Pistol grip
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On a firearm or other tool, the pistol grip is that portion of the mechanism that is held by the hand and orients the hand in a manner similar to the position one would take with a conventional pistol such as a Colt 1911.
For firearms, the pistol grip is generally used by the hand that operates the trigger. Rifles and shotguns without pistol grips are generally referred to as having 'straight' or 'upland' (shotguns only) style stocks. Some firearms such as the Thompson sub-machinegun have a forward pistol grip which is used to stabilize the firearm in operation. The pistol grip often serves multiple functions such as a magazine housing, bipod, or tool storage. In at least one firearm, the pistol grip is also used as a handle to charge the weapon.
Pistol grips are a defining feature in United States firearms law. A forward pistol grip on a pistol is restricted. Pistol grips which protruded below the weapon and not as a portion of a conventional rifle or shotgun stock are currently regulated in many states and were regulated by the now expired Federal assault weapons ban.
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