Magpul MOE Rifle Stock: A Modern Full-Size Stock for Your AR-15

What goes around comes around, right? When the AR-15 made its debut into the world, it was the most advanced rifle of its time. The long classic handguard that ran from the receiver to the front post, full-size stock, and carry handle gave it a distinctive look.

The AR-15 deployed in Vietnam just one year after its adoption by the US military as the M16 rifle. Based on the popularity of the AR-15 today, one would assume the rifle was a big hit in its first battle. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. Multiple issues made the gun less than ideal for soldiers at the time. It was prone to malfunction, overheating, and more.

When it was first deployed, it was conveyed that the new rifle was “self-cleaning” and didn’t need any attention. This led to constant issues with the rifle’s performance. They didn’t even issue cleaning kits to soldiers because of this belief. The other issue was the barrel overheating from the full-auto option on the rifle.

You may be wondering what any of this has to do with the stock on the M16/AR-15 rifle. Functionally, it has nothing to do with it. But this could be part of the reason the classic full-size stock was scrapped so fast. Because of the issues surrounding the M16, people were waiting with open arms for something different. There was also a need for a shorter gun, so the stock, barrel, and handguard were all changed. But what goes around comes around and the full-size stock is starting to be popular once again.

The MOE Rifle Stock

Magpul is one of the leading manufacturers of stocks, grips, magazines, and other firearms accessories in the country. If you want something made of plastic that is well-designed and durable, Magpul is the go-to company. The MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) Rifle Stock is one of my favorite stocks. They took the original M16 stock and gave it just a splash of modernity to make a stock that is full-size and functional.

It’s comfortable, has multiple sling attachment options, and a storage compartment in the back. When I bought my first AR-15, I wouldn’t have even thought of a full-size stock. It was outdated and I wanted the newest, coolest, tactical stuff I could find. There are some advantages of an adjustable stock, but sometimes it’s nice to just keep it simple. The stock has a 1.25-inch sling loop on the bottom and two spots for a QD attachment if desired.

The QD attachment runs about $15 on their website and there are two options for installation with one at the front and one at the rear of the stock. Once installed, any standard QD sling will work if you have a QD attachment on the front of the rifle. The back of the stock has a great anti-slip rubberized butt pad that is comfortable without being too bulky. It’s a personal preference but I don’t like thick, squishy butt pads on rifles. The storage compartment in the back is large enough to hold extra batteries for an optic, a compact cleaning kit, or anything else you may need to carry.

Installing the MOE Rifle Stock

The MOE rifle stock does require a rifle-length A2 buffer tube. If your AR-15 has an adjustable stock, it’s probably a carbine-length buffer tube and spring. When switching to a rifle-length stock, the tube, spring, and buffer need to be switched out as well. But don’t worry, this is not hard. Once you have the buffer tube, buffer, and spring it will take about 15 minutes to switch it out.

It does require an AR-15 armorers wrench to remove the castle nut, so if you don’t have one, this is a good time to acquire it. Start by removing the upper receiver and buffer tube, and adjustable stock. Next, loosen the castle nut that holds the buffer tube on. As you loosen the nut, the endplate will come loose and there is a detent spring behind it. Make sure this spring doesn’t fly away because it likes to hide once it does. Once the end plate is pulled back from the lower receiver, hold your thumb over the buffer spring detent pin. Turn the buffer tube counterclockwise and remove it. The buffer tube detent can stay in place, just don’t bump it and knock it out.

Screw on the new rifle tube until it overlaps the buffer spring detent as it did with the old one. Hand-tighten the tube and then place the takedown pin detent back in place if you removed it. Now slide the new stock over the buffer tube until it reaches the detent spring. Carefully press the stock against the spring, making sure it doesn’t bend. When the stock is up against the lower receiver, insert the bolt in the back of the stock.

Easy as pie?

As the saying goes, it’s easy as pie to install. I’m not sure how hard it is to make a pie, but installing this stock is simple. The buffer spring and upper receiver can be put back on once the stock is attached. After that, you are ready to go. I used to think full-length stocks on an AR made the gun too long. It would be great with a short barrel, but that requires a tax stamp. Once the MOE stock is on the AR, however, it doesn’t make the gun feel as long as you think it will.

Because most guns now have adjustable stocks, I hadn’t paid any attention to ARs with full stocks. But I will admit, I’m liking this one a lot. As mentioned above, the stock has a slot for a sling, but also has two places for a QD attachment if you want to buy one from Magpul. Most of my guns have QD attachments so I can use one sling on any rifle I pick up. So, I will probably be ordering the sling attachment for this stock.

Summary

If you google AR-15 stock, you will see so many options from online retailers that it makes your head spin. Unless you are looking for a specific stock, Magpul is a good brand to stay with. Their products are built well, reasonably priced, and look good too.

I like adjustable stocks and there’s nothing wrong with them, but if you want something simple and solid, this stock is the way to go. It looks good, it’s not hard to install, and the price is even better. You can even keep your batteries and cleaning supplies inside for quick access, and it’s available in multiple colors.