Decent entry level buttstock assemblies?

[Monticore]

So far, I really want the Magpul CTR.

I am considering cutting this corner for now and buying a more entry level collapsing stock. Something like this one at RifleGear:

http://www.riflegear.com/p-143-stag-arms-tactical-6-position-stock-assembly.aspx

The feedback I get may push me off the fence in either direction.
I'm being impatient and want to add something to my OLL + LPK.
I feel dumb even thinking about settling since I will not be purchasing the upper for at least a few months.

The CTR looks good, but does it really have an edge over the buttstock reference in the link above?

Another that caught my eye, again at RifleGear, makes it sound in the info lines that it may be longer than others. Here's the link:

http://www.riflegear.com/p-329-vltor-emod-milspec-complete-assembly.aspx

I'm 6'5" tall with a 6'7" wingspan. Do I need to worry about somehow extending the stock? Is there one that I should give a shot due to extra length. Adding the butt plate will help a bit I would imagine.

Are these buttstocks costing 2 to 3 times as much as the Stag model in the first link really worth the extra money?

[aplinker]

Buy the Stag. When it comes time to change stocks you're only out about $20 and you can sell that stock for almost that.

The EMOD is longer, but not by much. I don't think you'd have trouble getting plenty of LOP with any collapsible - just shoot nose to charging handle.

Better stocks are more stable, have better cheek welds, and additional features (sling mounts improved, storage, etc). The 1st two are a big deal.

[dexter9659]

My friend JUST got the VLTOR and loves it in the #3 position. He is 6' or 6'1", not 6'5" but close enough for comparison I spose. The price is very much worth it, though assembling the stock is a bit of a pain due to the poor instructions (which we didnt use in the end). We shoot at Chabot if you happen by there.

[Mississippi]

By the NEW cheaper CTR. The MOE one is the same as the CTR minus the sling loop. You can score them for 59 or so on ebay.

[aplinker]

By the NEW cheaper CTR. The MOE one is the same as the CTR minus the sling loop. You can score them for 59 or so on ebay.

That's for the stock alone. It's a nice stock for the price, though.

[CHS]

The CTR looks good, but does it really have an edge over the buttstock reference in the link above?

Yes, actually it does. Not only is it made to a much higher quality standard (I have both stocks sitting behind me right now to compare), but it doesn't rattle at all. A normal CAR stock on an AR mil-spec or commercial buffer tube has a lot of rattle to it. It's very annoying. The CTR is nearly rock solid, but then it has a lock that firms it right up like a fixed stock.

If you have a chance to drop into riflegear, you can hold them both at the same time. You can just feel the difference with the CTR. Forgetting the "tacticoolness" of it, it's just worth it for the quality alone.

Now, "tacticool-wise", you've got a spot for a quick-detach sling loop that can go on either side. And you can also get different length buttpad extensions that really become a permanent part of the stock. With the standard CAR style like the stag, you have an option of a kinda crappy slip-on extension. And that's pretty much it.

Bottom line:

If you want to save money, there is really nothing fundamentally wrong with the Stag.

If you value quality first, spend the extra money on the CTR. You'll know you made the right choice when you pick one up the first time.

If you want something in-between, pick up the new magpull MOE CTR. It's a budget CTR with the same quality.

[LB21]

Standard 6 pos stock is ok, rattle is easily fixed. I switched over to a CTR recently and really like it, the friction lock and quick detach capability are nice touches. Does it perform better? I dont notice any difference as I just shoot at the range.

One thing about the CTR, all the reviews I read before buying said it locked up solid with no rattle. The one I have (commercial model) doesnt rattle but when I adjust and lock it down theres a very slight movement back and forth.

[Monticore]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I will definitely go for the MilSpec CTR. My lower just looks so naked without the stock on it. I will cut no corners.

Every thread I have read on these forums has been eductaional. Rookies like me would be lost without your experiences and opinions. You guys rock.

[aplinker]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I will definitely go for the MilSpec CTR. My lower just looks so naked without the stock on it. I will cut no corners.

Every thread I have read on these forums has been eductaional. Rookies like me would be lost without your experiences and opinions. You guys rock.

The CTR is very nice, but if you're uncertain, why not build it with the Stag and then upgrade the stock once you've had a chance to try an EMOD and a CTR?

The mil-spec tube of the Stag will upgrade easily. You won't even lose money, as a stock kit is about $60 more than just a stock from VLTOR or Magpul, and you can sell the stag stock for $10-20.

You really need to try a few stocks before deciding. The CTR, EMOD, SOPMOD, UBR, MOE... Why not give yourself the time to make an informed decision based on what you like? They each have different feels and features.