Best AR-15 Pistol Grips – Buyer’s Guide [2022]

| Last Updated:
July 31, 2023

A pistol grip is often overlooked as an aesthetic component of a rifle.

However, a good grip could mean the difference between a miss or a hit, especially in stressful situations.

Here we’ll be talking about the importance of pistol grips and what to look for when choosing one. We’ll also outline some of the best AR-15 pistol grips available on the market to help you find a suitable one for use with your rifle.

Comparison of the Best AR-15 Pistol Grips

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Made with polymer straps for better control
  • Aluminum body adds to strength and durability
  • Has chamfered edges that add to the smoothness
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  • Drop-in design
  • Made with polymer
  • It comes in three different colors
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  • Comes with a skeletonized design
  • Installation kit is included in the package
  • Construction material makes it highly durable
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  • Has a rubber front and back strap
  • Chamfered edge design that is smooth to touch
  • Comes with adequate temperature variation resistance
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  • Drop-in design
  • Available in different colors and finishes
  • Made with high-quality reinforced polymer
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  • Drop-in design
  • Made with polymer
  • Fits on most AR-15 rifles and pistols
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  • Drop-in design
  • Finger grooves included for better handling
  • Made with fiberglass-core polymer and rubber
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What to Look For in a Pistol Grip

A grip might seem to be a less important and redundant part of a rifle, but a knowledgeable shooter knows that it is the grip on your weapon which lets you shoot accurately. Pistol grips on rifles started as an experiment in the early days of percussion rifles. With the increased prominence and tactical effectiveness of rifles, pistol grips became an essential part. This is especially true because of their effectiveness during rapid and combat firing.

There are quite a few factors to consider and questions to answer before you choose a pistol grip for your AR-15 rifle.

Your Intended Use

Make it clear as to what use you’ll be putting your rifle to. Is it target shooting, fun plinking, competitions, rapid firing, combat-like situations or a mix of all these. That is because different grips vary in their material, structure, texture and pricing. So you must be clear about your intended use.

Hand Size and Orientation

90% basis of measuring a pistol grip’s efficiency is the comfort it provides. Before choosing a pistol grip for your AR-15, check out the hand size and orientation (right-handed vs. left-handed).

People with larger palms tend to have problems with smaller grips. Ambidextrous grips are the most common, but some prefer a “handed” grip because of a better fit. Finally, it’s your choice.

Storage Space

Yep, pistol grips can also be used as storage compartments. Might sound bizarre to an amateur, but it's true. The hollow cavity inside pistol grips can be used to store things like bandages, survival gear, batteries for optics, and probably any other thing that can be squeezed into. Just look for that base lid when you buy.

Material & Texture

This is entirely a matter of personal discretion. AR-15 pistol grips are generally manufactured from polymer or fiberglass or a combination of several materials. Manufacturers also offer rubberized coating on some grips.

Some grips will have a checkered finish over them to improve the grip, but it might end up bruising your palms over longer shooting sessions. So think about the weight, texture and comfort with the material before choosing a pistol grip for your AR-15.

Finger Grooves

AR-15 pistol grips with or without finger grooves are readily available on the market. Finger grooves are an effective way to maximize your grip and keep it more compact. Finger grooves especially on a rubberized grip can work wonders in sweaty, slippery environments. However, people with thick fingers might have problems fitting their fingers in these grooves. Some people love it and for some it is annoying.

Grip Angle and Palm Shelf

Pistol grips are available in standard and reduced grip angle variants. The reduced grip is a bit angled and the standard one is straight. Your choice might have an effect on your stance. In the end it’s a matter of comfort and choice.

A palm shelf, as the name suggests, is a swelled base in the grip to help you get a resting base for your palm while shooting. A palm shelf is quite helpful for people with big hands.

Durability, Appearance and Price

Pistol grips these days are generally manufactured from polymer, fiberglass or similar materials which are lightweight and virtually indestructible. This gives the pistol grip great durability. Appearance might be a factor for consideration if you are obsessed with the looks of your rifle, but it’s probably not a good idea to sacrifice comfort for good looks.

