Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
For any AR stock, the rubber meets the road where your cheek and shoulder contact the stock, providing an interface between your shoulder and your cheek. The more you can personalize the fit and comfort the better you should be able to shoot. It is no wonder that swapping AR stocks is a popular customization with shooters.
For this AR hack, I chose two compact, adjustable AR stocks—precision AR stocks are for another post—that I have a lot of trigger time with, the Magpul CTR stock and the BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 stock. To be completely transparent I like both of these stocks. I have these stocks on two of my ARs and as you will read there are reasons I prefer both of these stocks.
Table of contents
Before I get into this AR hack, let’s quickly review the Magpul CTR stock and the BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 stock as well as the mil-spec six-position AR-15 stock.
Why Replace A Mil-Spec AR Stock?
What’s the reason I replaced the mil-spec stock on my AR? Wiggle. I hate the sound it makes and if you are a hunter you understand why even the slightest noise can be a show stopper. It doesn’t take too many times watching a whitetail bounce off into the distance to learn to make sure your gear doesn’t make any noise.
With the wiggle comes that slightly inconsistent cheek weld. The cheek weld is okay but not that comfortable and not the same every time. On the plus side, the OEM stock is lightweight and durable.
The butt plate is serviceable with enough texture to stick in your shoulder pocket and not snag when shouldering it. It also has an ambidextrous sling loop, which I have never used with a sling. I do, however, hold it or place a toe bag under it when firing from a bench. We all know the OEM stock works, but there are better options.
Magpul CTR AR Stock
The Magpul CTR or Compact/Type Restricted was introduced in 2007 and has become a benchmark in compact adjustable AR stocks. The streamlined triangular shape of the CTR means it is snag-free. You can get the CTR to fit any carbine extension tube, mil-spec or commercial. The latch is tucked up on the underside to prevent accidentally changing the LOP.
A second latch is a supplemental friction lock that eliminates that sloppy wobble you get with an OEM stock. At the butt end, there is a rubber butt pad that can be removed. The Magpul logo is molded into the rubber. Under the rubber pad is a textured surface so you always have some grip when shouldering the CTR with or without the rubber butt pad. The butt pad curves inward at the center for a more consistent placement of your shoulder. There is 3.3 inches of adjustment and the LOP ranges from 13.8 inches fully extended to 10.5 inches collapsed. It weighs just 8.8 ounces.
Magpul Stock Toe Feature
There are slots at the bottom and rear to attach a sling. There is also a steel ambidextrous QD swivel mount cup on either side of the stock. At the toe, there is a lanyard hole if you want to wrap some paracord on it. The toe has a nice footprint so it can easily be used with a toe bag for more precision work.
The comb is smooth with a pebble-like finish and rounded extending down the sides so it offers a nice cheek with not a lot of real estate. It measures 1.6 inches wide. There are slots built into the bottom of the cheek weld for an additional cheek riser for non-AR platforms like a shotgun.
BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 AR Stock
The BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 stock has a triangular shape but is more compact and smooth with streamlined lines. It is not skeletonized like the Magpul CTR so it looks a bit bulky, but looks are deceiving. This stock was introduced in 2014 and like the CTR quickly gained a following. The entire stock is snag-free and weighs a scant 7.5 ounces. It only fits on mil-spec receiver extensions.
The integral butt pad is rubber and serrated with rounded edges for smoother shouldering. The BCM star logo is molding into the butt pad. The heel is angled five degrees and provides a more natural feel when shouldering plus it helps to rotate the rifle up to the firing position when holding in your shoulder at low ready. I also heard from my operator pals that the toe of the Gunfighter Mod 0 can be hooked over the top of a plate when wearing a plate carrier. I’ve been told it is harder to do this with the Magpul CTR stock. There is a slot to attach a sling or there is a steel ambidextrous QD swivel cup on either side.
Gunfighter VBOST
Unique to the Gunfighter Mod 0 is the Modular VBOST (Vehicle Borne Operations Sling Tab) that keeps a rigger band or small bungee to secure the sling against the stock. This is a nice feature especially when your rifle is in a vehicle and you don’t want your sling flapping around or snagging. Operators also use the VBOST to secure a tourniquet. You can remove the VBOST if it cramps your style.
