Unleash the Power of the Kung Fu Grip for Your AR-style Guns
Quick Overview
The Kung Fu Grip by Die Free Co is an affordable, well-built AR-style rifle grip that offers solid performance and comfort. Its retro-inspired texture and ergonomic design give shooters a confident hold, even in challenging conditions. With straightforward installation and compatibility across various platforms, the KFG is a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their rifle’s handling without overspending.
How Did We Get Here?
I don’t heavily modify most of my guns, including my ARs. If I bother to modify them, it’s usually something to improve the function or my ability to use it. And, once I find something I like, I have a tendency to stick with it. So when Die Free Co (DFCO) asked me if I wanted to evaluate their Kung Fu Grip for AR-style platforms, I was interested, but if I’m being honest, I wasn’t too excited about it. Turns out, I should have been more excited.
In the interest of transparency, let me say up front that DFCO sent the Kung Fu Grip (KFG) and Tiger Claw to us at no cost. It doesn’t change our opinions on it, but you should know.
I Like What I Like
As I mentioned, when it comes to accessories that I use, I tend to find something that works and stick with it. Many ARs, especially ones in the budget range, come with the A2 style grip. I am not a fan of the A2 grip and routinely change those out. Most often, I replace them with the Magpul MOE grip or the Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 Grip. I’ve also used the B5 Systems Pistol grip as well. They all have a more vertical grip angle than the A2 grip.
I like all the mentioned replacements. They’ve done well enough for me. For an item in the $20 price range, not changing out the grip to something I find more comfortable and controllable seems kind of silly.
Enter the Kung Fu Grip
When I first heard the name, I immediately thought of the old GI Joe action figures in the 1970s. (yeah, I’m old) Back then, they were 12-inch tall, full-size toys. At some point, they started coming with the Kung Fu Grip that helped them hold accessories better. (If you want to buy a vintage one, check this out)
DFCO sent me the KFG and the Tiger Claw in both black and FDE. Each one comes with a sticker that’s pretty cool and the needed hardware. I decided to install the Kung Fu Grip on my .300 Blackout pistol, since that is a very compact package, and the KFG was designed with a shorter length of pull in mind.
Installation and First Impressions
Installation was super easy, barely an inconvenience. It swaps out like any other grip on the AR platform. If you can use a screwdriver or an Allen Wrench, you can change the grip. I removed the MOE grip that I had on the gun and popped the new KFG on it.
Build quality is good. It feels solid and doesn’t give the impression that you have to baby it. DFCO invested in their own production mold, so they can keep an eye on quality while keeping the cost down. The edges were smooth, and the coloring was consistent.
As soon as I picked it up, I felt what was going to be one of the biggest differentiators. The grip texture was much more noticeable when it had the weight of the gun with it vs just handling it from the package.
DFCO calls the grip texture “retro”. I’m not sure what that means, but if you look closely, you’ll see it’s a weird collection of squiggly lines, circles, and other stuff. But, just like the grip texture of the BCA Grizzly pistol or the Walther PDP, it just works.
I consider it an aggressive texture. While it may not be quite as aggressive as the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus or other M&P guns, it is far more aggressive than the MOE grip that it replaced. This texture is on both sides and the front of the grip as well. The backstrap has vertical lines.
The next thing I started to appreciate was the cut-out for my index finger. It made the grip feel even more comfortable. It just felt like a natural fit.
Using the Kung Fu Grip
According to the company, the KFG has a 12-degree grip angle. I’m not sure what the angle of the MOE grip was, but they are pretty similar. The texture, however, is a lot different. While in use, I felt like my grip shifted less than with the MOE or BCM grips. Even lifting my grip a little to manipulate the safety didn’t make me feel like I needed to readjust.
How important is grip texture? That’s really an individual priority, but it is important to me being in the hot, humid Southwest Florida climate. Sweaty hands are a constant battle on the range. Even if you’re wiping them regularly, the extra grip texture makes the gun feel more secure.
Remember that little finger cut-out? Well, that thing also turned out to be more useful than I expected. It wasn’t just comfortable. It helped with controlling the gun and moving it. It also gave me a really good index point to keep my grip consistent.
Don’t Forget the Tiger Claw
The Tiger Claw attaches to M-Lok rails quickly and easily. Initially, I tried putting the Tiger Claw on the same AR pistol. It didn’t really work well for me. That was less an issue with the device and more of a space issue. The pistol only has a 7.5-inch barrel, and there simply isn’t a lot of room on the barrel. Unlike the small hand stops that I use on that gun, the Tiger Claw is more substantial and just takes up too much room.
Instead, I moved it to one of my 16-inch Foxtrot Mike uppers. With a much longer M-Lok rail, the Tiger Claw was a much better fit. It has the same texture as the Kung Fu Grip, as well as the finger cut-out.
DFCO is clear that this is not intended to be a vertical foregrip, meaning that this can be used on pistol-length barrels without NFA issues. That said, if you are using it on a longer gun and want to use it in that manner, you could make it work. I tried a few different positions along the rail and a few different support hand grips. Everything worked pretty well. The Tiger Claw has the same durable construction and quality as the KFG.
I was going to try it out on my 5.56 AR pistol since it has a 10.5-inch barrel, but I remembered that gun has a KeyMod rail on it instead of M-Lok.
The Other Stuff
Both the Kung Fu Grip and the Tiger Claw come in black, FDE, Gray and OD Green. The KFG will fit AR15, M4, M16, AR10, M110, SR25, MCX and MPX guns.
At the time of this article, the KFG and the Tiger Claw are selling for $20 each. You can buy them here.
Die Free Co also sells a plug for the KFG. Some of the competitors come with that, some don’t. They also sell an aluminum hand stop that looks interesting. DFCO, if you’re reading…you have my address.
The Wrap Up
Do I recommend the Kung Fu Grip from Die Free Co? Yes, I do. It’s not often that you can improve the comfort and handling of your AR for $20. The grip texture is outstanding, the finger cut-out is useful and comfortable, and the construction is good. There’s nothing more I could ask it to do.
The gun it’s currently on is a Palmetto State Armory pistol with a Sig Romeo 7S red dot on it. This is the setup I most often use in my truck gun role. I’m not putting the Magpul grip back on the gun. Take what you will from that.
I’ll also give the Tiger Claw a thumbs up. Currently, I use the BCM Vertical Grip on a few rifles. While I probably won’t replace them, I can easily see my future purchases being the Tiger Claw.
What You Need to Know
Easy Installation: Swaps out like any other AR grip using basic tools; installation is straightforward.
Enhanced Grip Texture: Features an aggressive “retro” texture with squiggly lines and circles, providing a secure hold even with sweaty hands.
Ergonomic Design: Includes a finger cut-out that offers a natural fit and improved control during operation.
12-Degree Grip Angle: Offers a comfortable angle similar to popular alternatives like the Magpul MOE, aiding in better weapon handling.
Durable Construction: Built with quality materials and consistent coloring; feels solid and reliable.
Affordable Upgrade: At $20, it’s a cost-effective enhancement over standard A2 grips.
Compatible with Various Platforms: Fits AR15, M4, M16, AR10, M110, SR25, MCX, and MPX platforms.
Have you tried this product? What other ones are you using? Let us know in the comments below.