Looking for the best AR-15 stock to upgrade or finish a new build?
It’s an important decision.
One that will impact cheek weld, weight, your wallet, and, most importantly, looks (duh).
I’ve built, bought, and shot a lot of AR-15s, from general builds to lightweight, pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs), and precision rigs.
If you want to know the best buttstock for your specific purpose, read on! We’ve laid out several models that we really like to help you narrow down your search!
We also have a separate article for Pistol Braces, if that’s more your speed.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Minimalist Stock
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Best Fixed Stock
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Best Cheek Weld
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Lightest Stock
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Best Precision Stock
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best AR-15 Stocks
The entire team at Pew Pew Tactical had a hand in contributing to this post. Most of us have tinkered and worked on our AR-15s, replacing the stock on at least one of our rifles, if not several of them. We also have a ton of experience building out our own ARs from the ground-up.
We know a thing or two about what goes into a good stock because we’ve built a thing or two. Our picks for this list are based on features, build quality, availability, and value.
We constantly test new gear and regularly update articles as new models become available, so if you’re favorite isn’t here, check back soon!
Best Adjustable AR-15 Stocks
1. B5 Systems Bravo – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 9.6 oz
- Great cheek weld
- Affordable
Cons
- Tight fit on Mil-Spec tubes
My go-to choice for a competitive or speed build that still allows for a great cheek weld is B5 Systems Bravo.
It’s lightweight, allowing for extra space to achieve that perfect and repeatable cheek weld.
If you’re accustomed to traditional buttstocks, switching to one with a superior surface, like the Bravo stock, will transform your experience.
Check out my bottom two rifles rocking the Bravo.
My first Bravo stock now lives in my accuracy testing lower.
The back is pretty normal and gives a good grip without snagging.
Plus, it’s not too bad on the wallet, coming in under $60.
This stock is my overall favorite for the best adjustable buttstock at a reasonable price.
2. Magpul MOE
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 8 oz.
- Affordable
- Can accept cheek risers
Cons
- Basic cheek weld
This bad boy set a baseline from the mil-spec (military specification) buttstock, which did its job.
The Magpul MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) was on my first rifle, and as you’ll see coming up, I like to rattle-can my AR furniture.
The cheek weld on the MOE is roughly the same as that on the Mil-Spec.
But it just looked so much cooler, plus it had a bunch more places to place a sling.
If your first rifle comes with one, too, you can’t go wrong.
But if you’re looking for my new favorite standard, keep reading!
3. Mission First Battlelink Minimalist Stock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 5.8 oz
- Good for lightweight builds
Cons
- May snag on equipment
The Battlelink Minimalist is taking over with lightweight builds.
It probably sacrifices a little structural integrity by losing its triangular shape…but you lose a few precious ounces.
And if you find it snagging on equipment, you can bungee or use paracord to secure something together.
Cheek weld is an upgrade from the Magpul MOE, but nothing to write home about.
And how about a back shot? You get a little more traction on your shoulder, and I like that slight curve.
If you’re thinking of a lightweight build but don’t want to go ultra-lightweight, this is the one to get.
4. B5 Systems Bravo-C – Best Fixed Stock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 10.25 oz
- Fixed stock
- Ergonomic top side
- Anti-rotation QD mount
Cons
- FDE color is a little off
B5 expanded its line of stocks after the Bravo, and one simplified version is the Bravo-C. This fixed-position buttstock still has a lot to offer.
Mounting into position with a set screw, the Bravo-C has a long length of very ergonomic top side that allows you to find optimal cheek weld without pulling your beard hairs.
The Bravo-C also features an anti-rotation QD mount and fixed sling points. It also features color-matched hardware, which is important because it comes in five colors to match your build.
5. Magpul MOE-SL
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 9.6 oz
- Improved cheek weld over MOE
- Similar weight and price to Bravo
Cons
- A little larger than some
Next up is another Magpul creation — the MOE-SL, or Slimline.
It’s a definite upgrade from the MOE and close to the Bravo in terms of cheek weld for me. But still not better.
It matches up with Bravo in weight and price, too. So, if you want a better cheek weld than normal and love the look over the plainer Bravo, get the SL.
What’s your take on the Magpul MOE-SL? Give it a rating below.