Check out different materials, designs and sizes to choose the best for you. The last thing to look for in a pistol grip is its price because it is not a very expensive accessory.

Review of the Best AR-15 Pistol Grips 

The following is a list of the five best AR-15 pistol grips that are currently on the market. You need to find one that will be the best fit for your AR-15 rifle or even AR-15 pistol. No matter which one you use, find one that matches your ideal needs and preferences. 

Based on the above-mentioned features and factors, we’ve come up with five of the best pistol grips for AR-15s. We’ve reviewed these products to let you know the features and understand which one will suit your needs. Grips mentioned here fall in a decent price range and have been trusted by a large number of people. Let’s take a look now at the first AR-15 pistol grip on our list:

Best Overall:
MOD AR-15 Grip

Pros

  • Package contains an installation kit
  • The logo comes with CNC engraving
  • Has a beveled edge near its trigger guard
  • Polymer grip adds to the convenience of use
  • Easy installation is provided by deep ribbing design

Cons

  • Closer trigger guard can sometimes be dangerous

What Recent Buyers Report

We couldn’t be more proud to introduce this next model. It is extremely close to the hearts of all recent buyers, particularly because of its high-end design, but that’s certainly not the only reason they like it so much. 

It is made with aluminum, which not only gives it additional strength but also ensures that it can resist a range of different situations. This also means that the model requires repairing very rarely.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This grip provides you with an uncompromising combination of both form and function, and this is exactly why it stands out to us. 

Unlike most other models, this one uses only polymer straps at the front and back sides. This, coupled with a strong aluminum body, gives the product the much-needed strength. Moreover, the rubber straps are smooth to the touch and ensure you don’t get fatigued during your operations.

Who Will Use This Most

People have long asked for a model that provides them with as much ease as it does strength. This model is the result of all their patience. The front and back straps of this pistol grip are fully removable and can be removed within seconds. 

Moreover, they come in a range of different shapes and sizes, which makes it convenient for you to choose the most appropriate size for yourself.

Bottom Line

Quality and performance are a deadly combination, and one that not many products boast of having, but this one is certainly different. Equipped with a skeletonized grip design, this model is already winning the hearts of buyers. 

It also provides greater comfort through its removable front and back straps. All this, coupled with a relatively lower price, makes it one of the best models in the market.

Runner-up:
Magpul MIAD Gen 1.1 Grip Kit

Pros

  • The grip feels great on most hands
  • Easy to install, it takes a few minutes
  • Super durable strength and construction
  • It provides excellent gripping and stability
  • Easy to interchange between one rifle to the next

Cons

  • May not fit all AR-15 lowers
  • Screws may come loose at times
  • Some Loctite may be needed to keep the pistol grip in place

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were able to install this on their AR-15 rifles and pistols. Once they did, they managed to use the pistol grip to ensure stability so they could be able to shoot straighter and make more accurate shots. One user was quite happy with the drop-in ability. He was able to install this in a minute or two before taking it out to the range for some test shooting. As a result, he had a better hold on his rifle and was able to hit bullseyes consistently.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This pistol grip is slightly smaller in size compared to the previous MOE version by Magpul. This pistol grip is a better option for you if you happen to have small to average-sized hands. The synthetic materials make the grip a lot better for you to hold onto so you can keep a consistent grip if you’re in bad weather or if your hands sweat. Never again will you have to worry about the rifle or pistol slipping out of your hands.

The Magpul MIAD is probably the most loved and bestselling pistol grips on the market. The reason is the number of accessories the kit has and the quality of its components. The MIAD(Mission Adaptable) is a simple drop-in replacement for the factory grip.

Manufactured from reinforced molded polymer, the kit includes a main grip body, a detachable rubber core with a ½ oz. lubrication bottle in the cap, two front strap and two beavertail backstrap inserts, along with installation hardware. The front and back strap inserts are easy to install as the slide easily over the main grip and snap firmly eliminating the need to use any adhesives or screws.

