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A1/A2 AR15 stock question

NOTPARS
I have an AR15 with the A3 set-up (detachable handle and collapsible stock). I have found the stock too short and uncomfortable. I wanted to switch to an A2 stock. The company I bought it from, CMMG, sells an A1 stock which I've never heard of before. They say it is 5/8" shorter than an A2 stock. I guess that might work. Does it take a special wrench to change these stocks and is there that big of a difference between an A2 and A1 stock? I'm thinking of going A2 simply because of the fit. Funny thing, I have a Mini-14 with a collapsible side folding stock and it fits me fine.
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • llama
    IIRC (and its been almost 20 years since I did it) no special tool is needed to remove the stock and put a new one on. I replaced the collapsing stock on my Olympic and traded it for a fixed stock of the from a Colt Lightweight Sporter
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  • fastcarsgofast
    You may want to get a wrench for the castle nut.

    Like this one.
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263662969
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  • tsr1965
    If you change the stock from the colapsable to the fixed type, you will also need to get a different buffer tube, and buffer spring for the fixed stock. It is not as easy as plug and play like changing an upper.

    Best
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  • armilite
    They also make a stock extension that will make your A2 stock about 3/4 of an inch longer then the regular A2 version. A special tool is not necessary to remove your A3 stock although the special castle nut wrench would make it easier. A small punch and a hammer will loosen the nut just as well.

    You will then need the complete A2 stock, Buffer Tube, Buffer and Buffer Spring.
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  • BHAVIN
    They also make a slip on / snap on rubber pad for the collapsible stocks that may make it long enough for you and save you time and money. Brownells among others should have them.
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  • fastcarsgofast
    Have you checked to see if the castle nut is staked?
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  • sandwarrior
    The one end of the AR15 wrench is dedicated just for that castle nut. You can choose to ding it up or pay $20 or so bucks for one and not ding it up.
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  • NOTPARS
    Thanks folks. These were execellent replies and I need to think this over somemore. BHAVIN, you're right, the reason my collapsible side folding stock fits better on the Ruger is because ATI puts a big rubber pad at the end. Also, I was trying to figure out why they cost so much and I see the buffer tube and spring have to be changed. I didn't know that. And the company told me to get the tool and save dinging up the hex nut, thanks Sandwarrior. Thanks to these replies I'm going to hold my horses and weigh the advantages and disadvantages to changing it. Great pics by the way.
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