Need to Choose a Stock for the AR

[swilliams]

Tried the search function, but after scrolling through a few pages, I figure it's easier to just ask - again. I'll have all the parts I need for the AR once I pick up the lower next week, except for the stock and sights. Sights will have to wait a while longer, but if I get the stock at least the gun will be useable.

It can be collapsible. I'd like something that's on the lighter side, since the upper is slightly heavy. I don't want to spend a ton. Otherwise, I have no idea where to start. Recommendations?

 

[MilesTeg]

This is a good basic one.
Magpul Stock CTR Collapsible AR-15 Carbine Synthetic

I like this one because I keep a backup battery in it for my red dot.
Magpul Stock STR Collapsible AR-15 LR-308 Carbine Synthetic

 

[swilliams]

Among the reviews for the STR is one that says, "It doesn't pull my beard." LOL.

Here's a stupid newbie question. What's the difference between milspec and commercial?

 

[MilesTeg]

I'm not 100% on the answer. It has to do with your buffer tube. I think they might be interchangeable but not recommended. But like I said I'm not positive of that.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

A. What's the difference between milspec and commercial?

Size of the tube. Get milspec....unless they are giving away the commercials.

 

[swilliams]

I'm not 100% on the answer. It has to do with your buffer tube. I think they might be interchangeable but not recommended. But like I said I'm not positive of that.

I found the answer, but now the problem I have is that the upper is in PA, and I'm in NJ. I'm pretty sure the LWRC upper I have uses milspec, but I can't remember if it came with the buffer tube, and I can't find that info online.

 

[cgrutt]

Nice! Good to hear you're finally getting your AR. Congrats and good luck.


Personally I like the Vltor EMOD stocks but it's just personal preference.

Vltor Carbine Enhanced Modstock


You need to match the buffer tube to your lower receiver. If receiver is Milspec you need to buy a Milspec buffer tube; if Commercial spec you need to buy Commercial buffer tube. Size and cut of threads are different so they're not interchangeable

 

[Frankly]

If you have a heavy upper you may prefer a heavier stock to balance it out and, frankly, cosmetics.

I use the Magpul MOE SL Carbine stock with a lighter 16" barrel upper and it is a good match. I also had the Mission First Minimalist, another lightweight stock. And the classic CTR isn't bad at all either.

If I had a heavier longer barrel long range rig I'd want something like a Magpul UBR or PRS.

 

[MilesTeg]

I found the answer, but now the problem I have is that the upper is in PA, and I'm in NJ. I'm pretty sure the LWRC upper I have uses milspec, but I can't remember if it came with the buffer tube, and I can't find that info online.

The buffer tube goes with the lower. If you can look up what you used for a lower parts kit. The sellers usually label what it is online. If not wait until you get home and measure.

 

[swilliams]

The buffer tube goes with the lower. If you can look up what you used for a lower parts kit. The sellers usually label what it is online. If not wait until you get home and measure.

I must be thinking of a different part then. Ugh. I need to go watch the assembly videos you guys posted - again.

 

[Marine Cpl]

You want a light stock? This is the lightest you can get. I have one and like it. It is only a cap for your buffer tube. It'll be the same as running a collapsible stock in the closed position.








BAD-LBS-MIL Lightweight Butt Stock for MilSpec Receiver Extension | Battle Arms Development

 

[swilliams]

Nice! Good to hear you're finally getting your AR. Congrats and good luck.

Yeah, it's only been... what? Three years, lol? Bought the upper over a year ago. Been slowly buying parts over time.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

LWRC .

NICE!

 

[Ozmiander]

ACE skeleton.

 

[carpediem]

You want a light stock? This is the lightest you can get. I have one and like it. It is only a cap for your buffer tube. It'll be the same as running a collapsible stock in the closed position.

View attachment 8618

View attachment 8619




BAD-LBS-MIL Lightweight Butt Stock for MilSpec Receiver Extension | Battle Arms Development

They make a pretty good ambidextrous safety selector.

 

[swilliams]

One last question for the night. What tools am I going to need in order to put together the lower? I have a bunch, but are there any specific to the build that I'll need? Trying to have everything ready to go for when I get out to PA in a few days.

 

[carpediem]

One last question for the night. What tools am I going to need in order to put together the lower? I have a bunch, but are there any specific to the build that I'll need? Trying to have everything ready to go for when I get out to PA in a few days.