The grip has a standard design with crackled texture on the sides and horizontal grooves in the front. Suitable for all hand sizes and all intended uses ranging from self-defense to plinking. A one-stop solution at a decent price.

Who Will Use This Most 

This pistol grip will likely be used on either AR-15 pistols or rifles where users have small or average hand sizes. If your hands cannot handle the MOE version of the Magpul pistol grip, this might be your best possible alternative. All you have to do is install this in a few minutes and you’ll be good to go at the range or out in the field. 

Bottom Line

If you want a pistol grip that will fit most AR-15s, then don’t be surprised if this version of the Magpul pistol grip will be what you’ll need. It’s durable, easy to handle, and will give you the stability that you need to make shots accurate and more precise.

Best for the Money:
Titan 2.0 AR-15 Grip

Pros

  • Design is skeletonized to reduce weight
  • Logo is engraved beautifully on the model
  • Has a compact design that aids portability
  • Smooth and comfortable edges are chamfered
  • Almost practically indestructible because of its high strength

Cons

  • Weight is slightly more than some plastic options
  • Relatively more expensive than some models

What Recent Buyers Report

The Titan 2.0 AR 15 is one of the most known models in the market, and most of its popularity stems from its smooth and durable design. 

Recent buyers have complimented its strong construction and have commented that this model is practically indestructible. Moreover, they also like the design, which makes the model seem as stylish and smooth from the outside as it’s from the inside.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

When it comes to pistol grips, comfort is a major pre-requisite, and that is exactly the feature that stands out to us most in this particular model. 

The Titan 2.0 AR-15 is known for its smooth and comfortable edges that make holding it extremely easy. Not only this, but it is also durable yet lightweight, which reduces its overall weight and hence makes it easier for users to use it for a longer duration.

Who Will Use This Most 

Most people complain that pistol grips usually take a lot of time to install, but thankfully this isn’t an issue with this model. The product comes with a perfect installation kit that contains all the equipment needed for a smoother installation. 

Moreover, time is also a feature to note here. Unlike most other models in the market, this one doesn’t take much time to install, and once installed, it stays in its position and doesn’t fall.

Bottom Line

The market is flooded with models that are either too expensive or too weak. This model deals with both these issues and contains the most desirable features that buyers prefer. 

The design of the model has long been in the limelight and has caught the eyes of many people. This, coupled with the beautiful logo engraved on its exterior, makes it a must-have product.

4. MOD Grip v2

Pros

  • Relatively more portable
  • Allows for an extremely comfortable grip
  • Has a beveled edge near the trigger guard
  • Comes with a proper installation kit inside the package
  • Easy installation is ensured by a deep rib design

Cons

  • More prone to external damage than some other products

What Recent Buyers Report

Tyrant designs have been a fan-favorite for a long time. They are known to be one of the most efficient products in the market, but their efficiency is not the only reason for their fame.

The ultimate AR-15 grip pistol is here, and it’s here to stay. The MOD v2 has won the recent buyers over with its comfortable and smooth design. 

The model is one of the very few ones in the market that have an overall reduced angle and superior ergonomic design. The company has also milled out any access material, which reduces the overall weight of the product hence gaining buyers’ appreciation even more.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

Like most other products by the company, this one also has a perfect design, but that’s not why this particular model stands out to us. When it comes to its angle, there is absolutely no compromise. 

The AR-15 boasts of a 15% reduction in angle. This not only dramatically reduces the muzzle effect but also leads to less fatigue overall. Moreover, this ensures that users can use this model for relatively long hours.

Who Will Use This Most

The model is perfect for people looking for comfort and convenience in a single model. It is not only beautiful from the outside, but it also has a smooth interior. 

It comes with a very smooth and high-end finishing of aluminum, which not only gives it higher durability but also gives your rifle a perfect look that looks appealing to the onlookers. 

