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Vertical vs Angled foregrip - where's the line?

bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,915 ✭✭✭

Can the difference be measured in degrees of arc?

A vertical foregrip is a right-angled foregrip.

How low does the angle need to be so that a grip is not considered vertical?

Comments

  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,389 ✭✭✭✭

    I watched a you tube video that agreed 90 is vertical any thing less is just a angled grip but your mileage and your BATF agent may have a bent angle gauge . the fellow was showing what was good what was bad per the rules and how the guns really overlapped a lot of the rules and how one little change could make it SBR or other or pistol all was just crazy

    JMHO just another stupid rule

  • bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,915 ✭✭✭

    More to the point, is this a legal rig?


  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    That is Any Other Weapon by definition. You need what would be considered a "handstop." Even though this is a registered SBR, it had a handstop which would be legal on a pistol:


    This is a full sized rifle, but it also ahs a handstop which would be legal on a pistol:

    I have no idea why that photo in angled pointing down.

    Both of these are registered SBR's. The top rifle clearly has a forward grip, while the lower would probably be considered a handstop. If you reversed it...well, it might be a front grip.

    Everything shown here has a front grip:

    "Angled" or not makes no difference...these are forward grips.

    As usual...my guns and my photos.

  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******

    I have no idea why that photo in angled pointing down.

    Always keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction.

    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021


    Angled really makes no difference as to whether or not the device serves as a forward grip.

    A true vertical front grip:

    The same SIG MCX shown with an angled grip.

    So far as the regulations are concerned, the slight angle makes no difference as to purpose or function.

  • bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,915 ✭✭✭

    Understood Mark.

    You guys have some nice guns ;-)

  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    I'll give you one more, just because the photos are on my hard drive:

    Beretta ARX registered SBR with no forward attachment:

    ARX with a true vertical front grip (ignore the APX pistol accompanying):

    An ARX with an "angled" forward grip:

    No matter how you look at it, the BATF will consider either style grip as being a forward grip and prohibited for use on a pistol.

  • bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,915 ✭✭✭

    I have the Allen wrench in hand and am removing the accessory from my friend's firearm.

  • mohawk600mohawk600 Member Posts: 5,529 ✭✭✭✭

    So.....Mark, is the vertical handgrip a feature that is illegal on an AR rifle (please disregard the issue of AR pistols) in all states or does it vary by state? Is it one of the "features" that create an AOW?


    I don't have a dog in the fight. I never liked the idea of a vertical handgrip anyway. I have found the SI Link to be more than adequate as a stop for hand or barriers.

  • bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,915 ✭✭✭

    Actually, the question in the OP is specifically in reference to AR pistols.

  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    Mohawk, your question is a good one (your questions and comments typically are good). The answer is yes, a forward handgrip can be a defining feature in certain states with AW bans- for rifles and pistols. Vertical grips went out of fashion decades ago, but have returned and are at the point that anything "tactical" must have some sort of forward grip, whether useful or not. The perfect example is my Romanian AKM:

    That big chunk of wood makes inserting and removing a 30 round magazine very awkward. I love the rifle, but I always use 20 round magazines. By the way, despite what you may read on the web, the rifle runs great suppressed.

  • lkanneslkannes Member Posts: 2,278 ✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    I understand this thread pertains to pistols with forward grips. Does anyone have any idea how this would apply to "firearms," ie; Remington Tac 14's or Mossberg Shockwaves with forward grips? I guess I am asking if forward grips would be legal in these.

  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    A Tac-14 or a Mossberg Shockwave, in their standard configuration, are firearms which fire a shotgun shell. As such, adding a foregrip would not change their status. You could add an arm brace, but if you added the brace you could not add the grip without altering the firearm into an AOW.

    I know that this stuff seems complicated, but to a Class 3 dealer it all makes sense...or mostly.

    As always, my photo and my gun. I'm not showing you anything that I don't own.

  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    This is a Benelli M1 Super 90 14" entry gun and a registered Short Barreled Shotgun:

    You can do anything you wish to this gun: A collapsible stock or a front grip? No problem. It's an SBS with no games.

  • redneckandyredneckandy Member Posts: 9,716 ✭✭✭✭

    Alright Mark, I'm a little jealous of that Benelli. Good looking shotgun!

  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2021

    I've enjoyed it. I bought this pump action 14" Super Nova tonight:

    The best part is that as a Class 3 dealer is that it only takes around 72 hours to process the transfer, and not 6 months!

  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,389 ✭✭✭✭

    I do like the benelli shotgun ( don't have one but still like them )

  • mike55mike55 Member Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭✭

    "As always, my photo and my gun. I'm not showing you anything that I don't own."


    OK......now you are just bragging! 😁 Nice collection!

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