I wrote about the Rotapoint Griptrap a few months back, which came at the perfect time because I was researching angled grips. At the time, I was considering running a vertical grip toward my support hand at a 45° angle. Visualizing this might be hard for readers, so let me explain it better.
Take a standard AR-15 with the familiar Picatinny rail running along the top of the upper receiver and onto the handguard. We can imagine this top position as the “noon” position. Directly below this, on the underside of the handguard, would be in direct line with the magazine feed, which we can call the “6 o’clock” position. Now that you have this visual, we’re talking about running a grip on the forward handguard at either the 5 or 7 o’clock position. I know this probably makes sense to most, but I wanted to clarify what I mean since there isn’t a common name for this setup yet. Let’s get into why this matters with that out of the way.
Early on, I mentioned to Ryan that I was toying with using a forward control technique on my rifle, placing The grip at an offset. That’s when he told me we had an exciting device to test - a product designed to be positioned exactly where I was thinking. Coincidentally, I was the only one at Mantis running an M-Lok handguard with the correct slots to accommodate the RP Griptrap in the proper position. After running several shooting drills, I quickly found the added support beneficial, especially when using the thumb-over-bore (C-clamp, Firehose, or Chris Costa) grip. While the C-clamp grip works excellent for open spaces, it can be taxing during CQC (Close Quarters Combat) or room-clearing scenarios. As fatigue sets in, shooters often transition from an outstretched hand position to gripping the rifle closer to the magazine well. This natural adjustment is a testament to how our bodies instinctively seek ergonomic positions that reduce effort while maintaining control.
This observation led me down a rabbit hole in body mechanics in the art or sport of shooting. I’m always looking for ways to exert the most force with the least energy. Our natural body movements often provide the most efficient way to perform physical tasks, but we overlook these principles. Instead, much of our gear is designed more for aesthetics than efficiency. This frustration is felt in the shooting world, where gear is sometimes more about looks than function. One of the most significant advancements in shooting-related body mechanics in recent years has come from the three-gun community. Shaving off time in competitions has led to some creative grip and loading techniques and innovative placement and angle choices for gear. These adjustments are often about making the equipment work intuitively with the body, not forcing the body to adapt to the equipment. This Contrasts the traditional idea that “everything has its place,” and we must train our bodies to follow those Patterns. But why do we allow this to happen? It’s simple: peer pressure. Many people need to conform to the established way of doing things because that’s how it was proven in battle by someone they admire. I’m not saying they’re wrong, but I’ve met enough operators to know that the information you get from each of them varies. The common thread, however, is that they all modify their gear to reduce wasted effort.
A simple example is duct-taping the rubber pad on the stock to prevent it from catching on clothing during movement.
To find the next best thing, we have to be willing to experiment. Heckler & Koch recognized this in 1961 with their HK21E, which features a 45° offset vertical grip. This design allowed the arm to bend ergonomically around the magazine without interference, making the firearm more manageable while standing. This inspired me to wonder if such an angle could improve control and reduce fatigue with other guns.
By now, I hope you’re more open to the idea that what works for you might not work for me and vice versa. Now that you understand the inspiration behind this concept, I set out to gather more information on this grip style. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much available besides some usage by Instructor Zero in his videos and a product by Ryker USA, which came out of a similar need for ergonomics. Interestingly, many people with shoulder issues praised the Ryker grip for its pain relief, reinforcing that ergonomic Solutions can make a significant difference. However, Ryker’s design is more of a parallel vertical grip, not a valid offset, in the way I talk about placement in this article. That said, I should mention Mid-Evil, as they would be my top choice if I did not already have a slot to put a standard vertical grip. However, I will say I intended to Place the Mid-Evil on the side of my rail and “bend” it down. I say bend it down because the grip has a unique friction-locking ball and joint that allows a wide range of angles to set it to, then twist it to tighten it in that direction... If you get one, put it on the side and let me Know. Both examples are worth looking at for those who wish to dabble with this concept.
Now, to explain why you should try this offset grip yourself. My primary reason is body mechanics, but let’s break down some key benefits. First, the grip placement is perfect for resting your wrist or forearm when using a traditional C-clamp grip, much like the RP Griptrap. However, the added length of a vertical grip gives you more real estate for a firm hold and better control over the rifle. In close-quarters situations where reaching far out on the gun isn’t practical, this offset grip allows you to maintain control and quickly adjust your grip. One of my favorite outcomes of this setup is the modified C-clamp grip I can achieve. With most of my hand gripping the offset grip and my thumb still able to reach over the bore, it feels more natural and comfortable, even when transitioning between compressed and extended positions. Additionally, when shooting offhand, I found that the magazine and lower receiver wedge up against my forearm, adding stability. There are a couple of downsides, though. The grip widens the overall profile of the rifle, so you might have to say goodbye to your perfectly fitted Pelican case. I also noticed that, occasionally, my sling would get caught under the vertical grip, although that’s not a huge issue - it happens with traditional vertical grips, too.
In short, with a few modifications to your gear, you may find this offset grip provides all the benefits of a Traditional vertical grip while feeling more natural to your shoulders and arms. I found a lot of advantages With very few disadvantages. These were my findings and thoughts. You may see and think differently, but I wanted to give our readers more options.
Cheers!
Hunter C.
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