Why so few vert. grips used in competition?

[palisut]

Pardon the "new guy" question...I've not yet done any competitive rifle shooting (except NRA High Power). I was looking through some of Zak's excellent match photos and noticed that very few if any competitors use vertical foregrips. Even folks who normally use them seem to remove them for competitions. I was just curious, what's that about?

TIA.

[USMC03]

From another thread:




http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.htm...f=118&t=295998

Did you dump your Vertical Fore Grip for the shoot (match) or altogether now Jeff?

Xxxxx,


After much trial and error, I have come to the following conclusion: -Guns that I do a lot of CQB work with I prefer the vertical foregrip. The vertical foregrip helps me "drive" the gun on closer targets, is more ergonomical for accessing a weapon mounted light, gives more power on muzzle strikes and weapon retention, etc.

On guns that I do a lot of *long range shooting* with, I prefer NO vertical foregrip, because I can steady the gun much better on longer shots without the vertical foregrip. The lack of a vertical foregrip also helps me drive and stop the gun better when transitioning from one target to another at longer distances, and has an advantage on barricades, etc. The rifle match has 75%+ of the targets placed from 100 yards - 425 yards.

Something that I noticed when using a vertical foregrip and long range targets....when I would transition from one target to another, I would always pass the target I was transitioning to and have to come back to it (ie. I would "over shoot" or by pass the target).

I don't know why, but on close targets I can drive the gun and stop on a dime at close distances....but at long range targets, I would always pass the target and have to come back to it.

Without a vertical foregrip, I can stop on a dime when transitioning from one target to another at longer distances. Without a vertical foregrip, I wrap my hand round the forend and point my index finger in the same direction as the muzzle (index finger is pointing forward along the 9 o'clock rail) Example: demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/PRM-2006.11/?small=D100_5707_img.jpg

On my guns that have ACOG's, Leupold MR/T M2's, (guns set up for medium to long range shooting) I have removed the vertical foregrips and run just the LaRue handguard and Tango Down pannels.

On my guns with Aimpoints / Short Dots (work guns or guns set up for close to medium range shooting), I still run the vertical foregrips.


Distance = time. Time affords you the ability to get into more stable positions (ie. sitting, prone, braced kneeling, the use of barricades, etc, etc.) In these position a vertical foregrip has no advantage, and can often get in the way. When most of your shots are closer and you are in the standing position or on the move, this is the area where the vertical foregrip shines. I guess it's all about selecting the right tool for the job. Just my opinion based on my personal experiences, as with all things, your milage may vary.






Semper Fi,
Jeff

[rob_s]

I guess it depends on the competition. Our matches are typically 25 yards or less, and the most we can do on our range is 100 yards +/-. I use a vert grip, and most of the other guys do too.

[Robb Jensen]

I shoot rifle stages that go out to a usual maximum of 300yds. Up close and fast I either use a magwell hold or just hold the tube near the receiver. For farther targets I find I get much more control of the rifle with a grip out near the end of the tube (muzzle end) I do have to wear a glove of my left hand when I do that because my gas block is under the tube and it gets hot really fast. Rifle length JP tube (old type) with a mid-length 16" barrel.

The targets I was shooting at here were about 10yds away and in the ground, their famous for these at Area 7 3gun. I was using the irons on my rifle for these very close targets.


I was shooting 50yds here with my scope at 1.5x (this is at Range 305 at MCB Quantico)

[palisut]

Thanks for the info, guys.

USMC03: The rifle match has 75%+ of the targets placed from 100 yards - 425 yards.

Sure wish I could shoot out to 425 around here...

[USMC03]

We usually have 6 - 8 steel targets down range (distances vary) and have 5 - 7 different shooting positions. The shooter must engage all the targets from each position.

The close targets are at 275 the far targets are at 425:

[Robb Jensen]

That's a kickass range Jeff.

[USMC03]

That's a kickass range Jeff.

Thanks. I live 3 miles from it....heading out there this morning. The picture posted above is one of several ranges that we use for the matches.

The pic is of the 425 yard range, right next to it is the 300 yard, 200 yard ranges and pistol ranges that we use for the CQB stuff.

[rhino]

Thanks. I live 3 miles from it....heading out there this morning. The picture posted above is one of several ranges that we use for the matches.

The pic is of the 425 yard range, right next to it is the 300 yard, 200 yard ranges and pistol ranges that we use for the CQB stuff.

You realize, of course, that those of us who are doing 3-gun in 25x25 yard pistol bays totally hate you guys with ranges like that, don't you?

[dubb-1]

Jeff isn't new to envy/hatred! ;-)