AR-15 & AK-47 Featureless Grips for CA & NY Compliance

Quick Answer

Featureless grips alter hand placement and wrist angle to avoid the prohibited "pistol grip" definition in CA/NY. Top picks: Juggernaut Tactical (polymer featureless grip), Strike MegaFin, Strike Simple AR, Resurgent Arms, Thordsen Customs FRS-15 stock system (AR-15), and Strike Simple AK (AK-47). 

Key Takeaways

• Build for legal geometry first; ergonomics second.
• MegaFin = stability; may need ambi/reversed safety.
• Juggernaut = comfort, retains standard safety.
• Resurgent = fast control access; extended latch helps.
• Strike Simple = cheapest AR/AK compliance.
• Thordsen = stock-based route; good cheek weld but different feel than collapsible stocks. 

After years of watching people struggle with compliance parts at CA matches, the difference became clear: those who chose the right featureless grips stayed legal without killing their speed, safety control access, or target transitions. The hunt for that sweet spot between comfort, function, and compliance continues - but these options get you most of the way there.

Compliance At a Glance: CA vs NY (Not Legal Advice)

The practical test in restrictive states centers on where the web of your hand sits relative to the top of the exposed trigger. Featureless designs force the web above that line (and often block thumb wrap) to avoid a “pistol grip” classification.

California provides the most specific definition: California (11 CCR §5471(z)) defines a “pistol grip” as a grip that allows a pistol-style grasp where the web of the trigger hand can be placed below the top of the exposed portion of the trigger while firing. This language from the 2001 Assault Weapons ID Guide has shaped the market for compliant grips.

New York (SAFE Act) uses the phrase “pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.” Connecticut separately defines prohibited features; functionally, its language captures grips/stocks that allow a pistol-style grasp (check current CGS §53-202a and implementing guidance). These varying definitions have led to different compliant solutions in each state. Always verify the exact statutory or regulatory text in your jurisdiction; wording and agency guidance change.

The unhelpful part? Government agencies don't provide official determinations on new designs before you buy them. Companies develop products based on their interpretation of these laws, but the final call on compliance remains murky.

What Counts as a "Pistol Grip" in Practice

The key factor in all these laws is where the web of your hand sits relative to the trigger. In a standard pistol grip, the web sits below the top of the trigger. It creates that classic angle for your wrist.

Featureless grips fix this "problem" by forcing your hand into positions where the web stays above the trigger line. Fins prevent your thumb from wrapping around. Angled grips change the approach angle of your hand. Stock-based solutions integrate the grip with the stock to create a completely different manual interface.

Does this actually make the gun less dangerous or slower to fire? Not really. As one gun expert put it, "What it actually does is make the gun harder to control." The awkward grip positions can actually reduce control in some cases.

Selection Criteria (Before You Buy)

When picking a featureless grip, these factors matter most:

Controls Access: Can you reach the safety selector easily? Many grips force you to add an ambidextrous safety or even reverse the orientation of standard safeties.

Ergonomics: Some grips include thumb shelves for support. Others use fins. The best ones minimize hand strain during extended shooting sessions.

Materials: Polymer works for most applications, but aluminum options like the Juggernaut add durability and rigidity.

Fit & Install: Check if you need special end plates, extended safety latches, or other accessories to make the grip work with your setup.

Budget: Prices range from $8 for basic compliance to $75+ for premium comfort.

Aesthetics: Let's be honest - none look as clean as standard grips, but some look less awkward than others.

Best AR-15 Featureless Grips

Strike Industries MegaFin — Editor's Pick

The Strike Industries MegaFin is a big step up from basic fin grips. It has an integrated thumb shelf on the right side. That shelf gives your hand real support and better control. Standard fins leave your thumb hanging in space. This one gives it a solid place to rest.

The thumb shelf can interfere with a standard right-side selector sweep. Most users solve this with an ambidextrous selector and tune lever throw/shape for clearance.

Pricing fluctuates; expect roughly $30–$40 street.

Strike Industries Simple AR Grip — Most Affordable

The Simple AR Grip from Strike Industries wins on price— typically the cheapest route (often under $20) for basic compliance. No extras. No add-ons.

That plain approach makes sense for budget builds or rifles that sit in the safe most days. The clean shape also means less that can wear out over time. It is a smart pick for a backup rifle. It also suits a first featureless build when you are not ready to spend more on upgrades.

Juggernaut Tactical Grip — Most Comfortable

Juggernaut’s featureless grip is a polymer design with a solid, hand-filling shape that many shooters find more comfortable than thin fins.

Selector: Often compatible with a standard safety, but check your lower/selector combo for clearance; some setups still benefit from an ambi lever profile.

Price: Commonly ~$45–$65 street; durable polymer construction keeps weight and heat transfer low.

Resurgent Arms Grip — Also Great

The polymer Resurgent Arms grip lets your thumb ride the receiver side without chewing up the web of the hand, yielding a more natural support. It pairs well with the Resurgent Extended Safety Latch (V2) and the separately sold beveled end plate for comfort. 