Moreover, higher durability means that the model is going to require fewer repairs and replacements in the long run.

Bottom Line

Although the model allows for easy replacement of its parts, with its smooth and durable design, it is no wonder that it will ever need those repairs. 

It comes with specialized aluminum construction, which is further complemented by rubber straps that make the overall model stand out to the public. Moreover, ergonomic and smooth design makes it comfortable to use.

5. Magpul AR-15 MOE Grip

Pros

  • Extremely durable
  • Reduces some recoil
  • Fits most AR-15 rifles and pistols
  • Easy to install, it takes a few minutes
  • Easy to grip and keep the rifle or pistol stable

Cons

  • Some fitting may be required
  • It might not be ideal for some smaller sized hands
  • Some dremeling or sanding may be needed to smooth out any rough edges

What Recent Buyers Report

This pistol grip was an impressive fit for most of the new buyers. They were able to feel the high-quality and were able to get a good hold on their AR-15 rifles and pistols, ensuring excellent stability and better accuracy. One user said since adding this on, he was able to hit his targets consistently from some various distances on his AR-15 rifle.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This is an MOE style pistol grip. Which means it’s a bit larger than most pistol grips on the market for AR-15s. Because of its size, it also allows it to absorb a good amount of shock and recoil each time you shoot. If you hate the idea of recoil, you’ll be more than happy to install an accessory that does a good job of reducing it. 

The Magpul AR-15 MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) features a single-piece design which can be installed and disassembled with ease. The grip has been manufactured from reinforced high impact polymer.

This grip features a crackle structure on the sides and deep horizontal grooves on the front strap and back strap, thus giving you improved grip under sweaty conditions. The curved beavertail on the rear fits the grip-receiver junction perfectly while also protecting your skin and joints.

The Magpul AR-15 MOE pistol grip has a standard design with a straight grip. It’s aesthetically pleasing, offers good value for money, and is compatible with many other guns. It’s suitable even for people with small hands because of the absence of finger grooves.

There is an end cap to let you store items in the cavity. All in all, it’s perfect for all sorts of uses ranging from self-defense to target practice and for all shooters from novice to experts.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will probably be used by AR-15 users who want more of a tighter grip on their rifles and pistols. Especially when they are shooting targets at the range, competing in shooting contests, or hunting for varmint or big game. No matter which application you use an AR-15 rifle or pistol for, you’ll have a pistol grip that will work hard and give you excellent stability.

Bottom Line

The Magpul AR-15 MOE Grip might be a little bit bigger than most pistol grips, but it will give you a bit more shock absorption compared to the other pistol grips on the market. If you want something that is easy to install and makes for a great upgrade to your AR-15, this might be an accessory worth looking at.

6. Bravo Company AR-15 Mod 3 Gunfighter Grip

Pros

  • Fits most hand sizes
  • Super sturdy construction
  • Will fit most AR-15 rifles and pistols
  • Easy to install, it takes a few minutes
  • Ergonomically friendly for most users

Cons

  • Some fitting may be required
  • May not be suitable for larger hands
  • May not fit on some lower receivers at all
What Recent Buyers Report

New users found this to be a sturdy pistol grip. They managed to install it on their rifles in a matter of a few minutes. Once installed, they were able to get a good grip and acquire excellent stability so they can shoot each one of their shots accurately and with such precision in their respected applications.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This is a great pistol grip that can fit most AR-15 pistols and rifles. Not only that, it’s interchangeable so you can easily uninstall it on one AR-15 and install it on another. If you want something that will give you the freedom to use on many AR-15s, this pistol grip will allow that. It may not be considered universal by any means, but it’s dang close to it.

The impact-resistant polymer construction combined with the reduced angle and ergonomic design makes it an amazing option to replace your factory grip. The Gunfighter grip has a reduced angle to improve gun control. This means it’s ideal for a ‘squared-off’ stance while shooting as opposed to the conventional bladed stance.

