How to Install a Collapsible Buttstock on the AR15

AR15-style semi-automatic rifles can be purchased with several buttstock options for weight-saving, compactness and variations in shooting stance. Many shooters acquire their first AR with the standard one-piece fixed stock, usually made of composites or wood. Eventually, many wish to upgrade to a collapsible stock for greater adaptability. A multi-position collapsible stock for the AR15 telescopes up to six different lengths in a single unit. This provides greater adaptability to seasonal variations in clothing thickness or when wearing body armor. A single AR15 can be handled by several shooters of different size and stance as well. Collapsible stocks, usually made of aluminum or composite plastics, are also lighter than the OEM fixed, single-piece stock.

Things You'll Need

  • Magazine vise insert or AR15 vise block
  • AR15 armorer's wrench
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the rifle and keep it pointed in a safe direction.

    • 2

      Push out the front and rear takedown pins in the upper receiver and separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver.

    • 3

      Insert a magazine insert into the magazine for gripping in a vise or place the upper receiver into an AR15 vise block. Secure the receiver in a vise.

    • 4

      Press in on the buffer spring to compress it slightly while pushing down the detent that contains the spring in the buffer tube. Slowly release the buffer spring and remove it from the tube.

    • 5

      Unscrew the buttstock screw on the butt end of the rifle. Remove the buttstock, taking care to retain the detent spring that applies tension to the takedown pin.

    • 6

      Remove the OEM extension tube using an AR15 armorer's wrench.

    • 7

      Screw the mounting nut on the threads of the collapsible buttstock extension tube with the notches in the nut facing toward the rear of the rifle. Slip the endplate over the threads of the extension tube and snug it against the mounting nut.

    • 8

      Screw the collapsible buttstock extension tube into the receiver until it contacts the buffer retainer. As you tighten the tube with the armorer's wrench, make sure the tab on the bottom of the endplate points down to contact and compress the detent spring for the takedown pin.

    • 9

      Release the locking lever on the collapsible buttstock. Place the collapsible buttstock on the extension tube and lock the lever at the desired position.

    • 10

      Reinstall the buffer spring in the extension tube.

    • 11

      Remove the rifle from the vise. Install the upper receiver on the lower receiver and lock the takedown pins in place.