Best-Rated AR-15 Stock
Updated January 10, 2026
When you’re building a new AR-15 or replacing parts to upgrade an older one, you want the best parts to meet your needs. While an AR-15 buttstock seems pretty simple, there may be a lot more to consider than you think. The buttstock can impact how easy it is to carry your AR around or to transition into different firing positions.
The buttstock is an important contact point for both your shoulder and your cheek weld. A comfortable feel with your buttstock is vital to good shooting. The right one can help you improve as a shooter, and the wrong one can hinder your performance on the range, on the hunt, or when you need it most.
Table of Contents
- Types of AR-15 Stocks
- Best AR-15 Stocks
- 2026 AR-15 Stocks Product Review
- Other Buttstock Improvements
- Choosing the Right Stock For You
Types of AR-15 Stocks
As we mentioned, and as with any other custom part for your AR, your choice will come down to a combination of factors: how you plan to use your AR-15 and how comfortable your AR-15 stock feels when you’re firing.
- Fixed AR-15 Stocks: There are no or little adjustments that you can make to a fixed/collapsible stock. The classic M16 stock is a fixed stock. Some have small compartments for carrying items such as tools, small containers of lubricant, or extra batteries. This is your basic option, but most fixed stocks are durable. And one may be right for you.
- Collapsible AR-15 Stock: These stocks can only be adjusted to add to the length of pull. You can collapse or extend the stock for a more comfortable firing stance, whether you do it because of your arm length or because you have additional gear on. In some states, collapsible stocks are illegal, so make sure you do your research before you buy
- Adjustable AR-15 Stock: These stocks adjust in ways other than length of pull. They’re generally fixed stocks that may have a cheek riser or adjustable butt padding. They may also have a small compartment to store small items or tools. They’re a great option to make your AR-15 fit multiple end users perfectly.
- What's the Difference Between Adjustable and Collapsible AR-15 Stocks? As stated above, adjustable stocks are meant to be adjusted in several ways, including butt pad length and cheek risers. A collapsible stock can only be adjusted in terms of its length. Nowadays, many people use terms like adjustable, collapsible, and telescoping stock interchangeably and often refer to collapsible stocks.
- Minimalist AR-15 Stock: To have an extremely lightweight AR to carry long distances on the hunt or in tactical situations, choose a minimalist stock. It may be either fixed or collapsible, but either way, it has a low profile. Some are little more than a butt pad on the end of the buffer assembly tube.
- PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) Stock: If you need an extremely compact AR for CQB or other tactical situations, you should consider a PDW stock. Usually, it comes with its own buffer system to accommodate the shorter buffer tube, but some PDW stocks are designed to mount on a standard Mil-Spec buffer tube. Either way, a PDW stock is usually more compact and durable than standard polymer stocks.
- Folding AR-15 Stock: If you want to make your AR easier to pack or carry, you can opt for a folding stock. However, you have to verify the laws regarding folding stocks in your state. For example, in California, if your rifle folds to under 26 inches, it’s then considered a short-barreled rifle (SBR), so you’ll need to take everything into consideration before choosing this option.
If you want better clarity on how to choose the best AR buttstock for you, you can find more information in our article How to Choose the Best AR-15 Stock. Now on to our picks for the top AR-15 stocks.
Best AR-15 Stocks
Top AR-15 Buttstocks |
Type |
Price |
| Hogue OverMolded Collapsible AR Buttstock | Collapsible | $50.96 |
| LUTH-AR Modular Buttstock Assembly | Adjustable | $131.55 |
| Magpul CTR Compact/Type Restricted Stock | Collapsible | $51.95 |
| Mission First Tactical BattleLink Minimalist Stock | Collapsible | $49.99 |
| Magpul PRS Gen 3 Precision Adjustable Stock | Collapsible | $218.95 |
| Odin Works Close Quarters PDW Rifle Stock | PDW | $236.55 |
| Phase 5 Tactical Universal Mini Stock (UMS) | Minimalist | $75.00 |
| Odin Works Zulu Adjustable AR Stock Kit | Adjustable | $141.55 |
| Strike Industries PDW Stock | PDW | $259.95 |
| Fortis Lever Action Stock | Collapsible | $351.45 |
2026 Product Review: Best-Rated AR-15 Stocks
Hogue OverMolded Collapsible AR Buttstock
| Price: From $50.96 | Type: Collapsible |
If you're looking for a comfortable, adjustable stock at a lower price point, the OverMolded Collapsible AR Buttstock from Hogue is an excellent choice. It looks, feels, and executes just like expensive models while coming in at a price you can feel good about.
Hailing from an industry leader, the Hogue OverMolded Collapsible AR Buttstock delivers reliable performance and is compatible with AR-15s and AR-10s via a Mil-Spec buffer tube. It's available in multiple colors, including Black, Grey, OD Green, Flat Dark Earth, and Red Lava. Its intuitive adjustment mechanism was created for high-pressure, fast-paced environments, providing smooth performance to give you an edge in the field.
