Stock suggestions for hunting

[Y85]

All,

query on stock selection. I recently ordered my Grendel components (AA 18" fluted upper, JP lower) and now I need to pick a stock. I got one of the SCS springs from JP and one of the APCustom composite handguards and I am looking for some type of sturdy, lightweight adjustable stock. Midway carries more options than I can interpret -- the VITOR EMod looks interesting, as do the Magpul options (MOE v CTR v STR) but hell if I can tell the differences. The Magpul UBR looks good too, but real heavy.

Anybody have advice? -- the rifle will be used for hunting (nearly exclusively) so weight is a huge concern but I might consider taking a long shot if needed, so reproducible accuracy (sturdiness) is always a factor.

As always, help is appreciated.
Thanks.

[dvrod18]

I would certainly recommend something adjustable, so when you have differing amounts of clothing on you can adjust the length of pull. I have the Rock River adjustable operator. It has battery storage in a conpartment at the rear.

[Schwag173]

I put MagPul CTRs on all my rifles. The difference between it and the cheaper MOE-Carbine stock is the locking lever at the front. When you lock the lever, the CTR becomes rock solid. When it's open there is a bit of jiggle and I wouldn't want the MOE stock for that reason. The CTR is very light, comfortable, and comes in four colors. I'm a fan.

http://store.magpul.com/prod_detail_list/83

[carbontetrachloride]

I'd second the Magpul CTR, light and quiet.

[Zach987]

I have the MOE on mine and it does wiggle a little bit. I'm pretty sure I'm still the weak link with my rifle after seeing the test group though.
YMMV

[LRRPF52]

I Cerakote my extension tubes, end plates, and extension tube nuts, so I get a nice, tight fit with the MOE. For those with looseness, you can use duct tape or moleskin inside the stock body where it contacts the tube. Just don't go overboard, because you will make a really loud noise if you have to pull with all your might to get it extended, and it goes "clack!" right before you get into position.

[JohnOD]

I like the ACE ARFX to keep the weight down. Since I don’t wear body armor or wear a tactical vest when hunting I’ve never seen the need for an adjustable stock on my hunting AR’s. Maybe it’s because my background is more bolt action rifles than tactical guns. With a long/heavy barrel the ARFX can tend to make the gun feel muzzle heavy.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/760499/...inum-black

[LRRPF52]

I think some hunters like to be able to keep the rifle as compact as possible when hiking, riding the ATV, or climbing into or out from the stand. Then, when in-position, they can extend the stock to their preferred length of pull, and shoulder the blaster.

Telescoping stocks are also great for your kids, as you can tailor the LOP to them as well.

The plus side to fixed stocks is that they feel solid, with no wiggle room.

[JohnOD]

LRRPF52 thanks for your input… all valid points concerning adjustable stocks. I only have one adjustable and it’s a basic RRA model. It indeed has lots of slop... and eats whiskers like crazy. Perhaps if I tried a good Magpul or equivalent I would like it. For now the ARFX’s works well for my style of hunting. I have used the PRS and really like it for certain applications but hiking in the desert and mountains with a 13# Grendel cured me of it real fast. I have my 20” 6.5G down to 8 ½# including a 19 oz. scope right now.

[txgunner00]

I have CTR's on all of my field rifles. Sturdy, light, quiet and quick to adjust and lock. Adjustable is a big plus for getting in and out of vehicles, etc. I also had a RRA stock and got rid of it after the first trip.

[michaelmew]

+1 for the ACE. It is not collapsible though. That might be a deal breaker for some people.

Has anyone had an experience where the force of the recoil collapses the stock when shooting a Grendel? I've heard of it happening on big bores like 458 SOCOM.

-mm

[LRRPF52]

+1 for the ACE. It is not collapsible though. That might be a deal breaker for some people.

Has anyone had an experience where the force of the recoil collapses the stock when shooting a Grendel? I've heard of it happening on big bores like 458 SOCOM.

-mm

I've never had that happen with my 16", and I always have used a collapsible stock, mostly with 123gr pills on stout loads. I don't really notice much difference between it and the 5.56 NATO, to be honest. It sounds different though.

[Y85]

Man, you guys are awesome. I appreciate all the advice. As alluded to by LRRPF52 above, one of the advantages of adjustability is that I now have two kids who are hunting and we can contour the rifle to the shooter -- as well I can use the "I got the rifle for them" excuse with my wife.

Does anyone know the difference in the CTR and the STR? Best I can tell, it is the addition of a recoil pad (and $20)?
Anyone have experience with the VITOR EMOD? A little heavier, obviously.

Cerakote the buffer tube? The external surface I presume? I haven't used cerakote yet; is it tough to apply evenly? I saw a post about dust problems....

Since I am imposing on you all for advice, I'll push the envelope a little further -- any suggestions on pistol grips on a hunting rifle?

[leopard6.5]

Y85: While I normally use the ACE stocks for my hunting rifles because they are so light and very strong, I also use VLTOR stocks on other rifles.

I love their battery storage and they aren't as heavy as some of the other fully adjustable stocks. I always have found they ballance well.

Good luck and great shooting.

Lee

[LRRPF52]

Here's how my 16" looks with the VLTOR Clubfoot stock:

[Captain Nick]

I have CTRs on most of my ARs and on the Colt lower I use with my AA 6.5. I agree with the posts regarding this subject. I have a Magpul SPS on my dedicated light sniper rifle, but I wouldn't want to add that weight to my hunting rifle.

[Overwatcher]

+1 to LRRPF52
I use the MOE stock cerakoted to take the slop up.
I used to have an ACE stock,witch are nice and light..however when I would get on a steeper hill to call in coyotes,the full length stock can be a bit too long with sticks/warm camo.
Also having a collapsible,it is really nice in the truck to move around and use with my single point sling on the long hike.
Keep it simple/light,less stuff to snag the better.

[michaelmew]

any suggestions on pistol grips on a hunting rifle?

I've got the Mako Group AGR43 on my Grendel and I like it. My only complaint would be that the trap door pops open if it gets touched just right. I don't keep anything in it, but I wish it would stay closed. http://www.themakogroup.com/product_p/agr43.htm

I'm looking at the LaRue APeg Tactical for my next build, but I'd like to know if anyone has any experience with it. LaRue has a great rep for complete rifles and such but I don't recall hearing anything about this grip specifically. http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-peg-grip

I also have a 1911 grip adapter on an AR build that is pretty cool. It allows you to use 1911 grip panels. I would have to measure to be sure but I'd bet it is slightly wider than a standard 1911 frame.

I should probably mention that I am left handed but I frequently shoot right handed too; so my perspective may be a little different and I almost always consider the ambidextrious nature of things before I buy them.


-mm

[Y85]

Cool - so CTR/STR = VLTOR? Consensus? If I am not planning on illuminated optics, what else do you carry in the compartments besides batteries. LRRPF52 - nice looking weapon. What optic?

[leopard6.5]

Y85: Don't forget that those compartments can be used to add weight for better balance even if you don't need the batteries for anything. I still use batteries as the weights but lead could be used also.

I use the Hogue rubber grips on my rifles because I like their feel and they are available in different colors. I personally use the model 15011 which is OD green and has a battery storage compartment in it.
The same model without the battery storage is their 15001 model number.

Good luck and great shooting.

Lee