Tips for Changing Your AR15 Buttstock

The Modern Sporting Rifle, better known as the AR15 has become a staple of any gun collection across the spectrum. Whether you are a hunter, law enforcement officer, a competitive shooter, or just enjoy shooting targets in the backyard chances are you own at least one at this point. If you don’t have one yet, the market is at a historic low when it comes to these rifles. A quick look at our affiliate page will help you find the right place to get yours.

The great thing about the AR15 is how modular it is. Parts interchange simply without too many specialty tools, and replacements are easy to find if you lose a spring or pin. The buttstock is usually one of the first changes made and it can be a little tricky if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. Here is a short list of things to watch for and a few of my favorite stocks to get you headed in the right direction:

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1. When choosing your stock, make sure you have the right buffer tube, spring and buffer to go with it.

2. In traditional-style adjustable stocks, there are two diameters of buffer tube sizes: commercial and mil spec. There is a slight difference in how the buttstock bodies fit, so be sure you order the right size if you already have a tube on your rifle. Otherwise, the function is the same.

3. Some stocks have proprietary buffers, tubes, or springs. Be sure you have a complete set before you start taking yours apart including any tools. I hate leaving a rifle in pieces on the bench because I didn’t have the right equipment to finish.

4. Rifle buffers and springs are simple. Outside of a few specialty springs like the JP silent capture springs, there isn’t much deviation. In fact, when we had a short rifle that wouldn’t run in the shop, we switched the upper to a rifle stock to help diagnose what the issue was. A standard A2 or rifle buffer and spring should be all you need in a rifle length stock.

5. Carbine buffers offer a few options in weight. Standard CAR buffers are a great place to start and in general do everything you will ever need. If you start getting into shorter, suppressed or even full auto builds, you may need to add weights like the “H” Buffers to help slow the action down enough to feed properly. If you are running semi-auto, these buffers help in shorter pistol builds for the same reason.

6. People like to change buffers when they don’t need to. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it until it is.

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Nick’s Favorite Stocks

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1. The Ace Ltd. ARFX Stock   $130.99 @ Palmetto State Armory

The ARFX stock is not only one of my favorites, but you can find them all over the best rifles in the industry. This rifle stock is my go-to for any builds where I want the softness of rifle length recoil like my competition guns. It features a .5” rubber buttpad as well as a closed cell foam overtube keeping your face comfortable in extreme temps. There are 6 QD sling mounts so you will always have the perfect fit! You will need to add a rifle buffer and spring to finish out this kit, so don’t forget that at check out!

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2. Magpul PRS Lite Buttstock   $91.99 @ Brownell’s

Magpul changed the game with their line of polymer AR15 furniture more than 15 years ago. Their low-cost but revolutionary designs were the Beanie Babies of the black rifle world. You just weren’t cool if you didn’t have the latest MOE colors or Generation. Well, here we are in 2025 and they are still growing with new models every year. The PRS Lite is a revamp of the original adjustable PRS stock. A wonderful addition to any target rifles, the PRS offers an adjustable cheek weld and length of pull and a rifle buffer system. The PRS Lite offers the same features but a full 10 ounces lighter than its predecessor. The difference is the buffer tube. Using a Carbine tube, the stock is lighter and allows for the smaller buffer while keeping the adjustability.

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3. BCM Gunfighter Stock Kit   $113.90 @ Battlehawk Armory

Another company that is known for being “Tier 1” is Bravo Company. Their Gunfighter Stock kit provides not only a tough collapsible stock, but all the parts to go with it. If you’re looking to get a great collapsible stock all in one spot, this is the way.  The Gunfighter features a snag-free design, QD sling swivel sockets, and a locking M4 nut with a QD slingplate. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.

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4. Tyrant CNC NexGen AR Collapsible Stock   $134.96 @ Optics Planet

Looking to stand out at the range? This is the stock for you. Tyrant CNC is known for their outrageous designs and color usage. This lineup of stocks does not disappoint! Featuring a mix of carbon fiber and polymer and weighing in at just 8 oz, this stock weighs the same as that Red Bull in your hand! With several colors to choose from, this stock uses a mil spec buffer tube, so be sure to grab one while you are there!

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5. Battlelink Minimalist Stock   $59.99 @ Natchez Shooting & Outdoors

Last on the list is the Minimalist stock by Mission First Tactical. Another provider of fine polymer accessories and mags, MFT is another company that’s been around the block. Their Minimalist stock is my favorite when it comes to lightweight, easy to maneuver builds. Its simplicity is its biggest draw and it does just what you need a stock to do. With several colors available, this link will get you to the Commercial tube version.

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