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View Full Version : M16A1 and A2 Stock durability!


crusader377
03-13-12, 13:43
I have a spare upper that I was thinking of building a M16A4 clone. Although I greatly prefer the length of the A1 stock, I know the A2 stock design is made from more durable materials than the orginal A1 stock. I was looking at this from Fulton Armory which uses a Cav Arms A1 with better quality hardware and wanted to know if anyone has used one and can comment on its quality?

http://www.fulton-armory.com/buttstockassemblygroupa1newblack.aspx

Also, how is the balance on an M16A4 clone using a A1 style stock?
J_Dub_503
03-13-12, 15:09
If it was my money and my rifle, I'd go with the Magpul PRS or the EFX-A1 (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=78295/pid=41967/Product/AR-15-M16-EFX-A1-ENHANCED-FIXED-STOCK?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c100006552_d_100006552_d_10902)
Animal_Mother556
03-13-12, 15:19
If it was my money and my rifle, I'd go with the Magpul PRS or the EFX-A1 (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=78295/pid=41967/Product/AR-15-M16-EFX-A1-ENHANCED-FIXED-STOCK?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c100006552_d_100006552_d_10902)

I think you are missing the point of a "clone"

I have handled an A4 clone with an A1 stock. There was no balance difference to my untrained hands/arms.

Now, I am 6 foot 3. I did not like the feel of this gun. I have always preferred the A2 stocks. I know that I am in the minority on this, and that's okay. I am not trying to talk you out of it...on the contrary....If a tall, long-armed dude didn't like the feel of it, It will probably feel pretty decent to "you people".
J_Dub_503
03-13-12, 15:30
I'm not missing the point, I was just giving my opinion. He's worried about quality and durability and I thought to share these nice alternatives.
sinister
03-13-12, 16:43
As for the mutant 6 foot 3 gent's comments above, yes, us normal-sized mortals like the (Fulton/Cav Arms) A1 stock over the standard A2/A4.

It balances just as well, is durable, and unless someone asks a casual observer can't tell the difference. I like them (I've retro-fitted my National Match #1 and #2 guns, an SDMR, and my son's gun to these A1 stocks). I just swapped the A2 hardware to the A1 shell and carried on.
Lincoln7
03-13-12, 16:48
I have used a few of Fulton's A1 stocks and I love them. I have one on my RECCE style and one on my M16A2 lookalike(don't tell anyone).

I prefer the shorter length over the A2 and the plastic quality is great. Also, no play in the stock and won't bite me when I grow my facial hair.
Submariner
03-13-12, 16:52
Colt used to put their "CS" stock on some LW 16" models, i.e. A1 length stock made of A2 materials. We put one on our NM rifle and a DMR. The lowers from which they were spawned are carbines now. Much mo' betta'.
Animal_Mother556
03-14-12, 07:57
As for the mutant 6 foot 3 gent's comments


:sad:

....But.....it.......ah, **** it
sinister
03-14-12, 10:33
Relax, man -- us Pandas and Ewoks stick together against "You people" over 6-foot. :D
hikeeba
03-14-12, 10:39
I have an A1 stock kit from Fulton Armory (purchased in early/mid 2010, if that matters). The entire kit assembled into a very solid unit. The stock itself appears to me to be made well, and isn't thin or flimsy. I'd buy another one without hesitation. Fulton was quick to ship, too.

I can't compare it to an A2, nor can I comment on how it balances with a M16A4. Mine's on a 16" Recce-type/style rifle.
Amicus
03-14-12, 11:14
I don't know all the details of A1 stock construction, but I have heard that the A2 is made from better materials than the A1. That being said, from my observations, the A2 is better-made than the original A1, but appears to be about the same as the later A1s.

The original A1s were made from relatively thin plastic with styrofoam injected innards. They had a solid "rubber" butt plate and weighed in at about 316 grams (without screw). Considering their rather aged condition and less substantial construction, they are pretty brittle. I have broken one with less than 100 lbs. of lateral pressure (and I am not that strong, or heavy).

The later A1s appear to be of similar construction to the A2s, have buttstock storage compartments, and weigh about 416 grams (without screw).

I just looked at a Colt A2 take off, in excellent condition, that weighed 390 grams (without spacer or screw, not a mistake).

You might just contact Numrich and get a couple of A1 (A1/A2 sling location) stocks for about $22 apiece (plus shipping) and take your chances with their "big bin o' used stocks." If you are not satisfied (i.e., if it's too beat up for using), send it back and they'll send you another. These stocks are in much better shape than the older A1s, and are (usually) a snap to resuscitate with a little sanding and black shoe polish.

Don't forget to order the short screw as well. See:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=564730A&catid=13510
wi57
03-14-12, 18:18
I have an A1 stock on my A4 clone. Reason being when it's cold it was almost impossible to get a good sight picture through the ACOG while wearing a winter coat. The 1" difference makes it easier to look through the sight.

As far as duribility, I think the new A1 stocks are made from the same material as the current A2 stocks and should be strong enough. My A1 stock is an old A1 fleck stock and it has held up just fine for what I use it for. I also used the A2 butt plate on the A1 body and it works perfectly.
Animal_Mother556
03-15-12, 01:31
Relax, man -- us Pandas and Ewoks stick together against "You people" over 6-foot. :D

No hard feelings. I was just foolin' :D:D
jwfuhrman
03-15-12, 08:58
Animal - the way I see it, us tall dudes have 2 ways to look at it. Everyone else either has to look up to us, or we get to look down upon all the mere mortals below us.


Mount Olympus is quite nice btw.... Mortals.


Im 6'2" and prefer the A1 stock actually. But it fits my shooting style better.
crusader377
03-15-12, 17:39
Thank you all for your feedback on this post. I think I will do the Fulton A1 stock when I start my M16A4 clone build. That is unless I find a Colt CS stock for a reasonable price. Even though it has been over 11 years since I fired an A2 and 14 years since I fired an A1 I always remember the A1 works alot better for me and I'm 5' 10".
nimdabew
03-15-12, 18:53
Besides losing the storage capacity of the A1, is there any reason to not fill the entire stock with resin or something similar to weigh it down a bit and increase durability? Everything I know is from collapsible stocks up until this point.