Best AR-15 Stocks Reviewed

One reason why AR15s are the most popular rifle platform in America is their versatility. Having the ability to set the platform up just the way you want is a big plus for most shooters. There are many aftermarket upgrades available that will help you tailor and customize your AR15 to better meet your shooting needs.

One component I would recommend all AR users to upgrade is the stock. There are many different options for AR-15 owners when it comes to rifle stocks: Magpul, Vitor, B5 Systems, and Mission First Tactical to name a few. Upgrading to a high-quality stock can have many benefits. I will discuss these benefits further in this article. I’ll also walk you through the different types of AR-15 stocks you can choose from, and how to determine which one is best suited to you.

Our Guide To The 8 Best AR-15 Stocks On The Market

If you’ve already had a look at the AR-15 stocks available, you will have seen there’s a vast array of options. If you’re unsure how to find the best quality ones, you may feel a bit confused and overwhelmed.

This is why I’ve taken the 8 best AR stocks on the market and analyzed them. I’ve evaluated each product to identify its pros and cons. This review guide will help you immensely when it comes to choosing the best aftermarket stock to upgrade to.

Why Upgrade Your AR-15 Stock?

There are a few reasons why AR15 shooters upgrade their factory stock to a higher-quality version. Here are the most compelling reasons for upgrading this AR15 part.

Better fit and length of pull

Some shooters find the length of pull that their current factory stock gives is not right. This is because old, standard AR15 buttstocks are fixed length.

• A fixed length of pull will give you a very stable platform. But, unless you have the exact body size that the weapon was designed for, the stock will probably be either too long or too short.
• If it’s too long you won’t be able to properly use your sights or support the rifle.
• An upgraded stock that offers adjustability will improve the length of pull and thus, offer better handling and accuracy as it will be a better fit for your body.
• Adjustable stocks offer numerous length positions to give you the perfect fit. Many adjustable stocks have six positions however, some have only three or four.
• Each position equates to a different length of pull.
• The more positions your stock has, the more likely you’ll be able to find an effective length of pull.

Recoil control

Many factory buttstocks do not do a very good job of reducing the recoil in an AR15. Aftermarket buttstocks are usually specifically designed to reduce recoil. This is one of the main reasons shooters will choose to upgrade.

• Upgrading your stock to a higher quality version will give you more comfort and support. This support will control and reduce the recoil significantly.
• Aftermarket stocks will be constructed using a strong material such as polymer. The purpose of this is to make them more shock-resistant than standard factory stocks.
• Some stocks will also have rubberized recoil pads to reduce recoil even further.

Durability

High-quality aftermarket stocks also last much longer than the standard products. Again, this is down to the materials used.

• Most aftermarket stocks are made from polymer or synthetic materials.
• These materials are impervious to most damage and adverse weather conditions.
• Many are waterproof too. Even when submerged in water, they won’t suffer any ill effect.
• These stocks are also resistant to any harm caused by cleaning solvents and oils.

If you’re likely to shoot in wet conditions, upgrading to a waterproof buttstock is a no brainer.

Types of AR stocks

There are many different types of AR15 buttstocks on the market. Here’s a breakdown of the styles you will find, and the benefits and downsides of each one.

Fixed

• Your current stock (the one that came with your rifle) is most likely a fixed stock.
• The classic M16 stock is a fixed stock however, this fixed style gives little to no adjustment.
• This is the most basic option, but also one of the most durable.
• Fixed stocks help you ensure accuracy, as your rifle remains stable every time you pull the trigger, unlike adjustable stocks.
• Some fixed stocks will have small compartments integrated. These are useful for storing and carrying tools, batteries, or other accessories.

Collapsible

Collapsible stocks offer some adjustments but only for increasing the length of pull. So, if the length of pull is already too long, a collapsible stock is not going to be a good choice for you.

• Collapsible stocks give easy storage as they collapse when not in use, unlike fixed versions.
• The ability to collapse or extend the stock can give you a more comfortable firing stance.
• Collapsible AR15 stocks are also usually lightweight as they are made from carbon fiber or other polymers.
• They are also one of the most affordable styles.
• It’s important to note that in some states, collapsible stocks are illegal. Therefore, be sure to do your research before purchasing.

Adjustable

• These stocks will adjust in more ways than just the length of pull. They will allow you to decrease the length of pull.
• They also give adjustable butt padding and feature a cheek riser.
• This adjustability offers a better fit for your body.
• An adjustable stock will let you change your shooting position quickly and quietly. You will find the most customized fit for your firing stance with an adjustable stock.
• They also might have a compartment to store small items or tools.
• The downside to adjustable stocks is that they do not offer quite the durability that fixed stocks do.

Minimalist

• A minimalistic stock is a perfect option for shooters who want an extremely lightweight rifle for carrying long distances.
• They ensure all functional requirements are met while keeping the weight low.
• A minimalist buttstock might be either fixed or collapsible, but regardless, it will have a low profile.
• These styles can seem more like an extension of an AR’s buffer tube. Some will be little more than a butt pad on the end of the buffer assembly tube.
• Many are specially designed to improve your shooting accuracy too.

