit closer on my rail and it seemed to alleviate some of the discomfort from the finger nub, but now I felt as if I didn't have the same amount of control as I did when it was further out. I took it off and flipped the finger nub over so that it was higher up (closer to the vertex of the angle), and I put the AFG back where it was. This helped some with the discomfort but I still felt like I lost just as much control of the weapon. I moved it back to the end of the rail again and the discomfort came back; I could feel the nub digging into my knuckle. So at this point I decided that the finger nub insert just wasn't for me, and I went for it with the flat insert. This was perfect. I could leave it at the far end of the rail, maintain total control, and experienced no discomfort. The comfort level of this thing is definitely user defined (obviously, otherwise there wouldn't be any customizability or hell, even this T&E program), and will take plenty of messing around to find out exactly what is right for you. I also feel like theres a huge possibility that many people just plain wont be able to find a setup that is "just right" for them. With only two (technically three) different setups and a limitation in rail space, theres a good chance you might not be able to put this device where it really works for you. USE: This is where my review is going to have to come to a halt for now. Besides running around my house playing cops and robbers, I don't have a chance for any real range time until later this week. Expect more! |
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tag for review
ETA: Ok, got mine in the mail today and the AFG is another home run by Magpul. The build quality is the same that we have all expected from them (excellent). I have never used a VFG or handstop before because they always felt awkward; I have always held the rifle the "old" way and the AFG is exactly what I have been looking for. Much more ergonomic and just feels "right." I'm glad you guys didnt just produce a standard VFG like everyone had been asking for 
Cant wait to get it out to the range. |
I will shoot this in the morning. One thing I noticed was in order to not have my thumb resting on the gas block, I had to pull it so far back that I was chicken-winging. It may be overall LOP issues with my rifle and my arms, but I couldn't find a position where my thumb wasn't on the gas block and my arm felt good.
As an aside, I tried this on a known non-mil-std rail, and it doesn't fit. This rail (I don't remember where I bought it) is so low, almost nothing does. Since the gap isn't there, it isn't compliant, so don't sweat it. 
If anyone thinks I was serious here, they can go to hell. |
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First things first, thanks to Magpul for the opportunity to evaluate the AFG.
So, I received the padded envelope today and promptly set about destroying things. Contents: 
I don't know what the the hell was going on with me, but before looking at the directions or even unscrewing anything, I proceeded to breakout the screwdriver and start prying on the tabs to switch the straight insert in, since I was sure that I would not like the finger shelf insert. Sure enough, I popped one off. Hmmmm... Unscrewed the 2 retaining bolts and it came apart effortlessly. That was where I thought,"Man they did everything they could have to prevent me from breaking it, and I still screwed it up." 
It is really a brilliant design, very clever. 
Blurry shot of attachment area: 
Integration: Previously: 
After switching back and forth, I decided that the finger shelf insert works better for me. When using the straight insert, I felt like the force of my grip was all channeled through my pinkie. The finger shelf insert puts it on my middle finger. You can switch it upside down to change the spacing (another really well thought out feature) so that you have more space below the finger shelf, but I found that it was best for me as it was out of the box. With a carbine length rail, there are limitations. I am already in the position that if I did not have a VFG as a reference, I'd burn myself every time I shoot. I have very long arms, and I much prefer to get my hand further down the barrel, but until I build another upper, I am going to have to deal with a short rail. If I did not have to get my thumb behind the light, I could put the AFG out under the FSB- though I did worry about burning myself if I accidentally set my thumb on it. I wanted to get the AFG as far forward as possible, so that meant getting my light as far forward as possible. I had to switch my light (in LaRue offset mount) so that it runs across the top rail, there was not room for the front of the AFG and the mount on the side rail. I had to flip my 6P in the mount, and pushed it to the very edge of being able to rotate the tail cap. Since it was flipped, I was able to push it out 1 slot off the rail toward the FSB. 
Notice how wide the area at the front is, fits nicely in the hand. 
