When we think of Eugene Stoner’s magic black rifle, we tend to think of it as America’s gun. Which is largely true. The English and Italians have some fine shotguns. The Czechs and Swiss both have made some fine handguns. But with AR’s, we never think of anyone across the pond. But should we be?
For sure, that is changing. And one of the leaders of that charge is Hera Arms, based out of Germany. They first came to my attention a few years back with an excellent handguard, a favorite of Craddock Precision. I was very impressed with the quality and innovation in that design and wanted to explore more options. Which led me to their SHOT Show booth, to look at their “featureless” designs. Hera worked some magic for our California shooters, making what is usually a hideous “non-pistol grip” AR stock actually look good! The CQR stock is a work of art, a hidden bonus if you don’t live in a free state.
However, as a free stater, I would never put one on my rifle purely out of principle. But when I went looking for a new fixed stock, it turns out Hera has an option for that too. Why would I want a fixed stock in the age of collapsible? Simplicity, for one. And for two, I like to have one fixed stock around for accuracy testing. Modern collapsible stocks lock up pretty tight, but for pure accuracy, nothing beats a fixed stock.
Hera has put some nice touches on theirs. First of all, it is remarkably light. In the field, every ounce counts. Hera has shaved off some serious weight while adding in some neat new features. Such as the removable side panels. The stocks side panels snap on to create a bit of storage space, or you may just prefer the feel. But for a different look, you can also snap them off. This also gives you two other sling attachment points, in addition to the left and right QD mount towards the front.
A rubberized but durable buttpad eats recoil, while the texture of the pad keeps it from slipping. And should you prefer a monopod rear for precision work, Hera includes a Picatinny rail section you can attach to the toe of the stock. The stock also has a slight upward taper towards the rear, ensuring good cheek weld for optics. There is a lot of detail in the design of this stock that was well thought out. If you have been hankering for a fixed stock lower, this is one that should be on your radar.
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Good to see you back at it Clay!
I see some pretty crummy mold-lines that arent’t finished very well at points of juncture…and also around the perimiter of holes. These could be dressed-down better. Germany overall has lost it’s “edge”…..with the advent of computer-controlled and robotic machinery, there is a “democraticization” of the manufacturing process where high-quality pops out in the end…. regardless of where it’s made. It’s simply a matter of will by the specific company what kind of tolerance specs it wishes to use. Plus….with the “Made in Germany” label, you can expect a heavy price premium that is likely not worth it.