AR-15 Stocks & Buffer Tubes

[SKILCZ]

I'm interested in a MilSpec buffer tube & adjustable stock. I know there are a million stock types out there. I have only used the "standard" (PSA, RRA, etc.) 4 pos/6 pos adjustable stocks, but I've never used the Magpul versions (of which I know there are many). The PSA stock I used had a lot of wobble. I know BCM makes a "standard" type collapsible stock, too, that seems to get good reviews.

Are the Magpul stocks better and worth the extra $? What are the advantages (other than storage compartments)? Is there one type that has less wobble? I know they have the CTR, STR, and ACS. Thoughts? Is there a weight savings?

I tried a Magpul MOE pistol grip once, and the battery storage compartment would often fall out when I fired it, so I guess I'm skeptical of all the compartments, but I know some people say the ACS side battery compartments give a good cheek weld.

Any other suggestions for stocks? This is mainly a range use/HD firearm, though I may try my hand at competitive shooting down the road. I'd like it to not wobble so much, to not be too heavy, and to be reasonably comfortable to use.

 

[Quentin]

I have the CTR, STR, and ACS, all milspec diameter and can say the CTR clamps down the tightest of all three, though the others fit pretty tight. The CTR also is a few (5?) ounces lighter if that matters to you. Cheek weld and storage are nice on the others but the CTR is my favorite.

I have BCM's and PSA's M4 stocks and both have about the same wobble (all of them do) but you can put strips of electrical tape inside the stock to tighten it up. The M4 stock is about 3 ounces lighter than the CTR.

 

[briansmithwins]

The big difference is the CTR and related stocks have a additional friction lock that removes any slight wobble. The friction lock is automatically disengaged when you hit the length adjusting paddle.

BSW

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have a couple CTRs, an ACS-L and an STR. HUGE improvement over standard M4 stock, well worth the money.

 

[straightShot]

I'd try a couple out to see how my cheek rests against the stock and go from there. They all work and when it comes down to it, it's personal preference. Good luck.

 

[Captains1911]

The LMT SOPMOD is my favorite collapsible stock, and it has zero play. As mentioned, the Magpul CTR locks up tight with the friction lock.

 

[justice06rr]

Magpul makes some of the best stocks. there are numerous different types so pick one based on your liking and use.

I see the CTR's the most and they seem to be the best balance of weight and functionality.

 

[Shamus MacD]

the voltor emod stock is also extremely comfortable with plenty of storage.

 

[adelbridge]

I have a Magpul ACS and it has a great cheek weld and no wobble in the tube fit. The downside to less wobble is making it collapse take a little muscle. There is a little trap door in the stock that does wobble and make a small rattle. I never use it and I might fix it with some of that Great Stuff expanding foam in a can.

 

[Robert]

I run a CTR on my rifle and I love it. I was worried that the 20" barrel would be to nose heavy but it balances well and points great.

 

[backbencher]

Anyone know where a thumbhole stock might be had, other than the Bell & Carlson, now out of production?

 

[gotigers]

I have milspec, CTR, MOE and A2 stocks. The MOE fits tighter than a milspec, but still has some wobble. It is also a little lighter than the CTR. The CTR is my favorite. The clamp is nice and removes all wobble. The clamp is a firm snap on or off, but is not a hindrance when adjusting.

The ACS is to heavy for me. I have not owned a STR. I have shot a couple of ARs with the STR. I like the cheek weld and friction lock. It would be a good combo precision/plinking stock. It is a little heavy for my taste.

For mid range precision shooting i like the A2 of the stocks i have. My next choice for precision would be the Magpul PRS.

 

[SKILCZ]

Thanks for all the replies! I will probably "pull the trigger" on a Magpul stock given these reviews. Much appreciated!

 

[SKILCZ]

Related question:

What's the difference between the standard, H, H1, H2, H3 buffers? I know the tungsten vs steel weights, but what does that do for you? When/why would you want one over another.

Asking for 2 builds:

1 mid-length, 1 carbine

Was gonna order a BCM buffer tube & spring, but just wondering which buffer & which spring? They have carbine spring & rifle spring. Still not sure about the buffer. I normally shoot the 55 gr FMJ ammo if that matters. Semi-auto.

