MAGPUL CTR AR-15 Stock: Best Stock For The Price

It’s been a while since I upgraded or purchased a stock or any other parts for a full-size AR-15 rifle. In recent years, all my builds and upgrades have evolved around AR-15 pistols. A shorter weapon is ideal for many reasons, and they have great accuracy unless you are trying to shoot way out there. In 2012, the ATF declared AR-15 pistols with stabilizing braces legal and not an SBR (short barrel rifle). But no one told the ATF there were no takesies-backsies and they recently took it back. They changed their minds and declared their previous opinion wrong. Now stabilizing braces on AR-15 pistols are considered SBRs.

I’m sure this has led many to convert their shorties into full-size AR-15 rifles again. And that includes changing that stabilizing brace out for a more solid rifle stock. There are a lot of options on the market for adjustable stocks, but one, in particular, gives you the best bang for the buck. That is the Magpul CTR (Compact Type/Restricted) Carbine Stock. It’s a sturdy, adjustable stock that has a modern but battle-ready look to it. The quality is what you would expect from Magpul.

The Magpul CTR Adjustable Stock

There are two primary styles of stocks dominating the market right now. The first is the Mission First Tactical Battlelink Minimalist stock. This polymer stock is durable and lightweight because there isn’t a lower section to the brace. I have a few of these and they are great stocks, but I prefer the A-frame ones over the L-frame ones. The CTR has QD attachments on both sides of the stock, so the sling works on either side. There are other stocks that work better for specific purposes, but this one is great for a multi-purpose AR-15.

It is important to note that this stock fits the mil-spec buffer tube. If you have a commercial-size buffer tube, make sure to order the commercial size. Magpul uses a chrome-silicone lock spring to give you years of trouble-free use. It also includes sling grooves on the top and bottom for 1.25-inch slings. There is one lanyard hole at the bottom rear of the stock for custom para-cord rigs should someone need that.

What I Like About the Magpul CTR Stock

The AR-15 was originally built and designed for a full-size fixed stock. It was several years later that adjustable stocks were being used for special purposes in the military. But once they came out, they continued to grow in popularity. When selecting a rifle stock, I want something solid, and adjustable, with a QD attachment, and a rubber butt pad. I use QD attachment slings, but others may want something different if they use another type of sling. The CTR meets all of those needs for me.

One of my favorite features on the CTR is the “friction locking lever” that keeps the stock from moving around. By moving around, I mean rattling around from the play in the stock. I know I’m being picky, but some stocks out there have too much play in them. When the friction lever is pressed, the stock locks in place and feels like a permanently attached stock. The adjustment lever on the stock is wide and easy to compress to adjust the stock to your preference. The rubber butt pad provides a little more cushion against recoil, but the biggest advantage is that it keeps the butt from sliding off your shoulder. The CTR is more expensive than some of the basic mil-spec stocks out there, but the extra money is worth the upgrade.

How To Install a Magpul CTR Stock

If your pistol brace was already on a mil-spec tube, you can switch it out for this one in five seconds. The lever on adjustable stocks moves up towards the top of the stock to adjust it. At the point where the adjustment lever pivots, pull down on the lever. This pulls the pin clear of the back of the buffer tube and allows it to come off. The CTR has a small lever directly under the adjustment lever that does the same thing. Pull the lever down to install the stock on the buffer tube.

Once the stock slides onto the buffer tube, use the lever to adjust the stock to the desired setting. If you don’t have a mil-spec tube, you will need to install one before you can add a brace to the rifle. The AR-15 that I am working on was a pistol that I am converting back to a rifle. I have already changed out the barrel and handguard but still need to change the brace. The rifle had a maxim defense brace when it was a pistol. I will be removing this and adding a standard mil-spec tube.

Installing a mil-spec buffer tube for the CTR stock

To change the stock, first remove the upper receiver from the lower. I use a Real Avid AR-15 block to hold up my lower while I’m doing this. Push down on the buffer tube retainer and the buffer and spring will come out. Next, use an armorer’s wrench to loosen the castle nut on the back of the lower receiver. Be careful not to turn it too fast because there is a pivot detent spring under the end plate. With the castle nut unscrewed all the way, pull straight back on the end plate and remove the detent spring on the lower right side. Then place your thumb over the buffer retainer and unscrew the buffer tube. When the buffer tube clears the buffer retainer pin, pull it and the spring out. The tube can now be unscrewed the rest of the way and removed.

To install the new tube, place the endplate onto the buffer tube. Then put the pivot detent and detent spring back into the lower receiver. Screw the buffer tube on until it gets close to the buffer retainer hole. Place the retainer spring and pin back into the hole and press down while screwing the buffer tube in until it covers the edge of the retainer pin. Once the tube is in place, push the end plate up against the receiver, which should compress the pivot detent spring into the receiver. While holding the end plate, tighten the castle nut. Re-install the buffer and spring and slide the stock over the buffer tube.

Need a new stock?

Selecting the right stock is not easy, but it shouldn’t be hard either. If you are building a long-range rife then you may want to look at some of the stocks that have adjustable cheek rests. If you’re going light and as small as possible, you can go with a butt pad that connects to the end of the buffer tube. But if you want a great stock for a multi-purpose rifle, the Magpul CRT is the best one I have seen at a reasonable price. The shape is perfect for bracing on your shoulder, and it works well with a QD two-point sling. If you’re shopping for an AR-15 stock, check out the Magpul CTR adjustable stock.