Are you looking around for something to do for your AR-15? Or are you building a new AR-15? In either case, for the pistol grip, you should check out the Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) Gunfighter Mod 3 grip. It definitely makes for a great upgrade to a standard A2 style grip.
BCM makes many accessories and upgrades for AR-15 and AR-15 style rifles. I’ve used a few products from BCM (mainly charging handles and upper receiver groups), and have really liked every one of them. Most recently I picked up the Gunfighter Mod 3 Grip to replace a Magpul MOE grip. So I’m going to do a little comparison between the two, and tell you what I think about the Gunfighter Mod 3.
If you take a look at the picture above, you will notice the two grips are quite similar. But there are some nice upgrades on the BCM Mod 3.
Features & Ergonomics
The BCM grip has a little “grip bulge” that helps the grip fit better in the hand, this is similar to Hogue and other ergonomic grip styles (pictured below). What this does is give you a little more natural feel to the grip and allows you to get a firmer, more positive grip; basically there is more contact surface with your hand. I have used Hogue and Ergo grips in the past, and one of the things I do not like about them is how thick the grips are. For my hand size, they just don’t work well. The Mod 3 falls nicely between the two and seems to fit perfectly.
This slightly thicker grip is one of the core features of the Mod 3. It’s noted as the grip being 1/4 inch wider than the Mod 0 and Mod 1 grips also offered by BCM. If you have very small hands, you should check out those models.
Also, because of the slightly thicker design, there is a more pronounced area where your thumb and trigger finger end up sitting when using the grip. This gives you a really positive feel on the gun. This is also combined with a slightly reduced grip angle; basically the grip sits at a more natural angle, similar to the angle of your hand. This makes your hand and trigger finger line up with the rest of the gun very naturally.
Another feature of the grip is that there is an extended forward tang that extends under the trigger guard. This “closes the gap” between the grip and trigger guard. Depending on the type of lower you have, this may not be an issue for you, but it does feel like it smooths out the transition between the grip and lower.
On the bottom of the grip there is a hinged rubber “trap door” that is water resistant. So when closed, the bottom of the grip can be used as a storage compartment.
Installation
The installation of the grip is quite simple, as with most grips. They’re attached using a single screw located on the inside of the grip.
The grip comes with a screw and a lock washer for the installation.
The grip also holds in the safety selector detent and spring, so if you are removing an existing grip, make sure you don’t lose these parts. You need them!
These grips are often a tight fit on the lower, so you may have to give it a good push to get it on to the lower, but once it starts, it should slide on smoothly.
Also, I found that because of the extended forward tang, there may be a little gap between the lower and the grip. This definitely depends on what kind of lower you have. If your lower is billet and has a built in trigger guard, the interference may be more than on say a standard forged lower with a removable trigger guard. But simply making sure you tighten down the grip should take care of that.
Also, I suggest putting a little bit of blue (removable) thread locker on the screw to make sure it doesn’t get vibrated loose. You definitely don’t want your grip to fall off when you are out on the move.
Related Products
BCM makes a few models of grip, the Mod 0, Mod 1, Mod 2 and Mod 3. Most of the BCM grips incorporate many of the same features, with some slight variations.
The Mod 0 has a modular forward tang and a low backstrap. The grip comes with a standard “smooth” insert and an extended insert, making this an adjustable feature. So if you have a lower with a crazy trigger guard or some other styling, this may be a better option for your setup so you don’t have that extended tang to get in the way.
The Mod 1 has the same features as the Mod 0 but with an extended backstrap.
The Mod 2 has all of the same features Mod 0 but also includes 3 modular backstraps. This makes the grip adjustable for various hand sizes, etc.
The Mod 3 has all of the features integrated, so no interchangeable parts. It is also 1/4 inch wider than the other models.
For additional information on these grips check out bravocompanyusa.com.
Specifications & Measurements
| Description | BCM Mod 3 | Magpul MOE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Height * | 4.242 in (107.76 mm) | 4.069 in (103.36 mm) |
| Thickness ** | 1.236 in (31.39 mm) | 1.205 in (30.60 mm) |
| Width *** | 1.918 in (48.71 mm) | 1.979 in (50.27 mm) |
| Weight | 3.2 oz | 2.6 oz |
** – Thickness measured at the thickest portion of the grip.
*** – Width measured at the thickest portion of the actual hand grip area.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a good upgrade or building a new rifle you should check out BCM products. They make great, very durable and ergonomic products that are designed around the shooter; their products, put simply, just improve the shooting experience.
The only negative thing I can say about this Mod 3 grip is that it is slightly heavier than the Magpul MOE, and in the game of ounces making pounds, every little bit can count. But for my uses, and the uses of most, this slight weight increase is probably worth the enhanced ergonomics. Especially in the case of it improving your shooting.
Check out the slide show below for some more photos of the grip and don’t forget to let us know what grip you use in the comments below.
This post has also been posted on The Truth About Guns. Check out their site for tons of firearms and firearm industry news and information.