Firefield Rival Foregrip Review

One Month Later: Firefield Rival Foregrip Review

The Firefield Rival Foregrip promises enhanced weapon control and a comfortable grip, all wrapped in a lightweight, skeletonized aluminum design. Firefield aims to deliver both form and function with this picatinny rail-mounted foregrip. For just under $30, it seemed like a worthwhile upgrade to explore, especially given its unique aesthetic.

I’ve always struggled with the standard vertical foregrips, finding them clunky and unnatural. I was searching for a more ergonomic solution that would provide better control without adding unnecessary bulk. The Firefield Rival Foregrip’s angled design and textured surface caught my eye as a potentially ideal alternative.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately drawn to the foregrip’s modern, skeletonized appearance. The aluminum construction felt solid, and the matte black finish gave it a tactical, understated look. It was surprisingly lightweight, which was a definite plus, given my priority for minimizing added weight to my AR-15.

I considered the Magpul Angled Foregrip (AFG) and the BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3 before settling on the Firefield Rival Foregrip. The Magpul AFG felt too bulky for my preferences, and the BCM grip, while excellent, was more of a traditional vertical grip, which I was trying to avoid. The Firefield Rival Foregrip seemed to strike a nice balance between ergonomic design and minimal weight.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The grip felt comfortable in hand, and the textured surface provided a secure hold. I was eager to see how it would perform during live fire. I was slightly concerned that the user feedback mentioned some issues with mounting, but I remained hopeful that it would work well with my setup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Rival Foregrip to the Test

First Use Experience

I took my AR-15, equipped with the Firefield Rival Foregrip, to my local shooting range to put it through its paces. I ran several drills, focusing on transitioning between targets and maintaining control during rapid fire. The range offered varied conditions, from bright sunlight to shaded areas, giving me a good sense of how the grip performed in different lighting.

The Firefield Rival Foregrip noticeably improved my control and stability during rapid fire. Its angled design allowed for a more natural wrist position, reducing fatigue and allowing for quicker target acquisition. The textured surface provided a secure grip, even with sweaty hands, which was a major advantage.

The installation was initially problematic as indicated by user reviews. The picatinny rail adapter was slightly curved. It took some time and effort to get the Firefield Rival Foregrip properly secured to my Magpul picatinny rail. This mounting issue was an initial disappointment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a month of regular use, the Firefield Rival Foregrip has held up reasonably well, but the initial mounting issues remained a concern. There are a few minor scratches on the finish, but the aluminum construction seems durable overall. The textured surface has maintained its grip, and the grip feels secure in hand.

The finish shows minor signs of wear, but the aluminum construction still feels solid. I regularly clean the grip with a standard gun cleaning solvent, and it’s easy to wipe down and maintain. So far, I haven’t encountered any major issues with its durability or maintenance.

Compared to my previous experience with a standard vertical grip, the Firefield Rival Foregrip offers a significant improvement in comfort and control. However, the mounting issue is a notable drawback that I didn’t experience with the Magpul AFG on another firearm. Overall, it’s a mixed bag – improved ergonomics, but a concerning installation process.

Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Rival Foregrip

Specifications

The Firefield Rival Foregrip boasts several key specifications:

• Material: Aluminum – Ensuring durability and a lightweight design.
• Weight: 4.1 oz – Minimizing added weight to the firearm.
• Length: 2.7 in, Width: 1.2 in, Height: 3.7 in – Compact dimensions for maneuverability.
• Mount Type: Picatinny – Compatible with most standard AR platforms.
• Finish: Matte Black – Providing a tactical, non-reflective appearance.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall performance and usability of the foregrip. The aluminum construction guarantees longevity, while the lightweight design ensures that it doesn’t significantly impact the balance of the firearm. The Picatinny mount allows for easy attachment to a wide variety of rifles.

Performance & Functionality

The Firefield Rival Foregrip excels at providing enhanced weapon control and a comfortable grip. Its angled design promotes a more natural wrist position, reducing fatigue and improving target acquisition. The textured surface ensures a secure hold, even in adverse conditions.

However, the initial mounting issues are a significant drawback. The curved rail adapter makes installation difficult, and could render the grip useless if one is unable to mount it properly. Once mounted securely, the foregrip performs admirably, but the mounting problem needs addressing.

The Firefield Rival Foregrip largely meets my expectations, although I had hoped the mounting system would be more reliable out of the box. The ergonomics and grip are excellent, but the installation difficulties temper my overall satisfaction.

Design & Ergonomics

The Firefield Rival Foregrip features a skeletonized design constructed from durable aluminum. The lightweight nature and ergonomic shape make it comfortable to hold and use. The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface that blends well with most tactical firearms.

The grip is generally user-friendly, but the initial installation can be challenging due to the Picatinny rail adapter’s curve. Once mounted, the grip feels natural and intuitive, with no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction suggests that the Firefield Rival Foregrip should last a long time under normal use. After a month of regular shooting, there are only minor signs of wear on the finish.

The Firefield Rival Foregrip is easy to maintain. A quick wipe-down with a standard gun cleaning solvent is usually sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Firefield Rival Foregrip doesn’t come with any additional accessories, focusing solely on providing a secure and comfortable grip. However, its Picatinny mount makes it compatible with a wide range of AR-15 platforms.

Due to its simple design, there aren’t many customization options available beyond choosing different colors or finishes, if available. Its primary function is to enhance grip and control, which it does reasonably well once mounted.

Pros and Cons of Firefield Rival Foregrip

Who Should Buy Firefield Rival Foregrip?

The Firefield Rival Foregrip is perfect for tactical shooters, AR-15 enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an ergonomic foregrip that improves weapon control and reduces fatigue. It is also a good option for those who appreciate a unique, skeletonized design.

However, those who prioritize easy installation and guaranteed compatibility with Picatinny rails might want to consider alternatives. Users who are not mechanically inclined may struggle with the initial mounting process.

A must-have modification might include a shim or modification to the picatinny adaptor to resolve the mounting difficulties. Another option is a replacement picatinny adapter from another manufacturer.

Conclusion on Firefield Rival Foregrip

The Firefield Rival Foregrip offers a compelling combination of ergonomic design, lightweight construction, and enhanced weapon control. Its angled shape promotes a more natural wrist position, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy during rapid fire. The skeletonized design and matte black finish give it a modern, tactical appearance that appeals to many AR-15 enthusiasts.

However, the mounting issues with the Picatinny rail adapter are a significant drawback that cannot be ignored. The curved adapter can make installation difficult, potentially rendering the grip useless if you’re unable to secure it properly.

At a price point of $29.99, the Firefield Rival Foregrip is relatively affordable. However, the mounting problems detract from its overall value proposition.

Would I personally recommend it? With reservations. If you’re willing to invest some time and effort in addressing the mounting issue, the Firefield Rival Foregrip can be a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, you may want to explore alternatives with more reliable mounting systems. Consider the potential mounting issues before making a purchase decision.