12 Best AR-15 Stocks [Hands-On]: Adjustable, Light, Precision

Looking for the best AR-15 stock to upgrade or finish a new build?

It's an important decision.

One that will impact cheek weld, weight, your wallet, and, most importantly, looks (duh).

I've built, bought, and shot a lot of AR-15s, from general builds to lightweight, pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs), and precision rigs.

If you want to know the best buttstock for your specific purpose, read on! We've laid out several models that we really like to help you narrow down your search!

We also have a separate article for Pistol Braces, if that's more your speed.

How We Chose the Best AR-15 Stocks

The entire team at Pew Pew Tactical had a hand in contributing to this post. Most of us have tinkered and worked on our AR-15s, replacing the stock on at least one of our rifles, if not several of them. We also have a ton of experience building out our own ARs from the ground-up.

We know a thing or two about what goes into a good stock because we've built a thing or two. Our picks for this list are based on features, build quality, availability, and value.

We constantly test new gear and regularly update articles as new models become available, so if you’re favorite isn’t here, check back soon!

Best Adjustable AR-15 Stocks

1. B5 Systems Bravo - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

B5 Systems Bravo Stock

$57

at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$57 at OpticsPlanet

Brownells (see price)

AR15 Discounts (see price)

My go-to choice for a competitive or speed build that still allows for a great cheek weld is B5 Systems Bravo.

It's lightweight, allowing for extra space to achieve that perfect and repeatable cheek weld.

If you're accustomed to traditional buttstocks, switching to one with a superior surface, like the Bravo stock, will transform your experience.

Check out my bottom two rifles rocking the Bravo.

My first Bravo stock now lives in my accuracy testing lower.

The back is pretty normal and gives a good grip without snagging.

Plus, it's not too bad on the wallet, coming in under $60.

This stock is my overall favorite for the best adjustable buttstock at a reasonable price.

2. Magpul MOE

Magpul MOE Stock

$31

at AR15 Discounts

Prices accurate at time of writing

$31 at AR15 Discounts

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Brownells (see price)

This bad boy set a baseline from the mil-spec (military specification) buttstock, which did its job.

The Magpul MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) was on my first rifle, and as you'll see coming up, I like to rattle-can my AR furniture.

The cheek weld on the MOE is roughly the same as that on the Mil-Spec.

But it just looked so much cooler, plus it had a bunch more places to place a sling.

If your first rifle comes with one, too, you can't go wrong.

But if you're looking for my new favorite standard, keep reading!

3. Mission First Battlelink Minimalist Stock

Best Minimalist Stock

MFT Battlelink Minimalist Stock

$45

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$45 at GrabAGun

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Brownells (see price)

The Battlelink Minimalist is taking over with lightweight builds.

It probably sacrifices a little structural integrity by losing its triangular shape...but you lose a few precious ounces.

And if you find it snagging on equipment, you can bungee or use paracord to secure something together.

Cheek weld is an upgrade from the Magpul MOE, but nothing to write home about.

And how about a back shot?  You get a little more traction on your shoulder, and I like that slight curve.

If you're thinking of a lightweight build but don't want to go ultra-lightweight, this is the one to get.

4. B5 Systems Bravo-C - Best Fixed Stock

Best Fixed Stock

B5 Systems Bravo-C Stock

$44

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$44 at Palmetto State Armory

OpticsPlanet (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

B5 expanded its line of stocks after the Bravo, and one simplified version is the Bravo-C. This fixed-position buttstock still has a lot to offer.

Mounting into position with a set screw, the Bravo-C has a long length of very ergonomic top side that allows you to find optimal cheek weld without pulling your beard hairs.

The Bravo-C also features an anti-rotation QD mount and fixed sling points. It also features color-matched hardware, which is important because it comes in five colors to match your build.

5. Magpul MOE-SL

Magpul MOE-SL Stock

$60

at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$60 at OpticsPlanet

Midway USA (see price)

AR15 Discounts (see price)

Magpul (see price)

Next up is another Magpul creation — the MOE-SL, or Slimline.

It's a definite upgrade from the MOE and close to the Bravo in terms of cheek weld for me.  But still not better.

It matches up with Bravo in weight and price, too. So, if you want a better cheek weld than normal and love the look over the plainer Bravo, get the SL.

What's your take on the Magpul MOE-SL? Give it a rating below.

6. Magpul STR

Best Cheek Weld

Magpul STR Stock

$57

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$57 at Kygunco

Brownells (see price)

OpticsPlanet (see price)

The Magpul STR has my favorite cheek weld of all the adjustable stocks.

It comes in a slightly heavier 12.5 ounces, but the STR (storage type restricted) also features water-resistant battery tubes on the side.

Oh, and did I mention the cheek weld?

It's huge --- you could land a plane on that thing!  And for your face, it makes it extremely comfortable and repeatable for whatever optical device you'll be using.

It came on my PSA AR-10 .308 (full review), and it was great shooting a larger caliber.

