8 Best AR-15 Stocks In 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Installing a new buttstock is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the feel of your AR-15. Whether you want to improve the ergonomics, accuracy, or aesthetics of your rifle, a new stock can help.

We’ve had the opportunity to personally test and review most of the stocks in this guide, ensuring that our recommendations are based on real-world experience and hands-on evaluation. This direct exposure to each stock lets us provide insights and advice you can trust, ensuring you make an informed decision for your shooting needs.

Here are our conclusions from testing:

1. Avoid Cheap Mil-Spec Stocks: These stocks often lack the quality and features needed for a good shooting experience.
2. Consider Purpose Before Choosing: The type of stock to choose will be greatly influenced by the purpose, whether it’s for lightweight handling or precision shooting.
3. Invest in Quality and Features: Spending less might mean compromising on ergonomics, adjustability, and durability, so investing more in your AR-15 stock is advisable for a better overall experience.

The aftermarket is saturated with stocks to fit every type of build so that that old cheap mil-spec stock can get thrown in the trash.

Let’s jump into the best AR-15 stocks on the market.

EXPERT TIP: Consider your budget for stock upgrades, as prices vary widely. It’s possible to find quality stocks at different price points.

Here is a quick list of our favorite AR-15 stocks –

Image	Product	Price
	Best Overall Stock – B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD	Check Price
	Best Value Stock – Magpul DT Carbine Stock	Check Price
	Best Runner-up Value Stock – Hogue OverMolded Collapsible	Check Price
	Best Lightweight/Minimalistic Stock – Mission First Tactical BATTLELINK Minimalist	Check Price
	Best Fixed Stock – Magpul MOE Rifle Stock	Check Price
	Best Precision Stock – Magpul PRS Gen 3	Check Price
	Best Modular Adjustable Stock- Amend2 Modular Stock	Check Price
	Best New Stock- Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock	Check Price
	Honorable Mention Stock – Magpul MOE SL Adjustable Stock	Check Price

Best Overall Stock – B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD

Specifications

Pros & Cons

I’ve gone through many different stocks before landing on one that I found fit well on most of my “all-around” type rifles. That stock I’ve grown to favor is the B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD. It delivers everything I look for in a stock, plus a little more.

The Enhanced SOPMOD stock features a highly ergonomic cheek rest, water-resistant storage, and a cushioned, non-slip butt pad. In addition, it has several sling attachment points that include fixed slots and anti-rotational QD mounts.

You don’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality with it, either. It comes in several color and pattern variations, including MultiCam offerings.

It may be a bit pricier than some of the competition, but you definitely get what you pay for with this one.

Best Value Stock- Magpul DT Carbine Stock

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Many of us have been using the MOE Carbine Stock on various builds for years, but this new DT Carbine Stock takes it to the next level.

The standout feature, in my opinion, is the auto-engaging friction lock. Often, with adjustable stocks, even once they are locked into position, you have a bit of wiggle and play that you feel as you move with your rifle.

That is definitely not the case with this stock. There is virtually no play to be found.

The butt-pad incorporates a hybrid of features, including the ergonomic curvature from the CTR stock and the footprint of the SL line. The end result is one comfortable setup!

Best of all, it won’t break the bank, so you can add one to several builds without worry.

Runner-up Value Stock- Hogue OverMolded Collapsible

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Depending on how hard you search, you can find the Hogue OverMolded Collapsible Buttstock for about half the price of the B5 Systems one above. The best part is that you barely have to sacrifice anything to save that money.

While it doesn’t come with internal storage, it offers several sling attachment points, including slots and QD swivels, a hybrid rubber/polymer butt pad, and a very comfortable cheek rest.

It also comes in several different color schemes if you like to add a splash of color to your builds! You can’t go wrong with a classic OD Green or FDE.

Best Lightweight/Minimalistic Stock – Mission First Tactical BATTLELINK Minimalist

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The BATTLELINK comes in under six ounces, at 5.8 ounces, to be exact. Sometimes minimalistic designs can lead to a severe lack of features, but not in this case.

Mission First Tactical made it a point to keep the stock extremely functional while reducing as much material and weight as possible. The cheek rest provides a surprisingly nice cheek weld, which is something I’ve often complained about with other minimalistic stocks.

There are multiple sling slots and a bottom-positioned QD mount to give you plenty of options for mounting your sling.

You do have to be careful of snagging, though, as the bottom of the butt pad angles into a hook shape quite a bit.

Best Fixed Stock – Magpul MOE Rifle Stock

Specifications

Pros & Cons

If you’re looking for a fixed with plenty of bells and whistles, look no further.

The Magpul MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) Rifle Stock may not be adjustable, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not versatile.

In addition to the QD mounting points and sling slot, you’ll also find knockout bosses on the bottom, which allow you to add an accessory rail if you’d like. It’s not a feature I’d consider necessary, but it is nice.

One of the best advantages of having a fixed stock is you can always count on the length of pull being the same. This helps with training and muscle memory.

Best Precision Stock – Magpul PRS Gen 3

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Adjustability is paramount when trying to perfect precision, and there is no lack of it when it comes to the Magpul PRS (Precision Rifle/Sniper) Gen 3. Everything from the butt pad to the length of pull, to the cheek rest are all adjustable.

The stock has multiple sling attachment points and even bottom M-LOK slots to customize the stock further. Be careful not to add too much to the stock, as it’s already the heaviest option on this list.

If you’re looking for a robust precision stock that’s made in the USA, you don’t have to look any further.

Best Modular Adjustable Stock- Amend2 Modular Stock

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The name of the game this year in the industry seems to be modularity, and I love it. Amend2 understood the assignment and released its ultra-configurable AMS (Amend2 Modular Stock).