One standout feature is its compatibility with the Resurgent Arms Extended Safety Latch (especially the V2 version). The extended latch makes it much easier to manipulate the safety with your thumb in the featureless position. Many users also add the Resurgent beveled end plate, which provides additional comfort where your hand meets the receiver.

The grip does push your hand slightly farther back. It increases the length of pull. This can be an issue for shooters with shorter fingers. An extended magazine release button helps compensate for this change in reach. It makes the system work well for most hand sizes.

Thordsen Customs AR-15 Stock — Stock Option

The FRS-15 replaces the pistol grip and stock with an integrated fixed stock that provides a solid cheek weld while avoiding a pistol-grip classification. Handling feels different than a collapsible stock but many find it intuitive with practice.

Price: Typically $130–$180 depending on kit/components.

When deciding on the right featureless grip for your AR, it helps to understand which platforms handle upgrades the best — our guide to the Best AR-15s highlights popular choices that pair well with aftermarket parts

Best AK-47 Featureless Grips

Strike Industries Simple AK Grip — Best Budget AK

AK-47 owners have fewer featureless options compared to the AR-15 platform, but the Strike Industries Simple AK Grip stands out as an effective and affordable solution. Often under ~$15, it’s a minimalist, effective compliance part (and can occasionally be found near ~$8 depending on retailer and stock). The minimalist design provides basic compliance without dramatically altering the handling characteristics of the rifle.

Installation follows the standard AK grip replacement process - remove the original grip screw, swap grips, and reinstall. However, some AK variants may require screw length adjustments or minor fitting to ensure proper installation. Always check for proper safety selector function after installation. Some AK pattern receivers/grip nuts vary; test selector function after install.

The Simple AK Grip gives your hand enough purchase to maintain control during firing without crossing the line into "pistol grip" territory. The design works particularly well with traditional AK shooting stances where the support hand does much of the stabilization work.

Not all AKs are alike when it comes to compliance and grip fit — for deeper research on the rifles themselves, see our breakdown of the Best AK-47 Rifles.

AR‑15 & AK Featureless Grips Comparison

Note: Street prices vary by vendor and over time; check current availability.

Setup & Ergonomics Tips

Getting the most from your featureless grip requires some adjustments and add-ons:

Safety selector solutions: Most users find an ambidextrous safety essential with featureless grips. For the MegaFin, try reversing the orientation to flip upward instead of downward.

End plate comfort: Sharp edges on standard end plates can dig into your hand with some featureless grips. Beveled options like the Resurgent Arms End Plate provide much-needed comfort.

Extended magazine release: As your hand position changes. It reaches the mag release can become harder. Extended buttons help bridge the gap.

Practice safety manipulation: The muscle memory from standard grips won't transfer perfectly. Dry fire practice helps build new patterns for safety on/off movements.

Hardware checks: The unusual angles created by featureless grips can place different stresses on mounting hardware. Check all screws regularly for tightness.

Various manufacturers have created complete "featureless builds" that incorporate these grips and other compliant features from the ground up. These purpose-built rifles aim to maintain ergonomics and function despite regulatory hurdles.

Legal note: Keeping a standard detachable mag is premised on the rifle being otherwise featureless under your state’s definition.

Conclusion

After reviewing all options, here are our recommendations based on specific needs:

All-around AR: Strike MegaFin offers the best balance of comfort, control, and value at $31.

Comfort-first AR: Juggernaut Tactical provides premium feel and standard safety compatibility for $75.

Budget AR/AK: Strike Simple AR/AK gets you compliant for just $13/$8 without extras.

Control-focused AR: Resurgent Arms with Extended Safety Latch v2 gives the best handling for dynamic shooting.

Stock route: Thordsen Customs works if you don't mind the different cheekweld sensation.

The market for compliance parts keeps changing as brands find smart ways to work inside the rules. No option is flawless. These choices still keep much of your rifle’s handling even with legal limits in play. Check fit and compatibility with your specific rifle before you buy or install any featureless parts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this legal in CA/NY?  

These grips are designed to avoid prohibited features in restrictive states. However, laws change and vary by location. Always verify current state and local regulations before purchase.

Do I need an ambidextrous safety?  

Most featureless grips benefit from an ambidextrous safety selector. Thumb-shelf designs often require reversed orientation of the safety lever.

Will accuracy change with a featureless grip?  

The grip affects control more than mechanical accuracy. You may see changes in rapid-fire groups as you adapt to the new hand position.

Can I keep a standard magazine release?  

Generally yes—if your rifle is otherwise featureless under your state’s law. Verify the full feature list and any local rules before relying on a standard mag release. 

Should I choose a stock-based solution or just a grip?  

Stock-based options like the Thordsen provide a more integrated feel but sacrifice cheekweld quality. Grip-only solutions maintain your stock options but may feel less natural at first.

About the Author

This article was written by the ProArmory writing team using current research. Sources include the Journal of Military Science, Firearms News, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. We also used guidance from official defense publications and trusted firearm authorities such as the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer manuals.

Disclaimer: This information is for education only. It is not legal advice. Firearm feature laws vary by state and by city and can change at any time. Always speak with a qualified attorney who knows local firearm laws before you make any changes to your firearms. Agency guidance and local ordinances can differ from state statutes—confirm both before purchasing or installing compliance parts.