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Posted: 3/2/2015 11:44:14 PM EDT
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I'm putting together a pair of SHTF rifles and had them finally assembled and decided I don't like the way the stocks wobble on the buffer tubes. The stocks are Mako/FAB Defense GLS. I have a Mako GL-shock stock on my 3-gun rifle with a commercial tube and couldn't be happier. There's no wiggle at all. These SHTF rifles, on the other hand, have Vltor A5 buffer tubes. I used my calipers to determine the buffer tube is 1.142". I found a diagram showing a Mil-Spec diameter tube should be 1.145"-1.150". I just replaced the Mako stock with a Magpul ACS and there's still wiggle. I bought the ACS locally from a big box store where they said it's the mil spec version, but the box is open and I trust no one exclusively.
Does anyone else have an A5 buffer tube you can measure with your calipers? Are yours also on the disappointing AK-reminiscent loose tolerance side? What are peoples' general experience with the Magpul ACS? Does it lock up tight or only slightly less loose? |
| My mil-spec Magpul CTR never locked up without a bit of wiggle, even when fully collapsed. Ended up switching it out for other reasons. I went with the MFT Minimalist stock, and not only does it offer the changes i wanted, it also locks up solid whether extended or collapsed. |
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I called Vltor and asked them about their tolerances for A5 tubes. They say I may have one that's out of spec and to send it in for replacement. I moved my ACS to another A5 tube I have and it's much tighter, but still has some wiggle. I really admire the ease of customer service from Vltor and their integrity to ensure quality products reach the hands of happy customers.
Now I just wish the ACS had a bit more clamping force, but the wiggle may be near the top and not the position rail, so IDK if that would help. |
| The looseness comes more from the Buffer tube being out of spec rather than the stock, as long as it is a decent name stock. My CTR is fairly tight on my Mil-Spec tube. However I have been wanting to try the new Hogue stock ever since they came out. After all I love their pistol grips and pistol side panels so why not their stocks? Finally got around to ordering one and I have found my perfect stock. Super tight getting it on, but it loosened up just enough fairly quick. By far this is the most solid stock I have ever used on the M4, the rubberized portion is comfortable, cheek weld is right where it should be. The best part is it costs 1/3 less than the CTR. Works for me, YMMV? |
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Quoted:
The looseness comes more from the Buffer tube being out of spec rather than the stock, as long as it is a decent name stock. My CTR is fairly tight on my Mil-Spec tube. However I have been wanting to try the new Hogue stock ever since they came out. After all I love their pistol grips and pistol side panels so why not their stocks? Finally got around to ordering one and I have found my perfect stock. Super tight getting it on, but it loosened up just enough fairly quick. By far this is the most solid stock I have ever used on the M4, the rubberized portion is comfortable, cheek weld is right where it should be. The best part is it costs 1/3 less than the CTR. Works for me, YMMV? I don’t disagree never the less there is a way to tighten up the lock mechanism on the ACS. |
| Tubes can/do have an impact as to tightness. I have one tube that fits a MOE collapsible stock SUPER tight (obviously on the large side, as MOE stocks are known to wobble, and do on every other tube I have). However, with stocks now using spring tension (such as newest MOE SL stock, BCM Mod 0, etc) I feel there's less to fuss about as they kind of solve the differing tube tolerance issues. |
| When I got my ACS, the friction lock didn't make any difference on my PSA tube. I removed the friction lock lever and bent the metal plate out some and re installed, and it works great now. However, since then, I switched to a MFT minimilist, which fits perfectly with no slop. |
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