There are a lot of grip options for the AR-15 platform, and all of the other platforms that use AR grips. Some are adequate, and some are excellent, and generally, they don’t cost too much. Upgrading your grip is probably one of the easiest ways to customize your rifle, and if you can combine excellent with inexpensive, that’s a plus. MEAN Arms has a couple of AR grips that you may not be aware of that do just that. MEAN is the maker of the MA Loader and EndoMag, but they also do a whole lot more.
The Standard A2 Fat Grip
Let me start by saying that MEAN does a basic fat A2 grip as well. The “fat” grip is what you find on military rifles and better commercial rifles. It’s basic A2 pattern, but is wider, and generally more comfortable. If you’re good with a simple grip like you used in the service, then this is the one for you. You can get it in a variety of colors, too, including black, FDE, OD green, gray, and storm white. It’s a lot better than the skinny A2s you find in most build kits and sells for just $5.99.
The Echo Grip
I think of the Echo Grip as an A2 for the 21st century. It’s a fat profile pistol grip that uses a proprietary polymer that looks like woven carbon fiber. It has a sleek, upscale style but not an upscale price. It’s a smooth grip, which may be a plus or minus, depending on what kind of build you’re doing. It’s comfortable but doesn’t provide much texture if you think you’ll need that for foul weather. The Echo Grip is available for only $15.99.
MA Rubberized Grip
If you do need a grippier grip, then the MA Rubberized Grip is the one for you. It’s once again made with a proprietary polymer and has a rubberized outer surface. This one is sans finger groove, which many folks prefer. It has an extended beavertail to protect the web of your hand and is also very comfortable.
I like the look of the Echo and am using it on a couple of builds. But I think I’d pick the MA Rubberized grip for a work gun or hunting rifle that might see foul weather use. The MSRP on this one is an extremely reasonable $12.99.
MEAN Arms
MEAN has been in the polymer injection business for over 50 years. It does custom injection molding, mold design, and part fabrication. The company actually does a lot of OEM manufacturing for other companies and now sells directly to consumers as well.
MEAN Arms AR Grips come with a grip screw and washer and are covered by a lifetime warranty. If you need to upgrade a new factory rifle or are looking at picking up some build parts, then take a look at what MEAN has to offer.
For more information, check out MEAN Arms.
