Trying to figure out the plus and minus of AR grips and why or when you'd want a beavertail and when you wouldn't. It seems the beavertail moves the crook of your thumb back about 1/2" which alters the position of your trigger finger dramatically. I can't hardly imagine who'd have such a short trigger finger that they couldn't use a beavertail. It also seems that those with long fingers or big hands would require lots of finger bend without a beavertail.

quote:

Originally posted by pbslinger:
Trying to figure out the plus and minus of AR grips and why or when you'd want a beavertail and when you wouldn't. It seems the beavertail moves the crook of your thumb back about 1/2" which alters the position of your trigger finger dramatically. I can't hardly imagine who'd have such a short trigger finger that they couldn't use a beavertail. It also seems that those with long fingers or big hands would require lots of finger bend without a beavertail.

Go to a well stocked LGS and finger bang different ARs. No one can really tell you what you will deem comfortable except yourself. Serious on this one.

I have big paws, and can hardly use an AR with no beavertail (like the A2 grip). Way too thin to grip comfortably, and my hand keeps riding up on the grip and grinding my middle finger into the trigger guard. Seems like the whole weight of the rifle ends up resting on my strong hand middle finger knuckle.

Listen to the two gentlemen above. One size does not fit all.

The grip is highly personal and it may take owning a few different ones before you find the best one for you. Considerations include grip angle, grip size, grip texture, the fit of the web of your hand, and how you address & press the trigger.

I eventually settled on BCM Mod 3.
- It has a more vertical angle than some, and this angle closely matches that of the stocks I use for precision bolt action rifles. I want consistency across rifle platforms.
- However the back/beavertail of the grip is designed, it just seems to fit my hand well.
- The Mod 3 grip makes it easier for me to break the trigger as a precision rifle -- meaning the trigger comes straight back on a pull. This reduces lateral bullet impact dispersion.
- I don't touch the grip with my entire palm. The contact is primarily with the web of my hand and the middle, ring, and pinky fingers.

My trigger pull may be different than what others use.
- The first bone of my trigger finger (starting from the palm - the proximal phalanx) stays pointing straight forward, in line with the barrel.
- The first finger joint (proximal interphalangeal joint -- PIP) has as close as possible to a 90 degree bend throughout the entire trigger press.
- The second and third bones (the middle and finger tip bones -- the middle phalanx and distal phalanx) virtually function as one solid bone. The second finger joint (distal interphalangeal joint - DIP) has no bend.
- I contact the trigger with the middle of the finger tip (distal phalanx), pressing straight back on the trigger.

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AR grips are pretty cheap, and pretty easy to switch out. But as noted by others, I recommend shooter and/or finger banging different models until you find what works for you.

I’ll be honest. I would never buy one without it I I had the choice.

I had to with the Kidd chassis because it’s not machined to accept one.

I've sold off the grips I didn't like easily enough and at about $20 it doesn't break the bank trying one out.
I had BCM mod3 grips on everything until Magpul came out with the K2XL grip, now everything has those on it.
Feels natural and gives me a more consistent trigger pull.