6. Magpul STR
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 12.3 oz
- Excellent cheek weld
Cons
- Heavier
- Pricey
The Magpul STR has my favorite cheek weld of all the adjustable stocks.
It comes in a slightly heavier 12.5 ounces, but the STR (storage type restricted) also features water-resistant battery tubes on the side.
Oh, and did I mention the cheek weld?
It’s huge — you could land a plane on that thing! And for your face, it makes it extremely comfortable and repeatable for whatever optical device you’ll be using.
It came on my PSA AR-10 .308 (full review), and it was great shooting a larger caliber.
Back has the same footprint as the regular MOE…but again, you can see that nice slope for storing batteries and giving you comfort.
My favorite cheek weld buttstock, if you don’t mind the larger size, weight, and price. Also great for precision builds if you want something easily collapsible.
7. VLTOR IMOD
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Battery compartments
- Lighter than Magpul STR
Cons
- Pricey
- Not beard friendly
One of the first buttstocks to have an expanded cheek weld was the VLTOR IMOD.
I’ve shot this bad boy probably the most…and it shows. However, it’s stood the test of time and thousands of rounds.
Plus, it has probably given me a lot of paint on my face.
It’s very comparable to the Magpul STR in terms of cheek weld (edge still to the STR)…and it has battery compartments as well.
And for about $20 more…you’ll shave off some ounces.
So if ounces = pounds…and pounds = pain…but you still want an awesome cheek weld…the IMOD is for you.
Best Fixed & Lightweight AR-15 Stocks
8. Strike Industries Modular Fixed Stock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 12.8
- Affordable
Cons
- Installation issues
I really wanted to like this one for my featureless builds.
Strike has been one of the most innovative and affordable companies out there, and I love their featureless grips.
But their Viper Fixed Stock is a miss for me personally.
The price was right, but the large screw inside messed up somehow. I couldn’t install it for the life of me. Many forums and YouTube videos later…I gave up. Unfortunately, that also means I can’t get it off the buffer tube.
This may have been a one-off issue, which kind of sucks since the stock feels comfortable.
9. Magpul MOE Fixed
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Affordable
- Easy installation
Cons
- Basic and simple
Magpul’s entry into the fixed stock world is the MOE Fixed Stock.
It may not have an original name, but it has a very decent price.
Installs very easily and has the same cheek weld as a regular MOE.
If you want a fixed stock with no trouble, such as pinning or buying another gadget, the MOE fixed is the way to go.
10. Battle Arms Development LBS
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 3.0 oz
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Short length of pull
Another entry into the ultralight arena is BAD’s LBS (Lightweight Butt Stock).
It’s crazy light at 3 ounces.
Instead of a stock cheek weld, it provides you with a smooth buffer tube cheek weld.
Be sure that you’re ok with the short length of pull on a regular buttstock, since now you’re stuck with your buffer tube length.
The tension has been great, and it should be able to handle a mortar since it’s directly against the buffer tube. However, I haven’t tried it and wouldn’t recommend doing it.
Great for an SBR with a more vertically angled pistol grip, which will help with the short buttstock.
Best Precision AR Stocks
11. Luth AR MBA-1
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Weight: 19 oz for rifle-length version
- Adjustable length of pull and cheek rise
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavier than other options
- Cheek weld not as good as some others
If you want something heavier and really adjustable for not just the length of pull, but also the cheek height, the Luth AR MBA-1 stock does so at a reasonable price.
Both the rear and cheek weld sections can be precisely adjusted and locked to suit your scoped rifle needs.
Here it is on my Aero M5 .308. (See the full review!)
Cheek Weld is better than the MOE, but not approaching the others that have a slanted edge.
However, the name of the game is adjustability and rear weight. In that area, the Luth AR excels.
Additionally, it’s more affordable than the current gold standard that is approaching.
12. Magpul PRS GEN3
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Weight: 31 oz
- Excellent adjustability
- High-quality construction
- Flat bottom for sandbag use
Cons
- Heaviest option
- Very expensive
The go-to for a precision AR stock is undoubtedly the Magpul PRS Gen 3.
It definitely feels more quality than the Luth with its construction and easier adjustment knobs that have a satisfying click.
The Cheek weld is also slightly better than the Luth in my opinion.
