Smith and Wesson FPC Butt Stock Change

[shiloh87]

Recently added one of these to my PCC collection and so far I`m happy with it except for the butt Stock. Because of how wide it is, I personally find it hard to get a good sight picture.
When mounting the rifle the sights should be there, for me I have to wiggle around to get the sight picture just right.
How ever, this does not detract me from liking it, the set up just dosn`t do it for me.
So i`ve decided i will try a few ideas for mounting a different stock to it, I`ve ordered some stuff and will see how it goes.
The buffer tube is around 1.2" OD, the stock needs to be under 5.5" long as to not interfere with the cocking handle, but not too short so as to accommodate the external buffer spring. Slim pickings on the open market for anything that may work.
I saw the Phase 5 universal stock which would be the tits on this rig, but availability in Canada is nil and its just too short for the buffer spring.
I have other ideas and if I`m successful, I`ll report back with pictures, cost and what I did.

 

[alpining]

I'll be interested to hear what you come up with. The FPC buttstock is certainly a bundle of strange design choices by S&W (and possibly my least favourite feature).

It's not obvious, but maybe you are aware and already have something in mind: The FPC buttstock houses and retains a secondary buffer spring, do you have some solution for that?

As it is, it seems like the only sure thing would be to do major surgery on the OEM stock. Something like carve off the excess width and then backfill the gaps with bondo. Great arts and crafts project.

 

[shiloh87]

"The FPC buttstock houses and retains a secondary buffer spring, do you have some solution for that?"

I do, All that needs to be done is match the dimensions of the original so as to house the buffer spring and retain the take down pin. As mentioned earlier due to the buffer tube size(1.2"dia) that makes it hard to find something that would work, plus you don`t want the LOP to increase, its already almost too long.
I thought about chopping up the butt stock but decided to keep it OEM in case I sell it. Some folks actually like the S&W design, myself not so much, mags can go into your pocket or mag pouches.

Stay tuned

 

[alpining]

Good stuff. I'm thinking that the cost of a replacement OEM buttstock shell might actually be pretty cheap, considering what it is. Then again, availability might be the issue.

Maybe it's obvious to everyone else, but that just made me realize that the secondary buffer spring design probably explains why the LOP needs to be so dang long. And also why they couldn't use a tube diameter compatible with existing aftermarket stock options.

I'm really curious about exactly what benefits the design gets from using the secondary buffer spring. All of the other common straight blowback options I can think of use a more-or-less hard stop at the end of the bolt/buffer travel. I guess it would help soften the recoil impulse, but I wonder if there are other mechanical benefits.

 

[shiloh87]

This project may be a bust, my order from the US of A was just cancelled due to itar bs, won`t ship AR type stocks out of the country, and can`t find what I need here.
Before covid projects like this were a breeze, now there`s jack sh!t available here any more!!!
So anyone out there have a UTG S4 stock for sale?? That was my plan, to modify it to fit, then plug and play.

 

[alpining]

Prophet River or IRUNGUNS might be able to import it for you. I've special ordered items from the US using both of them. It costs money and time.

 

[shiloh87]

Ya I thought about that, to roughly transfer the cost of an item worth $27-30us to $100+ Canadian is hardly worth it.
I`ll keep an eye out, one will come up sooner or later.

 

[shiloh87]

Found a stock and spent 4 hours this evening fitting it. Works for me, but may not be for everyone.
It started life a a Magul MOE fixed stock. Tools required drill press, 1-1/4" drill bit, hand drill, band saw or coping saw, required hardware, 2 set screws and 2 brass threaded ferrules.
Cut the stock to a size and shape desired, I matched the OEM stock for length, use drill press and 1-1/4 bit to knock back the tabs inside the stock, right back to the butt plate stopping just shy of the upper butt plate screw tab. I inserted one ferrule into the recess used to lock the OEM stock in place and another forward of that for the second set screw(holds stock firmly in place). Dimple the buffer tube for the second set screw. Pictures show placement.
Installed, the LOP is about the same and the cheek weld is tighter making it much better for sight alignment.
This is just one option, there are better candidates I found State side, but no one will ship to Canada.
About my FPC, QD sling points, Leapers ITA T-dot, light rail, A.R.M.S. iron sights, Beretta pistol comp.
Cheers

 

[alpining]

Good to know that it is possible.

 

[shiloh87]

ya it can be done, and its already a better platform for a bit of xtra coin and some time.

 

[myles]

I hate the stock as well.
Hopefully someone comes out with an aftermarket solution. Otherwise I'll have to look into this. The release for the mags are awful and they face the wrong way for easy reload.