Vertical Fore-end Grips
This is a topic of much contention. Before we get into the uses of VFG’s we first need to discuss how they came to popularity in the first place. When one has a M4 with a 7” rail system, by the time a light and a laser and a whatever was added to it there is very little place to put one’s hand. Hence, the VFG for the M4 was implemented.
Like much military-issued weapons gear used since the war began, it became popular with the US civilian shooting community. Many people blindly purchased them with whatever depthless justification they needed without really understanding why they were used in the first place.
Fast forward a few years (those that pay attention to things like this will know these trends.) First, using the VFG like a hand stop started. Then stubby VFG’s came out because since you aren’t grabbing the whole thing, why bother with the whole thing? Then hand stops came out (Knights Armament, Gear Sector, LaRue, and many others make these) and became more popular. Right now the trend is going away from hand stops and going right back to where most of us started back in the day—plain jane nothing.
However, despite what many currently believe, there are some very distinct advantages of a VFG, especially for the fighting man. In no particular order:
Hand Index Point
If one uses a VFG as an index point, every time you grab the rifle your support hand is in the same place; consistency helps. Hand stops and stubbies perform the same purpose.
Recoil Management
Yes, I understand that this one sounds goofy but follow me for a minute. One should physically pull the rifle towards the shoulder with the support hand to help mitigate recoil on the rifle (whatever rifle it may be). Using a VFG as a hand stop or as a full grip both help one gain better leverage to physically pull the rifle into the shoulder and thus abate recoil. This can also be done with hand stops and stubbies.
Rest while Walking/Patrolling
Ah patrolling. There are some things that those who haven’t done it before will never quite understand and one of those things is patrolling for hours on end. It goes without saying that the strong hand generally remains on the pistol grip unless one is doing something that necessitates two hands (writing in a notebook, negotiating obstacles etcetera) but always having the support hand bear the weight of the rifle can be taxing. Gripping the VFG whilst patrolling is easier to do long-term than gripping the fore end of a rifle. A VFG can also be used to transfer the weight of the front end of your rifle to a piece of gear (such as a magazine pouch) and give your support hand a rest. Hand stops are dismal for this but stubbies have some utility. A regular fore-end sucks on this one.
Push/Pull for Stabilization on Barricades/Cover
We always say, ‘do as little work as possible’—it isn’t the mantra of the lazy, just the mantra of the smart. One can use a VFG to pressure against a barricade (either fore or aft) to provide stabilization. More stabilization = better shots. Kind of a no-brainer.
Support on Vertical Cover
If one has a piece of horizontal cover and a free-float fore-end—this requires no thought, just stick your fore-end on the horizontal cover. However, if one has a vertical plane, it can get more difficult. A VFG allows one to wedge one end at the base the push the fore-end against the piece of cover. The longer the VFG the better in this situation.
Weapons Retention in CQB
Just like how better leverage helps for recoil management, it also helps with custody of a rifle during CQB. Yes, it is obvious that a proper sling helps tremendously for this but a VFG also helps gain the proper leverage and command if someone else grabs your rifle.
Something I feel like I should address is the type of VFG one uses. Check it: It isn’t a pivotal part of your rifle—if it breaks it doesn’t change anything with the action or reliability or whatever. Choosing a VFG that has a locking mechanism which will damage your rail system before breaking off is retarded. The only time I’d ever recommend, ‘buying the cheaper part’ is with a VFG. You want your VFG to break off before your rail system warps; going for breakage on the cheaper part first being a good idea etcetera.
This isn’t all-encompassing by any means. However, VFG’s certainly aren’t, ‘without utility’ as some would contend. I will update this post with pictures.

