Finding the best AR-15 folding stock might be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be if you know exactly where to look and what to look for. A great folding stock will make your AR-15 more accessible for most shooters.
Whether you’re short in stature or a big and tall kind of shooter, a folding stock’s purpose is to make the AR-15 more usable. To get you started on your search, we’ve tracked down five of the best AR-15s on the market and added them to our list of reviews. This will serve as your springboard in finding one that will be a better fit for you. Whether one of these five will be your next choice or not, your main goal is making your AR-15 as user-friendly as possible.
Before we get to our list, we’ll be talking about what a folding stock is and what you can expect from it. Then, we’ll show you a list of what you’ll need to look for while searching for one of your own.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR15 Folding Stocks
Comparison Chart of the Best AR-15 Folding Stocks
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What is a Folding Stock?
A folding stock is designed to give you more customization so you can use it no matter what size you are. At the same time, a good folding stock is proven to take up less space as opposed to an AR-15 rifle. This is also great for you to use if you happen to find yourself in a close quarters combat situation.
Plus, it also makes storage more discreet. No matter what situation you’re in, having a folding stock can be beneficial for you, the shooter, especially when you’re defending your home against attackers or prowlers.
AR-15 Side Folding Stock (Source)
What Can You Expect From Folding Stocks?
There are some advantages you’ll enjoy if you choose to upgrade your AR-15 rifle with a high-quality folding stock. Aside from doing things a regular fixed stock cannot do, here is what you can expect from a folding stock:
More Compact
Storage might be an issue for those who own an AR-15. That’s why it’s important to invest in a folding stock if you are more inclined to save space for your other guns, accessories, and ammo that needs to be stored away. This can usually fit in most gun cabinets or lockers, regardless of how much space is available.
More Customizable
A folding stock may also come in handy if you can’t seem to handle an AR-15 due to your size. If you’re quite short or big and tall, you can still use an AR-15 regardless of whether the stock is folded or pulled out and attached to the usual size. You can customize it to your advantage and still be able to use it without issue, regardless of the intent and purpose.
Portability
If you have a hard time transporting your AR-15 as is, chances are you might benefit from a folding stock. You can carry it with you in your vehicle. No longer will you have to rely on something like a gun rack or worry about it taking up too much space as you are operating a motor vehicle.
How to Choose a Folding Stock For Your AR-15
If you’re looking for a folding stock for your AR-15, it’s important to look for a few aspects and features that may drive you to your final decision. Knowing how to distinguish between a great folding stock and one that is cheap and low-quality is key. And we’ve taken the liberty of providing you with a brief list of what to look for as you’re shopping for a folding stock of your own. The following is the list based on factoring decisions of past buyers:
Material
The material will matter if you hold quality to a high standard. Most of the stocks we’ll be looking at will be made from high-quality materials, like polymer. Polymer stocks are designed to resist all kinds of damage like weather, cleaning oils, and solvents to name a few. Plus, they hold up a lot better compared to your standard classic wood stock.
Brownells - AR-15 Enhanced Sopmod Stock Collapsible W/ Folding Stock Adapter is made of polymer.
Price
As a budget shopper, you know it is important to look at the price tag before making a purchase. That's not to say that it should be the only reason why you should purchase a folding stock. It's also important to take a look at the other features and abilities of the stocks you're looking to buy. How good is the quality? Do the functionality and ability match your standards? These are the questions you need to answer to take you beyond the price tag.
Installation
A user-friendly stock is a great stock. One that is easy to install is even better. Especially when it’s a folding stock. All it takes for you is a few tools and minutes of your time. Once complete, you’ll be able to take it out to the range and fire practice shots. Shoot rounds when it’s in the folded position and shoot more when the stock is unfolded. This will give you a good idea which is better in terms of accuracy.
