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Posted: 7/21/2004 10:20:01 AM EDT
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Am getting a .458 Socom upper as part of an AR15 group buy. Have been thinking about getting an ACE stock. Seems like a lot of people who own this or .50 Beowolf have put on these stocks, rather than a standard A1 or A2 or collapsible stock. Just wondering what are the advantages? Is it stronger? Will it help tame the recoil a little? If anyone owns one of these stocks, I'd be curious what your experiences are, either good or bad. Some people seem to like that foam covering that slips over the buffer tube, but I'd worry about its durability. What happens if it gets wet - is it like having a sponge attached to your rifle? PS - I'm not really interested in getting an M4 type collapsible stock, so this would be the non-collapsible ACE stock, in lieu of an A1 or A2 stock. |
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I have the full length model (ARFX). I like it. I bought it to replace an adjustable butt plate type match rifle stock whioch was inappropriate for the carbine upper I have. I'm not certain how to answer your many questions. Advantages? - I bought it for the style (smooth, cylindrical look) Strength? - It should be as strong as an A2 because the butt plate is supported in two places. The strength of the buffer tube (stock extension) is probably the strength limiting item with the ARFX. It's a relatively long, relatively thin-walled tube cantilevered off of the lower receiver. This applies to ALLLAR-15 stocks. The ultralight stocks have an unsupported (cantilevered) butt plate which seems too weak to me. I've never seen any strength testing results for stocks. Taming recoil? - No, unlikely. If you are worried about recoil in a 223 caliber rifle, you have a problem I cannot help you with. Try adding mass (weight) to the rifle. Foam covering? - It is a weak link, in that it will be easily torn with rough conditions. Fear not, though, I fired mine with a bare buffer tube with NO PROBLEM. Some people wrap thewirs with parachute cord in lieu of the foam. I haven't gotten mine wet yet but I think it is closed cell neoprene foam (wet suit stuff), so not to worry. Overall, I'd say go for it. I got mine from Model 1 Sales - best price for a complete kit and speedy delivery. |
| Not worried about recoil of .223. Will be putting stock on a .458 Socom upper. This fires a 300 grain, .50 caliber bullet at about 2000 fps. Can also load with a 600 grain bullet if you want to stay subsonic, so it does have a tad more recoil than the standard .223 :) But thanks for your comments. |
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Pippin, I have an Olympic 10mm and put an Ace ARFX (full length) stock on. I make some pretty hot 10mm handloads (the Oly 10mm upper is blowback and it definitely kicks harder than a .223!) and with an A2 stock it actually starts to hurt after awhile! (stop laughing, I'm talking VOLUME shooting here!) The Ace stock with 1/2" recoil pad makes it more comfortable during extended shooting sessions. Of course, if you just plan to shoot a few rounds it shouldn't matter, I've fired a few boxes through a .50 Beowulf (sadly not mine) and while it kicks, it's not that bad. Scot |
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The thing about recoil is that there is no rifle that really recoils that much. If a rifle hurts, the stock does not fit you correctly - get an adjustable butt plate which allows you to set the LOP, cant and butt plate height to your needs. I have to admit a 600 grainer at any speed if something you need to be ready for - best to have a stock that fits. |
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Thanks for the comments guys. Scot - that Oly 10mm sounds neat. I have a 10mm S&W hangun that I really like. It's a great caliber. I've always thought 10mm made more sense for a pistol caliber AR. Flatter and more punch. At one point I was considering getting an HK94 clone in 10mm. Ohio Rapid Fire will build you one - for about $5-6,000.  I didn't realize Oly offered a 10mm AR. How do you like it? What do you do for mags? I own an Oly AR carbine with stainless steel heavy barrel. Will shoot sub MOA with cheap Winchester ammo all day.
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I put on the full-length Ace because I heard that it partly tames that distracting "sproiinngg" he Have also spent several hot-n-sweaty days at the range w/out noticable effect on the foam. Obviously not as tough as an A2 stock, but I think would take some pretty harsh conditions. I also like the less bulk and lighter weight than the A2, which gives the gun a more centered balance that's easier to mount, pivot, etc. At this point, I think I would sooner strip off just about every other gadget before removing the Ace. |
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