How to Take an M4 Buck Stock Off

With the right tools, an M4 stock can be removed with ease. Typically, the stock on an M4 carbine is the 4-position collapsible stock that can be adjusted for each individual shooter. The military developed this type of stock to make the carbine adjustable for use with or without body armor. The stock is secured in place by a special nut called a "castle" nut. The stock can be replaced with a myriad of aftermarket stocks using this same nut.

Things You'll Need

  • Safety glasses
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Castle nut wrench
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on the safety glasses. Remove the magazine and pull back the charging handle. Look inside the chamber and make sure the firearm is unloaded. Release the charging handle and press the bolt catch on the left side of the receiver. This will ensure the bolt is fully forward or "in battery."

    • 2

      Look at the left rear of the rifle and push in the takedown pin to the right. Pull the takedown pin out on the right side of the rifle. The upper receiver will now pivot out of the way. Push in the pivot pin on the left side near the magazine well and pull it out from the right side. This will separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver.

    • 3

      Pull out the stock fully, then pull down on the telestock latch and pull the stock off the tube. Look inside the buffer tube and locate the buffer retainer pin. Push in the retainer with the screwdriver and remove the buffer and buffer spring. Be careful because the spring is under compression and could come flying out.

    • 4

      Loosen the castle nut with the wrench and unscrew the nut with your fingers. Carefully pull on the collar that was behind the nut. There is a spring just under the collar that might pop out. Do not lose this spring. It is the takedown pin spring and you will need it to reassemble the weapon.

    • 5

      Unscrew the buffer tube and remove it.