In 2004, Specialist Steve Ruiz of Charlie Company, 1/252 Army Reserve Battalion, was a gunner on the an Up-Armored Humvee. Before going to Iraq, Ruiz and others carrying the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher suffered from pain on the inside of the wrist, caused by the weight of the M203 attached to their rifles.

Ruiz searched the Internet, looking for a grip similar to the rail system grips used by other soldiers who did not have the Grenade Launcher on their rifles. After finding M203grip.com, Ruiz called to see if he could get his hands one of these newly developed grips.

Four M203grips went to war, on Charlie Company’s 40mm Grenade Launchers. After six months, Ruiz sent a comprehensive analysis on how the M203grip fared in the extreme conditions of Desert Warfare.

The following photos and comments by SPC Ruiz provide highlights of what he reported on the M203grip, “...which is a damn good product and the only one of its kind.”

SPC Steve Ruiz, Charlie Company, 1/252 Army Reserve Battalion carrying the M203 40mm grenade launcher with the M203 forward handgrip attached to the M203 barrel.

Patrolling without the M203grip produces wrist fatigue and eventually pain. With a grip attached to the M203, ergonomic benefits produce less fatigue, more control, and more maneuverability.

The M203grip is virtually maintenance free. The locking mechanism on M203 forward assist handgrip disengages at the push of a button and the grip's clamping mechanism operates by turning the handle.

Notice the amount of white Iraqi sand adhering to everything, requiring the use of gloves to protect the hands. Flush holes in the grip allow the sand to naturally flow out preventing any impediment to the working of the M203grip.

The M203grip clamps on to the M203 type 40mm grenade launcher barrel (M203, M203PI, M203A1 long or short barrel).

The M203grip handle is designed for optimum comfort and control.

The M203 40mm grenade launcher with the M203grip provides fluid motion for opening and closing and steady handling when loading M203 grenades.

SPC Ruiz called the handle a "handy water-tight compartment for batteries." The M203grip battery compartment has been proven waterproof at 20 meters (66 feet) for 2 hours by U.S. Navy approved, independent testing lab. The grip's O-Ring seal provides advanced performance in extreme conditions from - 40 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in the sandy conditions in Iraq, the M203grip continues to function flawlessly after one year.