Already though, I am seeing a benefit: even though I can't run it all the way out under the FSB, I still have a little more real estate thanks to the AFV and the hand stop at the end of it. It doesn't move on the rail, that broken tab has not been a problem, the other 3 and the screws hold things together just fine. 
Up until this point, my whole thought process has been around making it comfortable to actuate my light. And it is. 
But what about general comfort? 
My wrists strain when I shoot my 10/22 because they just do not like the position I have to put them in to get my hand under the front of it. With the VFG on my AR, I was utilizing the thumb break grip anyway- never liked the broom handle grip ("Full Retard"). I immediately noticed the difference in handling the AR with the AFG. It is exactly the right position for maximum comfort and control. Now, I have not fired with it yet, so I will report on heat or any other concerns next week, but I don't need to be shooting to notice the difference in comfort when handling the weapon. As soon as I saw the pics of the AFG, I knew it was the answer I had been waiting for. It has lived up to my expectations so far, the initial difference in comfort is noticeable. Thanks again to Magpul, not only for the chance to try the AFG out, but for all the other well thought out products that enhance my trigger time also. I'll be posting this initial review on several forums to spread the word, and I will follow up after I have a chance to burn through some ammo with it. Now: 
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Okay... I am going to start my review here and break it down into several sections as I can mount it up now, and will not shoot it until after xmas. So, I plan to come back and repost here and bump as needed as I add data.
This review comes from the perspective of an average AR user - not a pro, but not a total novice. I will not read others reviews, so you might find redundant info, but unbiased info. I have done many reviews for many products over the years and will include pros and yes, cons as no product is perfect as I see it. 1. INITIAL THOUGHTS & SETUP: It is pretty light weight. 80 grams total with all bolts and the finger nub installed. Length is about 5.5". Very esthetically pleasing unit no doubt. Now, 2 things that are issues for me right off the bat. 1) I never understood why companies would use 2 different bolt head types, needing 2 tools, on something so simple and small. You have to have a flat head to undo a pretty large center screw to secure to rail, and yet the 2 outlying are hex heads??? Why? And speaking of that, no hex head is included - though you do not need it to install as they are is just used to open the clam shell design and swap out the nub for the flat piece. Now you might think no big deal, but I have a box of hex heads, literally, and none of them fit. I happened to find 1 that fit for an EoTech site. And it has no stamp on it so I have no idea what size it is. SO, I slide it on and spend 5 minutes finding the sweet spot.. and this means, laser mounted on my left side has to go as it is right where my ideal grip will be, but no worries, I can flop it to right side and replace the pigtail to top of rail like they have shown in photos. The middle nub is going to stay for sure.. it fits right in between my fingers. I elected to put this onto a rifle that has a longer YHM Specter rifle length handguard/rail setup versus my shorter carbine length. I have been finding that with this rifle, that longer handgaurd kind of threw off the balance of the rifle for me so I hoped/surmised that using the AFG would allow me to hold out farther on the rifle in a more comfortable position as the placement of the FVG I had on there was good, but not ideal and since it is vertical, it was set farther back for my reach whereas the AFGs angle allows the more biomechanically correct feeling reach for me out farther and feels, just holding tests, a bit more comfortable. So far so good for feel, some of the bolt issues are bothersome and seem odd decisions, but for now... very pleasing to hold, easy to mount and setup. There are plenty of images on the product, so here are just 2 quickies on my rifle. I will have to play with it to get location just right so I grab far enough out and yet feel comfortable, and test actually just holding it as it seems I tend to grab in slightly different ways each time I go to bring up the rifle - sometimes back on the AFG and sometimes farther forward - I suspect that is a placement issue to work out. muscle memory will help that in time when I find the perfect placement. owning it for 2 hours indoors can only do so much. As well, I have smaller hands, so never would fill the entire gripable area anyway. 
