All of this means shooters no longer grip the rifle like a Vietnam era grunt. To accommodate the change, the grip angle is changed. Looking at a rifle from the side, you'll see the bottom, leading edge of the newer grip is further forward. Reducing the grip angle allows shooters a straighter wrist which translates into better trigger control, more recoil control and a stronger grip for weapon manipulation.
Travis Haley, who's company Haley Strategic was consulted by BCM during the development of the grip, says weapon manipulation techniques have advanced as gunfighters adapt their stance to the use of new armor and weapons and apply knowledge gained by studying recent engagements.
He links two benefits of the modern "squared-up" carbine stance to survivability. First, the stance "offers solid recoil control that dramatically increases the shooters ability to balance speed and precision, says Haley, "This improves efficiency, hit probability, effectiveness which leads to improves shooter survivability.
"Addressing the second benefit of squaring up to the threat, Haley says, "although we are still vulnerable in the head, arms and legs, this modern platform aligns the shooter's armor plate to protect against the threat verses using the bladed stance that presents the threat with the unarmored underarm and has led to countless fatal shootings."
While the GFG isn't the first manufacturer to reduce the grip angle on a carbine, it does offer a few advantages with it's two shapes, the MOD0 and the MOD1. Both versions have reduced grip angles, and both will come with a pair of trigger guard inserts that allow the grip to work with either a standard AR trigger guard or gapless, integral trigger guards found on newer lowers. Both grips also have a hinged bottom that creates a water tight storage compartment inside the grip.
The MOD0 is a back strapless version that shaped more like a traditional AR grip. It works well with thick gloves or smaller hands. The MOD1 is a little meatier and has a highrise back strap that takes advantage of the the grip surface available under the shooter's thumb webbing.
The surface of the grips are textured, hard polymer. The hard surface will appeal to shooters that don't like the tacky feel of a rubber over-molded grip.
To learn more about the BCM GFG, visit http://www.BravoCompanyMFG.com/gfg. They are available beginning today in Black, Flat Dark Earth and Foliage Green for $30 at BravoCompanyUSA.com.
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