B5 Systems offers high-quality products for AR-15s. Today we’re going to compare two of their stocks. Which one is superior? Pull up a seat, we’re going to take a look to see which one might be more suitable for your needs.
B5 Systems Stock Options
This won’t be an in-depth review, as I’ve already done that with both stocks. Rather, it will be a brief review and comparison to help you make a more informed choice.
The Precision Stock
The Precision Stock is extremely easy to install. And, once installed, it offers outstanding adjustability for both the shooter’s cheek weld and length of pull (LOP). Want to adjust either? Simply turn a dial and you get positive clicks that adjust the height or length in minute increments.
One really nice feature is that the stock itself adjusts easily on the receiver extension of the AR-15, sort of like a standard carbine stock (except the slide adjustment is a bit different than a standard stock). Just pull down on a tab and the entire stock slides on the receiver extension, so you can get the whole setup very close to your comfort zone.
Once you get the stock close, you can use the dial to adjust it to your liking. After it’s locked in place, the dial allows the shooter to have an additional 1/2-inch of adjustment.
The cheek piece also allows 1/2-inch of adjustment.
This stock can be had in several colors: Black, OD Green, Wolf Grey, Coyote Brown, and Flat Dark Earth. Slings can be attached either via a quick detach swivel or on fixed points that are on the stock. That versatility is nice to have.
Specs
- Weight: 20.65 ounces.
- Length: 8.5 inches.
- Width: 2 inches.
- Height: 4.35 inches.
How effective is the B5 Systems Precision Stock?
The ease and speed with which the Precision stock can be adjusted make it a real pleasure to use.
Compared to the regular carbine stock, it is night and day as far as allowing the shooter to get a proper cheek weld. This allows the acquisition of a fast sight picture when utilizing a telescopic sight. When using the standard stock, I found myself fighting the carbine and scope, which slowed me down and caused unnecessary fatigue. When using the Precision Stock, though, I can get an immediate sight picture. In short, it does its job perfectly.
There are internal stabilizers, so the stock is held very securely and will not wobble over time.
The Down Side
Unfortunately, the plusses come with a few minuses.
The first is the weight. At 20.65 ounces, the Precision stock does add some noticeable weight. Most of us seem to prefer our carbines on the lighter side. So the weight might be an issue for some folks.
It is also a little larger than the standard carbine stock, so it adds a little additional mass.
If I were mounting this stock on a rifle, it would seem more at home. The weight and mass would probably not be noticed quite as much on a rifle. Still, it will work just fine for a carbine if you choose to use it in that capacity.
The price of $225.00 (at the time of writing) might be a little salty for some people as well.
The Bravo-C Stock
The Bravo-C Stock is pretty slick. It is a simpler affair than the Precision Stock. There are very few adjustments on this stock, with the only one being when it is mounted.
The Bravo-C mounts directly to the receiver extension of the AR-15. It secures by tightening a set screw when the appropriate hole is found on the receiver extension. As with the Precision Stock, there are internal stabilizers, so there will be no wobbling with this stock. They seem to work extremely well, too, as I detected no movement at all.
As with the Precision Stock, the Bravo-C Stock can be had in OD Green, Black, Wolf Grey, Flat Dark Earth, and Coyote Brown.
B5 Systems states that they’ve included their best features into an A1 length stock. Slings can be affixed either by mounting a detachable sling swivel or directly to points that are already on the stock.
Specs
- Weight: 10.25 ounces.
- Length: 8.73 inches.
- Height: 4.9 inches.
- Width: 2.00 inches.
How effective is the Bravo-C Stock?
The advantage of this stock is the fact that it provides a great cheek weld when the shooter is using optics, compared to the standard carbine stock. Although it’s not adjustable, the added height to the cheek comb seems to be perfect when obtaining a sight picture with a scope. I’m sure it would work equally well if a red dot sight were being utilized.
This stock allows an instant, perfect, comfortable cheek weld that gives a perfect sight picture.
There are no adjustments to mess with; just mount the stock and you’re good to go.
Another huge advantage is the weight—it is fairly lightweight, which is in keeping with the spirit of the carbine. Light and simple.
The price of this stock is also, in my opinion, an advantage. At the time of this writing, it is listed at $54.00. This is a bargain, in my opinion. It’s an inexpensive upgrade that will enhance the performance of your AR-15.
The Down Side
The only complaint that I have with this stock is that it cannot be quickly adjusted for length of pull. While the standard carbine buttstock can be quickly adjusted by squeezing a lever, the Bravo-C Stock cannot. Actually, B5 Systems does have a stock that offers a similar cheek piece and can be adjusted just like a standard carbine stock (it’s called the Bravo Stock).
In order to adjust the length of pull, the set screw has to be backed out and the stock adjusted to another hole in the receiver extension. This is not difficult, but a screwdriver is not required to perform the task.
The other inconvenience is that it takes a special effort if you change gear. Say, for instance, you don a plate carrier or heavier clothing. You’ll have to back the screw out and adjust the length of pull. It would be so much easier to just squeeze the adjustment lever and perform the task.
Really, that’s my only issue. Other than that, it’s a superb stock and might just have a home on my carbine for now. I’ve adjusted mine to be on the shorter side, which I don’t mind because it allows me to use it with or without a plate carrier.
Which one wins?
That’s a tough call! I love them both.
The comfort level of the Precision Stock is second to none so far that I’ve used for an AR-15. Although the weight does make it bulkier.
I like the lighter weight of the Bravo-C Stock. The comfort level for it is also very high, I have no complaints there. For the time being, I think I’ll leave the Bravo-C on my carbine, mainly for the light weight and smaller platform.
Whichever stock you choose, it will be a winner. And it might be worth your time to peruse the B5 Systems website because they have a number of high quality items that you will probably like.
