MFT Battlelink BULS - Mini Review + Pics

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
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Mission First Tactical Battlelink Utility Low Profile Stock

I did extensive research and could find little info on this stock, but I liked the looks of it as well as the stats, so I decided to take one for the team. For the record, I own/have owned and have used a MOE, CTR, STR, UBR, ACS-L, B5 SOPMOD Bravo, standard M4 stock, IMOD, and a Roger’s SuperStoc.

First impressions:

This thing is LIGHT! At only .75 oz heavier than the Magpul MOE that came on my Sig M400, I was amazed. It also seems extremely sturdy and well made, with no visible flash lines or molding marks common with most polymer accessories. The QD points are rigid and well placed. The storage compartment opens easily (but would seem to be impossible to accidentally open), is huge, and seems equally as well built.

The length of the stock is great too - Less than .5" longer than the MOE and almost identical in length to the STR. This .5" is quickly negated though, considering that I use the .77" buttpads on my Magpul stocks - the BUSL has a very nice integrated contoured buttpad that is very comfortable when shouldered. I had the STR installed when I swapped it out for the BUSL and instantly noticed that the stock was lighter and much less unwieldy.

Now here’s the kicker - this stock fits my mil-spec buffer tube better than ANY (except the UBR, which of course uses its own proprietary tube) of the aforementioned stocks with ABSOLUTELY no wobble - a nice tight fit, but loose enough to slide on the buffer tube with minimal force. Lockup is PERFECT. The lockup is even far superior to the CTR and STR with the friction locks engaged. Another thing I like about it over the STR is that while it can hold the same amount of CR123s AND a small bottle of lube (my use for the storage), it’s almost an inch thinner, while providing a far superior cheek weld to any stock that I’ve used. The color is a dead-on match for Magpul furniture.

Honestly, the only downside I can possibly think of to this stock is the exposed lever - which isn’t a really a big deal at all. This thing weighs exactly the same as a CTR, has storage capability, and doesn’t require an extra lever to sit solid on my tube. I haven’t had a chance to fire it yet - thus the title of this thread (A more in depth review with pictures coming) - but just shouldering it and running around the house, it is infinitely more comfortable and natural pointing for me that anything I’ve used thus far (save the UBR). The STR was so wide that it felt like I was smuggling a grapefruit under my arm. The CTR and MOE are light, but lack storage, are a bit wobbly, and have a terrible cheek weld. The SOPMOD Bravo felt great but it was hard to adjust on my tube, wobbled a bit once it was locked (major reason why I sold it), and seemed to weigh much more (how much more, I have no clue since I no longer own it). The Rogers was OK, but I too sold it as I wasn’t too fond of anything about it really (except for the weight). The IMOD was OK, but a bit heavier and it also would periodically yank out beard hairs, and I’m not about to shave for a stock. None of the other stocks I’ve tried even came close to this stock in functionality, fit and finish, solid feeling, cheek weld, and comfort. EDIT: None but the UBR, which costs almost 250% more.

It’s also not nearly as ugly as the pictures online make it out to be. I think it’s rather attractive (I still think the regular BUS is a little ugly and seeing as though I’ll never be attaching a GPS to my rifle stock, it seems kind of silly - EDIT: I think you can attach a GPS to the BULS too). Plus, 85% of AR owners aren’t sporting one like any Magpul stock. I love Magpul, and they’re my second favorite now in the stock market (har har) - but if MFT keeps coming out with stocks like this, they’ve a customer for life. I can’t wait to get it out into the field for some test shooting. I would also like to see how well this stock would fare in the drop test - I have a feeling it would do extremely well.

Thanks for reading… More in depth review with pics coming… EDIT: Read down a few posts for pics…

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Drop test that mofo and let us know how it holds up. But seriously, it looks like is has some promise. Personally not a fan of how it looks but if it functions well and is able to stand the test of time then why not add another stock to the market. Will keep an eye on the thread for further news on your end.

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…and it will be coming… I thought that most pics on the web made it look ugly as sin but I saw a pic of one on someone’s rifle and it didn’t look half bad, so that was the deciding factor. It really looks nice when it’s actually on your AR - as opposed to the STR which looks nice in pictures, but resembles a Thanksgiving turkey attached to your rifle.

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Well, I’ve had more time with my BULS, including range time, and my opinion has not changed. I now have a tie for my favorite stock - the Magpul UBR and the MFT BULS. I’ve sinced added a cheek riser (in case I decide to use it with a rifle that needs one in the future). Since I’ve covered most of the details, I will instead show pics and add comments after each.

Here is it on my Sig M400, fully collapsed:

A closeup, showing the cheek riser in fully closed position:

A side view, off the rifle:

Rear view (cheek riser makes it look much fatter):

With the storage compartment opened (side view):

Yes, you can fit 6 x CR-123s and still have room for a few extra parts if need be - all other reviews I’ve read said they were only able to fit 4 - you can wrap them in plastic wrap if you want to keep them dry:

To do so, there is only one correct way to fit the cells in (EDIT: I found another way that allows even more room, took some fiddling). First start like this:

Then finish stacking the cells in like this:

The empty stock with cheek riser is ~12 oz. (MFT lists the cheek riser at 2.72 oz and the stock at 8.75 oz):

Compared to a base MOE stock, which only shows as being a hair over 8 oz (although I find the MOE stock unusable without the .77 buttstock pad, which adds 2 oz +), the BULS has a nice thick pad on it so an aftermarket one isn’t necessary - that makes the BULS without riser lighter than an MOE with the .77" buttpad:

BULS and MOE side by side:

Internal shot of both:

Top shot comparison (note: BULS is approximately same width as MOE, the cheek riser adds quite a bit of chunkiness):

Very nice QD points on BULS place in convenient locations (and flush!):


On 16" BCM middy:

So there you have it… The BULS by Mission First Tactical… Lightweight, sturdy, storage enough for 6 x CR123s + a small bottle of oil and some small parts, comfortable, option for an extendable cheek riser (doesn’t need it, I find the cheekweld perfect without it). I’ve tried many different stocks and this one ties the UBR as my favorite of all time. On my Sig with 6PX Defender (320 lumen), I can store 3 reloads for my light and the balance with the Elzetta FSB mount is perfect. If you like to keep your rifle light but would like the option of generous storage, this is definitely the stock for you. Don’t take my word for it - go out and buy one… I will soon be starting another thread with my impressions and pics of the MFT G27 and Engage EPG16 pistol grips. MFT is a company people seriously be need to be taking a harder look at.

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the rear where rear drop panel hangs look weak , it looks like its floating in air …

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It LOOKS weak, but feels extremely solid. The polymer hinges seem thick and strong. With the rear panel open, it doesn’t wobble at all. When lateral and/or twisting force is applied to the open door, there is little to no give. I trust it. I’ve taken it out to the woods and abused it quite a bit and nothing’s broken yet! MFT offers a lifetime warranty on their products as well… sooooo…

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How did you abuse it in the woods?

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Let’s not go there, it promised it wouldn’t tell anyone. Plus, it told me it was 18.

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That’s not a UBR on your side to side photo, that’s a MOE.

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Sorry, typo… it’s been corrected. I called the BULS a UBR… thanks for pointing that out.

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My eyes are full of rum, but that plastic looks cheap??? Is it the rum or plastic? I can’t be trusted.

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A buttstock stuffed with 6 batteries is light?? :smiley:

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Looks kinda cool I guess, but it does appear to have a few areas where gear could get snagged up.

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Agreed. That hinge in the back is just out there begging to be a snag- magnet or get snapped off while mortaring.
Aside from that, light weight is good if the polymer holds up and I like the thick mid section - reminds me of a pot bellied girl I used to know in school :wink:

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Now that I look closer, there is a little excess flash in some areas (all in the storage compartment), but the plastic definitely doesn’t feel cheap. At the very least it seems to be on par with Magpul polymer.

Empty it weighs less than an oz more than stock MOE - batteries will of course add weight, but honestly, it’s barely noticeable - CR123s are pretty light.

I haven’t experienced a snag yet. The only area that I can see that COULD be a problem would be the hook on the bottom that the storage compartment door swivels from. I’ve done plenty of quick shouldering and transitioning with it while slung and I’ve yet to notice anything hanging up.

Without destroying my stock, there isn’t any real way to test it unfortunately. If MFT would send me one to test, I’d happily buttstroke a few trees in my backyard to see if I could induce breakage. You can’t tell from the pics, but the hinge seems very solid.

I’m actually considering rigging up a real, CONTROLLED buttstock bashfest, complete with video evidence. Too many people refer to that article as the end-all be-all proof of which stocks are toughest. Unfortunately, the tests weren’t very scientific. I want to rig a platform that keeps the assembly/stock straight as it drops, and use a lighter weight when dropping them, maybe 2-3 lbs. That way I can get a more accurate gauge of toughness rather than - “it broke on the first or second drop”. I’m not made of money though so I may have to accept donations or write to buttstock manufacturers with a picture of my test rig and explanation of my testing protocols. Just from the way this stock feels on the tube, I imagine it would hold up very well.

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Around 110 bucks for the stock and riser takes it out of consideration for me. Magpul, B5, and Vltor can offer more for less with minimal weight difference if not the same. I’ts probably well made but its just a high priced outlier at this point (for me).

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I bought my BULS minus riser for $88. The weight difference is more than minimal. Considering an ACS-L weighs more and has anemic storage, the ACS/STR weigh much more for the same storage (and are uncomfortably wide), VLTOR stocks are heavier, pull facial hair and cost more, and the B5 Bravo is not only heavier, but doesn’t do much more than collapse and retract (wobbily at that)- I stand by my decision. You just don’t know until you try one!!! Come on Scatman, you know you’re curious!!!

What I’m really hyped about it their Minimalist stock which is soon to be released - something like 4.5oz… I’ve had one on backorder since January.

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I had a BattleLink stock on an LMT for a while, and it was a great stock.

According to the MFT website:

Manufactured using a specially developed reinforced, super tough polyamide from DuPont’s Military Plastic Division, and with Advances in materials, this allows for an unsurpassed weight to strength ratio and results in a stock that is lighter and stronger than anything similar currently on the market.

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The stock is 88 and the rider is 22, so 110 for what you have pictured.

The B5 bravo is also 8oz so I don’t see how it could be heavier than the MFT with riser, 6 batteries and a bottle of lube. Just sayin…

Every stock can pull facial hair between it and the RE. My N1 took a few hairs from me last weekend and its smooth as a baby’s ass on top.

I gave this one and the one that holds the gps a look a while back, they just didn’t do it for me. I don’t need the storage so i went elsewhere. To each his own.

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“A polyamide is a polymer containing monomers of amides joined by peptide bonds. They can occur both naturally and artificially, examples being proteins, such as wool and silk, and can be made artificially through step-growth polymerization or solid-phase synthesis, examples being nylons, aramids, and sodium poly(aspartate). Polyamides are commonly used in textiles, automotives, carpet and sportswear due to their extreme durability and strength.”

Kevlar is a polyamide…