I was trying to come up with ways to be able to still actuate my laser with my thumb and initially thought the top rail would be good.. but actually, it was a lot easier of a thumb reach to twist the pigtail switch at an angle between the top and side rail. I can now functionally put my thumb on the top rail for stability as designed and yet, still just move the thumb to actuate the switch. |
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I like it!
Decided to install on my 7.62 due to extended rail length. 10.5" rail on my N6. Overall, install was a snap and it went together like it was supposed to. I am getting flooded right now with all the rain so an actual field test at the range may have to wait till this weekend or later. After doing some drills and orienting my grip, I am initially pleased with this forward grip. I may need some final adjustment regarding my flip front sight. My current mount location of the AFG is a little close but any farther out and i run into the front sight on carry over. Range time will be the true test. With my light mounted right and pressure switch on top rail, this will be my go to for this rifle. These initial photos show the AFG on a N6 but will take some pics of it mounted on a 12" VTAC handguard when I get it to the range. For now I can say with confidence to anyone not sure if this is worth buying or trying, i have another one on order for my n4. MORE TO COME! http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae255/captchris/003.jpg http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae255/captchris/006-1.jpg http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae255/captchris/005.jpg |
The AFG arrived in the mail today. I like what I feel in the product it’s solid. It seems to fit my hand nicely. I just have one major problem.
It’s a good thing the local gun show is this weekend and as usual I’m expecting a plethora of AR parts. As soon as I get a rail a range report will be put up. One last Picture 
It seems like the screws could have been more intuitive. One Flathead and two HEX. However change out of the grip plate will probably happen less than moving the grip or changing the rifle it’s mounted to. It also would be nice to have a space to put a pressure stitch for a light or laser. It seems like this will mount nicely and relive some stress on the wrist when firing. I look forward to trying it out at the range. Another quality MAGPUL Product. Range Report 01/07/10 First off the AFG was great it’s better than I expected at the range. I shot with the gloves on and off. Both times the performance was great. I enjoyed the free grip thanks again for it. The only issue I have with it is will not fit on the rifle with the XTM rail panels. However the Ladder Rails work fine and provide enough grip. The rail covers were the biggest issue I found other than that it’s a fine product and I will use it for years. See full range report at http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=980680 |
WHOS THE KEY GRIP?!..... The AFG is! Buts that only if you understand the theory behind it! Now… We know there is about to be some serious feedback on this thing, But remember if you are throwing this on your gun just because of the way it looks then Your going down the wrong path! If you are not used to shooting this way, please understand that This may not be for you. However Please take in consideration the blood, sweat, and tears that has been put into this Theory Based Product and that if you truly let it manipulate your body mechanics to the natural ergonomics that your body wants that gives you that unfair advantage then you have justified this theory in your own mind and then we all win! What’s the difference between a Theory based product from our other products? Well… take the PMAG For example: The PMAG has been revolutionary in the fact that it has increased weapons performance, reliability And the obvious durability! The PMAG increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Weapon system. Now if you have seen some of our other theory based products like the MS2 Sling, ASAP rear end Plate, and the Battery Assist Device (BAD) their mission is not to increase the performance of the weapon but to increase the performance of the Operator. They are designed to push your abilities to run that gun harder, faster, more accurate, and to work with what your baody does naturally under critical stress, and to work in 98% of the situations and senarios you may find yourself in. Think about the mechanics behind shooting… understand the “why” of what we do,… not just the “How “ and the “What” Once you can grasp that you will fully understand the concept of the Magpul Angled Fore grip. Here is a reminder of the ERONOMICS in action working with body mechanics. 
