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8 Best AR-15 Stocks In 2024, Tested and Reviewed preview image
Jan 25 2024
15 min read

8 Best AR-15 Stocks In 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Installing a new buttstock is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the feel of your AR-15. Whether you want to improve the ergonomics, accuracy, or aesthetics of your rifle, a new stock can help.

different types of stocks
You shouldn’t have a problem finding a stock you like with the plethora of models out there.

We’ve had the opportunity to personally test and review most of the stocks in this guide, ensuring that our recommendations are based on real-world experience and hands-on evaluation. This direct exposure to each stock lets us provide insights and advice you can trust, ensuring you make an informed decision for your shooting needs.

Here are our conclusions from testing:

  1. Avoid Cheap Mil-Spec Stocks: These stocks often lack the quality and features needed for a good shooting experience.
  2. Consider Purpose Before Choosing: The type of stock to choose will be greatly influenced by the purpose, whether it’s for lightweight handling or precision shooting.
  3. Invest in Quality and Features: Spending less might mean compromising on ergonomics, adjustability, and durability, so investing more in your AR-15 stock is advisable for a better overall experience.

The aftermarket is saturated with stocks to fit every type of build so that that old cheap mil-spec stock can get thrown in the trash.

Let’s jump into the best AR-15 stocks on the market.

Best AR-15 Stocks & Recommendations

EXPERT TIP: Consider your budget for stock upgrades, as prices vary widely. It’s possible to find quality stocks at different price points.

Here is a quick list of our favorite AR-15 stocks –

ImageProductPrice
B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMODBest Overall – B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD
Hogue OverMolded CollapsibleBest Value – Hogue OverMolded Collapsible
Mission First Tactical AR-15 Battlelink Minimalist StockBest Lightweight/Minimalistic Stock – Mission First Tactical BATTLELINK Minimalist
Magpul MOE Rifle StockBest Fixed Stock – Magpul MOE Rifle Stock
Magpul PRS Gen 3Best Precision Stock – Magpul PRS Gen 3
amend2 stock imageBest Modular Adjustable Stock- Amend2 Modular Stock
Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 ButtstockBest New Stock- Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock
Magpul MOE SL Adjustable StockHonorable Mention Stock – Magpul MOE SL Adjustable Stock

Best Overall – B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD

B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD

Specifications

Length7.4 Inches
Weight11.8 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Dual storage compartments
  • Multiple sling attachment points
  • No-slip cushioned butt pad
  • Superior ergonomic design
  • Used by the U.S. military
Cons
  • A bit on the pricey side

I’ve gone through many different stocks before landing on one that I prefer to run on most of my “all-around” type rifles. That stock I’ve grown to favor is the B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD. It delivers everything I look for in a stock, plus a little more.

b5 systems enhanced sopmod
The Enhanced SOPMOD has very little play once locked into place.

The Enhanced SOPMOD stock features a highly ergonomic cheek rest, water-resistant storage, and a cushioned, non-slip butt pad. In addition, it has several sling attachment points that include fixed slots and anti-rotational QD mounts.

b5 systems enhanced sopmod two internal storage compartments
There are two internal storage compartments, great for storing batteries.

You don’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality with it, either. It comes in several color and pattern variations, including MultiCam offerings.

It may be a bit pricier than some of the competition, but you definitely get what you pay for with this one.

Best Value – Hogue OverMolded Collapsible

Hogue OverMolded Collapsible

Specifications

Length7.25 Inches
Weight8.3 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Anti-rattle design creates a solid and sturdy locking position
  • Several sling attachment points
  • Skeletonized design reduces weight
  • Won’t break the bank
Cons
  • Sometimes takes extra effort to adjust the position

Depending on how hard you search, you can find the Hogue OverMolded Collapsible Buttstock for about half the price of the B5 Systems one above. The best part is that you barely have to sacrifice anything to save that money.

Hogue OverMolded Collapsible sling attachment points
Sling attachment points are not an issue with this stock.

While it doesn’t come with internal storage, it offers several sling attachment points, including slots and QD swivels, a hybrid rubber/polymer butt pad, and a very comfortable cheek rest.

smith wesson M&P-15 stocks
I ran one of these stocks on my M&P-15 for years with no complaints.

