Editing Vertical forward grip

A Vertical forward grip (somewhat self-defining) is a vertical grip that is designed to attach to a [[firearm]] for the forward hand (or "off hand"). These aid in the maneuverability of the firearm, since the natural angle of a persons outstretched hand is more oriented to grasping objects at a vertical angle, rather than a horizontal one perpendicular to the body.

== Legality on pistols in the United States ==

The legality of vertical fore grips on pistols in the United States is unclear. In the United States, firearms are categorized by the [[National Firearms Act]] and firearms manufactured with specific features are subject to restrictions and controls. In the case of a vertical forward grip on a pistol, the law does not explicitly defined such a feature as belonging to any category.

In May 1993, in response to legal action brought by the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms]] (BATF), the South Carolina District Court's finding of fact concluded that a pistol modified with the addition of vertical fore grips was still a pistol and not an any other weapon device.<ref>[http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/wbardwel/public/nfalist/us_v_davis2.txt U.S. v. Davis, Cr. No. 8:93-106, Report of Magistrate]</ref> Following this, the BATF dropped their charges and the case was not tried; as such no precedent was set.

In an open letter sent to [[Federal Firearms License]]es in April of 2006, the [[BATF]] stated their interpretation of the law; that installing a vertical forward grip on a pistol is the same as manufacturing an Any Other Weapon (AOW) category firearm and subject to registration and taxation, with significant penalties for manufacturing or possessing such an unregistered weapon.<ref>U.S. Department of Justice, Open letter to Federal Firearm Licensees concerning [http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/041006-vert_grip.htm Adding a Vertical Fore Grip to a Handgun]. Published April 10, 2006.</ref>

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Firearm components]]
[[category:American gun law]]
{{stub}}