AR 15 Stock | Convert Braced Pistols into SBRs

Top SBR AR 15 Stocks
Why put an AR 15 stock on a pistol with a brace? With the passing of the pistol brace ban, many shooters want to convert pistols to SBRs. IMG Jim Grant

Quick anwsers to the best AR 15 Stock pick:

  • Magpul MOE SL-K AR15/M16
  • J&E Machine Gen III SOPMOD
  • Phase 5 Weapons CMSA Carbine Mini
  • Mission First Tactical Battlelink Extreme Duty Minimalist

Why put an AR 15 stock on a pistol with a brace? With the passing of the pistol brace ban, many shooters want to convert their large-format pistols to SBRs. The fastest way to do so – with a tax stamp – is to replace your current brace with one of these top AR 15 stocks.

What Makes a Good AR 15 Stock for an SBR?

The answer is more complex than it sounds. While a solid A2 fixed stock is a great option for tall shooters on full-sized rifles, it completely defeats most of the benefits of a compact SBR. This is why I recommend a solid stock from a reputable company that is compact and adjustable. Wanting a compact stock is pretty obvious, as it helps keep the entire firearm as small and handy as possible, but why adjustable?

Because while having an ultra-short stock is great for keeping the gun handy, it can certainly have negative effects on the ergonomics and handling of the gun for taller shooters. Hell, I’m only 5’9″, and I don’t like my M4 stock completely collapsed – I can only imagine how awkward it must feel to someone who stands over six feet tall. So with those parameters in place, let’s get into the top five AR 15 stocks to convert your braced pistol into an SBR.

SIG 516 Magpul MOE SL-K
The SIG 516 14.5in barrel (pinned and welded 2.5in flash hider) with a Magpul MOE SL-K stock makes a great bugout gun. IMG Jim Grant

Magpul MOE SL-K AR/M16 Carbine Stock

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What do you get when you cross the slim-line Magpul ‘SL’ series of AR 15 stocks and reduce their overall length by half an inch? A crazy compact PDW-style stock that works great with an SBR. In fact, the MOE SL-K series of stocks is so compact that when in the fully-collapsed position changes the length of pull to a mere 10.3in! This makes the Magpul MOE SL-K stock among the shortest options available without utilizing a custom buffer or receiver extension for your AR 15 stock.

Magpul MOE SL-K AR 15 stock
The Magpul MOE SL-K AR 15 stock is a great option for any AR-15 or compatible rifle/SBR. IMG Jim Grant

But the MOE SL-K stock is more than just compact; it is also full of desirable features like a thin rubberized buttpad to both reduce felt recoil and keep the stock in place on the shooter’s shoulder. Additionally, the MOE SL-K features a 1.25in sling loop at the rear with the ability to accept a QD sling mount, and an oversized adjustment lever that makes deploying the stock to any length effortless. Lastly, the Magpul MOE SL-K retails for around $45, making it an affordable option for all shooters.

7.62x39mm AR-15 SBR JE Machine SOPMOD GEN III Stock
7.62x39mm AR-15 SBR with a JE Machine SOPMOD GEN III Stock. IMG Jim Grant

J&E Machine Gen III SOPMOD Gun Stock

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Of all the options on this list, the J&E Machine Gen III SOPMOD Stock is arguably the most comfortable. With generous comb space on both sides of the JE Machine SOPMOD stock, the mid-sized adjustable AR 15 stock is a great option for left and right-handed shooters alike. The rear of the stock features a thick rubberized recoil pad that serves double duty as a weapon retention aid.

JE Machine Gen III SOPMOD Stock
The JE Machine Gen III SOPMOD Stock. IMG Jim Grant

Other great features include two standard 1.25in sling loops and an integral QD sling attachment point. Also, the stock features a slightly oversized adjustment lever that makes selecting the correct length in a hurry very easy and simple. Also, the side rests are water-tight compartments for storing spare batteries in a convenient, safe location. Best of all, the JE Machine costs a fraction of what similar stocks do with an MSRP of around $49.