The standout feature, in my opinion, is the anti-rattle design. Often, with adjustable stocks, even once they are locked into position, you have a bit of wiggle and play that you feel as you move with your rifle.

That is definitely not the case with this stock. There is virtually no play to be found, but it does result in a slightly snugger adjustment motion. It’s a welcomed tradeoff in my book, though.

Best Lightweight/Minimalistic Stock – Mission First Tactical BATTLELINK Minimalist

Mission First Tactical AR-15 Battlelink Minimalist Stock

Specifications

Length7.1 Inches
Weight5.8 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight design
  • Bottom-positioned QD swivel attachment point
  • Angled non-slip butt pad
  • Provides a surprisingly solid cheek weld
Cons
  • The hooked-style bottom poses a snag hazard
  • Not as durable as many others (but not designed to be)

The BATTLELINK comes in under six ounces, at 5.8 ounces, to be exact. Sometimes minimalistic designs can lead to a severe lack of features, but not in this case.

Mission First Tactical made it a point to keep the stock extremely functional while reducing as much material and weight as possible. The cheek rest provides a surprisingly nice cheek weld, which is something I’ve often complained about with other minimalistic stocks.

Mission First Tactical BATTLELINK Minimalist stock
Despite being a minimalistic stock, there are plenty of solid features. Photo courtesy of Mission First Tactical

There are multiple sling slots and a bottom-positioned QD mount to give you plenty of options for mounting your sling.

You do have to be careful of snagging, though, as the bottom of the butt pad angles into a hook shape quite a bit.

Best Fixed Stock – Magpul MOE Rifle Stock

Magpul MOE Rifle Stock

Specifications

Length10.4 Inches
Weight14.0 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?No

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Large internal storage compartment
  • Multiple sling attachment options
  • Unique knockout bosses
  • Impressive ergonomics
Cons
  • Heavier than your typical adjustable (obviously)
  • Less-than-appealing aesthetics

If you’re looking for a fixed with plenty of bells and whistles, look no further.

The Magpul MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) Rifle Stock may not be adjustable, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not versatile.

In addition to the QD mounting points and sling slot, you’ll also find knockout bosses on the bottom, which allow you to add an accessory rail if you’d like. It’s not a feature I’d consider necessary, but it is nice.

Magpul MOE Rifle Stock
Fixed doesn’t mean featureless. Photo courtesy of Magpul.

One of the best advantages of having a fixed stock is you can always count on the length of pull being the same. This helps with training and muscle memory.

Best Precision Stock – Magpul PRS Gen 3

Magpul PRS Gen 3

Specifications

Length11.5 – 12.9 Inches
Weight27.8 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?No

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Maximum adjustability (butt pad, length of pull, cheek rest)
  • Multiple sling mount options
  • M-LOK slots on the bottom
Cons
  • Not cheap
  • Not light
  • Amount of adjustment possibilities can be overwhelming

Adjustability is paramount when trying to perfect precision, and there is no lack of it when it comes to the Magpul PRS (Precision Rifle/Sniper) Gen 3. Everything from the butt pad to the length of pull, to the cheek rest are all adjustable.

A quick overview, including the adjustability options.

The stock has multiple sling attachment points and even bottom M-LOK slots to customize the stock further. Be careful not to add too much to the stock, as it’s already the heaviest option on this list.

Magpul PRS Gen 3
If it were me, the only thing I’d add is a QD sling swivel. Photo courtesy of Magpul.

If you’re looking for a robust precision stock that’s made in the USA, you don’t have to look any further.

Best Modular Adjustable Stock- Amend2 Modular Stock

amend2 stock image

Specifications

Length7.31 Inches
Weight9.92 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Ample storage options
  • Accessory slots allow for interchangeable attachments
  • Recessed adjustment controls help mitigate accidental adjustments
  • Multiple sling attachment points
  • Can remove components to reduce weight
Cons
  • Adjusting the stock position can be difficult in a hurry due to the recessed lever
  • Installing the stock requires a tool of some sort to depress the adjustment lever fully, but once it’s on, you’re good to go

The name of the game this year in the industry seems to be modularity, and I love it. Amend2 understood the assignment and released its ultra-configurable AMS (Amend2 Modular Stock).

amend2 stock test and review
This particular model came with the optional lower storage compartment.

