The forward grip on your rifle has been home to all manner of velcro, rubberband and duct taped pressure switches. Wilcox applied some science to the problem and came up with a three-switch solution while adding the option for a trigger-deployable bipod. Their solution to the control clutter is the Universal Control Grip.

Two thumbs pads on either side of the top operate whatever is plugged into the aux switch connectors; in most cases it will be a white light on one channel and an ATPIAL on the other. Wilcox set both switches to use a single press for momentary on and a double-tap for constant on. This is identical to the operation of an ATPIAL, so there’s nothing new to remember when using your white light. The downside, though, is that you’re going to have to shell out for an adapter to get the UCG to work with most combat lights. The third control is a rotary switch that locks out the whole unit to prevent light ADs.

The grip is just a switch, so it needs no batteries. What to do with the extra room inside the grip? Add a bipod or a battery holder. If you don’t want the bipod, you can swap it for an accessory battery holder. The whole thing is made from aluminum with a nylon cover that makes it a little warmer to the touch and grippier in extreme weather. It mounts on a 1913 rail with a short throw lever that’s small enough to prevent it from snagging on anything. The unit MSRPs for $589 plus $235 for the flashlight adapter.