AR-platform rifles are easy to modify, allowing a shooter to configure his or her weapon to fit individual needs or specific scenarios. Swapping out a stock on a lower receiver is one of the easiest components to change on the rifle or carbine, and there are dozens of stock offerings on the market.
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AR stock designs have come a long way since the original, old-school M16A2 fixed stock. If you’re a smaller-statured shooter or need to wear a lot of clothing/gear, consider a collapsible stock. A fixed stock might make sense if you’re shooting long range and have the time to settle in for a long shot and do not require extra maneuverability. Remember that the lower receiver is the part of the AR regulated and considered the firearm by federal law. When making modifications, makes sure they abide your state and local laws.
Ace Hammer
The Hammer (HMR) stock from Ace Ltd. is touted as the world’s strongest AR stock. It is machined from heat-treated, aircraft-grade aluminum and is tough and rugged while being completely user adjustable.
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The seven length-of-pull positions are laser-etched onto the main tube. The tube uses a spring-loaded ball bearing to ensure collapsing and expanding the stock is smooth and effortless. The cheekpiece is also adjustable for height so a user can customize it to their stature and optic. (riflestocks.com; 888-736-7725)
BCM Gunfighter
The new BCM Gunfighter Stock is an improvement on the M4 units BCM currently sells. Featuring a streamlined, snag-free design, this new stock still fits all milspec size buffer tubes and doesn’t need the additional external tension adjustment that other units do.
A large adjustment latch runs over half the length of the underside, making adjustments easy. BCM patented the internals, with the main locking piece made from a heat-treated steel alloy, as compared to the more typical single pin found in other adjustable stocks. (bravocompanymfg.com; 877-272-8626)
DPMS Pardus
DPMS’ Pardus collapsible AR stock is constructed of lightweight, fiber-reinforced Zytel polymer and comes in an all-business black finish. Unlike other AR buttplates, the Pardus buttplate is curved and has a saw-tooth texture so it will stay tucked into a user’s shoulder pocket.
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A Monte Carlo-style cheekrest offers more shooting comfort. Four integrated slots allow numerous sling attachment options. Users can adjust the length of pull via an ergonomic latch that has built-in finger grooves. (dpmsinc.com; 888-736-7725)
ERGO F93 PRO
The eight position F93 collapsible stock has one of the longest length of pull adjustments available. It is eight inches from receiver to buttplate when collapsed; 12 inches when fully extended. The cheekpiece is fixed to eliminate rattle and for a constant and repeatable cheekweld. The stock offers two quick detach sling attachment points. Available in Black, Dark Earth, OD Green, and Black/Tan. (riflestocks.com; 888-736-7725)
FAB Defense GL-MAG
The FAB Defense GL-MAG M4/AR-15 survival buttstock has a magazine carrier built in. The sleek stock design is snag free and fully adjustable for length of pull yet offers the convenience of a magazine carrier that can hold standard-sized M4 magazines.
It is made of high-grade polymer that’s durable, reliable and lightweight. The ergonomic design uses a quick-release button that allows an operator to keep the carbine shouldered during a magazine change. (themakogroup.com)
Hogue OverMolded Collapsible
The Hogue OverMolded Collapsible Buttstock for AR-platform rifles has options to fit both Mil-Spec and commercial-sized buffer tubes. Its reinforced polymer construction features an OverMolded rubber cheekpiece, and the rubber/polymer hybrid buttpad provides for snag-free shouldering.
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It uses a rubber friction fit so it does not move or rattle. Multiple swivel sleeve and sling mounting locations are built in. It is available in seven different stock colors. (getgrip.com; 800-438-4747)
LaRue Tactical RAT
The RAT buttstock from LaRue Tactical has a two-stage trigger mechanism that allows a user to adjust the length of pull while in a variety of shooting positions. The six length-of-pull position adjustments are smooth and easy to make.
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The outside of the stock is made of glass-filled polymer. It features ambidextrous swivel sockets and integrated 1-inch slots for numerous sling attachment options. The locking buttplate slides open to expose an internal compartment. (laruetactical.com; 512-259-1585)
Law Tactical AR Folding Stock Adapter Gen 3
Law Tactical’s Gen3 adaptor fits any A2, carbine, mil-spec or commercial buffer tube stock allowing the stock to fold to the left side of the weapon. A simple push of a button folds the stock and locks in place when extended.
Hinge tension can also be adjusted. It is made from 4140 tool steel, has a quick detach sling attachment point and comes with a cerakote finish. It is not designed to be fired when the stock is folded; the stock must be extended. (lawtactical.com; 267-209-0529)
Luth-AR MBA
Fully adjustable and made for precision work, the Luth-AR MBA (Modular Buttstock Assembly) fits most rifles and carbines. This lightweight stock weighs only 1.26 pounds and is made of super-strong glass-filled nylon. The stock is adjustable for both cheek height and length of pull. The cheekpiece gives an extra inch of height, and the buttplate can extend an extra 1.06 inches so it can be customized to the shooter’s stature. It is fully ambidextrous. (luth-ar.com; 763-263-0166)
Magpul ACS
The ACS (Adaptable Carbine/Storage) stock is a simple drop-in replacement that can enhance the ubiquitous AR carbine’s performance. The stock is designed to be snag-free, so it won’t catch on gear or your environment.
The sloping cheekpiece offers a wide contact surface for a better cheekweld. Two water-resistant compartments are located on the left and right sides of the stock. The ACS features a friction-lock system that minimizes excessive stock movement. It mounts on any mil-spec tube. (magpul.com; 877-462-4785)
Magpul STR
The Magpul STR (Storage/Type Restricted) is a drop-in re placement buttstock for AR15/M4 carbines. A storage-capable version of the CTR, the STR has improved cheekweld and two water resistant battery tubes on a compact, reinforced polymer A-frame design.
A shielded operation lever and supplemental friction locking system prevent accidental operation and minimize excessive stock movement. The STR incorporates two integral sling loops, a reversible push-button QD sling mount, and a replaceable 0.30-inch rubber buttpad. (magpul.com; 877-462-4785)
MFT BattleLink Minimalist With Paracord
The BMSNRAT and BMSMILNRAT BattleLink Minimalist stocks from Mission First Tactical (MFT) include paracord to make the stock snag-free. Braided paracord spans from the toe of the buttpad to the forward-most sling attachment.
The paracord can also be removed and used in emergency situations. The Minimalist is constructed of a tough, lightweight polymer, with an angled, non-slip, rubberized buttpad that can be easily and comfortably used with and without gear and body armor. (missionfirsttactical.com; 267-704-0001.
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TacStar AMRS
If match-grade accuracy is a requirement, then the TacStar AMRS (Adjustable Match Rifle Stock) is a good choice for a stock upgrade. The AMRS is compatible with A2 buffer tubes. The comb height and the length of pull can be adjusted for a custom fit.
A hidden Picatinny rail allows users to attach a monopod. Quick-release sling swivel ports are built into the stock as well as numerous fixed slots for attaching a sling. (tacstar.com; 800-225-9626)
TAPCO Intrafuse AR-15 White
When is a black rifle not black? When it wears white furniture. TAPCO has taken its T6 stock, SAW grip, standard vertical grip and three rail covers and molded them in white. You’ll be able to blend in with the snow.
The rails covers, made from Santoprene, are highly flexible and easy to cut to custom lengths. (tapco.com; 800-226-1662)