 

[briansmithwins]

What's the difference between the standard, H, H1, H2, H3 buffers? I know the tungsten vs steel weights, but what does that do for you? When/why would you want one over another.

A heavier buffer can be used to 'solve' over gassed carbines or to tune when the bolt unlocks on problematic builds like pistol gased SBRs. They are also used on blowback pistol caliber ARs.

The buffer tube design dictates which buffer and spring you need to use.

BSW

 

[Captains1911]

Related question:

What's the difference between the standard, H, H1, H2, H3 buffers? I know the tungsten vs steel weights, but what does that do for you? When/why would you want one over another.

Asking for 2 builds:

1 mid-length, 1 carbine

Was gonna order a BCM buffer tube & spring, but just wondering which buffer & which spring? They have carbine spring & rifle spring. Still not sure about the buffer. I normally shoot the 55 gr FMJ ammo if that matters. Semi-auto.

You need a carbine receiver extension (buffer tube) and spring if you are using a collapsible stock like the Magpul CTR. Be sure to order the correct stock type (mil-spec vs. commercial) to match the receiver extension. Just get an H-buffer, no need to go heavier or lighter unless you have problems. This all applies to both builds.

 

[Quentin]

Each rifle is an individual so it's hard to guess which buffer weight to use but my midlengths like an H buffer (BTW it's H not H1) and lots of folks swear by the H2 in carbine length gas.

 

[SKILCZ]

Thanks. How will I know if I need to "upgrade" to a heavier one down the road? What are the signs of needing a heavier buffer?

 

[MachIVshooter]

What are the signs of needing a heavier buffer?

Failure to return to battery with known good ammo, BCG and recoil spring.

As an aside, unless you're going to spend the money for a good, 7075 forged buffer tube, I'd recommend buying commercial spec. Most tubes out there are made of 6061 extrusions, which is not as strong; the commercial tube has a little more meat to mitigate the softer metal. I run all commercial tubes, have never had trouble finding whatever stock I wanted. Every manufacturer I'm aware of makes both. As well, some stocks are "uni-fit" (Mako, for example) so they can be used on either tube, but they fit tighter on the larger commercial tube.

 

[Captains1911]

Failure to return to battery with known good ammo, BCG and recoil spring.

As an aside, unless you're going to spend the money for a good, 7075 forged buffer tube, I'd recommend buying commercial spec. Most tubes out there are made of 6061 extrusions, which is not as strong; the commercial tube has a little more meat to mitigate the softer metal. I run all commercial tubes, have never had trouble finding whatever stock I wanted. Every manufacturer I'm aware of makes both. As well, some stocks are "uni-fit" (Mako, for example) so they can be used on either tube, but they fit tighter on the larger commercial tube.

It doesn't cost much more for a mil-spec tube, and they are stronger where it matters. The only advantage of a commercial receiver extension is they are cheaper to manufacturer.

 

[MachIVshooter]

It doesn't cost much more for a mil-spec tube, and they are stronger where it matters.

Point was that a lot of "mil spec" tubes, aren't; they're just mil spec diameter.

Me? I already had two complete rifles with commercial tubes before I started building others, so it just made more sense to do future builds with commercial tubes so that stocks could be swapped around.

 

[SKILCZ]

Bought a BCM Mil-Spec buffer tube, so I should be good there I'd think.

 

[Quentin]

Bought a BCM Mil-Spec buffer tube, so I should be good there I'd think.

Yep, wise decision, you're GTG. BCM's RE is milspec diameter and is milspec 7075 alloy as well. I have two (and two PSA milspec receiver extensions) and would recommend anyone starting out to go milspec instead of a comspec tube.

For my first AR I did snag a cheap comspec kit because it was available during the drought after the 2008 election but later sold it and upgraded to the BCM kit. I now have three ARs and an extra lower, all the same diameter.

I will agree with MachIVshooter that it makes a lot of sense to stay with the same RE diameter across all your ARs so you can swap stocks. I just took the route to dump the comspec Del-Ton kit I had before buying any other replacement stocks. Initially if you can get to milspec (like you did) you're in a good position since no doubt you'll be buying/trading stocks over time.