The modularity and adaptability of the AR-15 and AR-10 platform have led to a thriving aftermarket for parts and components. Among these, aftermarket stocks stand out as popular upgrades due to the many high-quality options from premium manufacturers.
For many enthusiasts, selecting a stock can be overwhelming given the vast array of choices. However, Magpul consistently stands out as one of the most reliable providers of aftermarket stocks.
Magpul is one of the industry’s leading firearm parts manufacturers, producing many components for different rifles. Among their diverse offerings, they’re perhaps best known for their variety of stock options for the AR-15 and other rifles.
Understanding Magpul Stocks
Before we get too in the weeds on the different stocks they produce, it’s worth discussing what sets Magpul apart from other brands. Magpul specializes in crafting lightweight components out of rigid polymer and aluminum. Their product range includes handguards, stocks, bipods, iron sights, and slings. When it comes to choosing an AR-15 stock, Magpul options are especially popular, thanks to their combination of durability, innovation, and comfort.
Are Aftermarket Stocks Worth It?
At the end of the day, all stocks fulfill the same purpose, so are aftermarket stocks worth it?
Generally, yes.
Switching to an upgraded stock is worth it, as they’re some of the quickest and easiest to make to upgrades to your rifle. While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with the mil-spec carbine stock that most AR-15s come equipped with, they often fall short in terms of comfort, stability, and utility.
A Magpul stock is constructed from more durable materials than the average mil-spec stock, and they feature contoured designs that cater to different shooting disciplines. Since Magpul specializes in crafting stocks and accessories out of reinforced polymer, they’re more than durable enough to withstand use in regular or harsh conditions. Plus, the added rubber butt-pads included on their stocks provide greater comfort.
Depending on the stock you look at, they can even include storage compartments for either batteries or other accessories like oil and cleaning pads. These features make these stocks a valuable addition to your rifle, making it a much more utilitarian option compared to contemporary stock options.
Magpul Stock Options
Magpul offers a wide range of stock options, ranging from compact collapsible stocks to longer fixed stocks for precision shooting. Below is an overview of some of their most popular options.
Collapsible Stock Options
Magpul MOE Carbine Stock: The most popular Magpul MOE stock by far is the MOE Carbine stock. MOE stands for Magpul Original Equipment, and this line encompasses multiple stock options, the simplest of which is the MOE Carbine Stock. It features a robust polymer construction, making it durable while minimizing weight. Although it’s a rather basic stock option, it’s one of Magpul’s most affordable stock options, making it a solid replacement to mil-spec stock options.
Magpul MOE Slim Line Carbine Stock: Magpul’s MOE SL stock is designed to be as streamlined as possible. One of the more compact options offered by Magpul, it has adjustment release latches on both sides of the stock, built-in QD points, and an angled rubber butt pad. Its slimmer profile makes it less bulky and less susceptible to snagging on any gear you may be running. All-in-all, it’s a great option for those interested in running a compact stock without compromising on utility.
Magpul MOE SL-K PDW Carbine Stock: The Magpul SL-K PDW stock is a redesigned variant of the of the standard SL stock that’s designed for use on PDW style rifles. It comes with all the same features, albeit in an even smaller package, to emphasize maneuverability for smaller rifle platforms.
Magpul MOE PR Stock: The MOE PR stock keeps the functionality of the MOE Carbine Stock, but it draws inspiration from their PRS Lite stock, which we’ll go over later. It offers improved stability with a sloped cheek weld, hand rest, and it has a bottom support for precise shooting. Essentially, it’s a collapsible version of the PRS Lite, making it great for RECCE and SPR builds.
Magpul CTR Carbine Stock: The Magpul CTR stock (Compact/Type Restricted) shares similarities with the MOE Carbine Stock, but it notably features a friction lock system that keeps the stock locked in place when engaged. In addition to this, it also comes with built-in QD points for slings. These features make it a practical choice for those wanting enhanced stability, without compromising on a simplistic design.
Magpul STR Carbine Stock: The Magpul STR (Storage/Type Restricted) stock shares the same features as the CTR Stock, albeit with the addition of two watertight storage compartments found within the upper part of the stock. Because of their location, the stock has a slightly wider cheek weld than their other stocks, but you’ll have the ability to store CR-123 or AA batteries for your optics and lights.
Magpul ACS-L Carbine Stock: The ACS-L stock is one of the most utilitarian carbine stock options available for the AR-15. It takes elements from the CTR stock while implementing an added storage system. Whereas the STR stock has two storage compartments specifically designed for batteries, the ACS-L has one larger compartment that’s built into the center of the stock. It still retains a friction lock system and an enhanced cheek weld, making it another solid stock option with internal storage. Keep in mind that this one isn’t waterproof, but it’s large enough to hold a small cleaning kit.