Back has the same footprint as the regular MOE...but again, you can see that nice slope for storing batteries and giving you comfort.

My favorite cheek weld buttstock, if you don't mind the larger size, weight, and price. Also great for precision builds if you want something easily collapsible.

7. VLTOR IMOD

VLTOR IMOD Stock

$80

at AR15 Discounts

Prices accurate at time of writing

$80 at AR15 Discounts

OpticsPlanet (see price)

One of the first buttstocks to have an expanded cheek weld was the VLTOR IMOD.

I've shot this bad boy probably the most...and it shows. However, it's stood the test of time and thousands of rounds.

Plus, it has probably given me a lot of paint on my face.

It's very comparable to the Magpul STR in terms of cheek weld (edge still to the STR)...and it has battery compartments as well.

And for about $20 more...you'll shave off some ounces.

So if ounces = pounds...and pounds = pain...but you still want an awesome cheek weld...the IMOD is for you.

Best Fixed & Lightweight AR-15 Stocks

8. Strike Industries Modular Fixed Stock

Strike Industries Modular Fixed Stock

$42

at Midway USA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$42 at Midway USA

GrabAGun (see price)

OpticsPlanet (see price)

I really wanted to like this one for my featureless builds.

Strike has been one of the most innovative and affordable companies out there, and I love their featureless grips.

But their Viper Fixed Stock is a miss for me personally.

The price was right, but the large screw inside messed up somehow. I couldn't install it for the life of me. Many forums and YouTube videos later...I gave up. Unfortunately, that also means I can't get it off the buffer tube.

This may have been a one-off issue, which kind of sucks since the stock feels comfortable.

9. Magpul MOE Fixed

Magpul MOE Fixed Stock

$28

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$28 at Amazon

Brownells (see price)

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Magpul's entry into the fixed stock world is the MOE Fixed Stock.

It may not have an original name, but it has a very decent price.

Installs very easily and has the same cheek weld as a regular MOE.

If you want a fixed stock with no trouble, such as pinning or buying another gadget, the MOE fixed is the way to go.

10. Battle Arms Development LBS

Lightest Stock

Battle Arms Development LBS

$69

at Rainier Arms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$69 at Rainier Arms

Another entry into the ultralight arena is BAD's LBS (Lightweight Butt Stock).

It's crazy light at 3 ounces.

Instead of a stock cheek weld, it provides you with a smooth buffer tube cheek weld.

Be sure that you're ok with the short length of pull on a regular buttstock, since now you're stuck with your buffer tube length.

The tension has been great, and it should be able to handle a mortar since it's directly against the buffer tube. However, I haven't tried it and wouldn't recommend doing it.

Great for an SBR with a more vertically angled pistol grip, which will help with the short buttstock.

Best Precision AR Stocks

11. Luth AR MBA-1

Luth-AR MBA-1

$131

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$131 at BattleHawk Armory

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Primary Arms (see price)

Brownells (see price)

If you want something heavier and really adjustable for not just the length of pull, but also the cheek height, the Luth AR MBA-1 stock does so at a reasonable price.

Both the rear and cheek weld sections can be precisely adjusted and locked to suit your scoped rifle needs. 

Here it is on my Aero M5 .308. (See the full review!)

Cheek Weld is better than the MOE, but not approaching the others that have a slanted edge.

However, the name of the game is adjustability and rear weight. In that area, the Luth AR excels.

Additionally, it's more affordable than the current gold standard that is approaching.

12. Magpul PRS GEN3

Best Precision Stock

Magpul PRS Gen3

$244

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$244 at BattleHawk Armory

OpticsPlanet (see price)

AR15 Discounts (see price)

Magpul (see price)

The go-to for a precision AR stock is undoubtedly the Magpul PRS Gen 3.

It definitely feels more quality than the Luth with its construction and easier adjustment knobs that have a satisfying click.

The Cheek weld is also slightly better than the Luth in my opinion.

Plus, it can fit on both rifle and carbine-length buffer tubes.

I also like the flat bottom, so you can get a good sandbag base under there. This is what you get when you're serious about precision in the AR-10 and AR-15 platforms.

Despite all these excellent features, it comes at a pretty high weight and price tag to match.

Meet the Experts

This article was written by Pew Pew Tactical CEO and Founder Eric Hung. In addition to founding Pew Pew Tactical as a place for shooters to learn, he’s also an NRA-certified instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Eric has also researched and written over 250 articles on firearms, training, gear, and just about everything else related to firearms.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Additionally, she is an NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and former Concealed Carry Instructor. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Also editing this article is Wyatt Sloan, Editor. Wyatt is an NRA and USCCA-certified instructor with previous experience as a competitive shooter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a dozen of the most popular AR-15 buttstocks out there. Hopefully, you've figured out which one is right for your purpose and budget.

While I have my favorites, remember that the feel and comfort are completely subjective at the end of the day. What works for me may not work for everyone!

How did we do? Any popular stocks that you want to see in a future article update? Looking for more AR-15 upgrades? Check out our AR-15 Ultimate Guide.