SOLGW SBR Phase 5 Weapon Systems CMSA Stock
SOLGW SBR Phase 5 Weapon Systems CMSA Stock

Phase 5 Weapons CMSA Carbine Mini AR Stock

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Do you want your AR 15 stock to be as durable and rock-solid as the receiver itself? Great news, the engineers at Phase 5 Weapon Systems have the perfect option for you: the CMSA Carbine Mini Stock. Built from 7075T1 aluminum, the CMSA AR 15 Stock is built like a brick outhouse and looks fantastic. The only real downside to the stock is that it both requires a proprietary receiver extension and it’s not adjustable at all. But if your two biggest concerns for your SBR are compact size and durability, look no further.

Phase 5 Weapon Systems CMSA Stock
Phase 5 Weapon Systems CMSA Stock. IMG Jim Grant

Other noteworthy features include a skeletonized buttpad that allows for threading a sling through and a hexagon pattern at the rear to aid in weapon retention. The Phase 5 Weapon Systems CMSA Stock Kit retails for around $140, but street prices are often a little lower.

Spikes Tactical Piston AR 15 SBR with MFT Battlelink Stock
Spikes Tactical Piston AR 15 SBR with MFT Battlelink Stock. IMG Jim Grant

Mission First Tactical Battlelink Extreme Duty Minimalist Stock

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When it comes to compact, durable AR 15 stocks ideal for SBRs, Mission First Tactical’s BattleLink Extreme Duty Minimalist Stock is tough to beat. With its affordable price tag, excellent ergonomics, and a bevy of great features, it checks nearly every box a shooter could want.

MFT Extreme BattleLink Stock
The Mission First Tactical Battlelink Extreme Duty Minimalist Stock is a great addition to any AR 15. IMG Jim Grant

Built from durable, lightweight polymer, the MFT Battlelink Extreme Duty stock fits on any standard mil-spec buffer tube and makes a great addition to an AR-15, whether it’s an SBR or a full-sized rifle. Some noteworthy features include a QD sling mount at the rear, along with a pair of standard 1.25in sling loops allowing the stock to work with any and all slings on the market. The only real downside of the stock is that not all shooters will appreciate it’s aesthetics. But as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The MFT BattleLink Extreme Duty Minimalist Stock retails for around $59.

several AR 15s
Yes, the fact that pistol braces are now illegal sucks – but at least there are hundreds of ar 15 stocks available to shooters. IMG Jim Grant

Non-NFA Options Other Than AR 15 Stocks

If a shooter doesn’t want to go through the loopholes of registering their braced pistol as an SBR they can always have a gunsmith permanently install an extended muzzle device that brings the barrel length to over 16in. There is a myriad of muzzle devices and even pinned suppressors available, but that’s a different article for a different time.

Ultimately, the fact that the Biden administration has turned millions of Americans unwittingly into felons is infuriating, to say the least. And while many will tell shooters to simply not comply (which is ultimately up to the individual, but I would advise against it for obvious reasons.), the reality for shooters like myself, whose ownership of these guns is very public knowledge, means that I have to either register them or find another way to comply.


About Jim Grant

Jim is one of the elite editors for AmmoLand.com, who in addition to his mastery of prose, can wield a camera with expert finesse. He loves anything and everything guns but holds firearms from the Cold War in a special place in his heart.

When he’s not reviewing guns or shooting for fun and competition, Jim can be found hiking and hunting with his wife Kimberly, their son, and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.

Jim Grant

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, Ammoland will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
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Montana454Casull

No absolutely not now or ever do ya play the register for free stamp for your brace game or trade for a regular butt stock . FJB and the ATF . This will go the same way as the bumpstock. Just store the brace in a cool dry place until this crap is done away with by the SCOTUS . FJB and the ATF .

Bob K

I’m going to let the lawsuits play out on this obviously unconstitutional ban. Once you register your brace, you can’t unregister it. It becomes part of the government’s permanent confiscation..er.. registration records.

Oldman

I did not realize that the ATF has already posted this rule and the ban has gone into effect. I, of course, have been a little out of touch on this, what with having a new computer and phone that I have not as yet even partially mastered. It’s a bitch getting old.

StLPro2A

Oldman, that “getting old” thingy still beats the alternative…so far.

