AR carbine stocks,plastic or aluminum???

[Greenhorse six]

Talking about the old type 4 position ones like on the XM-177 or CAR-15s not the M-4 type
Is one better then the other or is it just a matter of preference.
For the winters up here I can see how the plastic one may be better (as in not freezing to it. )to use,and I've heard the aluminum ones can crack if used to rough.

Any body have a take on this?

 

[KevinB]

The old ones are two position (open and closed)

The intial alu ones where then rubber coated (found on Colt SP2 Carbines)

Two positions stocks are IMHO a waste of a collapsible -- either too big or too short.

 

[Winz]

What Kevin implies(Kevin allow me to indulge) is that the two position stock requires one to either be an orangutan or a pigme to fit.

 

[Cocked&Locked]

What Kevin implies(Kevin allow me to indulge) is that the two position stock requires one to either be an orangutan or a pigme to fit.

are you discriminating against pygmies and orangutangs now? They deserve AR's too!

 

[redleg]

There is no advantage at all in getting an aluminum stock. They are heavier, and transfer heat much more than the plastic. Also the current generations of plastic stocks are pretty tough too.

 

[Winz]

are you discriminating against pygmies and orangutangs now? They deserve AR's too!

For any political correctness and awarness peoples who may be reading such random silly posts by the likes of myself, please note I chose to use 'pigme' as the slang word to describe a certain physical trait as opposed to Pygmy which is a scientific naming describing various idenfiable tribes.

(Cocked&Locked....hopefully this 'clarification' will prevent a swarm of little ones charging me with spears to poke me in the buttocks )

 

[Winz]

There is no advantage at all in getting an aluminum stock. They are heavier, and transfer heat much more than the plastic. Also the current generations of plastic stocks are pretty tough too.

Redleg, aluminium transfers heat while plastics often insulate more readily. Do you see a functional significance with your distinguishing the two?

 

[redleg]

Redleg, aluminium transfers heat while plastics often insulate more readily. Do you see a functional significance with your distinguishing the two?

Yes, the aluminum stock will get extremely hot in the sun, and extremely cold in the winter. Your cheek will not appreciate that much.

 

[Winz]

True, that's pretty much a given. Mind you plastic while it takes longer to change temps, get's to be so as well given time exposure.

I thought you implied some mechanical function significance.

 

[Shrapnel]

The heat transfer to your face will be a lot faster with aluminium. Therefore, your skin will get burned or stuck to the aluminium almost instantly.

 

[Greenhorse six]

Thanks, guys,Its more about the material aspect,which one is tougher,sounds like the plastic is better.
Lean so much here,I have to go lay down now,my head hurts. pigmes?isn't that some kind of light infantry?

 

[Leg]

Functionality aside;

It's pretty much a personal preference thing. If you are going for an older look then either one would really be acceptable depending on what you're trying to replicate. For any of the XM177 series, the aluminum, covered with vinyl acetate would be correct. The C8 also originally used the aluminum butt, but I've seen quite a few that have fiberlite stocks as replacements.

As for the two position thing. Get a newer mil-spec buffer tube with anywhere from 4-6 positions. More user friendly and you can't tell the difference unless you take off the stock body.

I've been trying to find an original Colt aluminum stock for quite awhile now. They are hard to find and command high prices due to their rarity. However, if you're going for and old school retro look than they are the way to go.

If you decide on fiberlite than I'd contact Armseast. Stag sells the older mil-spec fiberlite stock with a 6 pos tube for pretty cheap. I don't know if it's 100% identical to the Colt one (I've been thinking of ordering one myself, just to find out).

If retro is your thing than their is an excellent retro forum over on Arfcom.

 

[Greenhorse six]

Cast Aluminium vs fibre reinforced nlyon?

I take the nlyon!! Nylon cracks. Aluminum cast shatters.

Thats what I wanted to know.I'am putting together a look-alike XM-177,that just has to be good enough for me.was looking at the stocks put out by Armalite,will check out Armseast.
The cost of originals is way to much,close enough is good enough for me.
Thank,agian for the feed back.