Highlighted in the following reference pic is what appears to be a GPS (Grip Pod Systems) Grip Pod; possibly in tan and presumably the GPS 02 Standard model.
I can’t claim I spotted this. That distinction goes to @ash.jaqen and @tfdragon_ – with additional help and advice in the production of this article from @overbury815. Thanks guys!
If the Grip Pod is tan, that’s worth noting because that colour came after black (and I’m pretty sure I’ve only seen black Grip Pods on the earlier G3 and L119A1). What I’m getting at here is that this is perhaps a later issued Grip Pod, as opposed to an older one that’s been transferred from an L119A1.
The pic is said to depict SBS guys, so until anything else transpires I’ll assume that to be the case.
The Grip Pod is a straightforward but clever design, which implodes the distinctions between vertical foregrip and bi-pod.
A familiar item to those interested in British armed forces, with the Grip Pod commonly used by the British Army. Indeed, it has for some years been part of the L85’s CES (Complete Equipment Schedule).
That said, it’s the first time I’ve seen one in use with what’s assessed to be an L119A2; on this occasion the 10″ version, which is referred to in the official documentation as a carbine. (Out of interest, there exists a public pic of the 15.7″ L119A2 [the rifle version] with a Harris bi-pod.)
The Grip Pod isn’t part of the L119A2’s CES, so my assumption is its inclusion here represents operator’s choice. From my perspective this is always great to see, as it expands the legitimate L119A2 canon and its capabilities.
The GPS 02 Standard is the standard military model Grip Pod, presented here in black:
Press the activation button and sprung bi-pod legs shoot from its body.
The legs are reinforced with stainless steel and are stowed, simply, by pushing them back into the grip’s body.
Notable at the top of the Grip Pod is a thumbscrew and clamp assembly, for attachment to Picatinny rails.
The user can mount the Grip Pod to orientate the activation button front or rear. Rear is usual when the item is held in the broom handle style, but in my example I’ve orientated the button to the front. This keeps the thumbscrew out of the way of my fingers, when I hold the Grip Pod in the C-clamp style.
The Grip Pod is a useful bit of kit if the user wishes to shoot from the prone position and has limited rail space. That said, it does add a bit of weight and bulk to the front of the carbine.
The looks, while debatable, are strangely compulsive.
Big thanks again to @ash.jaqen, @tfdragon_ , and @overbury815.
The Reptile House 