We've spent a few months getting a good grip on Troy Industries Modular Combat Grip (MCG) for this review. Training and patrolling with the three part, aluminum vertical fore grip (VFG) gave us plenty of time to cover all the twists this burly little guy has to offer.
VFGs come in two flavors, polymer and metal. Troy Industries is fighting the polymer revolution with this offering. The MCG is a three piece system that Troy lists as creating a 4 5/8" and 3 1/4" grip size depending on its configuration. During this review we also ran the Troy MCG without the core to create an even shorter VFG at 2 1/2". This shortest variant is perfect for guys who wrap their hand around more of the rail than the VFG, using it as an index point. Weighing in at slightly under 6 oz, the body, extension, head and end piece are nicely machined from aluminum, and finished with hardcoat anodizing in flat black or flat dark earth.
Installation of the Troy Modular Combat Grip is simple. It can be done through the supplied diamond-shaped thumbscrew, or with use of the included flush flathead screw. Originally we started out testing the grip with the thumbscrew, mainly because it is the default option and was the quickest way to start using the grip. I tend to wrap my hand partially around the rail, and the thumbscrew sticks out a little too much. Swapping it out for the recessed flathead screw made a world of difference for my shooting technique. If you shoot holding onto the entire body of the grip, the thumbscrew won't make a difference, and it will allow you to remove or change the VFG's position while in the field. Every tester commented on the tightness of the threads. Once tightened down, this is not something that is going to rattle loose, though witness marks are always appreciated by your supply NCO.
We locked the Troy Modular Combat Grip onto as many different rails as we could. The head of the MCG has index points to engage your 1913 spec rail, and provides even clamping pressure on both sides without rotating or grinding into the rail. This provides a rock solid interface without rail damage. The Troy MCG was locked onto a total of 18 different rails including the Vltor VIS (3 different ones), Vltor CASV, KAC URX II (2), Noveske SWS (4 different ones), Daniel Defense M4 rails (2), Daniel Defense Lite rails (3), Daniel Defense Omega rail, and Daniel Defense RIS II (2). There were no problems with any of these rails, each of them were rock solid, and the Troy MCG might as well have been welded into place.
The Troy MCG is a durable and heavy-duty VFG, but its aluminum construction is conduit for the direct transfer of heat and cold between the grip and the weapon. We think most shooters understand that a heavy round count heats up their barrel and rail. Use of an aluminum VFG like the Troy MCG means the heat is going to radiate into the grip. Likewise, if you are doing cold weather work, or if you are a cop that leaves your rifle locked in your trunk, grabbing an aluminum VFG in winter is going to make for a cold hand in short order. Use of gloves is an easy answer for this, all of our friends who are still in the military are shooting using gloves, and roughly half of the guys we patrol with as Law Enforcement Officers are using gloves (obviously LEO aren't going cyclic anywhere near as often).
The Troy Modular Grip excels in two areas. The first is its choice of three different grip lengths. Troy suggests the MCG has two different size configurations, but not everyone needs the internal storage compartment, and some will like handling the weapon with the Troy MCG extension and end piece removed. Second, is its well machined heavy duty aluminum construction.
For $79, the Troy MCG isn't cheap, but its over $20 cheaper than the Larue grip, and its roughly the cost of the quick-detach (QD) Tango Down grip (the non-QD Tango Down can be found under $60). If you want to save a few bucks you could also go the route of the cheapo airsoft imports; but I would hope that since you are reading this blog it's understood that you and your squad are worth more than the $20 or $30 you might save by going with junk. Do you need to spend that much to get a QUALITY piece of equipment...? You probably do. Speaking as someone who has hit someone with a weapon (on multiple occasions), I'm not looking for something that might break; and I know I'll blow more money on beer, coffee and other BS in a month than the price of this grip.
If you are looking for a modular aluminum vertical fore grip that can help you muzzle punch until retirement, you owe it to yourself to check out the Troy Modular Combat Grip.
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