If anyone's interested in changing the OEM folding stock (it weighs 1.4lbs, more details at the end), here's what I'm doing:
Replacing with a folding aluminum stock!
I'm not affiliated with this YouTube channel or website/brand mentioned, just a regular dude who wanted a lighter package.
Video:
Since the Makasi MK-15 will take awhile to ship anyways, I can wait (1 month+) for my order to arrive from... China. I won't link the website but it rhymes with FixGemGem, here's my order below:
View attachment 1136385
I spent a lot of time comparing different websites and products, and this was the best price I could find.
Note there will likely be some hidden costs once the items enter Canada (e.g. tariffs, tax). The stock brand is 5KU, which is the same brand from the video linked above.
I could be have gone a little lighter with the 5KU-327 instead, but I liked the look of the triangular one. Also, if needed, I can probably buy a rubber buttpad from Amazon to extend the LOP if needed. The rubber pad that comes with these is glued on so you can't easily increase the LOP, unless you get the 5KU-390, but this one doesn't accept the cheek risers (mentioned below).
I am not saying this is a "better" setup than just sticking with the OEM stock, but it is lighter. I intend on adding an LPVO + mount and I know know "just hit the gym bro" which is kinda valid, but I digress.
The cheek riser is designed for a few different stocks, including the one in the image above. Not sure if it'll even be necessary really, but it's a cheap option to avoid DIY solutions. Just make sure if you go for one of these stocks that it has the 2 holes drilled into the top to accept the cheek risers.
The adapters on all of these 5KU products appear to be the same, and can be setup to fold left or right. The ones I've mentioned here are a tad shorter than the OEM stock, so they shouldn't cover the charging handle. My only concern is the longevity and lockup of the folding adapter, however it is made of steel.
If you want an authentic alternative, you can find the real versions of these 5KU knock offs from Canadian retailers, but be prepared to spend at least 2.5x - 4x more. Again, my goal was to lower weight otherwise I would have just gone with the Magpul UCS. Also why I didn't opt to build some sort of AR buffer tube to folding pic-rail setup either.
MAKASI MK-15 OEM FOLDING STOCK DETAILS, AS PER IRG (who I'm assuming contacted the manufacturer or measured themselves):
- Adapter: 1913 Picatinny
- Mount Function: Folding, Left
- Stock Length W/ Adapter: 8-3/4”
- Stock Length W/O Adapter: 8-1/4”
- Stock Height: 4.5"
- Weight: 1.4 lb
- Mount Height: 1.77"
- Mount Width: 1.75"
Let me know what you guys think, thanks for reading!