Best M4 Stocks in 2022 [AR-15 Users Must Have]

Why Should You Get The Best AR15 Butt Stock?

The stock is an important part when you build an M4 and you will know the difference when you’re shooting. Stocks affect the firing of your gun, your accuracy and comfort which is why it is important that you pick the right one for your rifle.

In this guide, we will introduce you to the types of M4 stocks and what a good M4 stock should have. After that, you will find a list of the best M4 stocks on the market and we chose these best stocks based on the criteria that we set. Keep reading to find the best choice for your M4.

Types of Stocks For an M4/AR 15

There are many different types of M4 stocks available and all of them can affect your performance with your rifle differently. This is why it’s important that you know the difference before buying it. Here are some of the different types of M4 stocks that you will see.

Fixed – What Makes The Best Fixed AR Stock?

As the name suggests, fixed stocks cannot be removed and it maintains its shape and size. Fixed stocks are the most common type and you will likely see it on most guns. These stocks might also have compartments for shooters to keep their batteries or small items.

Collapsible/Folding

Collapsible stocks can have their length modified, it can be shortened or extended allowing you to get the best firing position. Folding stocks are similar to collapsible stocks. Instead of being shortened or extended, folding stocks can be folded into smaller configurations which are easy for carrying.

Adjustable – Is it an Adjustable AR Stock?

Adjustable stocks are similar to fixed stocks in terms of their shape but includes a butt or cheek riser that can be adjusted. On top of that, its overall length can also be adjusted whereas collapsible stocks can only be adjusted for its length only.

Minimalist/PDW

These types of stocks are usually small in size and lightweight which makes carrying them on your rifle extremely easy. PDW, short for personal defense weapon, stocks are the best for close-quarters tactical action and they are also more durable than the others.

How To Identify The Best AR Stocks?

In order for an M4 stock to be considered as the best, there are certain traits that it should possess. So be sure to check for these traits in any product that you plan on buying. These factors can significantly affect the function of the item each time you fire your gun.

Type

Before you make a purchase for the stock you desire, a crucial aspect that you need to consider is its type. We provided a guide regarding the different kinds that are available so make sure you know the type that you want and don’t get the wrong one.

Length of Pull

The length of pull is the distance between the trigger of your rifle to the end of the stock. This is a crucial thing to look out for because it can affect your comfort and accuracy. If it’s too short, you will feel uncomfortable, if it’s too long, it will be hard to land a perfect shot at the right time.

Mil-Spec vs Commercial

Mil-spec means military specification and if a stock is mil-spec it means that it is constructed to have the same dimensions as the classic M4 carbine. If you’re not trying to get your rifle to be as close as the military issue then commercial ones will do as they are just slightly different from the mil-spec ones.

The Best AR Stocks For The Money in 2022 [Works for AR 15]

With a clearer understanding of the different kinds of stocks and what makes them good, we now move on to the 8 best M4 stocks that are on the market. Use the knowledge that you gathered and choose the best one for your M4.

1. Magpul Industries ACS-L Mil-Spec Lightweight AR-15/M4 Carbine Stock

Specifications

• Length: 8″
• 16.5 oz.
• Includes storage compartment
• 0.3″ rubber butt pad
• Sloping cheek weld

Features

The first stock in this list is the ACS-L Mil-Spec Lightweight Carbine Stock. This is considered to be the best because of its versatility offered at a reasonable price. You will also realise that this fixed stock fits most receivers as it’s built to military standards.

At the end of it, there is a large cheek that allows you to comfortably rest it against your shoulder. Recoil is also minimised when you’re firing your weapon thanks to the rubber butt pad. However, this replaceable part is not the best in terms of durability and is prone to heat and water damages.

Despite its minor flaw, this mil-spec stock is still a great option for many shooters. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to install with the use of chrome-silicon lock springs to latch it in place firmly.

You will fancy this if:

You like to have space for small items like batteries. The storage compartment is included, allowing you to keep your things in it.

You are looking for something easy to install and provide you with great comfort. The chrome silicon locking springs allow you to attach it easily and the contact surface is big enough for you to fire your M4 at a comfortable rate.

