Review: The ARFX-E AR-15 Skeleton Stock

Most AR-15 stocks sold today are adjustable and have a few different configurations for mounting slings. Some even have storage compartments for batteries or other items. DOUBLESTAR’s ARFX-E AR-15 Skeleton stock, however, does none of these, and yet is an option you may want to consider. The tubular-looking stock is easy to install and only had one thing about it I didn’t like.

With AR-15 rifles, there are so many options for configurations that it’s cool and annoying at the same time. I’ve spent more time than I want to admit looking at stocks, pistol grips, handguards, and other parts. Looking for that special part that stands out to you, can turn into a long search. And when you do see one that looks like a potential fit for you, there’s always that question about quality. Is it worth the money? Will it hold up over time?

Despite all the variations I already have, the DOUBLESTAR ARFX-E skeleton stock was different enough that I just had to try it on one of my rifles. While I like adjustable stocks, I also like the idea of a solid stock that won’t move or rattle. I also wanted a fixed stock that was shorter than a standard A2 stock. The DOUBLESTAR checked both of those boxes.

Installing the ARFX-E

Instillation on the ARFX-E skeleton stock is easy except for one part, which I will get to shortly. It uses a standard carbine buffer spring (the same as the adjustable stocks) so there are no additional parts to buy. If you had an A2 stock/tube with a rifle-length spring, you may also need to switch out the buffer weight. Rifle-length tubes often use a 5.2 oz weight and carbine tubes a 3 oz. Standard adjustable stocks use carbine tubes, so if that is what you are replacing, you should be good.

Remove the buffer spring from the tube of your lower receiver, and then loosen the castle nut. Once the castle nut is unscrewed to the rear, pull the back plate to the rear as well. Take out the small rear takedown detent spring so it doesn’t get lost. Now, unscrew the buffer tube while keeping your thumb over the buffer tube retention pin. When the tube is off, you will be ready to install the new tube (see photo above). Use the square notch on the back to tighten it with an armorer’s wrench.

DOUBLESTAR includes a foam pad that slides over the buffer tube at the same time as the frame of the stock. You are supposed to place the front of the stock over the buffer tube, then add the foam pad and slide them both onto the buffer tube at the same time. That little takedown detent spring should also be put back on before you start this process (see photo below). The foam pad is where I ran into trouble.

Installation failure?

According to the instructions, you can use an air hose to blow air under the foam pad to help it slide more easily. This didn’t work for me. The foam pad has a rubber-like backing to it that sticks to the metal tube like glue. I’m sure this is great for keeping it in place once installed, but I couldn’t get it installed. I will admit, this could easily be my error and not that of the product. I tried everything I could to slide the foam pad over the buffer tube but eventually, I pulled, and it ripped.

I’m not sure if there was a seam or how I managed to do it, but it ripped from one end to the other. I finished installing the stock by sliding it over the tube without the foam pad. When it’s pressed against the back of the lower receiver, a screw goes into the back of the tube to secure it. This should be the end of the process, but now I had a metal stock with no foam pad. I thought about gluing it on but who knows if that would hold up.

Instead, I turned to my go-to fix-it tape (aka Duct Tape) and decided to just wrap it in black. Of course, this doesn’t look anywhere close to how it should look. I like the foam pad and metal look, but again, mine wasn’t about to go on. I’m wondering if the humidity made it worse. Anyway, I placed the foam over the tube with the seam at the bottom and wrapped it in black Duct Tape. I e-mailed the company about the issue, and they promptly sent out two replacement foam pads within a few days. This was great customer service!

Is a fixed stock right for you?

A fixed stock like this one may not work for everyone. I have longer arms, but it’s still comfortable for me to use. At some point, I plan to add a side folding adaptor like the Sylvan Arms Folding Adaptor. Stern Defense also makes a Rab-Ad adaptor that lets the stock come completely off the rifle. Either of these adapters would add just a little bit of length to the stock. This would add some length to the stock if it’s too short for you. An adaptor also helps with storage because you can fold the stock to the side or remove it.

Here are some of the ARFX-E specs:

• Lightweight: Weighs 10.3 oz
• Length: 7.5 inches overall with a 0.5-inch recoil pad.
• QD sling attachment: Has seven total mounting options
• Closed-cell foam over tube for comfort.

Final thoughts

After installing and using the ARFX-E skeleton stock, I love it. I was glad the company sent out the replacement pads so I could try again. The second time was much easier, so I think it was the humidity. With a folding stock adaptor, this would be a perfect stock for an SBR project (which needs to be registered with the ATF). If not, it also works great on full-size rifles. Next time, I may try cooling the foam pad off some and assembling it in an area that is not as humid to see if that helps.

The company was quick to send out the new replacement pads, so that’s a plus for me. Overall, I’m happy with the stock. It’s durable and has a lot of options for a QD sling attachment. DOUBLESTAR also makes several other tube-style skeleton stocks if you want to check them out. I could have lived with my duct tape around the pad, but with the new one, it looks great, and I’m looking forward to using the stock.