Plus, it can fit on both rifle and carbine-length buffer tubes.
I also like the flat bottom, so you can get a good sandbag base under there. This is what you get when you’re serious about precision in the AR-10 and AR-15 platforms.
Despite all these excellent features, it comes at a pretty high weight and price tag to match.
Meet the Experts
This article was written by Pew Pew Tactical CEO and Founder Eric Hung. In addition to founding Pew Pew Tactical as a place for shooters to learn, he’s also an NRA-certified instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Eric has also researched and written over 250 articles on firearms, training, gear, and just about everything else related to firearms.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Additionally, she is an NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and former Concealed Carry Instructor. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Also editing this article is Wyatt Sloan, Editor. Wyatt is an NRA and USCCA-certified instructor with previous experience as a competitive shooter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a dozen of the most popular AR-15 buttstocks out there. Hopefully, you’ve figured out which one is right for your purpose and budget.
While I have my favorites, remember that the feel and comfort are completely subjective at the end of the day. What works for me may not work for everyone!
How did we do? Any popular stocks that you want to see in a future article update? Looking for more AR-15 upgrades? Check out our AR-15 Ultimate Guide.
45 Leave a Reply
What are all these weird devices on the pistol grips of the title photo? I’ve been building and selling AR-15’s in the US for 20+ years and have never seen such a funny looking pistol grip. Tell me more about how this works.
Hogue OverMolded Collapsible Stock still runs about $51 bucks at most of the online places. Superior cheek weld and plenty of ways to attach a sling. Midway list its weight at 8.3oz. Solid and dependable. For all around that is where my money goes. Would have liked to see a shortest listed for smaller framed juniors.
I don't like any of those adjustable stocks. They're all hard plastic with nothing great to weld your cheek to if you've just hiked up a mountain and you've got sweat dripping down your cheek. I prefer the Hogue Overmolded 6 position Buttstock. It's going for $50.99 at Gun Mag Warehouse and gives your rifle a bit of comfort and style. It's a little on the heavy side at 11.2oz, but I think the purchase and comfort more than make up for it.
Magpul stocks - ughhhh. nope. It just seems like Magpul started thinking "Hey, we can make something out of plastic and people will buy it 'cause everything we make is the best thing since sliced bread." - OK, the Pmags, great, some of the other stuff great, but their stocks, well, if they gave one to me for free I still would not use it. There are better.
After going through different brands, including the ones on this article list - I settled on the BCM Mod 0-SOPMOD for its price and fit and no-rattle/wiggle and weight. Yes, its a little tight on milspec tubes but it is not something I object to for my rifles as its still quickly adjustable if needed which is rarely overall because I put it in the position I need it and it pretty much stays there. Plus the check weld on it works for me.
Nobody ever mentions the Hogue basic stock. Fits alot more snug so it does have the loose feeling some of the others have.
Doesn't*
I was rereading this article and my reply from some time back when I remembered a subject matter experts advice he left in an AR15 forum thread. This was when they were respected and participated directly with members.
His advice for buttstocks was they made no measurable difference in accuracy whatsoever. As he was a shooter at national championship level in both tactical and precision courses that carried some weight. Just like Mas Ayoob shooting a duty gun match with a NY trigger on his Glock, a great shooter can work with it and still win.
Pick what you like, practice and by the time the final course of shooting determines if you or competitor X wins National, I expect you may come to the same conclusion. Once you take all the marketing hype out of consideration, it's just a flat surface to press against your shoulder and a curved one to rest your cheek. Look at the international Freestyle rifles -
The Emod from Vltor should’ve been considered way before any of these other stocks. The B5 is awesome as well but the b5 doesn’t even compare to the bcm sopmod stock.
I have long enjoyed mocking the "above all, the "BRAND" fan boys" of the AR15 world. None so VOMIT INDUCING as the MAGPUL fan boys!!
Of particular interest, one of those ridiculous MAGPUL fan boys is none other than...ME!!!
I cannot help the snobbery, it simply is what it is!!