You will not fancy this if:

You are expecting everything to be perfect. Even a great item has its own flaws and in this case, it’s the sub-par quality rubber butt pad.

2. FAB Defense AR-15/M4 Stock With Adjustable Cheek Riser

Specifications

• Length: 7.09″
• 9.55 oz.
• Unique patented “Anti-Rattle” mechanism
• 3 integrated slots for sling attachment
• Adjustable cheek rest

Features

This FAB Defense adjustable stock is the best option for both right and left-handed shooters and not every stock in the market offers this. The quick-detach ring connector makes it easy for you to adjust, replace or remove it regardless of which hand you use.

An adjustable stock allows you to tune the cheek riser so that you can achieve the best comfort when firing and that is exactly what the FAB Defense can offer. On top of that, it also has a butt that is wide enough to be comfortable for your shoulder and is textured to be anti-slip.

Thanks to the decent storage compartment that it offers, you can store more than one battery or small parts in it and have easy access when you need them. Other than its complicated design, this adjustable stock gives you the best value for money.

You will fancy this if:

You like the ambidextrous feature it provides. The ambidextrous quick detach is a great feature for ambidextrous, right and left-handed shooters.

You fancy having an adjustable stock with a storage compartment. The cheek riser can be adjusted and the storage compartment is enough to store more than a single battery and some small parts.

You will not fancy this if:

You are not a fan of the looks. The design that it has may not be the best look and some people might dislike it.

3. Magpul Industries MOE SL-S AR-15/M4 Carbine

Specifications

• Length: 7.4″
• 12.8 oz.
• Two water-resistant storage compartment
• Internal anti-rattle leaf spring
• Chrome-silicon lock spring

Features

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the name, Magpul Industries, appears again in the list of best M4 stocks. They can be considered as the best firearm accessories manufacturer and products such as this MOE SL-S are some of their best productions.

This product comes with a waterproof storage compartment so you don’t have to worry about submerging your gun in the water and damaging the batteries or other small electronics inside. It also has a great length of pull adjustment that is within 3.3 inches to accommodate most shooters.

The MOE SL-S is extremely comfortable to use and there is a sling swivel on either side of the base for right or left-handed users. Wearing body armor while using this is also possible thanks to the non-slip rubber pad.

You will fancy this if:

You are always shooting under wet conditions. The waterproof storage compartment sets it apart from some of its competitors and hence the reason why it’s one of the best M4 stocks.

You are looking for something compact and easy to store. The dimensions of it are not the smallest but sufficiently compact to be easy to keep.

You will not fancy this if:

You are expecting it to have a strong build. This product doesn’t have the strongest build so it might not be the best option if that’s what you’re expecting.

4. Daniel Defense Collapsible

Specifications

• Length: 7″
• 8 oz.
• Glass-reinforced polymers construction
• Limited rotation QD swivel attachment points
• Includes two buttpads

Features

The Daniel Defense collapsible stock is the go-to option if you are building a light M4 build. With a weight of 8 oz. only, it is one of the lightest among the other best M4 stocks. If your M4 is used for long-duration scouting or games involving a great deal of movement, then this collapsible stock would be the best option for you.

This collapsible stock comes with a soft and comfortable rubber cheek weld to minimise the felt recoil. Attaching slings is quick and easy thanks to the rotation sockets that can be found on either side. A downside of it is the lack of a storage compartment but for the price you are paying, it’s still worth it.

You will fancy this if:

You intend to have attachments. The rotation socket allows for a quick sling attachment.

You want something easy to collapse. You are able to collapse it easily thanks to the quick response it provides.

You will not fancy this if:

You would like to have a storage compartment. Since it lacks this feature, it may not be the perfect option for you.

5. Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol Grip Stock

Specifications

• Injection-molded in glass-filled nylon
• Shock-absorbing grip
• Benelli-style rear sling loops
• QD style swivel
• Lifetime warranty

Features

If you are doing an M4 build that doesn’t follow mil-spec standards, then the Mesa Tactical Urbino is definitely an option that you should consider. This pistol grip stock also has an anti-slip contact surface to allow for the use of body armor. It’s the perfect option for users with long arms thanks to the 12.5 inches of LOP.

