Vertical foregrips: from Art Deco to the present day

From the moment firearms first appeared, they were little more than “fire sticks” — from crude hand cannons to the rifles of the 19th century. In those early days, the goal was simple: hold the weapon long enough to get off a single shot, then reload. But everything changed with the rise of semi-automatic and automatic weapons. Suddenly, shooters needed more than just a firm grip — they needed control, precision, and stability during sustained fire.

That’s when the story of the fire control grip began — an unassuming piece of hardware that evolved from an experimental add-on to a standard feature on modern combat systems. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how it developed over the decades, from bold innovations to controversial missteps.

The legend of roaring '20s

American mafia gangster veilding the Thompson Model 1919 submachine gun prop

One of the first iconic examples was the Thompson submachine gun, developed in the 1920s as an alternative to traditional rifles. With a blistering rate of fire — up to 600 rounds per minute — it demanded better control, prompting designers to include a forward vertical grip.

The drum magazine added to the challenge, requiring an extra point of support. Over time, this gave rise to the unforgettable image seen in countless films and newsreels: a fedora-wearing gangster firing a Thompson from the hip, a cigar clenched in his teeth — hardly the textbook way to shoulder a submachine gun, but unforgettable all the same.

The Romanian AK: Starts with a "D"

In the 1960s, the Romanian military began producing the PM md.63 — its own version of the Soviet AKM. While it started out as a near-identical copy, a distinctive feature soon emerged: a wooden forward grip, canted to the side of the main pistol grip. On the folding-stock variant, the PM md.65, the grip angle had to be adjusted to avoid interfering with the stock mechanism.

The design sparked debate among shooters — from an ergonomic standpoint, it was far from ideal. Still, in recent years, it’s seen a surge in popularity, largely due to its unique aesthetics and appeal to collectors.

PM md. 63 sporting an infamous handguard vertical grip. Source: https://weaponsystems.net/system/489-PM+md.+63

The jungle crafts

The harsh conditions of the Vietnam War became a catalyst for field modifications to firearms. American soldiers — especially those issued M16 rifles and various XM prototypes — often took matters into their own hands, adapting their weapons to the realities of jungle combat.

On the M14, for instance, troops sometimes added improvised forward grips to gain better control during automatic fire, though this practice was far less widespread compared to later rifles.

Springfield M14E2. Source: https://www.thearmorylife.com/diy-build-your-own-m14e2/

The XM177 Carbine and Special Forces Adaptations

CAR-15 XM177 replica build. Source: https://www.softairgames.net/en/handgrips/32796-vertical-grip-for-mws-m4-gbb-t8-sp-system-t8-177-vf.html

Barrel shortening was another popular direction in firearm modification. In the case of the XM177E1 carbine — a shortened variant of the M16 — soldiers often attached pistol grips to the handguards to improve control during automatic fire. The combination of a shorter barrel and compact handguard made it difficult to maintain a steady grip when firing in bursts.

British forces with homemade fire control grips in Northern Ireland. Source: The Armourer's Bench.

Similar practices were seen in other militaries as well. British forces — particularly the SAS — actively modified their L1A1 rifles by shortening barrels and adding vertical grips, tailoring the weapon to specific combat environments.

Forefront of innovation

The fire control grip earned its place on modern rifles for both civilian shooters and military personnel due to its simplicity as an upgrade, significantly improving weapon handling and manipulation. And, of course, let's not forget its visual appeal, which served as a morale booster for the shooter.

Following the Gulf War, vertical grips gained renewed popularity among military forces. Platform standardization (such as the M16/M4), the introduction of Picatinny rails, and the growing emphasis on tactical mobility all contributed to the widespread adoption of accessories that allowed for better control during shooting on the move or in challenging conditions. The vertical grip became nearly a standard feature on many modern assault rifles.

Ukrainian war for independence

Military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, call sign "Latviyets". Source: Telegram - NordXStormXGroup

In Ukraine, vertical grips have also become a popular upgrade. For both civilian shooters and military personnel, comfort during shooting plays a key role. Installing a grip often becomes the first modification made by owners of carbines or assault rifles. It enhances weapon control, especially during burst fire or in stressful situations, while also allowing for more stable suppression fire from cover, improving the weapon’s direction control, though, of course, this method of fighting remains somewhat controversial.

To improve effectiveness in combat and training, we offer CRC 9048 vertical fire control grips with M-LOK attachment interface and CRC 9048P with Picatinny rail attachment. They are made from durable aluminum alloy, ensuring high load resistance while remaining lightweight and ergonomic due to their shape. The grips also feature textured surfaces for better hold, even with wet or dirty hands.

This combination is especially valuable in combat conditions, where every gram and second count. Don't overlook your own comfort and efficiency — update your combat companion's accessories on our website.