AR Hack: Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

You could argue that one of the shortcomings of the AR15 platform is that it cannot fold the stock. For some users, that feature might not be important, but if you want to carry your 16-inch barrel AR15 in a discreet bag, the Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter is your answer. 

A folding stock on an AR15 is not anything new. Law Tactical launched the adapter back in 2012 and over the years made tweaks to the design so that it is now in the third generation of its evolution. It’s compatible with nearly all mil-spec and commercial buffer tubes or receiver extensions so it fits nearly any AR15.

Tools Required For Installation

Having the right tools makes installation easy and simple. You’ll need a castle wrench as well as a 9/64 hex wrench and a 3/32 hex wrench. A vise block to hold the lower receiver helps to remove stubborn and tight receiver extension nuts.

Installing A Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter

Tools Needed

Installing the Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter is straightforward if you have the correct tools. The first step is to clear the gun of ammo and separate the upper from the lower. I used a Brownell’s AR-15/M16 Lower Receiver Vice Block held in a vise to hold the lower. Attach the lower receiver to the vise block like you are inserting a magazine. This allows for easily removing the buffer and action spring from the buffer tube, as well as getting better leverage on the receiver extension nut. I like the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench since it has multiple tools built into one.

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Remember that when you remove the nut and receiver end plate, the receiver takedown detent spring will pop out of the back of the receiver. Trust me, you don’t want to be on your hands and knees trying to find the tiny spring and just as tiny detent.

Installation Steps

Law Tactical ships the stock adapter in the open position like an open clam. One end attaches to the lower receiver, the other end attaches to the receiver extension or buffer tube. You need to disassemble the adapter button with a 9/64 hex wrench so you can insert the threaded flange. Don’t disassemble the adapter hinge, just the button. The threaded flange attaches one half of the adapter to the lower receiver. Law Tactical supplies a flange tool that allows you to hand-tighten the threaded flange. When the flange tool flexes, proper torque has been applied to the threaded flange. Reinstall the button assembly and use a 3/32 hex wrench to tighten flange set screw securing the threaded flange. Make this screw snug. No need to gorilla it and over-tighten it.

Buffer Tube

The buffer tube or receiver extension assembly can now be attached to the stock half of the adapter. Make sure to install your buffer retaining pin and buffer retaining spring into the stock side of the adapter, just like you would normally install them in the lower receiver. Then install the action spring and buffer into the buffer tube or receiver extension. Slide the stock back onto the buffer tube or receiver extension.

The tension in the hinge can be increased via a 1/8 hex wrench. I didn’t think it needed more tension as it moved quite easily. Before extending the stock in the fully open position, attach the upper to the lower. Depress the adapter button and hold it while you pull the charging handle back and move the bolt carrier group rearward. Insert the bolt carrier extension into the rear of the BCG. Since the Law Tactical folding stock adapter adds a little over an inch in length, the bolt carrier extension makes up for that extra length, allowing the BCG to function with the buffer and action spring. Push the BCG back into the upper and fold the stock open. You are good to go.

The Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter In Use

You won’t need extra finger strength to press the button to fold the stock, as it’s not difficult. The hinge pivots smoothly, so deploying the stock is fast. The stock doesn’t lock in the folded mode, so there is no button to push when deploying the rifle. I installed the Law Tactical adapter to a 16-inch barrel Springfield Armory Saint Victor and easily fit it in a discreet 5.11 LVC M4 Shorty bag. 

Weight of the Folding Stock Adapter

As with any AR15 accessory, the Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter adds weight, about 10 extra ounces. It also increases the length of pull, so you may need to adjust your stock. I didn’t find that the extra length interfered with my running the rifle. The balance changed on the rifle, too, and that would be something I would adapt to as I continue to train with the rifle. Not a show stopper by any means.

In the folded position, the rear of the upper receiver is open, and it is possible that debris could get into the action. I’m not that worried about that because the rifle will be stored in a bag.

READ MORE HERE: Why Changing Out Your AR15 Charging Handle Is A Good Idea

In a Bag

You can fire the rifle with the stock folded. Law Tactical does not recommend shooting the rifle with the stock folded, but I fired it anyway. The adapter captures the BCG, and the empty case does not eject. I really wanted to find out if I could get off a round before extending and locking out the stock. I was thinking of a scenario where I need to quickly deploy the rifle from a go bag, but don’t have the time to extend the stock. The stock pivots smoothly and locks into position quickly. It’s only a matter of cycling the charging handle to spit out the empty and chamber a round.

The rifle ran with no issues. I found there was no wobble in the adapter. 

Is the Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter Worth It?

Even though the Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter adds weight and length, it may be worth it if you want to discreetly carry a 16-inch barrel AR15. From a discreet carry position, the Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter is a must-have. I really think the Law Tactical adapter would be perfect for an AR15 pistol or an SBR to provide an even smaller footprint for discreet carry.

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