What I really like about this stock is that you can add or remove compartments as you need. If you’re looking for maximum storage for an extended mountain hike, you can add the lower storage compartment and battery tube, or if you want to reduce the weight on a minimalist build, you can run it bare bones.

You can also get a model that has lower storage and battery tubes, but aesthetically, I really like it without the battery storage. I think the lower compartment offers more than enough storage to hold batteries if that’s what you choose to put in it.

Storage isn’t the only thing that the AWS brings to the table. You’ll also find recessed adjustment controls, multiple sling attachment points, and a comfortable rubberized butt pad.

Overall, the modularity brought to the table by the AMS in addition to the potential to add other accessories via the M-LOK slots makes this stock our top choice for the best modular adjustable stock on the market.

Best New Stock- Tyrant CNC NexGen AR-15 Buttstock

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The Tyrant CNC NexGen buttstock is a newer player in the space, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from looking at it. You can immediately see the attention to detail and thought that was put into developing this stock.

It’s constructed from a mix of polymer, aluminum, and carbon fiber, which results in a lightweight but very durable stock. The carbon fiber is a unique touch that isn’t just for looks; it helps maintain a constant surface temperature. To add to the comfort and ergonomics, there is a 15-degree slant at the bottom to aid in transitioning to a “ready” position.

EXPERT TIP: When selecting a stock, consider ergonomics and how it feels against your shoulder and cheek. Comfort is key for prolonged use and accuracy.

Aside from the higher price tag, my only complaint is that the adjustment levers need to be pushed down instead of pulled up. It’s the opposite for many of the stocks I’m used to, so it’s more of a “me” complaint.

Honorable Mention Stock – Magpul MOE SL Adjustable Stock

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Unless you’re brand new to AR-15s, you’ve likely owned a Magpul MOE adjustable stock or at least shot some rifles with them installed.

Many new ARs these days come standard with them, which is a much better-looking and functioning option over the basic mil-spec ones that cost less than a Chipotle burrito.

This SL (Slim Line) version builds upon the original MOE stock by adding a QD swivel mount, an angled butt pad, and an improved cheek rest.  

If your rifle comes with one of these, you won’t need to rush out to replace it, but there are better options out there if you want to.

I’ve been lucky enough to personally test and spend time with all but one (Magpul PRS) of these stocks. But I didn’t just rely on my own experiences with them; I also consulted with other industry peers and scoured online reviews to see if I missed anything.

We wanted to ensure we included the best ones that provide the most bang for your buck. Weight, sling attachment points, and ergonomics were heavily considered when choosing each stock. All are from reliable companies that use quality materials to deliver a solid end product.

Choosing the right AR-15 stock hinges on two main factors: your rifle’s intended use and your preference for fixed or adjustable options.

Consider the rifle’s purpose, such as lightweight or precision builds, to narrow down choices and weigh the stability of fixed stocks against the versatility of adjustable ones, keeping in mind factors like size, weight, and sling attachment options.

Even though a stock is easy to replace, we don’t want to see you waste time or money by having to do it more often than is needed.

Many of us have been guilty of seeing our favorite Guntuber using a product, only to find ourselves checking out on Optics Planet or a similar sight later that night.

Before you submit that order, take a minute to think about the following.

Purpose Is Important

You may hear us saying this often, but it’s true. Understanding how you’ll use your AR-15 will help develop what search criteria to start your journey with.

Maybe you’re looking to build an ultra-lightweight AR-15. If so, you will want to check out the best minimalistic stocks to reduce your rifle’s overall weight.

Or, you may be building a precision rifle that needs the utmost amount of adjustability from a stock.

Knowing how you will be using the rifle can quickly weed out which stocks not to waste your time looking at, just as much as helping you pick one.

Fixed vs. Adjustable Stocks

Fixed stocks may not be as common as adjustable stocks, but there is a time and place for them.

They provide a sturdiness not usually offered by adjustable stocks and allow for easier muscle memory since your length of pull will remain constant, and your controls and optics will always be in the same position relative to your shoulder and stock.

If you’re not worried about saving space or are using your AR-15 for a dedicated and stationary type of shooting, a fixed stock may be a good choice.

On the other hand, adjustable stocks provide a level of versatility that many shooters prefer.

Whether you’re letting a friend shoot your rifle or running various drills that require you to be in different positions and settings, an adjustable stock will ensure a proper length-of-pull is always attainable.

While they aren’t technically as sturdy as fixed stocks, I’ve never encountered an issue with them.

Size & Weight

Size matters…when it comes to stocks.

Larger stocks have more room for attachment points, which we’ll discuss in the next section and can help to mitigate recoil. However, larger often means heavier. If you’re hiking with your AR or participating in fast-moving competitions, you’ll want to consider the weight.

A few ounces here and there don’t sound like much, but once you have several parts all adding or subtracting a few ounces, it can add up.

Sling Attachment Options

A sling can come in handy in many different scenarios, so being able to attach one is essential. Most stocks will have simple sling slots, QD swivel attachment points, or a combination.

I recommend that any stock you choose has at least one attachment point for a sling.

Keeping the ATF Out Of Your Hair

It pains me to add sections like this to articles, but it’s the time we live in. I dislike these sections because the rules and regulations set forth by the ATF are constantly changing, so the vague “know all of your local and state regulations” is often my default statement.

None of us want to have to worry about 99 different ways that we could get in trouble with our rifles, but just do your research and be careful. I’ll leave it there.

There you have it, our list of the top AR-15 stocks you can grab this year. No matter how you intend to use your AR-15, a stock exists to maximize its performance.

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg, as some of these above can be found for under $50! Take your time researching and testing a few out, but don’t overthink it too much, as stocks are a quick and easy part to swap out.

What are some of your favorite stocks? Drop them down in the comments if we missed any so others can check them out!

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.