Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK
Contents As They Are Received
Everything Needed For Assembly (REceiver Extension, Action Spring, and Buffer Assembly not included with stock)
A recent project was to swap out the expandable stock that came with my Windham Weaponry “SRC” and Ruger AR 556 with fixed stocks. Initially, I selected the A2 stock by UTG and really wasn’t impressed with several features of the stocks. I also did not like a stock that rattled, as did the UTG stocks (due to the spacer that is used between the receiver extension and the stock. I had to make a decision, and after a lot of research, I decided on the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK.
Since I already had rifle-length receiver extensions, action springs, and buffer assemblies mounted, a direct swap to the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK would be an easy task. A big plus was that I could lose the spacer (primary source of stock rattle), as the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK does not use it (internally, the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK uses an A1 receiver extension).
The Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK was chosen for several reasons; the MAGPUL reputation for quality products, I desired a fixed stock, and the stock has multiple sling mounting points.
The Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK is a well-sculptured polymer stock option for those who prefer fixed stocks on their MSR. A cheek piece is molded into the design and is really not noticeable at first glance.
Excellent Storage Secured by A Durable Butt Plate Assembly. Replaceable Butt Pad Offers Choice of LOP
A butt pad is fastened to the butt plate that also serves as a hinged door for the rear storage compartment, which is fairly large. The trap door is solid, does not rattle (unlike the A2 stock trap door), and is hinged to swing outward and to the right of the rear of the stock.
The mounting point for the stock is under the butt plate; an upper buttplate screw is provided with the stock. The upper butt plate screw is pre-coated with blue locking material so there is no need to have your own.
MAGPUL 0.80″ Extended Butt Pad Can Be Purchased Separately
Butt pads are available in different thicknesses to accommodate shooters who need more LOP than what comes with the stock. (I had a Limbsaver recoil pad for a shotgun that also fits the butt of the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK. While not “tacticool”, it does add 1” to the LOP.) The butt pad incorporates a diamond texturing pattern that ensures that it stays in contact with the shoulder without slipping.
The Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK angles down briskly, unlike the graduated drop of an A2 stock, and provides a handhold for support hand use when firing the MSR in the prone position. The drop of the stock also provides another sling point.
MAGPUL Sling Mount – Type 1
MAGPUL Sling Mount – Type 2
QD Sling Swivel Must be Purchased Separately
Opposing sling mounting points are located at the front and rear of the stock; however, these are location points only. The actual sling mounts have to be ordered separately. For one-sided sling mounting, a Sling Mount Kit – TYPE 1 is used. If ambidextrous sling mounting is desired, an additional Sling Mount Kit – TYPE 2 is required. Additionally, QD sling swivels (the Blackhawk Heavy Duty Push Button Sling Swivel works fine) must be obtained separately. (Note that MAGPUL also makes its own line of QD swivels that can be squeezed, rather than pushing a button, to attach and release.)
The mating of the front end of the stock with the rear of the receiver is better than most stocks. I detected very little play in the fit at the detent of the receiver, and once tightened; the stock to receiver fit is solid. As with any stock, care must be taken to not damage the Takedown Pin Spring during assembly. I found that by raising the lower with the end of the receiver upright, I could slide the stock slowly onto the Receiver Extension, match up the receiver detent to the stock while compressing the Takedown Pin Spring straight down, and then holding the lower and stock in place while tightening the Baseplate Screw, worked the best.
Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK Mounted On A Windham Weaponry “SRC”
The Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK, when mounted, is both visually appealing and functional. The LOP on both the Windham Weaponry “SRC” and Ruger AR 556 is 13 ½-inches and should be adequate for fixed-stock enthusiasts. I have no complaints about the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK itself, aside from the cost and the additional expense of providing sling mounting hardware. With that said, the stock does include one sling mount and that may be fine for some.
MAGPUL OEM Stock with Condor Speed Sling Attached
The Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK is an excellent stock and beats the rattle of most collapsible stock found on OTC MSRs. Of course, it is all in the operator’s needs and an operator may need an expensive collapsible stock, which MAGPUL also manufacturers. For my needs, the Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK will do just fine, thank you.
I substituted my original two point sling with a Condor Speedy 2-Point Sling; a good sling that allows for quick transitions from body carry to a shooting position and vice-versa (see RESOURCES for link).
QUICK LIST:
If you are planning a collapsible stock to fixed rifle stock swap, you will need the following:
- Rifle Length Receiver Extension
- Rifle Length Action Spring
- Rifle Length Buffer Assembly
For instruction on removing a collapsible stock and installing the rifle-length receiver extension, you can read my review of the A2 stock, which includes step-by step instructions, at: https://guntoters.com/blog/2015/08/08/utg-ar-15-a2-fixed-buttstock-complete-assembly/
UPDATE 09/07/2016:
MAGPUL PRS Extended Butt-Pad (0.80″) Installed
I finally decided to dispense with the use of a slip-on recoil pad to add some length to the MAGPUL MOE stock and ordered the PRS 0.80″ Extended Butt-Pad. The PRS 0.80″ Extended Butt-Pad mounts using the same hardware as the original butt-pad and was quickly installed. The PRS 0.80″ Extended Butt-Pad brought the LOP to a very desirable (for me) fourteen inches.
Now, the WW SRC is more like a shotgun, and when carried in the low ready position, the stock naturally swings up to the pocket in my shoulder. For me, the PRS 0.80″ Extended Butt-Pad was a worthwhile investment and a second one has been placed on order for the Ruger AR556 MSR, which also has the MAGPUL MOE stock mounted.
RESOURCES:
- Note: The Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer is available in colors other than black.
- Magpul AR-15 MOE Rifle Stock Polymer Black MAG404-BLK: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-MPIMAG404BLK?td_source=search
- Sling Mount Kit – TYPE 1: https://www.magpul.com/products/sling-mount-kit-type-1
- Sling Mount Kit – TYPE 2: https://www.magpul.com/products/sling-mount-kit-type-2 (used in conjunction with Sling Mount Kit – TYPE 1 to provide ambidextrous sling mounting.
- Blackhawk Heavy Duty Push Button Sling Swivel: Various Vendors
- Condor Speedy 2-Point Sling: https://guntoters.com/blog/2015/08/18/condor-speedy-2-point-sling/