Magpul DT Carbine Stock: Merging the best features of the SL and CTR Stocks, the Magpul DT stock is an A-frame style stock that offers an auto-engaging friction locking system built into the main adjustment lever. By doing this, the stock retains the slim and compact profile of the SL stock, making it perfect for compact or lightweight builds. It doesn’t have the wider cheek weld like their other stocks, but it does come standard with an integrated QD point, and it has the mounting points for cheek risers if necessary.
Fixed Stock Options
Magpul PRS: Magpul’s PRS stock is designed to provide a stable shooting interface for applications that require precise shots over long distances. Although it isn’t a collapsible stock, the PRS still features some points of adjustment. It comes standard with a tool-less adjustment system, allowing you to freely adjust the length of pull and comb for a proper cheek weld. It also has built-in QD points for slings, and you can add spacers for the butt pad for extra cushion a longer length of pull, if necessary.
Since this stock has been optimized for long-range shooting, it’s a great AR-10 stock, fitting SR-25 length receiver extensions and other .308 AR platform rifles.
Magpul PRS Lite: As its name suggests, the Magpul PRS Lite maintains the essentials of the standard PRS stock, but it’s much lighter. They aren’t 1-to-1 in function though. The PRS Lite features a skeletonized design, removing a lot of the bulk found on the standard PRS. In doing so, you do get a lighter fixed stock setup, but this comes with the caveat of having fewer features.
Although it comes with an adjustable length pull and cheek riser, you won’t be able to freely adjust them like you can on the standard PRS. Instead, you need a tool to do so. While this is a considerate trade-off, it’s a full 10 ounces lighter than its standard counterpart, making it exceptionally well-suited lightweight precision builds.
Choosing the Right Magpul Stock
We mentioned a lot of different stock options above, and truth be told, there’s a lot to consider when trying to find the right stock for your rifle. Ultimately, choosing one primarily comes down to your needs, preferences, and your rifle.
Collapsible stocks are the go-to option for many, pairing well with both AR-15s and AR-10s. Since they can be adjusted so quickly, they’re more adaptable to fit the needs of different scenarios. Plus, they make your rifle much easier to store, since you can quickly shorten the length of pull to store in a range bag or safe. For most rifle builds, these stocks will serve you well.
Fixed stocks can be a solid choice too, but they aren’t great for every purpose. Fixed stocks excel when precision is needed. They provide you with a much more rigid platform for shooting, improving both accuracy and consistency when shooting at distance. Another pro of fixed stocks is their durability. Their design and lack of moving parts make them incredibly durable and reliable when used in harsh conditions.
Still, fixed stocks lock you into a set length of pull that can’t adjust on the fly like a collapsible stock, making them less-than-ideal for fast-paced scenarios where adaptability is needed. So, at the end of the day, collapsible stocks are recommended for most AR builds, whether they’re for home defense, duty, or competition. But, if you’re looking for a stock with some extra rigidity for long-range builds like an SPR or DMR, a fixed stock will provide you with the support you need.
Lastly, many of Magpul’s collapsible stock options are compatible with both mil-spec and upgraded A5 buffer tubes. Likewise, many of their fixed stocks are optimized for rifle length extended buffer tubes, but they’ll still mount to carbine and A5 buffer tubes, so there’s no need to swap to another one. There is a difference in fitment for commercial-spec buffer tubes though.
Commercial vs. Mil-Spec Stocks
AR-15 buffer tubes come in multiple sizes and lengths, but the two most common are commercial mil-spec. Although functionally similar, their differences make them compatible with certain types of stocks.
Buffer tube size discrepancies is an issue we’ve discussed in our article, What Size is a mil-spec buffer tube, but to sum up the two, commercial buffer tubes are about .02-inches wider than the standard mil-spec buffer tube. While the difference is small, it’s enough to make them incompatible with most mil-spec stock options, depending on their tolerances, that is. Comparatively, mil-spec buffer tubes are by far the more common variant of the two, so if you want greater access to more stock options, we recommend swapping out your buffer tube to a mil-spec one if you’re running a commercial tube.
If you don’t want to alter your rifle, Magpul does produce commercial-spec variants of many of their popular stock options, however, you won’t have the same variety to choose from as if you had a mil-spec stock.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to upgrade your AR’s stock, Magpul has a plethora of solid options to choose from. Whether you’re wanting to a collapsible stock for your general-purpose rifle or a rigid fixed stock with multiple points of adjustment, they have several models that can cater to your shooting style.
With options though, usually comes confusion for the best one to go for. Like we mentioned, they have a lot of options to choose from. However, as long you take your needs, preferences, and rifle’s intended use into consideration before selecting a stock, you can rest assured knowing you have the right one for you.
Before you head out to make any final decisions, Magpul isn’t the only stock manufacturer to choose from. Our best AR-15 Stock Guide(will add once published) goes in-depth on the different stock makes and models available for the platform. Check it out to get an idea of what else is available for your rifle.