Oldman

I DO agree! So Far is Right!

Oldman

Thank you all for the info……..I must have missed some of this because of my electronic woes.

CDR-C

The rule will be PUBLISHED on 31 January (according to the AFT, earlier this week). IN EFFECT is 120 days later…so end of May.

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

They haven’t posted it yet. Expected date now is the 31st and then 120 days later if you haven’t kissed their butt, you’ll be an instant felon. What a crock.

USMC0351Grunt

Hasn’t gone into effect yet, the time started ticking on the 120 Day clock for those that wish to becomes slaves to comply.

SEMPAI

Tax Stamp? Registration? Paid Taxes on my purchase. Passed Background Check. There ya go.

Arkansas Rob

Quote:
(which is ultimately up to the individual, but I would advise against it for obvious reasons.)

Dang, Jim. What a coward. You can’t get sued for an opinion. Didn’t realize you were a Fudd.

Anyone who registers their firearms is the first to lose them. And I don’t mean in a boating accident.

Arkansas Rob

Mine will only be confiscated with the mag empty and the bolt locked back, or perhaps from my CDH.

Boz

l’II put a chainsaaw, a picnic tabIe or a birdhouse on the end of my “gun” if l want to. l’ve never Iiked them being caIIed ‘pistoIs’ or ‘sbr’s’ either. lt’s a rifIe. Does that make a 6-foot musket an ELBR?

PistolGrip44

Pistol braces are not illegal. I will not be complying with the AFT BS EVER; Unlike the cuck that wrote this trash of an article.

I might be standing on that hill alone, but there I WILL STAND!!!

Roland T. Gunner

At some point, it DOES become a hill worth dying on.

StLPro2A

Or, making the other poor dumb SOB die on. I prefer Gen Patton’;s take on the subject….“………no son of a bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb son of a bitch die for his country.” Gen. George Patton, circa ~1944.  

SEMPAI

You’re not alone, I’ll bring Water, Granola Bars, and My AR 10 (PISTOL) with extra mags
to the hill with ya.

CDR-C

Nice to say – and you probably even mean it. But if the time comes, and your wife / husband / kids are in the house with you – will you feel the same? Will you toss away a lifetime of working, building a family, for this? Will you – any of us – seriously risk being arrested and federally imprisoned, losing our jobs, our life savings? Being shot (remember Ruby Ridge)? I know someone’s gonna reply that I’m the problem, I’m a coward, etc. Whatever. My family is not worth sacrificing for a toy.

SEMPAI

CDR-C Even though you weren’t asking me, I’m 60, have no wife, no kids, no dogs, no fish, and im an only child. I’m going to the hill. I’m a 7th Gen Floridian whose family fought in the Civil war @ The Battle of Olustee and several other skirmishes throughout Florida. Tell stories about me then.

USMC0351Grunt

Florida doesn’t have any HILLS.

Arkansas Rob

It’s not a toy that is worth it: it’s our children and their future. You have to realize what comes next, and next after that. Draw the line and don’t yield an inch beyond, or it’s entirely lost.

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

ABSOLUTELY FELLOW ARKANSAS PATRIOT!

USMC0351Grunt

…and all the Chapstick they will have to spend all their hard earned money on just to kiss the asses of those in the federal government.

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

“I have a family, I’ve not got the luxury of principles.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGgaXXBkE8A Note the answer back to Martin at the end. Fact is, FIGHTING for TRUE FREEDOM means SACRIFICE. The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence had families. Have you ever wondered what happened to the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War, another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or… Read more »

C.L. This Might be the greatest thing I’ve ever read……..Yep, it is.

Last edited 1 year ago by SEMPAI

Thank YOU CL..I dedicated 32 years of my life serving as a proud soldier wearing the coveted Green Beret of the United States Army. Those words you wrote should be read and reread by everyone who logs on to this website. My resolve to defend our Constitution -and the Bill of Rights has never wavered – and I will continue to be prepared to defend to my last breath the freedoms and liberties our forefathers fought and sacrificed to provide us.

USMC0351Grunt

Who was the little shit-sucking weasel that down-voted this man’s statement?

