How hard to install M4 Stock?

[Sir Hacksalot]

I am probably going to do some work on my Clinton Era Bushmaster, and slap a Smith Enterprises Vortex Flash suppressor on it (Adco will do the work), and I'd like to install an M4 collapsible stock on this weapon...which stock is the best, and secondly, how difficult would it be for me to remove the old stock and install the new one myself?

PS...I just saw the Ace Ltd. SOCOM stocks, or whatever they are called, and they look to be pretty slick, and well, actually look COMFORTABLE...any experience with those would be appreciated too.

Thanks,
Sir Hacksalot

[Creeper1313]

I'm not 100% on Bushmasters postban M4gers, but you may need to replace the buffer tube too if you have a pinned "fake" collapsible stock because the track doesn't have the proper holes in it for the 5 or 6 positions.

I've heard the LMT Crane SOPMOD stock is the best, but at ~$250, it's rather pricy. I am a fan of the VLTOR. It's cheekweld is about the same as the LMT and it's less expensive. Plus the battery compartments can be accessed without taking the stock off, unlike the LMT. The only negative I can think about it is that it's teeth pattern can be painful to people with beards... but I don't have one so I don't mind it.

http://www.eaglefirearms.net/vltor.htm
VLTOR Basic Carbine Modstock/Eagle Firearms Kit $135 should be fine.
The $171 kit with the cheekwelds is not necessary in my opinon as the battery compartments are the only attachments you need. Get the swivel on it's own if you really want one.

If you are looking for something less expensive, the $65 RRA stock and buffer tube on this page should be fine:
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/Rock%20River%20Arms%20Lowers.htm
You'll also want the $6 stock wrench that's on this page.

As for the installation, it's very easy. First seperate the upper from the lower, you'll just be working on the lower. Just unscrew the castle nut that is on your old buffer tube with the stock wrench. You'll see that your buffer and spring is held in by a little springloaded retainer (nipple looking thing) in the lower receiver. Push this down with your finger while holding the buffer and slowly let the tension off the buffer spring and slide the buffer and spring out of the buffer tube. If you look at the retainer, you'll see the flat part of it is held down by the end of the buffer tube. You will want to hold this with your thumb while you unscrew the buffer tube to keep it from launching it and it's spring to god-knows-where when the tube is no longer covering it.

Once you've unscrewed the tube, you should be able to just screw the new one back in with the new castle nut on it. Screw the new tube in until it is vertical and covering the flat part of the retainer again just enough to hold it down. Tighten the castle nut back on with the tube with the stock wrench as much as you can with your own hands (don't use any extra tools like a longer pipe for leverage or a hammer or you may put too much force on it). Hold down the retainer and put the new buffer and spring back in the tube. Put the upper back on and you should be set.

Edit: I left out the plate that goes between the castle nut and the lower receiver. The only slightly tricky part of this is compressing the small spring that holds the safety detent in. Also, when removing this same part, be careful not to lose the safety detent and spring.

[strazz]

Installation takes under five minutes and is extremely simple, but you need a stock wrench (<$10).

If you want a standard M4 stock, I'd strongly recommend that you buy the one made by Stag. It has a mil-spec receiver extension, unlike BM/RRA/CavArms/etc stocks, and they are of excellent quality.

If you want something nicer, consider an Vltor or a MagPul. I like the Vltor stocks because they're similar in operation to a standard stock, but they have multiple improvements and are much more comfortable to me. If you want a stock that is rock solid, consider a MagPul M93B. It's a little heavier, but the lack of a cold, steel receiver extension to put your face on and the added rigidity are nice.

[Zagger]

Personnally, I like the LMT SOCOM or the MagPul M93. I've tried others, but those are the only two I would buy. Spendy, yes, but it really makes a difference.

[DunedinDragon]

Originally posted by Zagger
Personnally, I like the LMT SOCOM or the MagPul M93. I've tried others, but those are the only two I would buy. Spendy, yes, but it really makes a difference.

+1 on the Magpul!!! Awesome unit, rock solid installation system, comes with everything you'll need except your buffer/buffer spring. The best part is that because of it's design, your cheekweld is always the same regardless of how far the stock is extended. The way you can set up "pre-sets" for how far you like it to be extended is also a nice touch.

[USMCsilver]

Originally posted by DunedinDragon
+1 on the Magpul!!! Awesome unit, rock solid installation system, comes with everything you'll need except your buffer/buffer spring.

Ditto; can't add too much more to that! :)

[Sierra]

Installation is a breeze if you have the wrench. If you want one similar to the GI collapsible one and want a Bushmaster buy it from them. If you want military spec then get the Stag/CMT for about $70 for everything. If you have a generous check book the LMT/Crane/SOPMOD is the best but then it should be for $250.

[Mnukedude]

Here's how simple it is:

http://www.glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=305749

[biggl35]

+1 One the ACE socom stock. For the price and for the strength.:)