I liken myself as the Dr. Frasier Crane of AR15 / M4 platforms. One can only look back with FONDNESS and a smile on my face for the thrashing I and many other AR Snobbery Alumni gave to the POORS (LOL)
Adorning most of my AR platforms , one shall see All things MAGPUL stocks (LOL)
At the end of the day, Magpul furniture is a budget friendly (for the poors) solid POLY
FWIW, I think virtually anyone looking at the Magpul MOE carbine stock should buy the CTR instead. The MOE and CTR are nearly identical in weight and footprint, but the CTR rattles less on the buffer tube and features a QD sling attachment point. Those two features are well worth the extra ~$20.
I went with Bravo B5's on my main 5.56 and .300 AAC AR's, and the Magpul MOE Fixed on the 3 5.56 AR's I keep as spares/handouts.
Saving up to outfit my 6.5 Creedmore AR-10 with the Magpul PRS stock. At almost $200, and living on a fixed income, I generally have to save up for purchases >$75.
Must be getting paid to add al those to the list.. becasue you left the best stock off.. Rogers Superstock.. can't trust as reviewer who is getting paid by the products being reviewed..
We are not paid to include things in our lists. These are merely what our reviewer has tried and liked. If we didn’t include it, just means we haven’t tested it yet. Thanks for reading!
I've noticed a continuing trend over the years - MFT gets the rap of "snagging" yet plenty of others have all sorts of hooks and protrusions which can do that - yet no mention of it.
I've hunted with one on my 6.8SPC for deer in the fall and have more issues with the flash hider and front handguards with open holes catching brush. Why? Because the stock is under my arm or up on my shoulder - I've yet to find anyone promoting "Scythe carry" of a stock or seeing anyone buttstroking a blackberry bush. Inside a built up area? Again under the arm low carry or up near the shoulder. Most tac gear including open top mag carriers is a bigger issue.
For all that we trained with no slings on A1/A2's and the bottom sling swivel never caught on stuff either.
Would like to see a review of the Bilson Arms (Broussard, Louisiana) Pivotal Buttstock (Patent Pending).
What about the foldable stocks? Was hoping to see some info on the foldables.
I have the Rogers Super Stock. I am surprised it's not on here.
My choice too. the Rogers is great. Being able to take out any rattle and tighten up any play is great. QD a for sling is a bonus.
Thank you for validating my comment. If I build another AR it will have a Rogers Super Stock on it.
Ditto, it's a great stock I've put on a couple of builds. Lightweight, adjustable LOP, and the same kind of friction lock as the MOE STR (which they forgot to even mention when talking about the MOE STR) and plenty of sling options.
ALL of my ARs wear the Magpul MOE Fixed Carbine stock. It is also what I plan to install on my RIA VR82.
I am partial to the BCM Gunfighter Stock Mod 0 Sopmod. It is the tightest wobble free stock I have tried as far as collapsible stocks go and as good cheekweld.
Don't want to be complaining that there's no rep for my pick, but Im not seeing any love here for mine, even in the comments. I run the standard Daniel defense adjustable. Super tight lock up compared by my Magpul Moe with all kinds of cheekweld. And nice on the face in an weather. Gotta love it.
+1. I’m a fan of this stock as well
I'm an absolute shill for the A1 length and style. Gotta respect the classics.
IF I want a collapsible stock on a really lightweight AR Carbine, I use the XM177E/CAR type.
the magpul moe is the worst aftermarket stock on the market. It's super loose on the gun and doesn't provide a stable shooting platform. The Bravo sopmod B5 is probably the best though, glad that's on the list. The STR is good too, and the PRS is top of the line when it comes to 18-20" barrel AR's for distance.
What are your thoughts on the best of the adjustables for a tactical shotgun application?
Have you looked into the hogue products? I switched from the magpul grip and buttstock to the hogue fingergroove grip and soft polymer buttstock and I think that dir an adjustable buttstock it is one of the best, and the combo on optics planet is only around $64
On your PWS MK116 Mod 2-M accuracy testing lower with the B5. Are you running high ring height (like 1.9") for the large scope and still able to get a good cheek weld with the B5? I've got an athlon ares btr 4.5-27x50 coming and will probably have to run it high to clear the rails and am thinking I'll have to switch to the PRS stock for a raised cheek weld.
How can you leave out the bcm gunfighter stock . Easily the strongest adjustable stock out there. The lock up is so tight and with the metal hardware to protect the stock from collapsing when mortared .