Last edited 1 year ago by USMC0351Grunt
Ansel Hazen

One of the most enlightening things I have read on the internet in my entire 35 yrs of using it.

Steve

Go change your drawers CDR- I’m sure that stale urine smell is annoying your family. And ask your wifey for that hand cream to soften those little paws of yours from all the wringing you’ve been doing. Now, run along and change the sheets as well – before the kids get up you pathetic bedwetter.

SEMPAI

Damn.

Oldman

I’LL SECOND THAT ONE.

xtphreak

“He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.”

Francis Bacon

USMC0351Grunt

Bacon never gave any thought to raising a next generation to tote those barges and lift those bales!

Arizona

Thank God the founders didn’t have your lack of courage or conviction.

USMC0351Grunt

I had over 80 relatives do JUST THAT, gave up a lifetime of working, building a family, risked being arrested and “federally” imprisoned, (No federal prisons yet) losing their jobs, their life saving fighting in the Revolutionary War and many other skirmishes since so that “I” could enjoy these freedoms and liberty at the cost of their shedding their blood, body parts, and all the pain and suffering, you DAMN RIGHT I’ll be on THAT hill! “And I’m an excellent shot.” PUSSY!

Last edited 1 year ago by USMC0351Grunt
Ansel Hazen

 “those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Benjamin Franklin

jukk0u

AFT: “If you remove it you Must destroy the brace. (or alter it so it cannot be reinstalled)”

Also AFT: “Nothing in this rule bans “stabilizing braces” or the use of “stabilizing braces” on pistols…”

Seems rather contradictory.

The Crimson Pirate

No mention of the potential trap in the new rule?

The ATF has a limited amount of time to process the new NFA registrations for braced pistols. A limit too tight for them to accomplish the job. If they don’t get it done in time the registration is denied. So then you have an illegal SBR and you have sent the ATF your name, address, phone number, physical characteristics, fingerprints, and photographic evidence of your illegal SBR.

I have not seen this mentioned anywhere yet, but wouldn’t the NFA registration require notice to the CLEO in your area as well?

USMC0351Grunt

BINGO! I truly wonder just how many are really paying attention to the actual duty, responsibility to maintain and cost of freedom and liberty?

Last edited 1 year ago by USMC0351Grunt
CDR-C

People need to realize that the SBR route – even without the $200 fee – still has strings attached. As in – the person’s (or all trust members’) fingerprints and applications. Like notifying local law enforcement. Like every time you move you must notify the ATF and the law enforcement at the place you’re moving to. Like restrictions to even carry it in your vehicle through some jurisdictions. Like the ability to sell it in the future.

The reason the ATF is making it so easy now is because it’s so hard form now on.

Choose wisely.

Chuck

Unfortunately, even if I wanted to register my AR Pistol as an SBR, I couldn’t do so. My AR Pistol is unserialized, since it was an 80% build.
My only options are to replace the barrel or find a muzzle device long enough and weld the roll pin after it’s on or only take the gun out when I’m sure I’m unobserved.

StLPro2A

You could get down on your knees and serialize it. NOT!!!!!

Steve

Chuck, here’s a solution. Go out and git yerself an inexpensive Hi-Capacity pistol – use that as your Self-Defense weapon. Since your AR Pistol isn’t on anyone’s books – you stash that bad boy until later on. When it comes time to have to use an AR Pistol to defend your home, your family or to fight back against a tyrannical government – guess what? Nobody will give a RAT’s behind about what ATFE declared as far as those braces.

USMC0351Grunt

THIS ^^^^^ Is true as if /when it comes to this point there won’t be anybody lining up to go into court over, ANYTHING!

Arizona

Jim Grant bends the knee and advises all to do the same. What a shameful display.

USMC0351Grunt

And he didn’t even offer us to use his Chapstick or knee pads. He misses Harold, I swear!

Last edited 1 year ago by USMC0351Grunt
ShortyStuff

I’m waiting for the 1st State to come out and tell the Federal Agencies to go take a flying leap off a tall building. States need to enforce the independence they have via the 10th Amendment. They could negate even the National Firearms Act of 1934 and Gun Control Act of 1968 if they had any cajones. All they have to do is repeat the words in the 2nd Amendment — “shall not be infringed”.

