Micromag Extended Foregrip Prototype, Thoughts?

[StaticShocked]

I wanted to experiment with extending the Micromag foregrip out a bit to make it a bit more comfortable to use. I made a 3D model of a version that is gas through, which uses 3/16" passages and 1/8" NPT ports like a standard gas through foregrip, to be made from aluminum and anodized dust black to match. While i was contemplating when to actually make the foregrip from aluminum (after some of the prototypes were 3d printed and tested for basic ergonomics that i liked), i came up with an idea to put a sweeping passage through the inside of the grip so it would work as just a 3D printed grip (still getting used to 3D modeling for 3D printers where the tooling and setups don't matter!). I have not seen this done, i am sure it has been at some point, but thought it was a cool idea, so i wanted to try it. The macroline foregrip shown was printed from ABS today. Haven't played with it yet to fully comment on ergonomics. I think it turned out very interesting.

To the note of aesthetics though, what do you think of this foregrip design? Ruin the classic looks of a Micromag or give it a new breadth of life? Any suggestions on changes? I want to get the kinks worked out before making the final version and am open to ideas.

I am working on a set of grip panels that match the relief milling on the Micromag body and foregrip, so all three areas go together. The final pieces will be made of aluminum and anoed when i finally get around to them. The grip panels on it in the photos are ones i just had around.

Gas thru version, one port on RH side top and one on bottom center.

Macroline thru version that can be 3D printed and used as is.

[Swedgin!!]

I don’t have a micro but I do like the looks of it with that front grip. Well done, I think it’s awesome!

[Trbo323]

Yeah I like that or matches the body. It's not my chosen style but I'm glad it's not radically different for your build

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[The Last Snood]

Looks cool! Makes me think of like a cyberpunk Tommy gun haha

[wthomas333]

Very nice, I have several Micromags and really like the looks of that.
I am curious, how sturdy is the 3d printed one? Does it twist at all when mounted to the body?

[StaticShocked]

I was very surprised how rigid the prototypes were which is partially what led to making a design that is intended to be 3D printed. If flexes less than a foregrip on a classic rail (which is mostly rail twist). I am guestimating that with about 25 lbs of side force on the lowest point it is deflecting almost a 1/16".

[FredMnkyDad10]

Totally like this, great job. I like the version that is mounted, with that angle I think it fits really well. I would be down for some.

[BrickHaus]

I'm a fan of it! They look pretty awesome. The angled one looks Hella comfortable to boot.

[superman]

just throwing it out there. that would not be a cheap foregrip to have machined.

[StaticShocked]

Oh, yeah. It's only a possibility because i can do it myself.

[StaticShocked]

The mounting screw c-bore is going to be fun.

[wthomas333]

I printed one and was having a hell of a time getting that macroline pushed through. Finally came up with this solution and it helped a lot since I could push and pull at the same time, just tied the wire around my bench vise. If anyone else does print one, plan on using a piece of macro about 20” long, at least with a direct mounted asa. I’ll have to trim it down a little, but the first one I did was too short.

[StaticShocked]

Great idea. It was a pain for me as well. I should open that macroline passage up a bit which would help the insertion. It's mainly the two tighter radii at the top where it exits. If i have to feed macroline through again, i will use the wire idea as that is genius!

[FredMnkyDad10]

I'd like to get 3d printed version, 2 of them if anyone is up for doing them PM me. Until aluminum comes out.

[StaticShocked]

I had only planned to make 1 out of aluminum since that was all i needed. I did not design it to be economical as i just planned to spend a Saturday or two playing around making one! I am happy to email the gas through model (and detail drawing, once its complete), to anyone who wants it. Though maybe i should make a few aluminum ones at once. Hmmm. I had not considered that. I will let you know if i end up making multiples. I was planning on running the left and right sides on the CNC, so those operations would just be popping more pieces in and hitting go. Only the manual mill work would really multiply my hours. Hmmm. You got my gears turning. Like Superman said about price, i wouldn't know where they would fall until they were complete since economy was not a concern when i was drawing it.

[wthomas333]

I would also be interested in an aluminum one if you make more than one.

[FredMnkyDad10]

Yeah cost would be a factor I am sure to you and those that want one.

Here is a thought, not sure if it would work. For aluminum gas through, would it save time and cost if you made into two pieces, clam shell like?

Maybe put groove around the edges to use permatex gasket maker. Use to use that on automotive and other hobbies.

[StaticShocked]

Drew the grips today that match the aesthetic and printed a test pair. I think they really complete the look. One thing that has always bothered me about 1911 pistol grips on a paintball 45 frame is the unnecessary cutouts and the top and bottom edges not being parallel to the frame. That has been corrected on these and i made the groves from the Micromag body line up with the same size grooves on the grip panels. https://www.printables.com/model/137...p-frame-panels
Holes are for a 6-32 Flat Head Cap Screw that is 3/8" long (button head cap screws will also work), i only had Philips head on hand...

[StaticShocked]

Its weird. The change in grip panel seems to have made it go from edgy and aggressive looking to more of a classic look? Maybe that is just me.

[river031403]

I’d like one of these grips for my micromag and similar for classic mag rail

[FredMnkyDad10]

How about making one to fit mm rails? For those that want extension and foregrip.

[StaticShocked]

I don't have any minimag rails on hand. Are they the same as normal automag rails, or if not, what is the difference?

[FredMnkyDad10]

Classic/mm rails have the grove bottom vs flat on emag/rt rails. Frames and vasa usually have wings and the rail has one hole for the foregrip.

If you need a rail I can send you one.

[superman]

1/4-20 Low profile cap screw specifically.