Review of the Best AR-15 Folding Stocks
The following is a list of five of the best AR-15 folding stocks currently on the market. As you go through each item on the list, you should make a note of what is included as part of the features and how it functions. That way, it will give you a good idea as to whether or not it matches your personal needs and preferences. T
his list might be the first (and last) place to look if you’re in search of a folding stock for your AR-15. If you find one that interests you, take the time to research it further using the various gun forums that exist online. With that said, let’s begin by taking a look at our “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
Sig Sauer - MPX/MCX M4 Style Folding Stock
Pros
Cons
First on the list, we’ll be taking a look at the Sig Sauer brand’s MPX/MCX M4 Style Folding Stock. If you’re looking for a folding stock that is as close to a factory replacement as you can get, you’re going to love this model from Sig Sauer.
This is made from high-quality materials designed to make this durable and impervious to almost anything that might otherwise damage other stocks. For example, it can handle all kinds of weather and is resistant to damage caused by cleaning oils and solvents. So this is a tough all-around customer.
On top of that, this is an ambidextrous folding stock. This will be the best fit for left-handed shooters as opposed to right-handed ones. If you’re a lefty, you’re probably rejoicing right about now. Also, you can install this puppy on the left-handed AR-15 you’re probably building (if not, you might want to consider going that route).
If you’re looking for an item that is considered the best of the best, the Sig Sauer brand M4 Style Folding Stock might be something that’s worth the deeper look. Whether you’re using it for mid-range or long-range shooting or close quarters combat, you want a folding stock that will function properly and give your AR-15 the ability to be customized for any application.
Bottom Line
This proves itself to be the best overall on the list. This has the ability to accommodate all shooters of pretty much any size. And it’s strong enough to handle a heavy-duty rifle like an AR-15.
It’s lightweight and won’t make your rifle feel like a one-ton boulder once it's installed. All in all, it’s a customizable and reliable folding stock that will make your AR-15 more useable for any kind of shooter.
Runner-up:
AR-15 Gen 3 Folding Stock Adapter W/M4 Stock Assembly
Pros
Cons
Next, we’ll be taking a look at the Brownell’s brand AR-15 Gen 3 Folding Stock Adapter. This includes your buttstock, buffer tube, buffer spring, and lastly, the buffer itself. This has the ability to fold into a compact size. It’s quite convenient to have, no matter what application you’re using your AR-15 rifle for.
If you’re looking for something that will up your portability game a bit, this folding stock might just serve you well in the long run. What’s great about this is that it has the ability to accept all kinds of receiver extensions. A2, M4, or commercial carbine styles, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to worry about what fits and what doesn’t.
And it’s even compatible with just about any BCG on the market. This is your “no worries” kind of folding stock that can pretty much adapt to any type of additional accessory that will make your AR-15 work.
You can simply fold or unfold it simply by one press of a button. It will be easy to operate and easy to deploy. Whether you’re in a home defense situation or target practicing, you can make the adjustment in a matter of seconds. If you want a fast-acting folding stock, the Brownells’ could very well be what you’re looking for.
Bottom Line
The Brownells brand folding stock will make your AR-15 rifle more portable and discreet for storage. And it's quick to deploy in the situations you need it the most. If you're looking for something that will deploy with just one press of a button, then this folding stock might just be what the doctor ordered. Even more impressive to us is that it can support all kinds of accessories like BCGs and extended receivers.
Best For The Money:
Brownells - AR-15 Enhanced Sopmod Stock Collapsible W/ Folding Stock Adapter
Pros
Cons
Now, we’ll be taking a look at the best AR-15 folding stock that will fit most budgets. We’ll be sticking with the Brownells’ brand with this review. This is their AR-15 Enhanced Sopmod Stock Collapsible with a folding stock adapter.
This is designed to make it easier to store away. Plus, it makes the portability of your AR-15 rifle a much more pleasant possibility. Plus, this is designed to make your shooting experience more comfortable.
You can deploy or fold this stock with one touch of a button. The deployment is quick and takes a matter of seconds. Even more impressive is that this stock includes a storage compartment that will allow you to store some small accessories and even batteries. Some extra batteries would be nice to have in case the illumination on your scope’s reticle goes dead.
On top of that, this has a rubber recoil pad designed to help you resist as much recoil as possible. This will also absorb the shock produced by recoil, thus allowing you more control over your AR-15 rifle.
If this is a folding stock you like and you’re trying to stick to a budget, this might be a stock that will warrant a closer look.
