Customize Your Rifle – Best Ruger AR-556 Grips

| Last Updated:
August 9, 2023

A grip is your link to a weapon. It is what lets you hold the rifle firmly and shoot in different positions. Obviously, a good grip on the rifle helps with accuracy and control.

Therefore, a grip can be regarded as an important part of the weapon. Here we will learn about the differences in different grips and the features you must consider before buying one for your Ruger AR-556 rifle.

Upgrading your existing grip also has certain benefits, which will also be outlined in this article. To condense and boil it all down, we will also review some of the best Ruger AR-556 grips on the market.

Comparison Chart of the Best Ruger AR-556 Grips

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best Overall Option on Our List
  • Anti-Slip Rubberized Coating for Wet Conditions
  • Polymer Lid Storage Compartment on the Bottom
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  • Forward Leaning A2 Style Grip
  • Best Value for Money in its Class
  • Lightweight and Durable Construction
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  • Good for Hunting and Target Practice
  • Better Alternative to the Bullet Button
  • Makes the Ruger AR-556 California Compliant
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  • Good for Shooters With Large hands
  • Unique and Ergonomic Design for Comfort
  • Good for Competitions and Tactical Applications
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  • Looks Aesthetically Pleasing
  • Roomy Storage Compartment in the Base
  • Interchangeable Inserts Make it More Customizable
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Are All Grips the Same?

Certainly not. Different grips may seem similar in shape and size, but there are a few other factors which determine their quality and effectiveness. Some of these differing factors are:

Material

Grips are generally made from wood or polymer, regardless of the type of weapon it is mounted to. Additionally,  polymers used for manufacturing grips may also differ in composition and quality.

Magpul - AR-15 Moe+ Grip is made of polymer.

Design

The design of a grip refers to its shape and ergonomics. Grips can have finger grooves, palm swells, and angled shapes to offer the best comfort and functionality. The angle determines the finger-to-trigger positioning. Some can also have an adjustable angle to offer customizability. Similarly, features like finger grooves and palm swells help with gripping the weapon properly, especially during sniping or dubious emergency situations.

Texture and Finish

Grips vary largely depending upon their texture and finish. Some have a smooth texture, while some have a contoured or rough texture to provide a better grip. Similarly, others have a soft rubberized finish to counter sweaty hands, while others have a more hard finish.  

How to Choose Ruger AR-556 Grips

The Ruger AR-556 is mostly used for hunting, competitions, practice, and tactical applications. Following the intended use of your rifle, you must choose a grip that fits your requirements.

Comfort

The basic point behind upgrading your grip is to find one which provides better comfort. The level of comfort provided by a grip depends upon certain factors, which include ergonomics, angle, build material, finish, and finger-to-trigger positioning. These factors collectively decide the level of comfort a product provides. However, choosing each individual factor depends upon your personal discretion.

Palm Swell and Grooves

A good grip for your AR-556 must have a palm swell and finger grooves for better grip and control over the weapon. A palm swell helps with gripping the weapon properly under sweaty and wet conditions. Plus the finger grooves, offer a contoured surface for your fingers to rest upon and get a nice sturdy grip on your weapon.

Durability and Price

A grip must be durable enough to withstand the stress it will be put through. A durable product ensures you can rely on your weapon, irrespective of the condition and your shooting position. Additionally, it shouldn’t be so pricey it burns a hole through your pocket. Unless it happens to have an impeccable and unique set of features.

Review of the Best Ruger AR-556 Grips

So now you have read about the factors that have to be taken into consideration before buying a Ruger AR-556 grip. Hence, you can now implement this knowledge to make a wise purchase. To help you with this, we have already sorted out five of the best Ruger AR-556 grips on the market. All the products reviewed here are the best in their class and will end as an effective upgrade to your rifle.

Best Overall:
Magpul - AR-15 Moe+ Grip

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Curved Beavertail on the Top
  • Similar in Design to the Original
  • Storage Compartment in the Base
  • Rubberized Coating for Wet Conditions
  • Crackle Textures on Sides for Better Grip
  • Deep Grooves on the Front and Back Strap

Cons

  • None

This MOE grip from Magpul is perhaps the most admirable and best selling AR-15 grip on the market. This Magpul grip has been made from high-grade durable polymer and features a shape and angle similar to the original MOE grip. It has a fully supported, single piece construction which is resistant to impacts and tampering.

It also features deep horizontal grooves on the front and the rear end, which provide a sturdy grip for the shooter. The crackled texture on the sides makes it impervious to slipping under wet conditions, especially with sweaty hands.

To enhance this anti-slip feature under wet conditions, the grip also has an over-molded rubber coating for a more grippy feel. Additionally, the curved beavertail insert on the top fills the gap between the grip and receiver and provides you with a comfortable platform to rest the web of your hand.

Other than these features, this product also has a polymer cap protected storage compartment, which can be used to store items like batteries, ear plugs, or basic first aid. Plus this MOE+ grip accepts Magpul MIAD grip cores.

It is not very squishy compared to other rubberized grips. This makes sure you clutch the rifle properly under every shooting position. It works well with tactical gloves on, which also makes it suitable for all weather conditions.

Bottom Line

The Magpul MOE+ grip is an upgraded version of the factory MOE version which comes installed with the Ruger AR-5.56. The grip is easy to install and the rubberized coating provides enhanced grip and optimum squishiness for comfort.

Best for The Money:
Hogue - AR-15 Pistol Grip

Pros

  • A2 Style Grip
  • Coarse Rubber Coated Texture
  • Palm Swell and Finger Grooves
  • Ergonomic and Orthopaedic Design
  • Strong and Durable Fiberglass Construction

Cons

  • Might Require Modifications

A solid grip for the AR-556, made from strong fiberglass material. It is basically a mixture of polymer and rubber, crafted to an ergonomic design to offer you extreme comfort during shooting sessions.

