Cheap alternative for custom fixed AR stock.

[vnhill1981]

Long story short, decided I wanted a fixed stock on my AR. I decided on a Magpul Fixed Carbine stock. Problem is, it was a touch too short. You had to push it all the way forward so the tension screw would go past the buffer tube rail. The stock only ran $30 at Academy. The full length fixed stock was $70. You can buy an extended butt pad but it's another $20. What to do, what to do? Enter the angle grinder. After finding the exact position I wanted the stock which also doesn't interfere with the buffer tube (in case I wanted to go back to a collapsible stock) I used my angle grinder with a thin wheel to cut a slot out just big enough for the tension screw to go through. The result is a fixed stock that is positioned exactly to fit me, with the ability to go back to a collapsible stock, and all for only $30. Best of all, it is solid as an A2 stock to me.

 

[Jackal]

Never did understand how people even use those stumpy stocks. Even with a loaded LBE, they are way too short. Some folks must have arms like a T-Rex...

 

[vnhill1981]

I don't know. I am only 5'7" with I would say short arms and even I needed have a longer length of pull. I don't like my nose touching the charging handle.

 

[z7]

They are collapsible for storage and transport, not necessarily for shooting.... Granted you can shoot all day long and some do very well with it collapsed, most need it longer. Also with a red dot sight you don't need a cheek weld and can have a more heads up approach to shooting.

 

[chicharrones]

Enter the angle grinder.

I like that. Sounds like a modern take on an old martial arts movie.

 

[Tirod]

If you shoot squared up with the rifle out 90 degrees to your front, the stock usually needs to be shorter. Add LBE or a plate carrier it gets worse.

Prone position shooting, a long stock works nicely, but trying that with a combat load with the armor plate presented directly to opposing fire, not so much. That's why shorter stocks are seen now. And there is a difference between position shooting vs dynamic - you don't get to prop up the forend with body parts as easily when you are on the move. Dropping into a contorted Olympic International position when your window of opportunity only lasts three seconds means just deal with it. Fortunately the sport of dynamic shooting tends to score hits on 18MOA targets, not 10's exclusively. Time expended is used to sort out the top shooters.

Different sports, different intents, different methods. Same as auto competition, a winning drag car wouldn't survive the attempt at a land speed record. Precision shooting isn't shoot move communicate combat shooting.

We've had adjustable carbine stocks for nearly 45 years. It was figured out a long time ago.

 

[vnhill1981]

Tirod I can appreciate what you're saying, but to me there is also a point of being to short and I like having the rock solid feel of a fixed stock.

I spent 6 years in the Marines, 12 years and counting at the local Police Department, the past 10.5 years on the SWAT Team, and am currently an Entry Team Leader. We run full Tac Vests with plates front. I'm by no means trying to be cocky or anything like that but have become pretty proficient of dynamic shooting in all of our gear with a standard M16A2 as this was what was issued until about 4 years ago when I was also issued an MP5.

The stock I have now is still shorter than an A2 stock. I have just never liked a stock where my nose was right up on the charging handle and even with my short arms if I mount the Magpul carbine stock as it was designed, this was the case. All I was offering was an alternative solution to being able to use the stock if someone wanted a slightly longer stock, as was the case with me being over the years I have found what works for me whether I am wearing my full tact gear, just my soft armor, or simply using it to take out a few hogs. Where I have it set now I can comfortably achieve all three things.

 

[MistWolf]

I needed a stock that had a better cheek weld than an adjustable stock but was also lightweight for the MP-10

For a comfortable cheekweld, I needed something where my face didn't contact the bare aluminum of the receiver extension. The only adjustable stock to meet that requirement was the UBR. It has a good cheekweld, is adjustable and as solid as the proverbial rock. It was also heavy and I wanted to lighten the Big Smith as much as possible. To get the cheekweld I wanted, a fixed stock was needed.

The MP-10 came with a A5 length carbine style RE. The MOE fixed carbine length was the lightest, easiest and most economical choice for a conversion to fixed length stock. Any other choice would require replacing the factory carbine style RE with a rifle RE and addressing all the complications that went along with it. But, even with the extra thick recoil pad, the LOP was just too short for me and the clamp wouldn't hold the stock in the extended position under recoil. I though about drilling a hole through the ridge of the RE but I decided to make a simple spacer instead

View attachment 729199

The MOE fixed length stock worked well enough that I replaced the UBR on a precision AR with one
View attachment 729200

The adjustable stock isn't always the best choice for an AR shooter. Some shooters are stuck behind enemy lines and cannot have an adjustable stock. Being able to set the LOP of the MOE fixed stock opens up options

 

[David4516]

I'm a fan of the Magpul fixed carbine stock. I'm shooting with iron sights and "nose to the charging handle" doesn't bug me so I just have mine in the default configuration.

I like that it was cheap and that it doesn't rattle like the adjustable stocks do. I added the QD sling socket as well (wish it was built in to this stock though, like it is on the Magpul CTR stocks).

vnhill1981, I like your solution for extending the stock. If I ever decide I need a longer LOP I'll try your method. Thanks for sharing this

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Never did understand how people even use those stumpy stocks. Even with a loaded LBE, they are way too short. Some folks must have arms like a T-Rex...

T-Rex checking in...

I use the Fixed Stock on one of my carbines and don't find it too bad. Actually I like it better than the collapsible that was on there.

Course, I am am 5'8"... with arms like a T-Rex.