Magpul MOE Carbine Fixed Stock for AR-15 Rifles Review: A Must-Have

AR-15 rifles are the most popular type of rifle in the US and the most customizable gun out there, so it’s only natural that Magpul would design and manufacture some of the best AR-15 parts and accessories you can find. But today, we’re going to focus on one of my favorite AR-15 stocks: Magpul MOE Carbine Fixed Stock.

While Streamlight makes high-quality flashlights and Holosun makes reliable optics, Magpul manufactures any other gun accessory you might think of, and they are good at it. So, without further ado, let’s light this candle.

It’s hard to own an AR-15 for very long without wanting at least one upgrade. I’m not sure I’ve ever purchased a rifle that was absolutely perfect from the factory. I don’t think many of us can. One of the easiest and most common things to upgrade is the stock.

Unless you have armorer’s tools and like tinkering with all the little parts on a gun, even a stock change is an intimidating task for some. That’s why the Magpul MOE carbine fixed stock is so nice. You don’t need any armorer’s tools to install it; just a flathead screwdriver and maybe a rubber mallet. Further, this stock is designed to fit on your current Mil-Spec carbine buffer tube, so you shouldn’t need to remove or replace your factory-installed buffer tube.

Magpul MOE Fixed Carbine

Adjustable stocks are nice, but it’s also yet another moving part to mess with when you need to grab your gun and go. Some adjustable stocks will lock in place once you find the desired length. If you travel a lot and need to adjust the length of your gun, an adjustable stock is better for that purpose. But if you want a solid, heavy-duty stock that won’t break, a fixed stock is the way to go.

Made of double polymer construction, the MOE fixed stock only weighs 13.5 ounces and is 8.8 inches in length. I like using QD sling attachments, and while this stock can accommodate them, you need to install the QD Mount Kit – Type 1, which, unfortunately, is not included with the stock. This kit costs about $15 and takes just a few minutes to install, so it’s not a big deal, but it would be nice if the QD attachment were built in. The MOE stock has a hole in the top corner where this kit can be installed from either side.

If you would prefer to use a sling loop to attach your sling, it has a 1.25-inch loop on the bottom of the stock. An anti-slip rubber butt-pad comes installed on the MOE stock. The butt-pad is compatible with the ASAP plate, and PRS extended rubber butt-pad. Again, the best part of this fixed stock is that it slides right over your current Mil-Spec carbine buffer tube.

MOE Carbine Fixed Stock Specs:

• Platform: AR10, AR15, M4, M16, M110, SR25
• Compatibility: Mil-Spec sized M4 Carbine receiver extension tubes (not included) from manufacturers such as Colt, LMT, Ruger, S&W, SIG, and others*
• Maximum Length: 8 in.
• Length of pull: 2 in.
• Weight: 5 oz.
• Weight with receiver and extension:5 oz.
• Other specs: *NOTE: There are two basic sizes of M4 Carbine receiver extensions (buffer tubes): Mil-Spec and Commercial-Spec. If you have a Commercial-Spec size extension on your rifle, make sure to order the Commercial-Spec MOE Fixed Carbine. Specifications are based on standard-length (flat-back) M4 Carbine receiver extension and may vary depending on the tube manufacturer.

Installing the Magpul MOE Carbine Fixed Stock

Normally, when I’m gearing up to work on a rifle, I would say get your tools out and make some coffee. But with this stock, there’s no need. Simply grab a flathead screwdriver, and you should be good. I did end up using a rubber mallet, too, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to. My stock was just a bit stiff, so I needed the extra “oomph” of the mallet.

Your adjustable stock is removed from the back of the buffer tube by pulling down on the adjustment lever. As you slide the stick off the buffer tube, pull down, and it should come right off.

The Magpul stock comes with two adaptors for the buffer tube. Select the one that fits your rifle (see photo above) and slide the adaptor on first, followed by the stock. I had some trouble getting the adaptor to slide over the buffer tube, so I tapped it on with the mallet. Slide it on behind the adaptor once it is on far enough to start the stock. I then tapped on the back of the stock butt with the mallet until it was completely seated against the receiver. Use the provided screw to secure the stock to the buffer tube.

That’s all there is to it! You don’t want to over-tighten the screw but make sure it’s snug. When installing a new stock, I always check to make sure the charging handle doesn’t hit it when you cycle the bolt. This one sits pretty flush, so it shouldn’t catch on the charging handle. But I’ve had plenty of stocks that catch on the charging handle before, so I always do a quick function check once the stock is installed.

Summary

Over the years, fixed stocks have grown on me. I don’t mind adjustable ones, but I don’t really adjust them that much. This stock is just 8.8 inches, but with the adaptor that went on first, it extends the length just a little. For me, it’s the perfect length for a fixed stock. If you want a fixed stock but don’t want to switch out your buffer tube, this is the ideal stock. Magpul took out as much material as possible to make it light. For less than $40, it’s hard to beat the quality and simplicity of the MOE Carbine Fixed Stock. So, make coffee if you want, but you will have the stock on your rifle before the pot’s ready. And don’t forget to order the QD kit when you order the stock.