What I really like about this stock is that you can add or remove compartments as you need. If you’re looking for maximum storage for an extended mountain hike, you can add the lower storage compartment and battery tube, or if you want to reduce the weight on a minimalist build, you can run it bare bones.

amend2 stock image
The “base” AMS model weighs in at only 7.84 ounces.

You can also get a model that has lower storage and battery tubes, but aesthetically, I really like it without the battery storage. I think the lower compartment offers more than enough storage to hold batteries if that’s what you choose to put in it.

amend2 stock and magazine
The optional lower storage compartment can fit plenty of useful items.

Storage isn’t the only thing that the AWS brings to the table. You’ll also find recessed adjustment controls, multiple sling attachment points, and a comfortable rubberized butt pad.

amend2 stock and magazine
A glimpse of the M-LOK slots from behind.

Overall, the modularity brought to the table by the AMS in addition to the potential to add other accessories via the M-LOK slots makes this stock our top choice for the best modular adjustable stock on the market.

Best New Stock- Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock

Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock

Specifications

Length6.9 Inches
Weight8.0 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Superb ergonomics
  • Carbon fiber cheek weld
  • Multiple sling attachment points
  • Unique aesthetics
  • Packaging is on-point
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Adjustment levers need to be pushed down as opposed to pulled up

The Tyrant CNC NexGen buttstock is a newer player in the space, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from looking at it. You can immediately see the attention to detail and thought that was put into developing this stock.

Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock
The stock is very futuristic looking.

It’s constructed from a mix of polymer, aluminum, and carbon fiber, which results in a lightweight but very durable stock. The carbon fiber is a unique touch that isn’t just for looks; it helps maintain a constant surface temperature. To add to the comfort and ergonomics, there is a 15-degree slant at the bottom to aid in transitioning to a “ready” position.

Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock packaging
The finish on this stock is immaculate.

EXPERT TIP: When selecting a stock, consider ergonomics and how it feels against your shoulder and cheek. Comfort is key for prolonged use and accuracy.

Aside from the higher price tag, my only complaint is that the adjustment levers need to be pushed down instead of pulled up. It’s the opposite for many of the stocks I’m used to, so it’s more of a “me” complaint.

Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock packaging front
On a side note – the packaging is much nicer than most I’ve received other stocks in before.

Honorable Mention Stock – Magpul MOE SL Adjustable Stock

Magpul MOE SL Adjustable Stock

Specifications

Length7.2 Inches
Weight9.6 Ounces
Sling Attachment OptionsFixed Slot and QD Mount
Adjustable?Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Ergonomic and snag-free design
  • Angled rubber butt pad
  • Easy adjustments while maintaining a snug fit
  • Multiple sling attachment options
Cons
  • Not the cheapest

Unless you’re brand new to AR-15s, you’ve likely owned a Magpul MOE adjustable stock or at least shot some rifles with them installed.

Many new ARs these days come standard with them, which is a much better-looking and functioning option over the basic mil-spec ones that cost less than a Chipotle burrito.

This SL (Slim Line) version builds upon the original MOE stock by adding a QD swivel mount, an angled butt pad, and an improved cheek rest.  

Magpul MOE SL Adjustable Stock

If your rifle comes with one of these, you won’t need to rush out to replace it, but there are better options out there if you want to.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

I’ve been lucky enough to personally test and spend time with all but one (Magpul PRS) of these stocks. But I didn’t just rely on my own experiences with them; I also consulted with other industry peers and scoured online reviews to see if I missed anything.

We wanted to ensure we included the best ones that provide the most bang for your buck. Weight, sling attachment points, and ergonomics were heavily considered when choosing each stock. All are from reliable companies that use quality materials to deliver a solid end product.

How to Choose an AR-15 Stock

Choosing the right AR-15 stock hinges on two main factors: your rifle’s intended use and your preference for fixed or adjustable options.

Consider the rifle’s purpose, such as lightweight or precision builds, to narrow down choices and weigh the stability of fixed stocks against the versatility of adjustable ones, keeping in mind factors like size, weight, and sling attachment options.

Even though a stock is easy to replace, we don’t want to see you waste time or money by having to do it more often than is needed.

Many of us have been guilty of seeing our favorite Guntuber using a product, only to find ourselves checking out on Optics Planet or a similar sight later that night.

