What was wrong with the A1 grip?

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

Hey guys,

I never gave much thought to the A1 grip until recently. A gun I bought had one on it and I immediately ordered a MOE to replace it. Then I realized, this is a nice grip, and it allows easy access to the mag button an doesn't have the awful A2 finger groove. What was the rationale behind replacing this grip with the A2?

[PlatoCATM]

I have an A1 grip on two carbines and a MIAD set up just like the A1 (flat back, flat front) on a third. I love the A1 grip as it does not have the finger nub that digs into my hand while performing manipulations and supporting all the weight with my firing hand on the grip. I have a couple more A1 grips that will go on any new carbines I acquire. The problem with the MOE (or the MIAD with swelled backstrap) for me is that I have to adjust my hand position to activate the safety/selector lever, while the A1 is slim enough to do this well but not uncomfortably small. The only reason I have to keep the MIAD is that it is already paid for. Look for surplus A1's and save some money, especially if you have no reason to store shit in the grip.

[6933]

I don't think there is anything wrong with it for me. It's just that the MOE grip fits my hand better and I like the storage capability to be able to carry an extra bolt.

[SoDak]

I guess the A2 grip has a grippier surface? I ended up grinding the finger groove off an A2 grip on one of my guns. Of course I just hate finger grooves on anything because while they're nice when my hands are bare, they suck when I put gloves on.

[Quib]

I’ve had issued weapons with both A1 and A2 pistol grips. I have no problems with using either.

[yugo308guy]

I never really liked the A1 or A2 as they don't fill my hand at all. I even have small hands, I can't imagine how the guys with big mitts deal with them. I like a full grip myself.

[Dunderway]

I have an A1 grip on two carbines and a MIAD set up just like the A1 (flat back, flat front) on a third. I love the A1 grip as it does not have the finger nub that digs into my hand while performing manipulations and supporting all the weight with my firing hand on the grip. I have a couple more A1 grips that will go on any new carbines I acquire. The problem with the MOE (or the MIAD with swelled backstrap) for me is that I have to adjust my hand position to activate the safety/selector lever, while the A1 is slim enough to do this well but not uncomfortably small. The only reason I have to keep the MIAD is that it is already paid for. Look for surplus A1's and save some money, especially if you have no reason to store shit in the grip.

I use the same MIAD configuration and love it. If it wasn't available I would probably use an old A1 since I hate "beavertails" on AR grips. I wish Magpul didn't discontinue the MIAD Basic, so I wouldn't have to pay an extra $10 for stuff I don't need. Oh well, it's still worth it.

[TOrrock]

I much prefer the A1 grip to the A2 grip.

[Failure2Stop]

I find the A1 grip to be wholly acceptable.
While I prefer the feel of the MIAD with smooth front and flat back, even the A2 is ok if the finger bump is ground off. I sincerely have no idea why anyone thought that the finger bump was a good idea on the A2.

[rob_s]

I have also always wondered why they did away with a grip that works for almost everyone to a grip that works for almost no-one.

but then, we should also ask glock the same thing. or ask Magpul why their only integrated triggerguard frontstrap for the MIAD has that stupid bump.

[tylerw02]

I have also always wondered why they did away with a grip that works for almost everyone to a grip that works for almost no-one.

but then, we should also ask glock the same thing. or ask Magpul why their only integrated triggerguard frontstrap for the MIAD has that stupid bump.

I've wondered the same thing. I was disappointed when I got my full MIAD kit.

[Brother Rat]

Am I the only one who uses the bump on the A2 grip as a shelf for my ring finger to get a nice secure high grip? Or do I have the smallest hands here?:p

[eternal24k]

I like the A1, certain setups I don't mind the A2 bump, but many others I do.

[KevinB]

A1 is my perfered style - however I like the texture with the MIAD in that format much more than the actual A1 grip.

I can live with the A2 (and did for years) on a 5.56mm gun, but the bump just rubs me raw when shooting a 7.62mm gun, I went so far as to file the bump off a demo Battle Rifle when shooting it at the LAC-M4C Industry class last year, and now run MIAD's exclusively on the demo guns (with the exception of the M110 SASS which is stock)

Edit - coldblue (Lt. Col. Dave Lutz, USMC ret.) here is also my boss at work and the 'father' of the M16A2, if I am paraphrasing him correctly he beleived the bump was a good reasurance for troops in combat based on his experiences in RVN, keep in mind that was way before any of the aftermarket grips where ever designed.

[Safetyhit]

Can't remember where it was, but I recall being told by someone I deemed credible at the time the the A2 ridge was for added stability by allowing the index finger better leverage while the weapon/forearm was being "twisted".

True or not, this thread has prompted me to get another MOE, as I have another A2 that needs replacing.

[pm40]

I was at a local gun shop a couple days ago.The guy had a Charles Daly carbine on the shelf and I ask to see it. It had the 1/9 twist barrel,but it also had the old A1 style rear grip on it.The store owner had said It was a NIB carbine,which it looked to be.I was just wondering why that style grip was on a NIB weapon?

[Phazuka]

I use A1's on my retros.....does this count?

[5pins]

Finger grooves were in vogue when the A2 was designed. Other then that I can see no reason for it.

[Submariner]

Edit - coldblue (Lt. Col. Dave Lutz, USMC ret.) here is also my boss at work and the 'father' of the M16A2, if I am paraphrasing him correctly he beleived the bump was a good reasurance for troops in combat based on his experiences in RVN...

It was "good reasurance" of what exactly?:confused:

The A1 length stock is also more useful then the A2 stock. The Colt "CS" stock, A1 length with A2 materials, works great.

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

Well, playing the Devil's advocate, I would guess....

1. The A2 grip aids in repeatability of hand position.
2. The Longer A2 stock aids in prone shooting by increasing the LOP.
3. Obviously, the A2 sights were an improvement for target purposes.

The focus seemed to be on increasing the usuable accuracy of the rifle.

That said, I prefer the A1 grip, the A1 stock and the A1 sights. But I am a short dude, and I hate tinkering with sights.

[kmrtnsn]

I always hated the A1 and A2 grips. I don't have big hands but the grips were always way too small for me, not conducive to placing the pad of my index finger on the trigger. I run an Ergo on one rifle and an SBR grip on the other, much better grips for me for a natural grip of the weapon.

[CAR]

It was "good reasurance" of what exactly?:confused:


Weapon retention during close up fighting and bayonet work perhaps. I know that I feel I have a much more secure grip on an A2 than an A1 rifle, especially if my hands are wet/sweaty.