And remind all your friends to: 
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http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm118/magpuldynamics08/FUNNY%20PICS/DietCoke.jpg WHOS THE KEY GRIP?!..... The AFG is! Buts that only if you understand the theory behind it! Now… We know there is about to be some serious feedback on this thing, But remember if you are throwing this on your gun just because of the way it looks then Your going down the wrong path! If you are not used to shooting this way, please understand that This may not be for you. However Please take in consideration the blood, sweat, and tears that has been put into this Theory Based Product and that if you truly let it manipulate your body mechanics to the natural ergonomics that your body wants that gives you that unfair advantage then you have justified this theory in your own mind and then we all win! What’s the difference between a Theory based product from our other products? Well… take the PMAG For example: The PMAG has been revolutionary in the fact that it has increased weapons performance, reliability And the obvious durability! The PMAG increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Weapon system. Now if you have seen some of our other theory based products like the MS2 Sling, ASAP rear end Plate, and the Battery Assist Device (BAD) their mission is not to increase the performance of the weapon but to increase the performance of the Operator. They are designed to push your abilities to run that gun harder, faster, more accurate, and to work with what your baody does naturally under critical stress, and to work in 98% of the situations and senarios you may find yourself in. Think about the mechanics behind shooting… understand the “why” of what we do,… not just the “How “ and the “What” Once you can grasp that you will fully understand the concept of the Magpul Angled Fore grip. Here is a reminder of the ERONOMICS in action working with body mechanics. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm118/magpuldynamics08/FUNNY%20PICS/Slide1.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm118/magpuldynamics08/FUNNY%20PICS/Slide2.jpg And remind all your friends to: http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm118/magpuldynamics08/FUNNY%20PICS/280.png I'm a lead farmer, motherf**ckah! My BAD levers work as intended, my PMAGs work as intended, and I'll soon be seeing if the AFG works as intended. BTW Travis, are you still using an SR07 atop your handguard to trigger your white light? ETA: This is a long-winded TAG for results. |
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Yes we have been moving things around and the best config we are finding (dependant on the fore end legth, or IR lasers) that the SR07 fits for our application, its durable gives full control of the light and also gives a ambi capibility at the 12 O'clock Travis, question for you in your placement of PEQs. And I know this won't apply to many people, but you've gone from the PEQ very much forward on the rail, to now moving it back closer to the receiver. I assume because it allows for a better grip on the rifle with the AFG. Does moving the PEQ back though block the lasers when you're working with the rifle at night? I plan to try out both positions, but I'm interested to know how you've settled on that general set up. |
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Yes we have been moving things around and the best config we are finding (dependant on the fore end legth, or IR lasers) that the SR07 fits for our application, its durable gives full control of the light and also gives a ambi capibility at the 12 O'clock Travis, question for you in your placement of PEQs. And I know this won't apply to many people, but you've gone from the PEQ very much forward on the rail, to now moving it back closer to the receiver. I assume because it allows for a better grip on the rifle with the AFG. Does moving the PEQ back though block the lasers when you're working with the rifle at night? I plan to try out both positions, but I'm interested to know how you've settled on that general set up. When running a PEQ means having a lot more shit going on... so when I run PEQ my reaction hand thumb actually has three positions... Day time: up on the 12 O'clock XTM Night Time White Light: up on the 12 O'clock back to the rear an 1" to activate the pressure pad Night time PEQ: Thumb runs on top of the reaction side rail so that it dosent interfear and I have my pressure switch velcro'ed to the side of the PEQ |
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Night time PEQ: Thumb runs on top of the reaction side rail so that it dosent interfear and I have my pressure switch velcro'ed to the side of the PEQ Ah so that's why you had velcro on the reaction side of your PEQ-15. Gotcha. Okay thanks. I've been stuffing the PEQ pad in the rails under the PEQ-15, but it causes my hand to rotate back on the press. That's crafty. You truly are smarter than the average bear. |
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I received mine today and mounted it up on an upper with a 12 inch LaRue rail.
