Best-Rated AR-15 Stock

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 you 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. Indeed, a comfortable feel with your buttstock is vital to good shooting. The right one can help you improve as a firer, 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
• 2023 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 like 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 firers perfectly.
• What's the Difference between Adjustable and Collapsible AR-15 Stocks? Just as it stated above, adjustable stocks are meant to be adjusted in several ways including buttpad length, and cheek risers. Were as 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 are often referring 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 a 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 stock are disigned to mount on a standard Mil-Spec buffer tube. Either way, a PWD 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 barrel rifle (SBR), so you’ll need to take everything into consideration before choosing this option.

Best AR-15 Stocks

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!