AR-15 Stock Question

mukibetser · November 6, 2009, 10:47 AM

I am looking to buy a post-ban AR-15. Choice is coming down to a Colt m-4 match target or a S&W M&P15FT. Is there any way to have an m-4 style or Magpul adjustable stock custom fit before it is pinned and made non-collapsible and AWB (NJ) compliant?

Also, and views on merits of the colt vs S&W would be appreciated.

Technosavant · November 6, 2009, 10:54 AM

The Colt Match Target likely has a heavy barrel- it will be less maneuverable than the S&W. For the vast majority of shooters, you won't find a quality difference between them.

As for the stock, I think the "FT" on the S&W implies it's pinned at the factory (and it does look like it is a M4 style). If you want a Magpul stock (assuming you're talking about a MOE or CTR, but since you're forced to go with a pinned, might as well go MOE and save the $), you'll probably need to have a gunsmith swap it out (assuming they can remove the pinned stock and you don't need to replace the receiver extension and have the new stock pinned to the new tube).

mukibetser · November 6, 2009, 11:01 AM

Thanks. The FT stock is indeed pinned at the factory, but I was wondering whether that stock could be swapped out for a replacement that is "custom fit" to fit me. I guess that may indeed require some gunsmithing. An A2 type stock probably makes more sense -- I'm not sure what the advantage of a non-collapsible M-4 stock is other than its tacticool look. But I like the FT configuration -- the rails and Troy sights, so may just go with that and deal with the fixed m-4 stock. What an utterly stupid law.

Palmetto-Pride · November 6, 2009, 01:29 PM

I can't speak for the Colt, but I have the M&P15T and it has been very reliable I have around 1000 rounds down the pipe now and only one FTF with cheap Wolf ammo. As for the pinned stock I am sure it can be pinned at what length you want the question will it still be legal for the NJ BS law. Sorry can't help ya with that.

Technosavant · November 6, 2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

The FT stock is indeed pinned at the factory, but I was wondering whether that stock could be swapped out for a replacement that is "custom fit" to fit me. I guess that may indeed require some gunsmithing. An A2 type stock probably makes more sense -- I'm not sure what the advantage of a non-collapsible M-4 stock is other than its tacticool look. But I like the FT configuration -- the rails and Troy sights, so may just go with that and deal with the fixed m-4 stock. What an utterly stupid law.

OK, this gives more help.

That receiver and the receiver extension (also known as the buffer tube) are going to be pretty standard, just pinned. Swapping them both out (assuming you need to replace the tube) is maybe a 5 minute job for somebody with the buttstock tool. I'm not sure what goes into pinning the thing in place (I live in a state without that aforementioned stupid law), but I'd be surprised if it takes a gunsmith more than 15 minutes start to finish.

If you like the M&P15FT, then by all means have at it. Find a local 'smith who is familiar with working on the AR-15 and talk to him about having a stock fit to your particular body geometry; depending on the stock you pick (the Magpul MOE is about $50ish, IIRC, but it might be closer to $60, a buffer tube is about $30 or so; just make sure that the tube and stock are both either milspec or commercial). You might be talking about $120-150 depending on gunsmith time, but the parts themselves will be under $100. It's very do-able.

November 6, 2009, 10:47 AM	#1
mukibetser Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2008 Posts: 225	AR-15 Stock Question I am looking to buy a post-ban AR-15. Choice is coming down to a Colt m-4 match target or a S&W M&P15FT. Is there any way to have an m-4 style or Magpul adjustable stock custom fit before it is pinned and made non-collapsible and AWB (NJ) compliant? Also, and views on merits of the colt vs S&W would be appreciated.

November 6, 2009, 01:29 PM	#4
Palmetto-Pride Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,071	I can't speak for the Colt, but I have the M&P15T and it has been very reliable I have around 1000 rounds down the pipe now and only one FTF with cheap Wolf ammo. As for the pinned stock I am sure it can be pinned at what length you want the question will it still be legal for the NJ BS law. Sorry can't help ya with that. __________________ “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” -Margaret Thatcher-

November 6, 2009, 10:54 AM	#2
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	The Colt Match Target likely has a heavy barrel- it will be less maneuverable than the S&W. For the vast majority of shooters, you won't find a quality difference between them. As for the stock, I think the "FT" on the S&W implies it's pinned at the factory (and it does look like it is a M4 style). If you want a Magpul stock (assuming you're talking about a MOE or CTR, but since you're forced to go with a pinned, might as well go MOE and save the $), you'll probably need to have a gunsmith swap it out (assuming they can remove the pinned stock and you don't need to replace the receiver extension and have the new stock pinned to the new tube).

November 6, 2009, 11:01 AM	#3
mukibetser Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2008 Posts: 225	Thanks. The FT stock is indeed pinned at the factory, but I was wondering whether that stock could be swapped out for a replacement that is "custom fit" to fit me. I guess that may indeed require some gunsmithing. An A2 type stock probably makes more sense -- I'm not sure what the advantage of a non-collapsible M-4 stock is other than its tacticool look. But I like the FT configuration -- the rails and Troy sights, so may just go with that and deal with the fixed m-4 stock. What an utterly stupid law.