Looking for the best stock for your AR15? After testing every major stock from Magpul, B5 Systems, BCM, and MFT, we've ranked the top performers. From the CTR's legendary friction lock to the B5 Bravo's perfect cheek weld, this guide covers everything. We break down collapsible vs fixed, SOPMOD vs slim, storage options, and why you should never buy the MOE or UBR. Whether you want the lightest stock or the best cheek weld, we'll help you choose right. If you're just getting started, check our complete AR-15 build guide for the full parts list.
Best Overall: Magpul CTR ($55-$70) - Friction lock prevents wobble, QD sling mount included, perfect balance of features and weight. The gold standard.
Best Cheek Weld: B5 Systems Bravo ($55-$70) - SOPMOD-style cheek without the storage weight. Zero rattle, perfect face angle.
Best Lightweight: BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 ($55-$65) - Only 7 oz, snag-free, beard-friendly. Lightest quality stock.
Best Fixed: Magpul MOE Fixed ($28-$40) - Simple, rigid, no moving parts. Under $40.
Avoid: Magpul MOE (rattles, CTR is $15 more), UBR Gen 2 (21 oz, expensive, uncomfortable gap), PRS Gen 3 (28 oz, $250+, overkill), ACS (heavy battery tubes). Round out your rifle with a quality weapon light. See the Magpul SHOT Show 2026 lineup for new color options and the ZEV FDP folding platform. For PDW-style folding, the Law Tactical GEN-S adapter brings stainless steel construction.
This guide was inspired by Hop's excellent breakdown of Magpul stocks. Watch his full tier list below.
Video by Hop on YouTube. We are not affiliated with Hop or his channel, we just love his content and think this is the best stock breakdown on the internet.
Ranked by cheek weld quality, lockup, weight, features, and value. Each has been tested on AR15 platforms across multiple use cases.
Best Overall - The gold standard AR15 stock
Best Cheek Weld - SOPMOD comfort without the bulk
Best Lightweight - Snag-free at only 7 oz
Best Fixed - Simple durability, no moving parts
Best Precision Cheek - Wide top for stable shooting
Best Storage - Water-resistant compartments + SOPMOD cheek
Best for Scopes - Better weight balance for magnified optics
Best Feature Set - Storage + friction lock + cheek weld
Best Ultralight - Under 6 oz with real cheek weld
Best Budget Precision - Adjustable at half PRS Gen 3 price
Purchasing through these links may generate a commission at no extra cost to you.
Choosing the right stock type depends on your use case. Here's how they compare:
Best picks: CTR, B5 Bravo, BCM Gunfighter. Add a quality sling for a complete setup.
Best pick: MOE Fixed Carbine
Best pick: PRS Lite (not PRS Gen 3)
Friction lock is the single most important feature that separates quality stocks from cheap ones. Without it, your stock wobbles on the buffer tube. The wobble isn't dangerous, but it's annoying and makes your rifle feel cheap. This matters more on lightweight builds, see our weight management guide for how every ounce counts in PDW configurations.
The catch: Not all stocks without friction lock wobble. The B5 Bravo has such tight tolerances that it locks up solid anyway. The BCM Gunfighter is also tight for most users. But the Magpul MOE? It rattles. Always get the CTR instead. If you're prioritizing your first upgrades on a budget, check our first $500 upgrade priorities, a quality stock should come before expensive optics.
| Rank | Model | Price | Weight | Friction Lock | QD Mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magpul CTR Carbine Stock | $55-$70 | 8.4 oz | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | B5 Systems Bravo Stock | $55-$70 | 8.25 oz | No | Yes |
| 3 | Bravo Company Gunfighter Stock Mod 0 | $55-$65 | 7.0 oz | No | Yes |
| 4 | Magpul MOE Fixed Carbine Stock | $28-$40 | 13.5 oz | No | Kit req. |
| 5 | Magpul STR Carbine Stock | $75-$95 | 12.5 oz | Yes | Yes |
Essential accessories to round out your setup
Ready to continue? Here's the recommended next guide:
Best AR-15 lower parts kits ranked: Aero Precision best value, BCM and SOLGW for duty, Geissele and LMT premium. Mil-spec vs enhanced LPK breakdown, upgrade priorities, and replacement schedules.
Or explore a related topic:
Best AR-15 Triggers 2026->
Avid shooter with 9+ years of experience including competition shooting. Built 10+ AR-pattern rifles and several handgun platforms for home defense, competition, and suppressed night shooting.
Continue exploring with these related resources
Head-to-head comparison of the AR-15 and AK-47 covering operating systems, caliber ballistics, accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, customization, and cost of ownership. Find which rifle platform is right for you.
Simple AR-15 vs AR-10 comparison for beginners. Learn the practical differences in recoil, weight, cost, and range performance, then use direct platform links to choose your starting path.
The 5 best AR-15 rifles for first-time buyers ranked from $499 to $1,899. Covers what to look for in a first rifle, essential upgrades, and which AR-15 matches your budget and intended use.
Related articles and industry updates
Complete comparison of forced reset triggers and super safeties for AR-15: Partisan Disruptor FRT, Arc Fire, Atrius FRS, and Mars Super Safety. Performance, pricing, legality, and which system fits your build.
Law Tactical introduces the GEN-S folding stock adapter at SHOT Show 2026: stainless steel construction, 12.5% lighter housing, and improved durability with locking lug, locking latch, and threaded flange design.
Hands-on review of the AS Designs ARC-Fire forced reset selector after 400 suppressed rounds on a SIG MCX Spear LT 11.5 with Geissele SSA-E. MCX install tips, safety selector complaints, and comparison to Partisan Disruptor.
This page contains affiliate links. Purchases through these links support the site at no extra cost to you. Learn more