Having run dozens of different firearms with hundreds of possible stock and furniture options, I’ve come to two main conclusions: shorter is normally better, and fixed stocks are vastly more durable.
The first part is especially true when it comes to guns that are adapted to run AR-15 style stocks. Mostly because these adaptors add an additional inch or two to the length of pull of the setup – not a big deal for shooters over six feet tall. However, as someone a few inches South of that, I prefer shorter configurations. Plus, it’s normally easier to deal with a stock that’s afew inches too short, than the other way around.
So when I was looking at building a new, .300 blk SBR in as small of a package as possible, one of the first things I wanted to track down was a durable, compact stock. One in particular that stood out to me, is the Phase 5 Carbine Mini Stock Assembly (CMSA) kit
This kit consists of a buffer tube, fixed stock, buffer and spring. -everything a builder would need to add a stock to an AR. But this isn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill AR-15 stock.
It has several features that separate it from standard stocks.
For starters, the buffer tube features a length cut in the bottom of the threaded portion for use as an indexing point for the buffer retention peg. This is great, and really helps a shooter make sure the stock is perfectly centered.
Also, the frag grenade like texture on the aluminum buttpad gives the stock the perfect balance of abrasiveness to stick to the shooter’s shoulder, and smoothness to allow quickly raise and lower it.
In testing, the stock fit and ran great on an SBR’d MPX, KRISS Vector in .45 ACP and a franken-AR-15 chambered in .300 blk. While I’ve only had the chance to run a few hundred rounds through it, thus far it seems to be rock solid and totally reliable.
One aspect of the stock that I really enjoyed, was the 7.75-inch length. For me, I prefer to choke up on guns and run nose-to-charging handle. This is normally very difficult with any fixed AR stock. But the CMSA stock made it easy even when wearing a plate carrier.
Overall, with an MSRP of $129.99, this Phase 5 stock isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but it is among the most durable. This stubby stock is a must-have for shooters who either have short arms or wear body armor, or simply prefer their guns up close and personal.