Introduction

For me, the pivotal image which firmly cemented the BCM GUNFIGHTER line with the L119A2 was this one of The Geardo Crow‘s blaster:

His L119A2, BCM Stock Assembly and BCM Vertical Grip Mod 3-Picatinny look to be made for each other.

Since then I’ve heard from the man himself and another highly credible source that BCM is – as many already suspected – UKSF-legit:

…while I don’t subscribe to the cult of “has been seen”, I have seen BCM (in the wild) – which may be important to readers looking for that extra bit of justification to break the mould.

– TGC

You can read more in The Geardo Crow’s awesome article on the blog. I’ve re-used one of his pic for illustration purposes.

I was eager to try the BCM GUNFIGHTER Vertical Grip Mod 3-Picatinny myself and when I mentioned it to my friend and L119A2 guru Andy J, I found he had one spare which he posted to me for this analysis. Thanks Andy!

Incidentally, the KeyMod storage version of the BCM Vertical Grip is popular with Metropolitan Police CTSFO impressionists, as it seems to be pretty much standard issue on the MCX:

Reference pic

Background

Most AR vertical foregrips on the market are aimed primarily at the broom handle style of support hand weapon manipulation.

It may not look like it, but BCM’s offering acts more like a Magpul AFG – but with additional leverage, which I find most welcome.

It’s optimised for the C-clamp grip method, where it acts like a hand stop – but with the ergonomic advantage of a slight slope.

It’s also incredibly reasonable in price. Having broken an AFG2 in the last few weeks (bolt related), the price of the BCM comes as some relief.

Use

Until receiving the BCM I was an avid AFG2 user, but right now I prefer to use the BCM. It’s partly because of the value adding leverage factor.

Using my support hand, I find I can pull the rifle into my shoulder more effectively than I can with the AFG2. That’s important to me with my steel barrelled HAO L119A2 IUR, because it’s front heavy like the RS – and that’s before adding any accessories to the fore-end. I can also vary my grip technique depending on circumstances.

The BCM grip can be mounted so as to be canted forward or back. I tried both orientations and found canted back worked best for me.

Attachment

The grip’s method of attachment is novel.

Tightened through its base with a single T15 Torx screw, the top of the grip itself – the plastic part – indexes with the picatinny; occupying two slots to prevent forward or aft movement.

The result of this is that the grip is direct-mounted, with no chunky clamping system. It’s very clever, but simple – as elegant design solutions tend to be.

BCM says this:

BCM has developed a patent pending anchor system that not only secures to the mounting surface, but spreads the energy and force throughout the accessory. Conventional mounting systems can allow for an increased amount of shifting and flexing of the accessory. The BCM® direct mount interface system reduces those issues and offers a more secure lockup, eliminating play in the mounting surface.

The pic directly below shows the grip slipped onto the rail via its low profile steel interface, prior to tightening.

Presentation

BCM’s FDE is on the pale side compared to Magpul’s, but its plastic seems no less viable – as those who’ve seen the various BCM stock drop tests will attest.

The grip is variously textured to aid manipulation and is extremely light weight.

Where to Buy?

There is a UK source for these – although I understand they sell out quite fast. Keep your eyes on Tactical Kit, who offer a range of BCM grips. Brownells also offers a range of BCM items.

More articles relating to the L119A2:

  • The original L119A2 primer, here
  • GG&G AR15 vertical fore-grip in use here
  • Magpul QDM and ASAP QD in use here
  • 15.7″ L119A2 upper in use here
  • Surefire FA556SA Suppressor here
  • GG&G Aimpoint T1 mount in use here
  • Magpul MS3 sling in use here
  • Magpul ACS stock in use here
  • Colt Canada parts – as used on the L119A2 – here
  • Manta Very Low Profile Rail Covers as used on the L119A2 here
  • UKSF Newcastle raid pics part 1
  • UKSF Newcastle raid pics part 2
  • UKSF Nairobi Kenya incident L119A2 parts breakdown here
  • UKSF Belize ‘Jungle Set-up’ L119A2 parts breakdown here
  • Confirmation bias (and the HSP Thorntail offset light mount) here
  • UKSF Ecosystem: S&S Precision Sling Clip – Old Gen – here
  • Inforce WML-type lights in use here

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