gripping magwell vs. VFG

**Gentle Ben** · 01-30-08, 14:46

Although I've used VFG's in the past, I grew to dislike the added bulk & protrusion they added to the rifle. I switched over to gripping the front of the magwell with my support hand.

I haven't had a problem yet, but I can't help but think it's a less than ideal practice, in that I'm putting unnatural pressure on the mag, which might contribute to feeding problems in much the same manner as resting the mag on the ground/bench for support.

Have any of you experienced feeding problems related to gripping the magwell?

**BigRed** · 01-30-08, 15:03

Originally Posted by Gentle Ben

I haven't had a problem yet, but I can't help but think it's a less than ideal practice, in that I'm putting unnatural pressure on the mag, which might contribute to feeding problems in much the same manner as resting the mag on the ground/bench for support.

I don't think leaning the mag on anything actually does cause feed problems. If the mag is locked in I don't see how putting your hand on it is going to affect feeding.

**markm** · 01-30-08, 15:23

It works fine. But the top instructors (from what I've read here) advocate a support hand more towards the front of the weapon.

**John_Wayne777** · 01-30-08, 15:27

Originally Posted by Gentle Ben

I haven't had a problem yet, but I can't help but think it's a less than ideal practice, in that I'm putting unnatural pressure on the mag, which might contribute to feeding problems in much the same manner as resting the mag on the ground/bench for support.

Have any of you experienced feeding problems related to gripping the magwell?

No.

In all honesty if you have a weapon that can't stand to have you hanging on to the magwell or resting the mag as a field expedient monopod I'd ditch the weapon post haste if at all possible. It shouldn't be that sensitive.

As to the utility of holding on to the mag well, it can be done. It even makes reloads a skosh faster for some people. (Yes, skosh is a technical term.)

Personally I'd suggest trying to run the weapon with your support hand as far forward as possible and see if that works better for you than the mag-well hold before committing to it fully.

**Gentle Ben** · 01-30-08, 15:31

thanks for the replies (missed J_W's while responding).

gripping the weapon more towards the front makes sense for muzzle/recoil control. my main concern is about feed issues resulting from putting rearward/sideways pressure on the mag.

LOL...you're right, a fighting carbine shouldn't be that sensitive! thankfully, mine don't appear to be.

**John_Wayne777** · 01-30-08, 15:43

Originally Posted by Gentle Ben

thanks for the replies (missed J_W's while responding).

Always happy to help!

gripping the weapon more towards the front makes sense for muzzle/recoil control.

A lot of very smart people here swear by it.

my main concern is about feed issues resulting from putting rearward/sideways pressure on the mag.

...and that's a valid concern on a number of weapon systems out there. There really are a number of designs out there where putting pressure on the magazine causes issues.

Thankfully the AR isn't one of them usually.....

**C4IGrant** · 01-30-08, 16:07

Originally Posted by Gentle Ben

Although I've used VFG's in the past, I grew to dislike the added bulk & protrusion they added to the rifle. I switched over to gripping the front of the magwell with my support hand.

I haven't had a problem yet, but I can't help but think it's a less than ideal practice, in that I'm putting unnatural pressure on the mag, which might contribute to feeding problems in much the same manner as resting the mag on the ground/bench for support.

Have any of you experienced feeding problems related to gripping the magwell?

Grabbing the magwell is a bad idea, but not for the reason you think. Holding the mag will NOT effect reliability. The two issues is that it puts your thumb near the bolt catch and the second issue is that it is not a very stable shooting position for moving and shooting.

C4

**Gentle Ben** · 01-30-08, 16:33

gotcha.

it's refreshing to not have to filter through several pages of cr@p to get a straight answer.

**Failure2Stop** · 01-30-08, 17:24

It also depends on how you use the magwell, and if you need to interface with a light.

I used a magwell hold for a long time, but different than most, which is the same way I use a VFG, and the way some other top professionals advise.

My fingers never touch the magazine. My pinkie sits on the magwell lip, middle and index on the rail, thumb pointed forward. I really like it for SBRs, but is not so great if you need to get to a light and aren't using a pressure pad.

Other issues with the grip- with some people their fingers wrap onto the ejection port cover, or just below it, which has caused stoppages.