Before you submit that order, take a minute to think about the following.

Purpose Is Important

You may hear us saying this often, but it’s true. Understanding how you’ll use your AR-15 will help develop what search criteria to start your journey with.

Maybe you’re looking to build an ultra-lightweight AR-15. If so, you will want to check out the best minimalistic stocks to reduce your rifle’s overall weight.

Or, you may be building a precision rifle that needs the utmost amount of adjustability from a stock.

Knowing how you will be using the rifle can quickly weed out which stocks not to waste your time looking at, just as much as helping you pick one.

Fixed vs. Adjustable Stocks

Fixed stocks may not be as common as adjustable stocks, but there is a time and place for them.

They provide a sturdiness not usually offered by adjustable stocks and allow for easier muscle memory since your length of pull will remain constant, and your controls and optics will always be in the same position relative to your shoulder and stock.

If you’re not worried about saving space or are using your AR-15 for a dedicated and stationary type of shooting, a fixed stock may be a good choice.

On the other hand, adjustable stocks provide a level of versatility that many shooters prefer.

Whether you’re letting a friend shoot your rifle or running various drills that require you to be in different positions and settings, an adjustable stock will ensure a proper length-of-pull is always attainable.

various adjustable stocks
Adjustable stocks are more common.

While they aren’t technically as sturdy as fixed stocks, I’ve never encountered an issue with them.

Size & Weight

Size matters…when it comes to stocks.

Larger stocks have more room for attachment points, which we’ll discuss in the next section and can help to mitigate recoil. However, larger often means heavier. If you’re hiking with your AR or participating in fast-moving competitions, you’ll want to consider the weight.

size and weight of different stocks
One weighs a little more than the other…any guesses which one that is?

A few ounces here and there don’t sound like much, but once you have several parts all adding or subtracting a few ounces, it can add up.

Sling Attachment Options

A sling can come in handy in many different scenarios, so being able to attach one is essential. Most stocks will have simple sling slots, QD swivel attachment points, or a combination.

stock sling attachment options
The top stock only has sling slots and loops, while the bottom has slots and QD swivel points.

I recommend that any stock you choose has at least one attachment point for a sling.

Keeping the ATF Out Of Your Hair

It pains me to add sections like this to articles, but it’s the time we live in. I dislike these sections because the rules and regulations set forth by the ATF are constantly changing, so the vague “know all of your local and state regulations” is often my default statement.

None of us want to have to worry about 99 different ways that we could get in trouble with our rifles, but just do your research and be careful. I’ll leave it there.

FAQs

What Is the best caliber of AR-15 to get?

Choosing the best caliber for your AR-15 depends on your needs and preferences, but I recommend getting one in 5.56/.223. The ammo is not overly expensive, it’s readily available, and the round can handle most scenarios.

Are all AR-15 stocks the same?

Of course not! Many types of stocks exist, including adjustable, fixed, and folding. In addition, there are a multitude of different features that can be found on each type of stock as well.

Can I put a folding stock on my AR rifle?

Yes, you can put a folding stock on your AR-15 rifle. However, always research your local, state, and other applicable laws that may pertain to you. Remember that your rifle’s overall length should not exceed 26 inches to avoid any potential issues. You can also check out our guide on the best folding AR-15s.

Conclusion

There you have it, our list of the top AR-15 stocks you can grab this year. No matter how you intend to use your AR-15, a stock exists to maximize its performance.

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg, as some of these above can be found for under $50! Take your time researching and testing a few out, but don’t overthink it too much, as stocks are a quick and easy part to swap out.

What are some of your favorite stocks? Drop them down in the comments if we missed any so others can check them out!

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.

Written by Ryan Domke
Ryan Domke photo Ryan Domke is a freelance writer, photographer, and social media consultant with a passion for guns and tactical gear. He works with some of the largest manufacturers in the firearms industry, allowing him the opportunity to continuously learn from and knowledge share with the 2A community. Ryan has contributed his writing expertise to numerous reputable publications, including Guns.com, Cheaper Than Dirt, Springfield Armory's 'The Armory Life,' Smith & Wesson's 'The S&W Bench', and The Mag Shack. When he’s not spending time with his family, you’ll likely find him at the range or starting a new DIY project.

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