I spent some time moving it back and forth to find the position I like best. My initial thoughts are all very positive regarding Magpul's claims. Gone is the pain in my wrist, it feels very comfortable. This style of shooting allows you to drive from target to target very quickly and provides excellent control and fast follow-up shots. comments regarding the unit itself: The A2 like finger protrusion interferes with my wedding band if not wearing gloves so I will probably swap that out for the optional (included) straight piece. I would prefer if the bottom edge where the bottom heel of your hand contacts, was extended just a bit to provide just a bit more support. It just arrived today so these are my initial thoughts. I need to mess with it a lot more and spend some time regarding placement of my white light. I normally run one on the left side anyways, but I want to see how much room I have. I have average length arms and I do not think I could run this on a CAR length rail, or at least not properly to utilize it to its full potential. I'll try it on a shorter midlength rail next. To use this properly you need to get it fairly far forward. You big guys with long arms running CAR length rails are probably going to run into issues. Keep that in mind. Build quality on my sample was excellent, no complaints. So what do I think? I can usually pull something a company has sent me from the shipping box and play with it for a minute and tell if its going back in the box or something I'd stick on my own rifle. This, I feel, has a lot of potential and I'm going to start spending a lot of time playing with it. My initial reaction is that I really like it. More to follow as I put more rounds down range using it. |
Fed-X just dropped off the AFG. My initial impressions are as with all Magpul products it's very well made. I mounted it up to my LWRC upper which I have been running with no forward grip and it is a vast improvement. The AFG was a simple installation taking only a minute. The best spot for me seems to be mounted at the end of the handguard. The grip as intended provides a very comfortable and natural feel while pointing the rifle. I believe Magpul has a winner here. I'll post some pics now with a further review to follow....
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Just got mine in the mail today, obviously my first impressions are excellent. very well constructed and durable. as soon as i get to the house i'll be trying everything out on my ar15
Alrighty! I got my rifle out and started playing around with the new AFG. After foolin around a little while i realized that it wouldn't slide onto my rail with the lug mounted sling connection still intact. So out comes the pin punch and away goes the sling attachment. Now it fits like a charm. just to set the mood(pics will happen when i have a camera). this is mounted on a carbine length larue rail with a stainless steel 16inch barrel, RRA upper with an EA lower, magpul grip and stock. As soon as i pulled the rifle up to my shoulder i realized it wasn't going to work with the finger nub for me...as someone has said already, my wedding ring interferes with the nub...so i changed that out Up to the shoulder again and holy crap it's awesome... first thing i notice is that my radius and ulna are not twisted in order to hold up the rifle...my left wrist has CT in it from too much computer usage and the readjustment has greatly improved my ability to hold the rifle steady while not bracing against something. When i have time after the holidays i'll head to the range and see how it goes, but it looks very promising for now. I'm now looking for a way to attach this to my shotgun as it would make racking those shells so much easier. keeblerelf ETA: more of the review will edit again with pictures as they become available |
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Posting this in the right place. Sorry, I suck at teh interwebz.
Fedex truck dropped off my AFG today! Took no time in getting it mounted on my rifle, installation was easy and the grip is solid with no play. Never written a product review before. but here are my first impressions. Can't wait to get it to the range, but I have already seen the merit of this design. The AFG does not feel as wide as it looks and even with my smaller hands it am easily able to get my hand around the grip. The grip feels incredibly intuitive, and once I put it on it made me realize how uncomfortable and unnatural the old vertical grips feel. To me the biggest benefit it has over the VFG is in the prone position, even with the 30 round mag is much more stable and interference free. Only issue I have seen is that depending on your build, an adjustable stock is almost required. Hopefully I will get out to the range soon and be able to put the AFG through it's paces. Thank you Magpul for giving me a chance to evaluate a new product! Please take my Voodoo doll away from the wood chipper. Here are is my AFG porn: 
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First let me say that I'm intrigued by this product i will buy one but don't have one yet, now not over complicate this piece of kit but it looks like it would be simple enough to make it so if you wanted to you could fold it flat ant it would just be a nice rail cover or slide it forward in to the angled set up.... just a thought; ill mock it up in photo shop |
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Quoted: First let me say that I'm intrigued by this product i will buy one but don't have one yet, now not over complicate this piece of kit but it looks like it would be simple enough to make it so if you wanted to you could fold it flat ant it would just be a nice rail cover or slide it forward in to the angled set up.... just a thought; ill mock it up in photo shop WHY? It's meant to be trained with and used as it is. Why fold it down? Then your rifle won't be set up the way you trained with it, right? I talked to Rich while he was getting design input for the MIAD regarding something similar what you were talking about- I wanted a "panel" that would hinge between flat and a 45 degree angle. My thinking was that it was a nice compromise between a flat panel and a VFG which I didn't really like at the time. I guess I should have pushed it a lot further. He just wanted some sketches back then but I was too lazy. Besides, it took someone as intuitive as Travis to make full use of this type of grip angle and realize the benefit it could provide up at the front of the handguard. I simply wouldn't have been able to sell anyone on my idea. I'm just a nobody even though I knew it would have felt "right" on the rifle. Got one on order from DSG Arms. Can't wait!!!