PDW (Personal Defense Weapon)

• A PDW stock is great if you need an extremely compact AR15 for CQB or other tactical situations.
• This type of stock will usually come with its own buffer system to accommodate the shorter buffer tube. That being said, some PDW stocks are designed to mount on a standard buffer tube.
• PWD stocks are usually more compact and durable than standard polymer stocks.
• They do have a downside though. They may have a poor cheek weld and can interfere with BAD levers.

Folding

• Some stocks, like collapsible ones and some minimalist versions, can fold up when not in use.
• They can shorten the overall length of your rifle by 20-40%.
• This can be a very useful style if you want your AR15 to be easy to pack or carry.
• Folding stocks may fold in 2 ways. They will either be side-folding or under-folding.
• The negative side of folding stocks is that they are also known to have a poor cheek weld compared to fixed versions.
• If you’re going for a folding stock, you’ll need to check the laws in your state. For example, in California, if your rifle folds to under 26 inches, it’s then considered a short barrel rifle (SBR).

Here is What To Look For in The Best AR-15 Stocks

So now you know why it’s worth upgrading your stock, and you understand the different styles available, but what makes the best AR15 stock? Here are the factors to consider when shopping for your AR15 stock upgrade.

Construction/Weight

Regardless of the buttstock style, it needs to be tough enough to offer the best support for a long time. You’ll also want to consider how much it weighs.

• • To ensure your new stock is as strong as nails, choose one that’s been constructed from durable synthetics, polymer plastics, or lightweight tubular metals.
  • The more mobile you need to be when shooting, the less weight you’ll want on your rifle. Consider that the weight of the buttstock will add to the overall rifle weight.

• For hunting, a lightweight, minimalist AR15 buttstock may be the best option as you only want to carry what you need.

Skeletal/Closed style

• Open style stocks tend to reduce weight and make your rifle more portable.
• Closed style stocks will aid in your shooting more and prevent snags.
• With a minimalist AR15 buttstock, this is not a consideration as there is not much there.

Adjustability

You’ll need to decide whether you need a fixed or adjustable stock. This is going to depend largely on your body type and size.

• In short, you need a stock that will give you a comfortable length of pull regardless of the application.
• When looking for an adjustable stock look for the models that have many positions to choose from. The more positions, the better fit you’ll get.
• Remember, many collapsible stocks have some adjustability built into them too which may be enough for your needs.

When deciding on the adjustability of your new stock, consider your shooting purpose.

• If you’re using your AR15 for hunting, consider using a fixed stock. Making an adjustment or collapsing the stock before you fire may scare your prey away.
• If you’re involved in competition shooting, the best AR15 stocks for you are most likely to be adjustable stocks that have a cheek riser and other features. This is because they can assist you more when you’re firing from different positions.

Tube size

Another vital consideration is the buffer tube size on your rifle. Before purchasing your new buttstock, you need to know the type and size of the buffer tube on your AR15. You will have either a mil-spec or a commercial buffer tube. Not all stocks will fit both of these types.

Mil-spec buffer tubes vs Commercial buffer tubes

All mil-spec buffer tubes are the same standard size. That means any mil-spec AR15 stock will fit on any mil-spec buffer tube. So, if you have a mil-spec buffer tube, shopping for a new buttstock will be much easier.

Commercial buffer tubes are a lot more complicated as they come in several different sizes. Unfortunately, with commercial tubes, there is no one size fits all. If you have a commercial buffer tube, make sure you know the specific size so you can look for a stock that will fit correctly.

How to Install An AR 15 Stock

Removing and installing stocks on your AR15 may seem a little tricky if it’s your first time. But luckily, it’s easy to learn, simple to do, and only takes a minute. Here are the steps for removing and installing your stock with ease.

• Before you take out your old stock you need to thoroughly check your rifle. This means removing the magazine from the mag well and checking the chamber for any rounds.
• Once you’re sure it’s safe to go ahead, remove the upper receiver.
• You can now remove the old stock from the tube. Using a vise block can help with this. To remove, use the adjustment lever at the bottom of the stock to press down as you fully remove the stock from the buffer tube.
• Now you’re able to slide on your new stock. Simply put, the process of installing, is the reverse process of what you did to remove your old stock.
• Before pushing the new stock all the way to the receiver body, make sure the takedown pin spring is properly in place. The new stock should push it into the receiver without kinking.

What Is the Best Stock for an AR-15?

Like most AR15 aftermarket parts, the stock most suited to you may not be the one most suited to another shooter. AR15s are such great rifles because of their ability to be customized to fit our needs so well.

That being said, the buttstock I believe to be the best is Brownells AR15 Assy collapsible mil-spec stock.

Hopefully, you have gained some valuable information from this article, and it has helped you to find the best stock to improve your AR15 shooting experience.