Best 12 A2 Rifle Stocks: Maintain Authenticity with Modern Comfort

The A2 rifle stock has become a symbol of military heritage and practical design, featuring prominently on M16 and AR-15 variants. This article examines the key characteristics of A2 stocks, comparing original and modern versions to help you choose the right fit for your rifle.

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Reviews

Starrett A2 Rifle Stock

Crafted from precision-ground O1 oil-hardening tool steel, this flat stock delivers exceptional durability and accuracy for your rifle build. The 3/32” thickness and 36” length provide the right balance of stability and maneuverability, with the 5/16” width offering comfortable hand placement. The ±0.001” thickness tolerance ensures consistent bedding between your barrel and stock.

Manticore Trapdoor Stock

This black rifle stock from Manticore Arms pairs sleek style with practical functionality. It’s specifically designed to fit Yugo M85 and M92 models, giving these rifles an elegant upgrade while maintaining their performance.

Blue Demon A2 Welding Rod

When it comes to welding aluminum bronze parts, especially in harsh marine environments, this tube TIG rod is your best friend. Made for serious metal work, it handles full and horizontal welding positions with ease, while its tough coating fights off corrosion, cavitation, and metal-to-metal wear. It’s particularly handy for fixing up cast irons, steels, and copper parts, earning high praise from users who put it to the test.

AR500 Armor A2 Armor Plates

Carrying just 5.5 pounds, these armor plates pack serious protection without weighing you down - they’re built to stop all pistols and most rifles, including 5.56 M193 and M855 rounds at over 3000 FPS. The hybrid polyurea coating means these plates will last you a reliable 20 years, giving you next-level protection that’s surprisingly lightweight for its thickness of just. 26 inches.

Starrett A2 Precision Ground Stock

Crafted from A2 5% chromium air-hardening steel, this precision ground stock brings a hefty dose of durability to your workspace. With its generous 36-inch length and 2-inch width, it’s designed for serious cutting and machining tasks. The 3/4-inch thickness lets you slice through materials with confidence, while the precision grind makes it a pleasure to work with.

Starrett 56496 497 A2 Steel Stock

A2 steel gives this precision ground stock excellent hardness and wear resistance, while the 5% chromium content helps prevent corrosion. At just over an inch and a half wide by nearly two feet long, it provides plenty of material for your projects while keeping your workspace tidy.

Starrett 497 A2 Precision Ground Stock

This precision ground stock from Starrett combines tough A2 steel with a durable air-hardening process for reliable machining. It’s cut from a single piece to maintain consistent quality, with precise measurements that make it suitable for both prototyping and production work. The slim 3/32-inch thickness and 1-inch width make it versatile for a range of projects while keeping your setup compact.

Barska AW11165 AR-15 Stock Wrench Tool

Made from durable carbon steel with a reliable black matte finish, this little wrench packs a serious punch for working on AR-15 rifles. At just over 5 inches long, it’s designed to remove old extension tubes and install new ones without scratching your firearm’s finish. The tool has proven its worth for some users, though a couple had trouble with it breaking during use.

WOOX Wild Man Stock Rem700 M5 DBM (AICS) La Walnut

The WOOX Wild Man stock pairs a right-handed design with adjustable Length of Pull, ranging from 32.9 cm to 35.5 cm. Its walnut finish adds a traditional touch, while the 1.25” floating barrel gives it a distinctive look that stands out in any rifle collection.

Starrett 497 A2 Precision Ground Steel Stock

Crafted from durable A2 5% chromium air-hardening steel, this precision-ground stock combines exceptional strength with precise dimensions. The 7-inch by 18-inch stock maintains tight tolerances of ±0.001 inch thickness and ±0.005 inch width, while the 3/16-inch thickness adds stability without unnecessary weight. At just 6.80 pounds, this precision-ground stock strikes an excellent balance between performance and handling.

Starrett A2 Rifle Stock

Made from low-carbon steel with a precision ground finish, this A2 rifle stock measures a manageable 10 inches wide by 24 inches long. At just 3/16 inch thick, it’s thin enough for quick handling but robust enough for serious use. The single-piece design makes it perfect for custom builds or upgrades.

Midwest Industries Mi Alpha Series Fixed Beam Stock

Designed for those who prefer a fixed stock over the standard folding Crickett design, the Midwest Industries Alpha Series fixed beam stock brings a blend of comfort and functionality to any rifle equipped with a 1913 Picatinny rail. At 15 inches long, this adjustable stock solution provides just the right balance between modern ergonomics and traditional shooting posture.

Buyer’s Guide

The A2 rifle stock has become a symbol of military heritage, though its distinctive design has found its way into civilian hands through various modern iterations. Understanding what makes an A2 stock suitable for your needs requires considering several key aspects.

Barrel Interface

The A2 stock’s most recognizable feature is its forward assist extension that directly interfaces with the rifle’s barrel. This requires compatibility between the stock and barrel diameter. Standard measurements include 1.25”, 1.315”, and 1.375” diameters, with the latter being the most common for modern AR-15 platforms.

Rail System Integration

A2 stocks frequently incorporate a Picatinny rail or similar mounting system to support accessories. The rail’s length affects the stock’s length of pull and overall weapon balance. Consider whether you need a modular rail system that can accommodate tactical lights, scopes, or other attachments.

Hand Comfort and Size

The stock’s shape significantly impacts finger placement and control. Stocks are typically categorized by their riser height, which affects recoil management and sight alignment. Those with smaller hands may prefer shorter risers, while larger users might need extended lengths for proper grip.

Maintenance and Durability

The stock’s materials and finish determine its longevity and ability to resist wear from regular use. Hard plastic stocks offer good durability but can become brittle over time, while composite materials combine strength with reduced weight. The finish type (e. g. , matte, smooth, textured) influences grip retention during extreme conditions.

FAQ

What is an A2 rifle stock?

Designed for military assault rifles, the A2 rifle stock features a distinctive flat-top design with raised handstops and grip. Its compact profile and standardized dimensions ensure consistent weapon handling across different models.

The stock’s key features include: - Flat-top receiver

• Raised carrying handles

• In-line grip design

• Aluminum construction for durability

What are the dimensions of an A2 stock?

Standard A2 stock dimensions are approximately: - Length: 9.375 inches (238mm)

• Height: 1.25 inches (32mm)

• Width: 1.29 inches (33mm)

These measurements provide a balanced grip and compact design ideal for assault rifles.

What materials are A2 stocks made from?

The original A2 stocks were made from aluminum, offering lightweight durability. Modern variants may incorporate: - Aluminum alloy

• Polymer compounds

• Reinforced composites

Material choice affects weight, strength, and maintenance requirements.

How much do A2 stocks weigh?

Original aluminum A2 stocks weigh approximately 1.3 pounds (600g). Modern polymer variants typically range from 0.9 to 1.2 pounds (400-550g).

Weight reduction is achieved through material choice and manufacturing process improvements.

What colors are available for A2 stocks?

Standard A2 stocks feature a matte black finish. Military variants may include: - Flat black

• Gloss black

• Matte brown

Some manufacturers offer custom color options for specialized applications.

How do A2 stocks compare to modern synthetic stocks?

A2 aluminum stocks are generally heavier and more prone to corrosion compared to modern synthetic options. However, they offer superior hardness and dent resistance.

Synthetic stocks provide lighter weight, better moisture resistance, and lower cost, making them popular alternatives for civilian and tactical use.

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