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The Fed Ex guy stopped by today, and brought me an early Christmas gift...my AFG! Upon opening the package, it would appear to be well built, as expected coming from Magpul. After fingering it for a bit, I then had to figure out what I was going to put it on. I originally thought of putting it on an M4gery, but then I had a different idea. I decided that I would try it on the precision rifle that I am working on...a DPMS LR308. I had originally thought of putting a short VFG on it, like the Larue FUG, but I wanted something a little more low profile.
Slideing it onto the DPMS rail, it was a bit of a tight fit. Not to tight where I had to break out the sledge hammer, but good and snug as it should be. I tried it at a few different positions, and will have to play with it a little more, I think. Very easy installation. Next, I tried playing around with it a little bit. But, had one slight little problem, that had nothing to do with the AFG at all. Between September and November, I had three seperate sugeries to repair torn ligaments in my right wrist (which happens to be my support hand). I'm still going through therapy for it, and don't quite have the strength or flexability in my wrist for the AFG to be comfortable for me, however, to be fair, I am having a problem holding up any long gun with my support hand. But, as I said, this has nothing to do with the AFG...it is all me. However, switching to the other side, it seemed quite comfortable, and I am deffinetely going to have to do some shooting with it, when I get healed up. I think I also will try this on an M4gery, to see how it does. So far, I am pleased with it. Here are a few photos that I took. 
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I'll be buying one as soon as they're available. This thing looks like it will support my left hand exactly in the position I usually hold the rifle in anyway, so I'm very intrigued to give this thing a shot! I dislike VFG's in general. Too bad I missed out on the beta testing  But I'm a future purchaser in any case  |
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Found a package from Magpul on my doorstep when I got home this afternoon.....it was a big surprise, because I didn't know if I got in on it or not...so it was very cool to see that I did.
Looks like a nice solid piece of work: 
As you all probable know, it comes with an extra tab, so you can change out the one with the "Bump" on it for the flat one. I usually like the "bumps"...but mine felt better for me with out it. I had it on 2 diferent guns, tried it on my AR57 setup and it installed with no issues at all...slid on the rail: 
Then I decided that I had to try it on one of my SBR.......This one is a Carbon 15 Pistol that I converted to SBR, it has a 2 piece Midwest Industries FF rail on it. The 2 screws in the front on the lower half that hold the trim ring and the handguards together were in the way...they had to be removed to install the AFG....no biggy: 
Said screws also wouldn't let me install it all the way forward so the front of the AFG lined up with the front of the handguard...again, no biggy: 
I just slid it to the next groove back...fits great, and is very solid...no movement at all. I was having a bit of an issue figuring out exactly what gripping style worked the best: 
It will stay on my little Carbon 15 SBR...it looks too good to take it off....yes, I know I need sights, MBUS set in the works. 
