Sylvan and LAW Folding Stock Adapters

**HKGuns** · 04-24-24, 09:10

I just completed two builds and decided to change things up a bit and use a folding stock adapter for the first time.

I wasn't sure which to use, so I bought the Sylvan G4 AND the LAW G3M. These are going to be backpack-able pistols.

My thoughts on the two after installing, not shooting. I haven't taken either to the range yet.

LAW G3-M
- Installs easily, uses a regular buffer retainer, requires a special tool (included) to tighten connection with the lower
- Sits flush against the lower
- Stays folded pretty well but not as tactile as the Sylvan
- Button to open a bit small and somewhat sharp
- Can fire one shot when open
- Kind of heavy for its size
- Single QD sling mount point on bottom
- Roughly 1/4" shorter than Sylvan
- Folds fairly flat

Sylvan G4
- Installs easily, requires a special spanner wrench (included) for proprietary castle nut
- Has a built in buffer retainer
- The design leaves it sitting a bit proud
- Large button, easy to engage
- Solid folding lock up with tactile click when folding
- No shooting while open
- The lighter option between the two
- Two QD sling mount points
- Roughly 1/4" longer than the LAW
- Folds fairly flat
- Offers selection of right or left open

I like them both but the install of the LAW was easier and more straight forward. I'll see how they perform shooting. If I had to pick just one, I'd probably go with the LAW by a slight margin.

If anyone else has experience or opinions, feel free to chime in.........I didn't see very much information on these two options and they've been around long enough to be at Generation 3/4 respectively.

**SteyrAUG** · 04-24-24, 14:33

Just seems like a weak point / choke point to me.

If I want a folding stock carbine, I'll roll a SIG.

**Hank6046** · 04-24-24, 14:56

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

Just seems like a weak point / choke point to me.

If I want a folding stock carbine, I'll roll a SIG.

^^^This, I understand why people want it, but I just feel like your introducing a failure point to your AR it wasn't designed for

**HKGuns** · 04-24-24, 15:05

I don't necessarily disagree, which is why I've only now tried using one. I was simply looking to do something I haven't done before.

We'll see how it fares after some actual use. It gets real small folded, 17" which is pretty convenient.

I'm also curious what velocity I'll get out of such a short barrel and the amount of muzzle blast it generates.

**kirkland** · 04-24-24, 16:03

I have a LAW folder in one of mine. I believe the earlier generations were made of aluminum but they switched to steel for the current production Gen 3, and the thing is honestly a tank, it almost feels overbuilt, I wouldn't be too worried about it breaking. It's heavy and adds quite a bit of weight to the rear of the rifle, which could be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. Balances out a front heavy gun, but ads overall weight to the gun. It uses a spacer plug to interact with the buffer that friction fits into the ass end of the carrier with a couple O-rings, you have to pull it out to take the rifle down.

Overall, I like it, it's cool to have a folding stock AR. They also make a spring and BCG system that stays contained within the upper receiver that allows you to fire continuously with the stock folded, but I don’t have that installed in mine.

**Disciple** · 04-24-24, 18:15

Originally Posted by HKGuns

It gets real small folded, 17" which is pretty convenient.

I'm also curious what velocity I'll get out of such a short barrel and the amount of muzzle blast it generates.

FoldAR gets 17.75" with a full 16" barrel, for what it's worth.

**HKGuns** · 04-24-24, 18:30

Originally Posted by Disciple

FoldAR gets 17.75" with a full 16" barrel, for what it's worth.

Have I been living under a rock? Never heard of that one before. That might be worth a try next build. Looks interesting. But folding at the business end seems like it could potentially lead to bad things happening.

ETA: Looks like they only sell full rifles, not parts to convert. Probably a liability issue folding at that point.

**prepare** · 04-24-24, 19:09

The LAW Gen3M is solid. Great for a back pack AR. Especially a short AR9!

**yoni** · 04-24-24, 20:39

I have a both a Law and Sylvan and on my newest build I used a Stern Defense what ever it is call. I just drove 22 hours straight with me doing 90% of the driving. So my brain is fried.
I like the Stern Defense widget a lot more than either folders