Did you get the little tool for the front takedown pin detent pin? I didn't use the tool but did use a flat head screwdriver and the pin itself. A couple punches, a spanner wrench for the castle nut on the buffer tube.

 

[cgrutt]

pin and roll pin punches, hammer, lower vice block and armor's wrench. If you need anything PM me your address and I'll send them out tomorrow am if you promise to send them back

 

[Eddie Gunks]

You dont need a hammer.

Do not hammer anything on the lower.

 

[dubleuhb]

You dont need a hammer.

Do not hammer anything on the lower.

LOL, I've never built one yet but have taken them down to clean, change parts, never used a hammer.

 

[cgrutt]

How do you guys get the roll pins in mag catch release and trigger guard? Press them in with clamp? I'm not talking about using a framing hammer or anything like that, small hammer to lightly tap punches for the roll pins...

 

[Uzi]

You can use a vice or vice grips for the roll pins. I prefer using a small brass mallet with punches because you don't need that much force to drive the pins anyways. I choose to do it that way because I enjoy the assembly time and I'm in no rush to get it together. In fact, I don't care at all about having another rifle, I'm only building another one because it's fun putting them together. Punches and something to stake the castle nut are nice to have. I use a spring loaded center punch for that, works the best. I see jacked up castle nuts all too often.

 

[dubleuhb]

How do you guys get the roll pins in mag catch release and trigger guard? Press them in with clamp? I'm not talking about using a framing hammer or anything like that, small hammer to lightly tap punches for the roll pins...

Punch with a hard round ball on it, tap with the palm of my hand. I have the brass and acrilic (sp?) mallets but never needed that much force.

 

[meketrefe]

IMO the FAB defense is not the lightest stock possible but it is packed with features and super robust.
Their polymers are really good and used my IMF in service weapons.

The advantage of this one is that you can adjust cheek height for proper alignment with the optics or sights as needed.
It is also collapsible and it has a nice compartment in the back very secure. Will not break even if you use it as a hammer.
you also have it in OD green and FDE if needed. These stocks are are a tad heavier because they are stronger than
the tipical ones like magpul but nothing one should feel a disadvantage because it balances the carbine quite well.

FAB Defense Recoil Reducing Stock Adjustable Cheek Rest Collapsible

 

[cgrutt]

Punch with a hard round ball on it, tap with the palm of my hand. I have the brass and acrilic (sp?) mallets but never needed that much force.

Meh, none of my punches have hard round balls on them, that's what a hammer is used for, right? Seriously, I get pressing the pins in with clamp and/or pliers and I have done that before, esp. on mag catch release due to position, but nearly every instructional video or book I have seen calls for punch and hammer. I'm looking at a copy of The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide by Kuleck and McKee and they use a punch and hammer. Not saying it can't be done without it but there is certainly more than one way to skin a cat.

 

[dubleuhb]

Meh, none of my punches have hard round balls on them, that's what a hammer is used for, right? Seriously, I get pressing the pins in with clamp and/or pliers and I have done that before, esp. on mag catch release due to position, but nearly every instructional video or book I have seen calls for punch and hammer. I'm looking at a copy of The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide by Kuleck and McKee and they use a punch and hammer. Not saying it can't be done without it but there is certainly more than one way to skin a cat.

Well yeah, but my fingers like to get between hard objects and some opposing force, never ends well. [emoji10]

 

[Eddie Gunks]

How do you guys get the roll pins in mag catch release and trigger guard? ..

Haha ha

The bolt catch she has takes a screw.....
I will give you the trigger guard though...... (Or use a magpul trigger guard..... )

 

[Frankly]

Not that I am any kind of fine craftsman but I always look at the castle nut staking or lack of it to gauge if the builder knows what they're doing.

 

[cgrutt]

Not that I am any kind of fine craftsman but I always look at the castle nut staking or lack of it to gauge if the builder knows what they're doing.

I actually bought a pair of staking tools for ar-10 and ar-15 BCGs that work great but haven't gotten much use since unSAFE. They were pretty damn expensive too, LOL. FUAC!!!!

 

[Frankly]

I actually bought a pair of staking tools for ar-10 and ar-15 BCGs that work great but haven't gotten much use since unSAFE. They were pretty damn expensive too, LOL. FUAC!!!!

Me too and I staked several for friends then sold it for $10 less so it was like renting.