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AR-15 RETRO PISTOL GRIP

AR-15 RETRO PISTOL GRIP Reviews & Ratings

AR-15 RETRO PISTOL GRIPS

Recreate an American Classic with the Brownells M16A1 Pistol Grip, built to accurately replicate the original Grip issued to thousands of American servicemen & women. This Pistol Grip is modeled directly off of original grips, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find, or in decent condition. Combine the M16A1 Pistol Grip with the matching Handguard Set & Buttstock Assembly from Brownells, and you have a new condition furniture set for your AR-15, M16, M16A1 or other early model rifle. Pistol Grip includes incstruction, grip screw & washer. Available in several different colors including:

  • Black - Proper for Model 602, XM16E1, M16A1 & later generation rifles introduced after 1963
  • Green - Proper for early Model 601 rifles, the first AR-15 adopted by the US Air Force in 1959
  • Brown - Similar to the earliest AR-15 Prototype rifle furniture used in the late 1950s

Retro furniture from Brownells is not an exact copy of original components or their construction. Some areas have been changed due to manufacturing methods or to avoid counterfeit concerns.


See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

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Reviews Summary
Customers rave about the AR-15 Retro Pistol Grip, praising its near-identical resemblance to original models and high-quality material. However, some note minor installation issues, like shallow safety detent spring holes which may require drilling. Overall, it’s considered the best reproduction grip, ideal for retro builds.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Product Quality
80%
Many reviewers are impressed by the quality of the AR-15 Retro Pistol Grip, noting its remarkable similarity to original models and superb finish. This consistency in quality contributes significantly to customer satisfaction, making it a top choice for retro builds.
Installation Issues
40%
A number of reviews point out installation challenges, particularly related to the shallow spring hole for the safety detent. While many managed to resolve these issues with minor adjustments, this feedback suggests that the manufacturing quality has room for improvement.
Fit and Compatibility
30%
Overall, customers find the grip fits well with their builds, although some experienced alignment issues with certain lower receivers. Most agree that for retro builds, this grip is a great match for other components, solidifying its reputation in the market.
Value for Money
75%
Reviewers frequently mention the grip's affordability relative to its quality and performance. Many feel they received an excellent product for the price, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts wanting to complete retro builds.
Aesthetic Appearance
50%
Several reviews highlight the aesthetically pleasing look of the grip, with customers appreciating its classic design that evokes nostalgia. This aesthetic is particularly important for those looking to maintain authenticity in retro builds.
Customer Photos & Videos
5
Jungle Boy
It is absolutely perfect. I ordered the green buttstock and the green triangle foregrip for a project I'm building.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Quality Replica
As advertised and expected. This is a good quality reproduction.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Looks great
Bought this grip for a car-15 build and it looks great and this one even came with the grip screw bought one from another company that did not have a grip screw luckily I had one on hand. Thanks Brownells for quality products great service and quick delivery
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Fantastic
Not oversized like other reproduction A1 grips. This one is a near identical copy of the slimmer early AR style. Fantastic replacement that fits perfectly on my H&R M16A1. Looks and feels correct now. Couldn’t be more pleased with it.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Grip
Nice repudiation and good price will purchase again.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
Best 601/602-spec Grip on the Market
This grip is head-and-shoulders above any other reproduction grip for the earliest models of AR-15; indeed, it is the only option for a clone build using modern, affordable parts. All the other retro grips are made to the specs of the M16A1, which while a fine grip, is thicker than the originals. This one, on the other hand, has the exact same measurements and dimensions as the 601 and 602 models. I compared my examples of the Brownells retro grip--of which I have many--to my collection of original 601 and 602 grips, and other than the originals having their checkering on a panel that is slightly inset into the grip (you REALLY have to know what you are doing and look hard to notice this difference), they are identical. This similarity is even true in a peculiar characteristic the originals and these share; extreme visibility under night vision. I test all manner of gun furniture and tactical gear under NIR, both passive and with an illuminator, and while virtually all USGI and commercial-manufactured AR furniture today is quite NIR-absorbent, these grips, just like the originals, shine like a mirror under NIR illumination. It makes a funny picture when I set rifles in the woods and then scan the area under night vision, and it appears that where my retros are, there are disembodied pistol grips floating and shining there in the dark. The night vision visibility is no problem, though, as anyone building a clone who is worth his or her salt will at least do a fakelite paint job on their 601 furniture, and probably will also then spray paint the part either with black paint or green zinc-chromate/sulfate. One small issue that is not worth subtracting a star, is that the spring hole for the safety detent spring on these is usually drilled a bit shallow, making the selector hard to actuate. Anyone building ARs, though, probably owns a drill, and deepening the hole until the spring sits at the same height as a mil-spec A2 grip is child's play.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
lower part
fit and finish is great. Every item I have ordered was superb quality That is why I keep coming back.
5
Retro Air Force
Good match for the handguards offered. Color is a good match. Waiting for backordered butt stock to finish the build.
5
Best M16A1 reproduction on the market.
After trying other reproductions and looking for an original I decided to purchase this and couldn't be more pleased. If you didn't know it wasn't original you wouldn't know. Hands down the best reproduction pistol rip on the market. Thank you again Brownells you are an oasis in the middle of the desert.
5
As good as it gets
This grip is as good as it gets to the real thing. I've tried quite a few and this is the only one that is almost identical to the original fit and appearance. If you didn't know you wouldn't know.