Cheekweld, cheekweld, cheekweld.
Exactly why I went with a Magpul ACS-L. Better shooting position support without the added weight of the more precision or storage-oriented stocks. Not really 'lightweight' compared to a lot of minimalist choices on the market today, but at 12.5oz it certainly isn't the heaviest. A middle-ground compromise to improve shooting comfort.
Yup...it's all about that cheekweld!
Magpul SL-S, SL-K, CTR, UBR, ACS, (basically any Magpul); Vltor Emod; BCM; B5
ACE ARFX and ARFX-E for a really solid option, love that thing, really comfortable too.
I'm also really happy my LWRC Compact, it's like the B5 but less common, a little smaller. It rattled on my Aero extension, but electrical tape fixed that.
Not a bad write up or comparison, but there are some other LW adjustable stocks out there, I really like my Roger's/Colt Super Stock, it's like the Magpul MOE but with a locking cam for a tight fit up once you set your length of pull built in swivel points and it works on either commercial or mil spec receiver extensions.
For really lightweight fixed stocks, several companies make carbon fiber and aluminum hybrids namely: smoke composites, axelson tactical, and now incognito arms. Brigand arms reportedly has some in the works too. Yes they are not common (or inexpensive) like your other examples but they may warrant a future article.
Thanks J! I haven't tried the Roger's but great point on the super light carbon fiber ones coming out. I'll have to check those out soon and add them to this article!
I've been getting Rogers on Ebay for something like $30. That's pretty much a steal for a lightweight no-wobble stock.
Another great article thank you!
I am new to at-15 rifles... so my question is this - isn’t accuracy number 1? Can you get precision with a minimalist buttstock? And if not, why shouldn’t everyone (or why isn’t everyone) buying only “precision” buttstocks. What’s the big difference and pros and cons between the different types?
Thank you!!
Accuracy and precision are relative. If you're shooting at 50 yards, even a 10 MOA rifle (no rifle is that ridiculously inaccurate, btw) you'll still have a 5-inch group, five inches is good enough for almost all applications. However, if you're shooting at 1,000 yards - then 10 MOA would mean a 100-inch group...and that would be very bad for almost all applications.
Depending on what you're doing with your AR-15 will determine how accurate you really need it to be. If you're going for max range shots, then half a MOA here and there will matter a LOT - but if you're doing a plinking rifle, HD rifle, or even an SHTF rifle then having a 2-3 MOA AR-15 is more than accurate enough.
All of that said - yes, minimalist buttstocks are *normally* a little less conducive for accuracy. So are any kind of folding or collapsible stock. However, the loss in accuracy is normally very minor and won't really impact the rifle unless it is a very high precision build kind of gun.
Thanks David, couldn't have said it better myself!
I'd also throw in that "precision" stocks are much heavier which is great for bench/prone shooting and also focus on getting your cheekweld just right for your magnified optic. Regular stocks focus on weight and a decent cheekweld for regular use.
I like the ACS-L. Good lock up like the CTR, with better cheek-weld real estate. And a place to hold skittles.
I am mixed about the Minimalist. I had two. Both on SBRs. Sold one as I really don't like how it adjusts. Kept the other on a LW SBR build with Faxon pencil 10.5" bbl. I like the stock well enough, just don't like how it adjusts.
I have few B5s. I like them well enough, just like the ACS-L better.
Thanks! I really like the look of the ACS-L too but liked the cheekweld of the STR better for the same weight.
Well, That's Your opinion! I imagine You sell all of these stocks LOL Editors Picks! Just My opinion! . Ya see, Here in Calif, We have to comply with unconstitutional laws , so , We try to find things to comply . To prevent Us from becoming criminals, We seek the most basic items to comply with . Not trying to beat Then , just comply . Best way to do that? least You can have on Your rifle , best off You are ! 10 rnd , fixed mag . fixed stock , then You can add anything You want . (except illegal things) . Calif ,look at the guns in Turners Sporting Goods and You can make Your rifle perfectly legal ! Non Assualt Rife .Don't try to beat them, just comply!
Thanks Bruce! We don't sell anything on our site but simply link out...therefore we don't have allegiance to a brand...just what we think is best in a category. Check out our Featureless AR article that's aimed at CA folks!