I still need to play with it to get the best feel for how to grip it, It is already feeling more natural. The only change I would make would be to make the rear bump a bit larger, more like the size of the front one...my hand does have a tendancy to slide off the back...maybe this will change with more use, because maybe my hold will change. I like it...Thank you for letting me test one out! Now I have to buy at least 2 more....ARGH!!!! |
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It will stay on my little Carbon 15 SBR...it looks too good to take it off....yes, I know I need sights, MBUS set in the works. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/AGF_020.jpg I badly want to do this on my AR pistol as it seems such a logical support piece for an AR pistol BUT in CA everyone is saying no no no to risky as it might be seen as a vertical grip |
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Received my Magpul AFG yesterday. These are first impressions, as I need to put some rounds down range and use the AFG in a competition or two before I make any real conclusions.
As usual, the AFG is a quality product. Unsurprisingly, the texture and material remind me of the MIAD grip. Others have mentioned the design choice to use two hex screws and a slotted screw; I agree that it would make more sense to make all three the same type. 
It weighs about two and a half ounces, and in practical terms since it replaces a few rail covers we're really only talking an additional ounce or two to add one to the rifle. It is a few ounces lighter than my LaRue FUG, and it certainly lighter than the VFGs pictured here. 
I first tried it on my LMT SBR. The SBR is light and handy to begin with, and the AFG felt right at home. However, I had been running a Surefire X300 on one of the side rails, and I use the standard switch for activation. The way the AFG wraps around the side rails required the movement of the X300, and I'll need to experiment to find an optimal position for my light. The grip was natural feeling; 'pointability' was good. I run my VFG fairly far forward however, and my impression is that I could get my support hand slightly further forward and higher up on the gun with the stubby VFG. I've been running the VFG on this rifle for years though, so any change is going to take time to get used to. 
Close up on the LaRue rail. 
I then tried the AFG on my Noveske Recon. The Recon is a tack driver but a bit of a beast, weighing almost two pounds more than the SBR, much of it towards the front due to the weight of the stainless barrel and the SWS rail. The weight difference is particularly noticeable when switching from one to the other. I typically don't run a VFG on this rifle as I already find it front heavy. 
On the Recon, the AFG was a welcome addition. It added little weight, but I felt my control and ability to point the muzzle was improved. My initial impression is that the longer rail of the Recon compared to the SBR allowed me to run the AFG further forward, and the positioning felt much more natural. I'm not sure if others will get a similar feel, but I think the AFG is going to work best on rifles with longer tubes or rail systems that allow you to extend your arms. 
Again, these are initial impressions, and until I run the rifle with the AFG at a class or competition, this is like commenting on a car's handling after sitting in one in the showroom. I'll be keeping the AFG on the Recon for the time being though. I think it is a light weight, low cost option for those who are looking for forward grip functionality. I'm often looking for ways to shave weight from builds too, and the lightweight of the AFG is very appealing. Thanks to Magpul for giving me a chance to try out this new product. Range Update: Finally got a chance to shoot this on the range with some friends. The AFG does help provide control and a comfortable, firm grip. However, during speed reloads we found it more difficult to quickly reassume our shooting grip, with much fumbling about to get back into position. Those with smoother tubes or VFGs came back to their natural support hand position much faster. This is likely a training issue and added time and familiarity with the AFG may address that. |
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There is a reason for the different mounting screws.
The two hex screws are used to assemble the part with the type of finger groove you prefer. The slot cut screw is the one used to lock the AFG onto a position on the rail. Just removing this screw will allow the assembled AFG to slid off. People are far more likely to be removing and adjusting the AFG than reassembling the two halves. The common slot head is easier to find a tool for, in the field and serves as a visual indicator as to which screw to remove to slid the grip off of the rail. |
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I was the one that raised the issue about 2 screw head types. I fully knew why it was done and what your logic would be, but can't say I agree that its the best design move. Part of doing a review sometimes is letting out those initial gut impressions - and needing 2 tools to operate a simple device like this seems to go against the grain of ideal development - so I put it out there. it would never be a factor in deciding it's utility, just something 1 user noticed that seemed to be an odd decision.
In the end, I was really wondering why it would not be possible to source 1 hex size head (not necessarily bolt size) for all 3 areas just to KISS. BTW, Thanks for the opportunity! |