Hogue manufactures this AR-15 stock from reinforced polymer, with a rubber cheek rest overmolded. The butt pad offers a comfortable, snag-free shouldering with a textured and shielded adjustment lever for swift repositioning. You'll enjoy operation free of rattling or unwanted movement, as this buttstock firmly locks in place using a rubber friction fit with an anti-rattle design.
LUTH-AR Modular Buttstock Assembly (MBA)
| Price: from $131.55 | Type: Adjustable |
The LUTH-AR Modular Buttstock Assembly is lightweight and has great recoil absorption. It’s fully ambidextrous with an adjustable cheek riser and buttpad for your unique shape. This could be a great option for a competition rifle. It features a cheek piece that can be installed on either side for right- or left-hand firers, preinstalled on the right, and fits most AR-15 and .308-style rifles with A2 buffer tubes, making it the best AR-15 adjustable stock on our list.
Magpul CTR Compact/Type Restricted Stock (Mil-Spec)
| Price: from $51.95 | Type: Collapsible |
The Magpul CTR Compact/Type Restricted Stock has a streamlined profile to prevent snagging as you maneuver, and it’s angled at the top for an ideal cheek weld. It fits easily on any mil-spec buffer tube for easy installation. It features a supplemental friction lock to minimize excessive movement and a premium chrome-silicon lock spring to provide positive locking and long service life. The rubber buttpad is removable.
Mission First Tactical BattleLink Minimalist Stock (Mil-Spec)
| Price: $49.99 | Type: Collapsible |
The Mission First Tactical BattleLink Minimalist Stock is an incredibly lightweight mil-spec option with a ridged, angled buttpad for quick shouldering and just enough material to ensure a good cheek weld. It also comes in a commercial buffer tube size. It features a non-slip rubberized buttpad, and it’s fully adjustable for your ideal length of pull.
Magpul PRS Gen 3 Precision Adjustable Stock
| Price: $218.95 | Type: Collapsible |
The Magpul PRS Gen 3 Precision Adjustable Stock is the best AR stock for long range. It is ideal for law enforcement, military professionals, and competitive shooters. This stock offers dependable operation thanks to its polymer, aluminum, and steel construction materials. The aluminum components are protected with MIL-A-8625F, Type III, class 2, hard anodizing, while the steel adjustment shafts are coated with Melonite® for additional protection against wear and corrosion.
This buttstock will successfully mount to a rifle-length receiver extension tube without an A2 spacer. It can also secure Mil-Spec carbine buffer tubes and other A5-length tubes using castle nuts and end plates. Its buttplate can withstand the recoil of a .50 BMG, while the adjustable butt pad provides adequate shoulder grip for a comfortable shooting experience.
Magpul designed this to be the best precision AR stock. It is for shooters who demand ultimate usability, so it is equipped with various adjustment knobs to adjust aspects such as length of pull, cheek weld, and buttplate offset. Its bottom M-LOK slots let you add useful attachments, such as sling adapters or a monopod. With its 27.8 ounces and endless customization options, the PRS Gen 3 is an excellent investment for helping you hit your long-range targets consistently and accurately.
Odin Works Close Quarters PDW Rifle Stock
| Price: $236.55 | Type: PDW |
When you're regularly operating in tight spaces, having a well-built PDW stock on your firearm can make all the difference. The Close Quarters Rifle Stock from Odin Works is high-quality, featuring a compact buffer tube, buffer spring, and micro buffer. It utilizes a spring-loaded system that offers swift deployment to one of five lengths via a push button.
This buttstock option adds 5 inches to your firearm at full extension, offering a compact solution to preserve easy maneuverability. It also delivers unrivaled durability, as it's made from 6061-T6 aluminum, an aerospace-grade material known for its superior structural strength and corrosion resistance. To take this rugged design to the next level, this rifle stock is finished with Mil-Spec Type III hardcoat anodizing in deep black.
Also included with the Close Quarters PDW Rifle Stock are two ambidextrous QD sling mounts for convenient carrying. Plus, with its snag-free, beard-friendly butt, you can rest easy knowing you can deploy comfortably no matter the environment.
Phase 5 Tactical Universal Mini Stock (UMS)
| Price: $75.00 | Type: Minimalist |
The Phase 5 Tactical Universal Mini Stock is one of the lightest stocks you can find. The best thing about this UMS is that it can be installed in different types of buffer tubes: Mil-Spec carbine buffer tubes, cylindrical buffer tubes, rifle-length buffer tubes, and more. Its minimalist design is ideal for long carries, and its small profile makes it perfect for close-quarters maneuvering, in combat or in home defense. It has a lightweight, compact design, and it’s comfortable and compatible with any firing stance.
Odin Works Zulu Adjustable AR Stock Kit
| Price: from $141.55 | Type: Adjustable |
The Odin Works Zulu Adjustable AR Stock Kit may be the most minimal of the adjustable buttstocks available. It’s extremely lightweight, and it’s little more than a buttpad on the end of a buffer tube. It’s made of aircraft aluminum. The Zulu Stock Kit features a secondary buffer system to reduce felt recoil. An ambidextrous QD sling swivel socket is at the rear of the stock for various needs. It is available in black, flat dark earth, and red to match your build.
