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Posted: 1/2/2010 2:31:07 PM EDT
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I have several on rifles and am thinking what is the benefit. I bring it up cause I'm looking at which
one for a current 16 in build and am leaning on a A1 stock. The benefits to collapsible stock I can see are..... 1 adjustment for different shooters (I don't care. A1 works for me) 2 getting in and out of cars, small spaces ( I'm not swat or law enforcement, so that's not a issue) 3 What are the other benefits I'm missing? ( I'm sure there are some) I'm not trying to start a tactical V's Kiss debate, just trying to see the light. |
| I use collapsible stocks on every rifle I build and shoot except precision rigs that get a Magpul PRS. I use a modern combat stance due to my training so I prefer a very short stock (I'm not very tall so I use an M4 stock one notch out from fully collapsed) for most shooting. Regardless, if I shoot prone I extend the stock significantly. I can't imagine, just from the utility of the two lengths for standing vs prone, why someone wouldn't use a collapsible stock (unless mandated by rediculous gun legislation). I see no advantage to the A1/A2 and only use the PRS on scoped rifles to get the proper cheek weld on a magnified optic. |
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I always need different length in going from standing to prone. The A2 is way to long for me in the standing- it's good in the prone. A1 is a decent compromise. I do prefer an adjustable stock though, so I can fully extend it when in the prone or put it on the 2nd to shortest when in the standing. I could make an A1 work for everything for sure though, but I do like having the choice. |
| The first advantafe of a claspsabile stock is for compactness and storage.Thats why it has the ability to adjust to a fixed stock legnth and everything in between but if you look at the first telestocks it was 2 posistion open and close so for all practicle purposes compactness for storage was the first consideration especially for SF personel where space is at a premium. |
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I imagine you don't wear Thick body armor when you shoot, but if you did you would understand real quick why a collapsible stock is nice to have. Exactly. I didn't fully understand the value of a collapsible stock until I did reflexive fire drills with an M16A4 and then an M4. HUGE difference in feel/arm fatigue. |
| Weight, length of pull, compactness. Though i have always felt my FN-FNC side folder was more compact than my SP-1 truck gun. It is a double edge sword though. One disadvantage side folders have is the then become thicker. When storing under seats this can be a problem. |
| This is definitely true. Cheek weld is a huge issue that has not been taken up by fixed stocks. While you can achieve some pretty darn good (People have been doing it for years apparently) cheek welds with a fixed stock, you can find a much more repeatable and comfortable cheek weld with some of the aftermarket stocks out there now. But the main issue is that you need to be comfortable with the stock. If you prefer a stock made out of coke cans and duct tape, and can get repeatable ,accurate results with it, use it. |
| To reiterate, the answer that StagArmslower gave - "Easier to operate in close quarters" is an important one. Note, this does not just mean easier to get in and out of vehicles, but also easier to shoot. There are situations where it is necessary to shoot your rifle with the stock completely collapsed like a pistol in close quarters, this is a real asset in those situations. |
| I went from the M4 style collapsible to an ACE ARFX fixed stock, then to a Magpul UBR. I hated the M4 style, rattled, uncomfortable, just didn't do it for me. The ARFX was much better, solid, light, and fairly comfortable. It worked great from a bench, prone, or really bladed to the target. So I started moving more while shooting and really wasn't comfortable with it anymore, so back to adjustable. Enter the UBR, just as solid as the ACE, adjustable, really comfortable, perfect. When you go from a bladed shooting stance to squaring up your shoulders and keeping the stock closer to your bodies centerline for control, you have to have a collapsible or entry length stock. |
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I use collapsible stocks on 3/4 of my carbines.
I tend to shoot NTCH (straight on stance) but I like the option for adjustment to different styles. For the past year or so I've been using the Emod stock and I really like it. Fat cheek weld, almost perfect length for me (one notch from closed), and QD sling points built in. The only thing I don't like is the look. Yes I know, form after function bla, bla, bla, but I still like the smooth simple look of a fixed stock. In fact I almost went with a Sully, but the length is about an inch too short (I hate extensions), the QD sling points are $35 extra (or DIY), and I'd miss to grippy buttpad of the Emod. Tex78 |
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For me: Fully extended allows storage in the safe with other long guns without needing to adjust the barrel holders. A2 and even A1 (iirc) are too long for me to shoot with body squared to target, even in a t-shirt. In armor, I need the stock even shorter. That's 3 different lengths I use. I am, however, interested in at least trying out an RRA Entry or a Sully to see how they fit me. |
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I'm 6'2" and I shoot with my stocks fully collapsed or on the first setting. Every fixed stock that I've ever used has been vastly too long. That says a lot. Now imagine being 5'5" like me with T-Rex arms, and shooting an A2 with armor on. Even worse. Jay |
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Better to ask, "What is the advantage of a fixed stock?" Jay ^? Seriously. The only advantage I can think of for a fixed stock is a better cheek weld, but that is less of an issue with stocks like the SOPDMOD and UBR. Jay I was agreeing w/ you. ? = what is the advantage. 
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From my notes
A2 is 10 5/8" long When fully extended the carbine stocks are: M4 is 10 1/4", SOPMOD is 11 1/8", Magpul ACS is 11 5/8" (not to mention the adjustability and large cheek pad on the SOPMOD and ACS) I use 6 position carbine extensions so my stocks have a nice range of motion adjustment. |
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Better to ask, "What is the advantage of a fixed stock?" Jay ^? Seriously. The only advantage I can think of for a fixed stock is a better cheek weld, but that is less of an issue with stocks like the SOPDMOD and UBR. Jay I was agreeing w/ you. ? = what is the advantage. Oh I see. I fail at the internet. Jay |
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Thanks for all the answers to my novice question.
I think on this current build Ill try a good (high end) collapsible stock I plan to put a 2-10 powered optic on it . Ill just have to see if I like it. I got a ACS for Christmas and if that don't fly Ill try the sopmod or the UBR. |
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Dude, WTF???
<<<––––––––––––––- Just kidding, nice avatar. 
––––- ETA to add useful info: I find myself adjusting the stock fairly often. I prefer it shorter when shooting on the move, but prefer it longer while seated shooting from the bench. A collapsible stock gives you that flexibility, whereas fixed does not. Also, my rifles fit in the safe better when collapsed. YMMV. |
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Dude, WTF??? <<<––––––––––––––- Just kidding, nice avatar.
––––- ETA to add useful info: I find myself adjusting the stock fairly often. I prefer it shorter when shooting on the move, but prefer it longer while seated shooting from the bench. A collapsible stock gives you that flexibility, whereas fixed does not. Also, my rifles fit in the safe better when collapsed. YMMV. Thats some funny stuff!!! |
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