The Average Armory: The AR-15 Build: buffer tube and stock

December 21, 2016 was when Brownell's put our a pretty good promo code that I decided to take advantage of. The offer was $10 off $75 plus free standard shipping! That's over a 10% discount if you spend under $100, which I absolutely did.

I decided to buy the stock and buffer tube so that I can try out the BCM Gunfighter Grip that I have and see if I might want to try a MAGPUL MOE K grip instead. Even without a barrel or handguard, being able to shoulder the lower properly will be a huge help in my eventual grip decision.

POF Anti-Tilt Buffer Tube - MilSpec

Eventually, I envision this build to utilize a piston gas system. As such, carrier tilt can be a common issue for piston run AR-15's. The answer is an anti-tilt buffer tube! If you aren't familiar with buffer tubes, a standard buffer tube is cut flush at the threads. This provides no additional support to the carrier as it reciprocates in the firearm.

The bottom of the threaded area is flush with the rest of the buffer tube

An anti-tilt buffer tube has an elongated bottom area that always supports the bottom of the carrier. As soon as the carrier begins its rearward movement, it is already being supported by the buffer tube, so there is less carrier tilt and less wear to the internal components.

The bottom of the threaded area has the additional lip that supports the carrier even when fully forward

This also happened to be the best price that I could find on Brownell's for an anti-tilt buffer tube, and the added discount was a big plus as well.

Mission First Tactical Battlelink Minimalist Stock

As far as I can tell, this is the lightest collapsible stock on the market. It is also very decently priced at around $50 retail. Brownell's already had it for less, and the added discount along with it's incredibly light weight design made this purchase a no brainer.