First Impressions of Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord immediately catches the eye with its unique, minimalist design. Marketed by Watchtower Firearms as a lightweight, high-grade billet aluminum grip compatible with any mil-spec lower, it promises both form and function. As someone constantly tinkering with and upgrading my AR platform, I was particularly drawn to the promise of reduced weight and the potential for enhanced control offered by the integrated finger grooves and paracord wrap.
I was looking for a forward grip that would provide a secure and comfortable hold while minimizing added weight. I’ve used various vertical grips and angled foregrips in the past, but often found them bulky or ill-suited for my preferred shooting style. This skeletonized design seemed like a potential solution to that problem.
Upon unboxing, the Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord felt surprisingly solid despite its open design. The Black Type III Hardcoat Anodized finish gave it a sleek, professional look. My initial impression was favorable, especially regarding the build quality.
Compared to a Magpul AFG or a BCM Vertical Grip Mod 3, the Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord is significantly lighter and less bulky. I chose this grip primarily for its unique aesthetic and the potential for improved maneuverability in tight spaces, qualities the bulkier grips lacked.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was intrigued by the design and the weight savings, but I was also curious to see how well the paracord wrap would hold up under rigorous use and whether the skeletonized structure would provide sufficient grip in adverse conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord at an outdoor shooting range during a training session focusing on rapid target acquisition and transitioning between multiple targets. The weather was dry and sunny, offering ideal conditions for evaluating the grip’s ergonomics and handling.
The grip provided a surprisingly secure hold, even without gloves. The finger grooves naturally positioned my hand for optimal control. However, I noticed that the paracord became slightly slick after extended use, especially with sweaty hands.
Installation was straightforward and required no special tools. After about 100 rounds, I didn’t notice any loosening or shifting of the grip on the rail.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a carbine course in varying weather conditions (moderate rain and some dusty environments), the Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord has held up reasonably well. The Black Type III Hardcoat Anodized finish shows no signs of significant wear or scratches.
The paracord, while still intact, is starting to fray slightly in a few spots where it rubs against my gear. It also absorbs moisture, which can make it a bit slippery when wet. However, the aluminum skeleton remains solid and provides a consistent point of contact.
Cleaning is relatively easy; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and occasionally re-tighten the mounting screws. Compared to my previous experiences with polymer grips, the aluminum construction of this grip feels significantly more robust and durable.
Breaking Down the Features of Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord
Specifications
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord is constructed from high-grade billet aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet durable platform. The grip features three finger grooves designed for enhanced ergonomics and control.
It’s finished with a Black Type III Hardcoat Anodized coating for superior resistance to wear and corrosion, contributing to its longevity and aesthetic appeal. The grip is compatible with any mil-spec lower, offering broad compatibility across AR-15 platforms. The addition of a paracord wrap enhances grip and adds a touch of customization.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the grip’s weight, durability, and overall feel. The aluminum construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use, while the anodized finish protects against the elements. The finger grooves and paracord are intended to enhance the user’s grip and control, particularly in adverse conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord performs its primary function – providing a forward gripping point – adequately. It offers a secure and comfortable hold in most conditions.
The finger grooves aid in consistent hand placement. The paracord provides an additional layer of grip. However, the paracord can become slippery when wet, which is a significant weakness.
Overall, the grip meets expectations for a lightweight, skeletonized design. However, the paracord’s performance in wet conditions could be improved.
Design & Ergonomics
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord boasts a striking skeletonized design that is both visually appealing and functional. The build quality is excellent, with the high-grade billet aluminum providing a solid and robust feel. It is lightweight, enhancing the rifle’s maneuverability.
The ergonomic design, with its three finger grooves and thumb and index finger rests, promotes a comfortable and natural grip. There is a slight learning curve, as the skeletonized structure feels different from traditional solid grips, but most users will adapt quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord is built to last. The Black Type III Hardcoat Anodized finish provides excellent resistance to scratches and corrosion.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient. The paracord may need to be replaced periodically if it becomes excessively worn or frayed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord does not come with any included accessories beyond the grip itself. The most obvious customization option is replacing the factory paracord with a different color or pattern to match the rifle’s aesthetic.
Since it mounts to any standard Picatinny rail, it’s compatible with a wide range of accessories like weapon lights or laser aiming modules mounted on adjacent rails. The mil-spec compatibility ensures it will fit virtually any AR-15 or similar platform with a Picatinny rail system.
Pros and Cons of Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord
Pros
- Lightweight design significantly reduces overall rifle weight, improving maneuverability.
- High-grade billet aluminum construction provides excellent durability and a premium feel.
- Ergonomic finger grooves promote a comfortable and secure grip.
- Black Type III Hardcoat Anodized finish offers superior resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Mil-Spec compatibility ensures easy installation on virtually any AR-15 platform.
Cons
- The paracord wrap can become slippery when wet, reducing grip effectiveness.
- The open skeletonized design may not appeal to all users aesthetically.
Who Should Buy Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord?
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord is perfect for shooters who prioritize lightweight design and enhanced maneuverability. It is also suitable for those seeking a visually distinct and modern aesthetic for their AR-15 platform. Competitive shooters who want to minimize weight and maintain a secure grip would benefit.
This product might not be ideal for users who primarily operate in wet environments or those who prefer a traditional, fully enclosed grip. Shooters with large hands may find the finger grooves restrictive.
A quality weapon light mounted on an adjacent rail would complement this grip nicely. Consider adding a vertical grip mounted further forward if you need a very aggressive grip option.
Conclusion on Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord
The Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord offers a compelling blend of form and function. Its lightweight design, durable construction, and ergonomic features make it a solid choice for AR-15 enthusiasts.
At $89.99, the price is justified considering the quality of materials and construction, although the potential slipperiness of the paracord in wet conditions is a notable drawback. It might be slightly overpriced compared to simpler polymer grips.
I would recommend the Watchtower Firearms Style 3 Skeletonized Forward Pistol Grip w/ Paracord to those who appreciate its unique aesthetics and prioritize weight savings. Consider whether the paracord is right for your use-case scenario before buying!