Strike Industries PDW Stock
| Price: $259.95 | Type: PDW |
The Strike Industries PDW Stock features a push button system for deployment. It comes with its own buffer tube and buffer system to allow a standard bolt carrier group to run reliably even with its compact design. The extended cheek rest ensures the user has a comfortable cheek weld even when the stock is fully extended. It’s available in black and flat dark earth.
Fortis LA Stock (Lever Action) for Mil-Spec Buffer Tube
| Price: $351.45 | Type: Collapsible |
The Fortis Lever Action (LA) Carbine Stock is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and it will fit all Mil-Spec buffer tubes. The lever action design clamps down onto the buffer tube which will eliminate any rattle or movement. It features a continuous carbon fiber cheek piece to keep the weight down while providing a solid cheek rest.
The Fortis LA Stock gives you the flexibility of a standard collapsible stock, and the solid feeling of a fixed stock. If you are looking for the most durable stock on the market, you should consider the Fortis LA Stock.
Other Buttstock Improvements
While you’re making your new AR or customizing one you’ve purchased, consider upgrading the buttpad when you’re choosing your AR-15 stock; that may even be the upgrade you’re looking for. A good buttpad can ensure there’s no slipping when you’re shouldering your rifle, and that could be the difference in your shot.
Another option may be purchasing a complete AR-15 furniture kit. We carry an AB Arms AR Furniture Kit in multi-cam. It includes a pistol grip that has a watertight compartment for storage, handgrips, and a collapsible stock. If you want to enhance your camouflage, or even if you just like the look, this may be a product you want to consider.
We also carry some complete AR-15 stock kits. These include the buffer and spring assembly, the buffer tube and the butt stock. One of these could meet your needs.
What Stock Is Right For You?
The most important factor in your choice of a custom buttstock for your AR-15 build or upgrade is comfort. The buttstock should feel right in your shoulder as you’re firing, and you want your cheek weld to feel consistent. If you’re carrying your AR-15 long distances, you want it to be as light as possible. You may want to adjust to the right pull length.
All those factors play a role in how comfortable your AR feels as you’re firing, and comfort plays an important part in how well you fire.
How You’ll Use Your AR Matters
You may want to consider whether or not other people will be using it. Will you be using it for home defense? Are there legal parameters for a buttstock in your state that you must adhere to? These play a part, as well.
Fixed AR-15 Buttstocks: Simple and Reliable
If making any adjustments isn’t going to be a factor, consider a fixed AR-15 buttstock. If you’re just going to be using it for plinking targets and maybe home defense, use a fixed buttstock for your AR-15 build. You’ll still have to think about the contour and surface of the buttpad. These details will play a factor in how smoothly you shoulder your AR and how well it stays in place.
Hunting Options
If you’re using your AR-15 for hunting, consider using a fixed stock. Making an adjustment or collapsing the stock before you fire may scare your prey away. If nothing else, make sure your rifle is ready to fire before you engage your target, or it may hear the clicking of your adjustments and run.
Then again, a minimalist AR-15 buttstock may be a better option for hunting. You only want to carry what you need, and if you don’t need a compartment to store any tools or accessories in the buttstock, then you probably want to give serious consideration to the minimalist choice.
Home Defense Builds
If this is going to be a home-defense rifle, think about a collapsible or adjustable AR-15 buttstock, in case there may be more than one user. A cheek riser or longer pull may be necessary, depending on who is dealing with that intruder, and you want whoever it is to feel as comfortable as possible when the stakes are high.
Competition Shooting and Custom Fit
If you’re building your AR to use in competitions, think about an adjustable stock for your AR-15. A cheek riser and any other adjustments may be ideal if you’re firing from different positions. You can get the most customized fit to your firing stance with an adjustable stock.
Mil-Spec vs. Commercial Buffer Tubes
You will also need to consider whether you have a mil-spec or commercial buffer tube. There’s a slight difference in width, and the parts are not always interchangeable. Some buttstocks may only fit one type of buffer tube, but some may fit both. Be sure to check this before you make your purchase.
The choice in stocks for your AR-15 centers around your comfort as you’re firing. Take all the factors into consideration so you can be the most comfortable and the most accurate firer possible.
The Choice is Yours
You’ve decided to upgrade your buttstock or you’re building a new AR-15. You know how vital the feel of the buttstock is to the feel of the rifle as you’re firing. Your comfort can make the difference in a hit or miss, and that miss could lose a competition for you or put your life in danger.
Weigh all the options as you’re making your decision. They all matter. Do you want a minimalist buttstock to lighten your load, or do you want an adjustable buttstock to get the exact fit for your firing stance or perhaps another shooter’s stance? Do you want a collapsible stock to give you the exact length of pull for multiple positions? Will a simple fixed stock meet your needs?
Ask yourself these questions, and review the details to make the right choice for your custom buttstock. Give yourself an edge with Wing Tactical. We carry buttstocks from the best manufacturers in the country, and we wouldn’t sell any parts that we wouldn’t use on our own guns. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, we have a hassle-free 30-day return policy. Don’t forget our same-day shipping on orders received before 1 PM Eastern Time. Upgrade your AR-15 stock with Wing Tactical today!