The textured surface offers a better grip whereas the two modular trigger guard inserts can be used to close the gap between the trigger guard and the grip.

The grip features a hinged lid on the base and a water-resistant storage compartment, large enough to store some batteries and other small items. The Gunfighter Grip is easy to install and works with many guns.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will be used by AR-15 owners that can’t seem to find a better pistol grip for their AR-15 rifle or pistol. Depending on which one they use, they’ll need a pistol grip that will give them a great amount of stability. If you’re struggling to keep your AR-15 stable due to heavy amounts of recoil, you’ll need a pistol grip that will give you complete control. 

Bottom Line

The BCM GFG MOD Pistol Grip will probably be a great fit for your AR-15 if you need something that will give you extra stability and the rewards that go along with it (i.e.--accuracy). This could be a pistol grip that can last you a long time thanks to its durable construction and easy installation. 

7. Hogue AR-15 Pistol Grip

Pros

  • Easy to grip and handle
  • Reduced recoil is noticeable
  • Super durable, handles abuse well
  • Easy to install, it takes a few minutes
  • It provides excellent stability and accurate shooting

Cons

  • Some fitting may be required
  • No mounting hardware is available
  • It might be a little too rubbery for some users
What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the recent buyers were quite satisfied with the AR-15 pistol grip. They said that the installation took a few minutes and right out of the gate, there was a reduction in recoil as well as an increase in overall control with their rifles and pistols. One user said that he was able to use it on his AR-15 pistol, allowing him better control with his other hand while using a pistol brace on another.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The Hogue brand is known for making overmolded pistol grips, and they are quite strong at best. This will usually fit most hands, but it’s thick enough to ensure that a lot of shock from recoil is absorbed. The grip is made from high-quality polymer and can take on all kinds of beatings and impacts no matter how hard you try to break it. 

The Hogue AR-15 pistol grip is manufactured from toughened fiberglass and is slightly angled to offer better grip and smaller grip-to-trigger distance while you change your stance. The grip has finger grooves and palm swells to give you that fat soft feeling and comfort while you shoot.

The ergonomic design offers more comfort and prevents any bruises even if you’re shooting your rifle all day long. The finger grooves are wide enough to be comfortable for a normal-sized palm. It fits perfectly without the need for any modifications or trimming.

The only drawback is the absence of storage space, which means you’ll have to find somewhere else to keep your batteries, compass or bandaids. The grip is durable, easy to install, has a dotted texture and works with many guns. There’s nothing more you could expect from it at this price.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will likely be used by new AR-15 users (regardless if it’s a pistol or rifle version). The finger grooves will allow for the best grip and stability. So it will help out newbie users a lot. Since it’s easy to install, you can snap this on in a couple of minutes and be able to put it to work out on the range or in the field somewhere. If you want to keep recoil and muzzle jump to a minimum, it takes a pistol grip to get the job done. This could be that pistol grip for you.

Bottom Line

The Hogue AR-15 pistol grip might be exactly what you’re looking for if you want a grip that you can start with if you’re new to AR-15s. If you want something hard on impact and easy to install, this could be the pistol grip you’ll need to start with. Who knows? You may keep using it for as long as possible.

8. Tangodown BG-7 Rifle Grip

Pros

  • Super durable construction
  • Screws stay secure, don’t loosen up
  • Excellent grip for those with large hands
  • Easy to install, it takes a couple of minutes
  • Includes a storage space with plenty of room for extra tools, batteries, etc.

Cons

  • May be too big for smaller hands
  • The texture is not completely covered
  • The storage compartment may be a little small for some users

What Recent Buyers Report

New users noticed one thing right when they installed this pistol grip: the additional compartment. They were able to fit small items in there like batteries for their scope and small tools that could be used for adjustments and tightening things up. Quality wise, it stood out as one of the sturdiest pistol grips out there. One user was able to install it on his AR-15 rifle in a matter of a couple of minutes and reduce a good amount of recoil in the process.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This pistol grip was designed for the large-handed shooters. It has just enough of a molded design to give shooters that just-right feeling for their hand size. Not to be outdone, there is enough of the polymer material that will ensure that you will have more than enough to absorb the amount of shock that comes with recoil.