Bottom Line
Easy to deploy, super durable, and gives your AR-15 more portability. If there are three things to describe this folding stock, it’s that. Actually, let’s add in a fourth thing: it’s affordable for most budgets. As expected, this budget folding stock is something that exceeds the expectations of being something cheap and low-quality.
The recoil reduction on this stock is something we’d expect to happen since it has a nice rubberized recoil pad added to it. Though it has an affordable price tag, the overall quality makes it look like it should cost much more. If you’re looking for a steal, this AR-15 folding stock from Brownells, with its affordable price tag, will probably be the best thing you’ve invested in.
4. Brownells - AR-15 Sopmod Bravo Stock Collapsible W/ Folding Stock Adapter
Pros
Cons
The next folding stock we’ll be looking at is the Brownells Sopmod Bravo Stock. Included is the folding stock adapter. If you have a mil-spec buffer tube, you won’t have to worry about whether or not this stock will fit your rifle. This will fit perfectly with these types of buffer tubes without any issue.
The stock itself is made from high-quality polymer, thus making it a strong and durable stock. It will have the ability to absorb a lot of shock associated with recoil. If you’re looking for something that will allow you to withstand all kinds of recoil, this product could be yours.
It is designed to give you a more comfortable shooting experience every time you deploy it. This is as close as you can get to a military-style, if you fancy yourself someone who wants to customize their AR-15 to make it as tactical-style as possible. This product will come in handy if you’re in a close quarters situation like defending your home against attackers and prowlers.
Plus, this will make carrying and transporting your rifle easier. And best of all, it won’t take up a whole lot of space. If portability is your top priority for your AR-15 rifle, then a great folding stock like this might be exactly what you’ll need.
Bottom Line
The Brownells brand proves itself once again to be reliable. Not only do they make top-quality folding stocks, but they also have a customer service team that is hard to beat. If you have an issue with your product, they’ll help you out and send you a new one if necessary.
With that said, this folding stock might be yours to own if you’re looking for something that will make your AR-15 more portable and easy to deploy, no matter what application your rifle is used for.
5. Brownells - AR-15 MOE Stock Collapsible Mil-spec W/ Folding Stock Adapter
Pros
Cons
For our final folding stock, we’ll be wrapping it up with another Brownells’ brand folding stock. This is the mil-spec style folding stock. Included is the folding stock adapter.
What sets this apart from the other stocks on the list are as follows; first, the cheek weld is still comfortable but it’s more stable than other Brownells folding stocks. Plus, if you’re using a sling to carry it around in a hands-free kind of way, you’ll have plenty of sling attachments available to you.
You’ll also have an even thicker recoil pad that will equal more recoil reduction and most importantly, a whole lot of shock absorption. If you’re looking for something that will give you more recoil resistance, there’s a good chance you have found a folding stock in the MOE version of the Brownells’ line of stocks.
Despite the slight changes, you still get the same one button deployment and folding feature that’s included in the entire line of Brownells products. And you still get a more comfortable use from it each time you use your AR-15 rifle. Once you’re done, you can fold it and store it away without taking up all the space a regular rifle usually takes up.
This will fit any four-position or six-position mil-spec carbine buffer tube. So you don’t have to do all kinds of guesswork as to whether or not this folding stock will fit yours. If you know which carbine buffer tube you’ve got, there’s a good chance this folding stock will fit perfectly on your AR-15 rifle.
Bottom Line
Out of all the Brownell brand folding stocks on the list, this is one of our favorites. It’s a bit meatier than the rest of them. The recoil pad is a little thicker than the others, making it more absorbent to shock. And it’s even more resistant to recoil. Don’t be surprised if the recoil is more reduced in this stock than the other Brownells stocks.
Regardless, you still get the same amount of compact portability and quick deployment just like the rest of them. If you like the Brownells brand, but want something that’s built like a brick house, this MOE stock might just be the one to consider.
Conclusion
The best AR-15 folding stock for you is out there. And it may be closer than you think. Take a look at the five folding stocks listed and decide on which one is better for your personal preferences and needs. You want a fully customizable, user-friendly AR-15 that will fit all kinds of shooters. Whether you’re upgrading or building from scratch, it all starts with the parts you need.