It’s injection-molded in glass-filled nylon to withstand high impact and firing rounds with great recoil with your M4 won’t be an issue if you choose to go with this. Plus, this material is able to maintain its shape very well even after many years.

You will fancy this if:

You are planning to fire rounds with great recoil. This pistol mold is commonly used on shotguns which means it can absorb recoil very well.

You want a durable product. The way that this pistol stock is made ensures that it has great durability.

You will not fancy this if:

You have a strict budget. The price of this item is higher than some of the best M4 stocks so if you are on a budget then this might not be such a great option.

6. Magpul Industries UBR Gen2 Collapsible Carbine Stock

Specifications

• 8-position LOP adjustability
• Multi-shell construction
• Solid fixed stock lockup
• Rollover on the toe

Features

On top of the other Magpul stocks, we have another great option for you and it’s the UBR Gen2 Collapsible Stock. This piece can accommodate shooters of various arm lengths thanks to the LOP adjustability.

A comfortable shooting experience is ensured with the rubber butt pad included. The rubber butt pad also has a non-slip surface to allow for the use of body armor. To top it off, this collapsible stock is made from several shells to withstand recoil and also making it extremely durable.

You will fancy this if:

You are looking for a great LOP adjustment. The adjustment for LOP is available in 8 different settings which are perfect for every arm length.

You long for a solid and comfortable option. This piece has a solid build and paired with the rubber butt pad and sloping cheek weld, user comfort can be guaranteed.

You will not fancy this if:

You have a tight budget. This item will cost more than many others on the market due to the features that it offers.

7. Vltor AIBCSB Improved Modular (IMOD)

Specifications

• 9.5 oz.
• Made from impact and temperature resistant polymer
• Waterproof storage compartment on either side
• Quick disconnect sling swivel sockets
• Rolled/angled buttpad to be anti-slip

Features

This piece implemented an innovative design to provide better shoulder and cheek placement and is the reason why it’s one of the best. It’s designed to hold no matter how rough it gets and is the best thing you can ask for when you’re firing for a long time.

Besides that, this product is also designed to be durable using impact and temperature resistant polymer as the construction material. You will also find a storage space on either side for you to keep your batteries or small items.

You will fancy this if:

You are looking for a durable option for your rifle. The way that this product is made ensures great durability and will definitely last for a long time.

You fancy newly designed products. This option is made to have a new and better style to allow for the best performance.

You will not fancy this if:

You prefer the adjustable type. There are limited adjustments that can be made so it might not be the perfect choice for you.

8. Mission First Tactical Battlelink Minimalist Collapsible

Specifications

• 5.8 oz.
• Length: 7.08″
• Angled non-slip rubberized buttpad
• Mil-spec receiver extensions
• Minimalist design

Features

The last option in this list is this simple stock by Mission First. It’s extremely lightweight and compact with a weight of 5.8 oz. only. This item has gained a good amount of popularity in the firearm industry thanks to its uniqueness.

Not only will this go well with a body armor, but it’s also an ambidextrous piece that is perfect for left or right-handed users. Mounting slings is possible as well by utilizing the custom mounts on it. This is definitely the right choice if you’re just starting out since it’s offered at a comfortable cost for most people.

You will fancy this if:

You are looking for cheap products with great quality. This piece comes at a fairly low cost which is great for buyers with a low budget.

You prefer to have lightweight accessories on your gun. This item is extremely light and shorter than many other choices in terms of length so it’s a great choice if that’s what you’re looking for.

You will not fancy this if:

You have a long arm. Due to length constraints, it might not be comfortable for users with longer arms.

Conclusion – The Most Unique AR 15 Stocks

The bottom line is the most unique AR 15 stocks goes to Mission First Battle Link Minimalist due to its lightweight built, a wide buttpad and excellent good cheek weld. This stock is not only versatile as it is regarded as a ambidextrous piece as discussed above hence, the price is definitely one of the most affordable and reasonable in the market.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to build your rifle with a long range precision shooting then you’d have to opt for a stock which allows more adjustability to improve your overall shooting experience where you can look into Magpul PRS and Luth-AR MBA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the M4 or M13 better for warzone?

M13. Even though the M13 has a slower rate of fire, it still has excellent damage and is more effective at longer ranges while the other option is great for personal defense.