Featuring a tough molded-polymer construction, the Tangodown BG-7 rifle grip is perfect for shooters with big hands. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t suit normal or small-handed people. The grip has a curved beavertail to fit perfectly into the receiver junction. The curved backstrap helps with reducing fatigue and improve trigger-to-grip positioning.

The package includes stainless steel screws and an Allen key to help you install it on your AR-15. The best part of using the BG-7 is the large storage compartment, which can be used to store multiple batteries along with some other tiny stuff. The storage cavity has a good cap and is waterproof. The crackled rough texture on the sides helps in gaining a better grip in slippery conditions.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will be used for hunting and target shooting purposes, and yes, it will be reserved for shooters who have larger hands. Some average-sized hands will probably fit this as well. But if you want a pistol grip that won’t feel so small and will give you a good amount of grip in the process, this will likely be the pistol grip for you.

Bottom Line

The Tangodown AR-15 pistol grip might be exactly what you’re looking for if all the other pistol grips you have tried before didn’t seem to cut the mustard because of your hand size. Once you give this a try, you’ll know right away that it’s the pistol grip that you’ll be able to use for as long as possible.

Pros and Cons of Pistol Grips

If you purchase a pistol grip for your AR-15, it’s important to know what to expect from them. There will be some advantages to using them, but there will also be some disadvantages as well. Here are a few of the pros and cons that you’ll receive from using a pistol grip for your AR-15 rifle:

Pros

Knowing which advantages your pistol grips will have is essential. While these are common, they don’t necessarily mean that they will always happen. It will depend on the pistol grip you use. These are the following pros: 

Provides Better Stability

If there is one thing a pistol grip can be used for, it’s extra stability. If you’re looking to get better stability that leads to better accuracy for your rifle. Yes, you’ll still need to use your rifle with both hands, but sometimes, using one to hold the pistol grip is considered to be an excellent alternative.

Can Reduce Recoil

If recoil becomes a bit of a problem, you can always find ways to reduce it by installing some additional accessories. One of them is a pistol grip. Pistol grips are usually made from high-quality synthetic materials that can absorb shock and recoil from shooting a high-powered rifle like the AR-15. 

Compatible With Most AR-15 Rifles

The important thing to note is that depending on the pistol grip, it can be interchangeable with most rifles. So you can uninstall it on one rifle and then re-install it on another. You will still receive the same benefits no matter which rifle you install it on.

Cons

Like the pros, these pistol grips have a few common disadvantages that you may expect. Keep in mind that you may not be able to deal with them, but AR-15 pistol grips do fall short in some places compared to the grips of various firearms. Here are some of those cons:

Some Find Them Useless

Some AR-15 users often find pistol grips a non-essential accessory. Specifically, they think the pistol grips are just there for decoration and therefore useless. It’s entirely up to you on whether or not you want to go with a pistol grip or not, but understand that some users will find a good use for them. 

Some May Be Hard to Install

While a lot of pistol grips are easy to install and uninstall, some may be tough to install, to begin with. This means you’ll need to enlist the services of a gunsmith so they can use the right kind of tools and skills to properly install a pistol grip on your rifle. Luckily, many pistol grips won’t need professional installation nor any alterations made to the rifle itself.

Conclusion

A pistol grip can be an amazing upgrade for your AR-15. It helps you feel more comfortable while you shoot, thus improving your accuracy. A good grip helps you conduct long shooting sessions without your palms getting bruised. On top of that, a nice grip also offers some storage space to let you add some extra items like batteries, a small compass, lens cleaner etc, which you might otherwise forget.

Before buying a grip, you must consider looking upon several factors like build material, texture, orientation, durability, storage, finger grooves, palm swells, palm shelf, aesthetics and above all, your intended use.

More Reading on AR-15 Grips

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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