Simple and Inexpensive Alternative To KAK/Thorsden/CAA set up?

**Nightvisionary** · 01-11-15, 20:17

I am waiting on parts for two AR pistol builds. I have been following the recent developments with the Sig Brace, Shockwave Blade, and the Thorsden buffer tube cover/CAA saddle/KAK SUPER SIG SB-15 set up. My desire is to have a comfortable cheek rest on the buffer tube. I have very long arms (40 inch long shirt sleeves) so the 7.5 standard tube length is a no-go for me. The Thorsden will give me an extra inch and a half which might be doable. The combination of products appear to be well made and looks like a great option but it seems like a cumbersome process just to get a decent cheek rest. Going this route I would have to purchase a non-standard, proprietary, KAK receiver extension, the Thorsden buffer tube cover, the CAA saddle, and the CAA Saddle adapter kit.

I have read the Thorsden, and Shockwave BATF response letters a couple of times. From these letters I believe I have acertained the following facts:

BATF recognizes the buffer tube/receiver extension is not a stock and does not care if an AR pistol has a standard 4 or 6 position extension or a dedicated smooth AR pistol extension tube. All are acceptable.

BATF approved the Thorsden set up as a cheek rest provided it is not intended to be used as a shoulder stock or redesigned or altered to be used as a shoulder stock.

My conclusion is that a plastic receiver extension/buffer tube cover with the ability to act as a cheek rest is allowable provided it is not designed or intended to be used as a shoulder stock. If my conclusion is correct then what I have illustrated below should be well within the law and intent of BATF regulations. The benefits are that it would give me a comfortable and lightweight cheek rest; using fewer, less expensive parts that are manufactured to a known and proven military standard.

**ABNAK** · 01-11-15, 20:27

If you're going to leave the ability to adjust it in or out I would NOT do it, regardless of cutting away the stock the way you show.

**MistWolf** · 01-11-15, 20:39

Use a rifle RE and put a long foam tube on it

**Nightvisionary** · 01-11-15, 22:31

Originally Posted by ABNAK

If you're going to leave the ability to adjust it in or out I would NOT do it, regardless of cutting away the stock the way you show.

I certainly wouldn't have any objections to pinning it permanently in place at a comfortable position or even performing a similar modification on a fixed stock like the Magpul MOE fixed carbine stock as pictured below. What do you think would be the issue with what in effect is an adjustable cheek piece?

**Nightvisionary** · 01-11-15, 22:33

Originally Posted by MistWolf

Use a rifle RE and put a long foam tube on it

I did consider that as an option but would like to avoid having anything made of foam on a firearm for reasons of durability.

**militarymoron** · 01-11-15, 23:42

Originally Posted by Nightvisionary

My conclusion is that a plastic receiver extension/buffer tube cover with the ability to act as a cheek rest is allowable provided it is not designed or intended to be used as a shoulder stock.

I'd say that altering a stock wouldn't be legal, as you're just modifying something that is designed, manufactured and intended to be used as a shoulder stock.

**MPchinadoll** · 01-12-15, 08:55

Originally Posted by militarymoron

I'd say that altering a stock wouldn't be legal, as you're just modifying something that is designed, manufactured and intended to be used as a shoulder stock.

I have been looking into this subject as well. It the stock was cut as the OP has shown above, adjusted to the desired length and then firmly roll pined in place would that still be an issue? My husband an I were talking about it last night. His first AR was back when 1994 AWB was still in effect. The rifle was manufactured with a bayonet lug and a 6 position collapsible stock. Prior to shipping, the bayonet lug was milled off and the stock was extended and roll pinned in place. Two things that were designed to be "pre ban" parts re-purposed into "ban compliant" parts with $10 worth of hardware store items .

Not sure If this is a valid claim. Just thinking, it makes sense to me...but when has the Government made any sense

**militarymoron** · 01-12-15, 09:01

Originally Posted by MPchinadoll

It the stock was cut as the OP has shown above, adjusted to the desired length and then firmly roll pined in place would that still be an issue?

if it's going on a rifle, no. if it's going on a pistol, i believe it's an issue. you're putting a stock on a pistol, even though it's been modified.

**HeavyDuty** · 01-12-15, 09:38

If your purpose is to shoot with cheekweld, why would you want it longer than the stock Thordsen length? As it is my cheekbone is at the very front of the saddle when I shoot with my nose about 1" from the CH. I've actually considered modding one to move the saddle a little forward.