Another unique and patented feature is the precision fit latch which has flat sides to keep the adjustment system free from dust and debris as well as provide increased torsional strength. This setup also dissipates impact into the stock and not on the receiver extension in the event the rifle is dropped butt first.
The LOP adjustment lever is large and takes up nearly the bottom half of the stock. Fully collapsed the LOP is 10.25 inches; fully extended it is 13.5 inches. The comb is 1.7 inches wide and smooth. The sides are flat and offer a nice and comfortable cheek weld.
Installing a Magpul CTR Stock
Swapping out a stock is perhaps one of the easiest and fastest customizations you can do on an AR. With the Mil-Spec stock removed slide the CTR on the extension. Depress the release latch and firmly pull down on both ends release pin. While you are pulling down on the release pin slide the stock onto the receiver extension or buffer tube and the release pin, which will snap into place. That’s it.
To adjust the LOP fully depress the release latch, which will pop out the friction lock, then pull the stock rearward to your desired position and snap the friction lock back into place. You are good to go. Super simple to install without tools.
Installing the BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 Stock
Slide the BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 Stock onto the receiver extension or buffer tube until it stops. Squeeze the lever with your hand until the holes on both sides of the stock align and insert a hex wrench, AR firing pin, small screwdriver, or similar small-diameter rod through the stock. Pull down on the hex wrench and slide the stock completely onto the receiver extension. Remove the hex wrench and you are done.
To adjust the LOP, squeeze the lever and adjust the stock to the desired position. It will snap into place. Easy. The BCM does require a tool, but you can always strip down your BCG and use the firing pin. It’s a pain in the ass, but you don’t swap out stocks often, so not a big deal.
Running the BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 Stock
PROs: The Mod 0 locks up tight with absolutely no wiggle or rattle. The larger lever makes adjusting the stock easy even when wearing gloves, though it does take a little more effort to disengage the latch. The latch has no wiggle to it. The buttpad is small, only 5 inches, and that makes it fast to shoulder even when wearing a heavy jacket. It excels in the low-ready position. The cheek weld is comfortable though I would like to have more real estate for my cheek. I think it’s a good compromise though to keep the stock’s lightweight and slim profile. The VBOST is a nice feature if you use a sling as are the QD cups.
READ MORE: BCM Rolls Out MK2 AR-15 Uppers, Complete Groups and Rifles to Follow
Cons: My only gripe is a tool is needed to install and remove the stock.
Running the Magpul CTR Stock
PROs: Running the Magpul CTR stock you will have zero wiggle and zero rattle. Both are good things. The comb offers a good cheek weld for the slim profile. It is also lightweight.
Cons: Bitch one is with the CTR you need to engage the friction lock after adjusting the LOP. Not a big deal but it is a two-step process rather than one. Bitch two is the CTR is also a bit heavier.
Magpul or BCM?
Both stocks are rock solid and provide a decent cheek weld. These are very comfortable stocks for defense or hunting. I’ve found both of these AR stocks are durable, rugged, and reliable. I lean a bit toward the BCM stock, but I still use the Magpul. Go figure.
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Mission First Tactical Minimalist Stock is very good as well.
Rifle scope or dot sight, which one is better for AR15? I read the article about this serveral days ago but I was still have some questions. This is the article.
Hi, Fellow reader. Although I don’t know exactly which article you’re referring to, I may can offer a tiny bit of insight. The selection of optic on an AR is very similar to any other rifled weapon, in that the critical factor is how you plan to use it. Will it be for close range only (such as in home defense), will it be a hunting weapon (if so, what’s the average or expected range of your quarry), or do you need it to perform both? A Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO), like a 1 x 6 x 24 rifle scope is a decent compromise choice, and will allow you to perform a variety of tasks (engaging targets at differing ranges) with the same optic. Red dot and/or reflex sights allow you to quickly gain a sight picture, and rapidly deliver shots at shorter ranges. Even the venerable ol’ iron sights have their advantages, such as being simple, rugged, and reliable. My personal preference is to have several AR style weapons, with each equipped with the optic best suited for that particular weapons intended use. That’s a quick & dirty oversimplification, but I hope it gets you pointed in the right direction.