Which stock will handle better on a 20 inch AR build?

Another satisfied M16A1 stock user here. Added benefit is that they are relatively inexpensive.

Will an A2 fixed stock or M4 style collapsible stock handle better on a 20 inch barreled AR. Not really tring to go into the many variations of M4 stocks ie. Magpul, Vltor, etc... Just really concerened about length and maneuverability at this point. Want to use this for 3 gun with a 1-4x scope.

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For shooting 3-Gun, a collapsible stock really isn't going to be an advantage, and in some cases, it may even be detrimental. Most of the competitors I see are running fixed stocks. Unless you're proportionally outside of the norm, the regular A1- or A2-length stocks should work just fine. I prefer the fixed stocks because they have a much more solid feel than the 6-point collapsible stock that I've got.

Before spending money on gear, run your rifle at a few matches and see how you do. Try to be aware of any situations where the stock impedes your ability to shoot. If it doesn't, stick with what you've got.

For the average citizen, the best application for a collapsible stock is for training newbs or kids. That way you can adjust the stock to fit them.

On any barrel over 18 inches I'd go with the UBR.

I would consider the actual weight of the barrel, more than how long it is, when deciding what kind of stock would balance it best.

A standard setup with a carbine buffer tube, carbine spring and carbine or H buffer should be 100% reliable with a 20" rifle style upper. I have two setups like that, both running carbine buffers, both are 100% reliable. Many people report being able to use an H2 or even H3 buffer reliably, and the heavier buffers may give slightly softer felt recoil, but aren't really necessary with a rifle gas setup.

The A5 setup may give slightly softer recoil yet, and a potential increase in reliability, but you are not likely to have any (any!) reliability issues with the carbine buffer tube setup and a 20" rifle upper.

Just remember, the complete back end must be all of the same type:
rifle buffer, rifle buffer tube, and rifle spring; OR
carbine-sized buffer (whether in carbine, H, H2 or H3 weight), carbine buffer tube, and carbine spring; OR
A5 tube, A5 buffer, and A5 spring (which I believe is a standard rifle spring, but best to double check)

A1 or Magpul CTX would be my vote...

I really like the A1.

I run a similar setup but with an 18" barrel for 3 gun. I have a Leupold 1-4 scope, 18" barrel, and A2 stock. It handles nicely and has a good solid cheekweld. The stock length and my el cheapo Primary Arms scope mount are just right for using the scope. I have long arms, though, so the A2 fits me well. I think an A1 length like the Cav Arms stock might be more versatile for more people.

Will an EMod mil spec kit run with this upper (20 inch rifle gas) reliably or should I shell out the extra 50 bucks for the EMod A5 kit?

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It may allow you to get the second shoot off sooner as it should have slightly less recoil. I have mine on a 6.5 so I can't compare it to a 5.56. Worth it IMHO.

I think the A1 as long as you aren't wearing body armor.

I was fortunate to have been able to buy several used GI A1 stocks from Rock River Arms a couple years ago for something like $10 each.

I have Magpul CTRs on a couple 20" rifles.
I may switch one out to a E-Mod A5 kit as I am using VLTOR tubes now anyway.
I use DPMS heavy carbine buffers which basically duplicate the weight of a standard rifle buffer and standard carbine action springs, this combo work extremely well with the 20" barrels.

Mags, does your rifle have a phone #? Cuz I'm going to call it up and tell it what's wrong with its scope mount.