AR-15 stock and lower receiver questions

Status
Not open for further replies.
I

iamkris

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2003
Messages
2,839
Location
My own little slice of Purgatory
My 1911-totin'-7.62-NATO-shootin' heritage be d@#%ed, I have a recent infatuation with the AR. Just feel I can't live without owning one suddenly...but I digress.

I've already decided to build from an assembled upper and lower parts kit. I already know what config I want. But I have two questions that I can't seem to find on any search here or over at AR15.com:

1) How are the pinned, non-collapsible CAR/M4 stocks made? Are they collapsibles that have a roll pin through them holding it at the extended point? If so, are they stable that way? If the regs change, can the pin be driven out and the stock is then collapsible? (Note to THR -- I am not contemplating doing this...just asking the question)

2) (I fear a silly one but here goes anyway...) I am looking at a good deal on a forged DPMS lower that is marked ".223". Will this mate to an upper chambered for "5.56" or does the lower and upper need to match because of some internal dimensional difference?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
The fake collapsable stocks have been made in various ways. Some are simply made to look like they are collapsable, some are actual collapsable stocks that have been modified so you can't easily collapse them.
Personally I wouldn't buy one. Buy a good A1 length stock. It is by far the best option IMO. If the AWB sunsets (possible only through our efforts), you can simply buy a real collapsable stock if that is what pulls your chain. I have both collaspsable stocks and fixed stocks. The collaspable stocks are for looks only and are not nearly as practical as the A1 length fixed stocks. My main, serious AR has a fixed A1 stock.
The 223 marked lower reciever has no effect on the chambering of the gun. That is a function of the barrel and how it is chambered. It will mate with a 5.56 upper or 9mm, or .458 Socom, or .22LR..........................................
 
#1. Most of the post-ban, fixed CAR "lookalike" stocks are just a long stock that looks like the collapsible version. They use the rifle-length buffer. Some people have them pinned, and there has been some guidance on how to do this from the ATF. As long as it requires destroying stuff to make it collapse, it's probably OK. A pinned telestock should be just as strong as a real telestock.

#2. Yes, it will work fine.

-z
 
Thanks for the info on the lower. Good to hear.

I've gone back and forth on the A2 stock vs fake collapsible (or otherwise short skeleton stock/entry stock). My "serious use" rifle is a STG58. I want an AR to be the other end of the spectrum from the DSA without going to a pistol caliber carbine...which for my criteria means as short and handy as possible. While I frankly feel a pinned collapsible is a little silly (don't need that "wannabe" title), the shorter LOP is desireable for what I want.

So is the A1 stock the same length as the pinned tele-stock?

Thanks again for the comments.
 
Kris,
I'll second the recomendation for the A1 length stock. The A2 stock is too long for most people to use in any but the prone postition. The 4 position collapsible stock on my R6920 LE Carbine is the same length as an A1 stock when fully extended. I normally use it opened to the first position, and use it completely collapsed when wearing body armor with my plate carrier. I'm 6'2" 240. One disadvantage to the original collapsible stock is that the buttplate is too short and you have to place it on your collar bone instead of in the shoulder pocket to get a good heads up stance. The newer type (with the sling swivel on the bottom and the slots cut in it, along with aftermarket stocks like the Magpul and VLTOR stock) correct this with a longer buttplate.

You can get A1 stocks in various colors from Cavalry Arms. Don't overlook the Sully stock either.

Jeff
 
On the lower to upper receiver, you can mix them with no worry. The DPMS Forged Lowers are well built, they use these on all their Law Enforcement guns as well. I have several and they are well built with a nice finish.

On the stock issue, it is a matter of personal preference as to which stock a person likes and chooses. The fixed look a like collapsable stocks are made different ways depending on which maker. Some are a molded one piece design, and some are pinned. I much prefer a fixed stock of a shorter length.

Here is an article that Pat Rogers wrote for SWAT Magazine that might shed some insite into some stock options:

SWAT Magazine buttstock review [/B][/QUOTE]

Stay Safe,
Greg Sullivan "Sully"
Chief Instructor
www.thedefensiveedge.com
 
Fantastic Sully:
Great material from a true guru in this field.


Would you mind if I posted that link on another thread ?
 
Just my opinion is all, but I have a 20" AR and i have the fixed stock on it, looks and feels great. Now, if i had (and i plan to soon) the 16", I'd want a collapsable, pinned or whathave you. I just think that the collapsable stock looks better on the carbine than the fixed a2 varient. Just my opinion.
 
Yeah, I decided after reading the first article that I needed to get a Sully stock. I was introduced to the need for a short stock at Gunsite. I replaced my A2 stocks with A1 stocks right away. This Sully stocks looks very good.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

J
  • Locked
AR-15 Upper Question
Replies
10
Views
362
Walkalong
Walkalong
S
  • Locked
Question about AR lowers
Replies
11
Views
692
Mot45acp
Mot45acp
A
  • Locked
Utility AR's
Replies
6
Views
454
Aaryq
A
D
  • Locked
Which AR lower for my new upper?
Replies
14
Views
651
NEtracker
N
Q
  • Locked
Comments on AR-15 Build
Replies
19
Views
691
ugaarguy
ugaarguy
Back
Top