I have a Colt AR15 with 16" barrel, that I've had for about twenty years. I never shot it much, it just kinda takes up space in the safe. Lately, for some reason, I've developed a desire for a collapsable stock for this "space taker upper". I guess the reason for a collapsable stock would be to make the weapon shorter, however it would only take a few inches from the total length. Are there really any advantages to the short stock or is it just something that looks good? My gun buying place gave me a real good deal on a magpul with spring and buffer but now I'm wondering if I really want it.

Main advantage I guess is it can adjust to fit anyone.
I have a basic one and it has a adj stock, but like you I do not shoot it much and not a real AR kind of guy.

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Still Running Against the Wind

The primary purpose for a collapsable stock is for users wearing body armor, heavy clothing, lots of other gear = it makes the rifle instantly adjustable for a better cheek mount, based upon what one is currently wearing.

The second and third purposes would be to make it more compact for use in vehicles/boats/etc and also to reduce the weight.

For the lighter weight and shorter reasons, it also appeals to smaller sized people.

If you were just in normal clothing all the time, the solid fixed stock is much better. This would be the best for competition shooters, casual range use shooters, etc. Think of the last time you saw shooters in competition extending their stocks just prior to the shoot - it doesn't happen. The fixed stocks, with or without semi-permanent adjustment add ons, are the best for a consistent length of pull, cheek weld, shoulder contact mount and aid in proper firing grip placement.

The collapsable stocks are the winner for "fighting guns" that see use in combat, law enforcement, always changing defensive situations.

If you are just considering getting it to make it shorter, so there's more room in the safe - it won't make any real noticeable difference - and if your safe is that full, then I'd suggest that it's time for another safe!

Originally developed for mounted troops (and armor personnel), just like under folders and side folders.
Makes for a more compact and easily stored weapon in confined spaces like an APCs, Bradleys, or Tanks.

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Hold my beer and watch this!

I recently found that I can shoot my scoped M422 off of my left shoulder
(I'm right handed) if I shorten the stock all the way.
Don't really understand why this is, but it works for me.

Thanks for all the good info. Looks like something that I really don't need. Maybe I'll just put the money toward that 3" 65 I've been looking for.

The original CAR-15 with a Collapsible stock also had a shortened barrel. Main purpose was compactness. There wasn't any adjustability involved. It was either fully extended or fully collapsed.

The civilian versions of the AR-15 that came out with the collapsible stocks did not have the short barrel. Otherwise they'd have to be registered and taxed by the BATF etc.. With the longer barrels the collapsible stocks had some handling, carrying, and storage potential advantages. But I'd say most appealed to the guys that carried the real CAR-15s. Although, some folks bought them thinking there'd be some advantage, while not really having any actual experience.

I'm not saying those are the reasons guys buy them now though.
American ingenuity being what it is, the colapsible stocks became the adjustable stocks that are available now. They do have all the advantages mentioned above.

So it's your choice whether you have any real need for the adjustable stock. With the normal barrel, there's not much safe space gain.

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Pete.

The typical fixed length stock on the AR platform is too long for fighting. According to a friend of mine who was there (retired USMCR CWO3, with significant involvement with the shooting teams for a while), that is a result of the marksmanship emphasis for the National Match type shooters. The length of pull is pretty good for that use, from what I am told.

For a fighting gun, the adjustable stock makes a lot of sense. It allows one to address their own size (I have slightly short arms for an adult male of my size) and the gear being worn. A lot of military folks, and some LE, are wearing hard plates, chest rigs, and other crud that takes a lot of room, so a shorter stock is needed to keep the LoP in a reasonable range.

If you shoot the rifle well for your needs, the expense of a collapsable stock may not be worth it.

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NHI, 10-8.

With the 15/16 there is only a couple inches of adjustment due to the recoil spring in the butt. But it is enough for a soldier (or Marine, they get mad if you call them soldiers) to shoulder the rifle with the bulky gear they wear.

For civilians, a collapsing stock primarily allows for compact storage.

Or, for shooting from inside a vehicle.

Or, for slinging under an overcoat for urban patrol duty.

I only have one that gets shorter. It's pretty nasty, though.

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No life story has happy end.

I find it comes in handy for transport, but more importantly it makes a huge difference in comfort and feel when you have on layers of winter clothes and you shoulder the gun, especially for off hand shooting. Personal preference.

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Qui plantavit curabit

I like them on a short barreled rifle/s, and also on an M-1 carbine. Makes them handy and easy to store in vehicles

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the world is round everywhere

Having crawled in and out of tracks and military vehicles too many times, the adjustable stock is a big advantage.

I have a close friend who is an engineer for the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground here in Maryland. He's a brilliant guy, literally a rocket scientist, and has had a direct hand in designing and testing many of the weapons our guys are using today.

Recently, we were discussing this very subject, collapsible stocks and short-barreled rifles, such as the M-4, and I asked about their value/utility. He explained that they are simply much easier to deploy in CQB situations, such as inside a building, at ranges where the loss in muzzle velocity from the short barrel isn't going to be a factor.

Sounded reasonable to me...

I have a factory folder (old style not that new plastic junk) on my mini 14. I like mine for black ops and the occasional bedroom door breaching when the wife is mad at me.. Plus it just looks so cool at the range and as everyone knows it increases one's virility

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Forum consigliere

#1 To look 'Tacticool'
#2 To fit a child/short person
#3 To fit you when you 'tac up' with all your body armor
#4 To make it a bit shorter to stow under the seat of your DeHavilland Beaver
#5 To look 'Tacticool' again

It really does make the AR the best fitting gun for a 10 year old.

Thanks for the chuckle...I need it right about now. :-)