The durable body features finger grooves on the front. These grooves allow for intuitive gripping of the weapon and make sure your firearm stays steady and firm in your hands.

Additionally, this has a slight palm swell, which helps you with the grip and handling the recoil very well. The coarse texture makes it easy to grab and keep it in place, under extensive maneuvers.

It is angled forward, also known as the A2 angle. This delivers better and more comfortable trigger to finger distance and positioning.

This is hollow from the inside, which is helpful in reducing the overall weight. It is extremely easy to install and will take less than a minute if you have the right skills and tools. The grip is ambidextrous and works comfortably for both right and left-handed shooters. It is covered in rubber to offer a soft and squishy feel to the user.  

This item is ideal for all uses with the Ruger AR-556. It maintains the stock appearance, even after making a change to the ergonomics and function. The design is also good for sustained firing and longer shooting sessions.

Bottom Line

The Hogue Grip has an A2 style design with palm swells and finger grooves. It has an ergonomic and orthopedic design and offers the best value for money at the price.

3. Monsterman Grips - AR-15 Monsterman Grip

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Uses Existing Grip Screw
  • Tough and Durable Design
  • Imparts Sporter Look to the Rifle
  • Useful for Making a Featureless Rifle

Cons

  • Limited Function  

Don’t think we left out the Californian’s reading this article. Some states (especially DC and California) are known to have strict gun laws and permit only the use of featureless AR-15 rifles.

This product from Monsterman is a featureless piece of equipment to mount on your Ruger AR-556. The grip has been designed to be used with a fixed A2 style buttstock, however, it can still comply with other types of stocks.

It has an angled design, and gives the rifle a sportier look and feel. The design ensures that no gap is left between the grip and the stock. The diamond-cut textured surface of the grip delivers good control over your rifle under all circumstances, obviously without compromising on safety.

This product attaches easily and quickly just like any other P-grip, and does not require any permanent modifications to the weapon. This will convert your existing stock into a sportier style stock.

Bottom Line

This item is a savior if you are struggling to build a featureless rifle. The texture and design of the grip are quite comfortable. But its design makes it appropriate only for hunting and practice.

4. Ergo Grips - AR-15 Suregrip Ergo Grip

Pros

  • Aesthetically Pleasing
  • Curved and Ergonomic Design
  • Grippy Texture and Beavertail for Comfort
  • Includes Both Palm Swell and Finger Grooves

Cons

  • Doesn’t Include Screw

This grip is good for shooters with big hands. Not only for them, but also for people with average-sized hands. This has been created using durable high-grade polymer and features an ergonomic profile with palm swell and finger grooves.

It has a somewhat curved design with a rubberized coating for a better grip and added comfort. The Suregrip adds to the aesthetics and grippy texture of this item, making it almost impervious to slipping out of your hands under wet conditions.

It is hollow on the inside and includes a rubber plug to close it. This can be used for storage, using some custom ideas. However, the manufacturer does not recommend it.

The beavertail notch at the rear covers the extra space and provides a comfortable rest for your hand webbing. The grip doesn’t have a coarse texture, but the material and coating do the job fairly well.

Bottom Line

This ergonomic grip is ideal for shooters who tend to make difficult maneuvers while shooting. The grip is a complete package of all the features you would want in one, especially at a great price.

5. Command Arms ACC - AR-15 Universal Pistol Grip

Pros

  • Aesthetically Pleasing
  • Interchangeable Inserts
  • Roomy Insert in the Base
  • Works for Many Guns and Shooters
  • Beavertail on the Rear for High Grip

Cons

  • No Rest for Pinky Finger

This product from Command Arms is probably the most customizable and innovative AR grip design on the market. This has been made from injection-molded hardened polymer, which speaks of its durability and strength.

The best feature is the interchangeable inserts, which allow you to customize the feel according to your conditions and specific requirements.

The package includes three removable inserts for the front and another three for the back portion of the grip. These inserts are made from rubberized material to further enhance your grip over the platform.

The finger grooves on the front allow you to get a sturdy hold while making quick movements or firing quick successive shots. It is easy to install and uses the existing screw and washer.

Other than that, the grip has a roomy internal storage compartment which can be used to store multiple batteries or any other appropriate accessories.

Bottom Line

The interchangeable inserts allow you to customize it according to your needs and conditions. Moreover, the grip is aesthetically pleasing and offers great value for money.

Why Do People Love Adding Grips?

The main reason why anyone adds an upgrade to their rifle is to enhance its functionality. Adding grips is nothing different in this sense. Installing a new grip to your rifle has several benefits.

The very first and basic benefit of adding a grip is added comfort. OEM grips can be very basic and simple, often with a complete disregard for your comfort. Aftermarket grips allow you to choose an appropriate grip and elevate your level of comfort.

Adding an appropriate grip to your rifle can also help with making it more tactical, especially for uses like hunting, competitions, and self-defense. Additionally, different people have different hand sizes so their existing grip might not be a very good fit for their hand size.

Adding grips can sometimes be caused by legal issues, such as making your rifle featureless in states like California. Lastly, this can also serve as a good storage compartment to carry items like ear plugs, batteries, bandages, and similar-sized items which tend to be forgotten easily.

Conclusion

Adding a good grip to your Ruger AR-556 helps with the comfort, accuracy, and aesthetics of your rifle. A good product must be durable, have an ergonomic design, and a grippy texture and finish. Additionally, you should consider the extra features, design, price, and intended use before choosing one. 

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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