DIYinSTL

I’d prefer an adjustable stock that extends Length Of Pull an inch or two beyond what we get from the Magpul CTR.

Galen

Read more: https://www.ammoland.com/2023/01/top-ar-15-stock-convert-braced-pistols-into-sbrs/#ixzz7sHZyKLFb
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Follow us: @Ammoland on Twitter | Ammoland on Facebook

What a waste of time reading even part of the article above. Everyone needs to scroll down and read what CourageousLion wrote about the signers of the Declaration of Independence

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

The MFT stock you show isn’t the $59.95 one. It’s the $69.95 one. I like the less expensive one myself better. It’s strong as hell. I’ve tested it with a full sized AR 10 from 5 feet. Not on purpose though! LOL!

Ansel Hazen

Jim, if Harold has a gun to your head and is making you write this blink twice.

If not WHAT THE FUDD are you thinking???? I suppose if you already have some hardware registered with our rogue government you’d figure no harm no foul but to advise others to step into this trap is at the very least irresponsible behavior. Hang your head in total shame and STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD. Take a seat next to Harold and Rob Pincus.

Galen

The MFT stock you show isn’t the $59.95 one. It’s the $69.95 one. I like the less expensive one myself better. It’s strong as hell. I’ve tested it with a full sized AR 10 from 5 feet. Not on purpose though! LOL!

Steve

What a waste of time reading even part of the article above. Everyone needs to scroll down and read what CourageousLion wrote about the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

WeWereWarned

Any person who registers their brace is the kind of bad person the 2nd Amendment is meant to be used upon to defend Liberty. They are saying with registration, that tyranny by law is okay, and ammoland is trying to make a dime off these cowards who will comply with tyranny by law. Ammoland believes the 2nd Amendment is a privilege and not a right,if there is an advertising buck to be made… The ones who comply are the kinds of bad people, that history has shown that the government’s targets of harm should hurt first and worst, since they… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by WeWereWarned
Wild Bill

Your criticism of Ammoland is unfounded. The rest a distortion.

WeWereWarned

They are promoting products to those who would throw their countrymen under the bus, by complying with the brace law.

Standimg up for Liberty against cowards who comply with socialist enforcers, is only distortion to the boomers.

Last edited 1 year ago by WeWereWarned
Wild Bill

More “they” again. So vague and therefore difficult to discuss.

Last edited 1 year ago by Wild Bill
WeWereWarned

Those socialists will still enforce other gun laws, that is the real problem. Great, they say they won’t enforce the brace ban for political points, yet they will still harm folks over other gun laws.

Wild Bill

Who is they … every sheriff in America? Interview a lot of sheriffs, do ya? All your hyperbole does not get us to any valid conclusion.

xtphreak

@Wild Bill

The engineering definition of “they” is:
They = Them who are not Us.

USMC0351Grunt

Try using facts and evidence in your “statements”, as everything you are trying to convey appears pointless, baseless and provides absolutely no solutions to any problems at hand.

Wild Bill

That is good! I wonder what my county sheriff is saying? He declared us a Second Amendment sanctuary county, last year!

USMC0351Grunt

You can ALWAYS amend that resolution!

1MOA2Day

Garvin County Sheriff posted his letter on FB. Will not support unless used in a crime.

Last edited 1 year ago by 1MOA2Day
Boom

The problem is, that there are far more enforcers in one county / burrow / parish, then just that one Sheriff… There are Sheriff deputies, State Police, and then depending on what part of the county… City Police, marshals, all kinds of folks…

A deputy doesn’t bring his arrestee up in front of the sheriff… He brings him, to the courthouse… AND BOOKS him.

Roland T. Gunner

Bill, I would reslly appreciate Ammoland stopping with the “no comment” regarding BUTF, unass the fence, and voice the principles the imply they believe in.

TacSKS

It’s official. The rule was published in the Federal Register.

Effective date:
This rule is effective January 31, 2023.

Compliance Date:
Any weapons with “stabilizing braces” or similar attachments that constitute rifles under the NFA must be registered no later than May 31, 2023.