Curious which one is preferred by folks who’ve used both.
Any caveats or things to be aware of with either one?
Any noticeable difference in length-of-pull or feel between the two?
They’re within a few bucks of each other, so cost isn’t a concern.
Build is a 16" with mid-length gas and a lightweight rail system (think TRX/Alpha rail type)
Cares:
Durable
Good cheek weld
Solid lockup (no rattling)
And last on the list: No excess bulkiness or weight
I’d get the B5. Mine fits perfectly on an LMT buffer tube - identical to an LMT SOPMOD I also have. Apart from the shiny buttpad it’s great. I’m not super impressed with Magpul’s friction lock in my use - the B5 is nearly as solid without any extra parts. The CTR would be lighter and smaller though, if that’s a preference.
The friction lock seems a bit hokey, as the standard M4 style stock on LMT Defenders are just as tight as a SOPMOD.
Jay35, have you tried both types of stocks? They’re two completely different designs. The SOPMOD is the most comfortable inanimate object to touch my face. Even so, try both if possible, but buy the SOPMOD with confidence.
I’ve tried about 8 stocks, including a lot of the magpul ones. I have 2 favorites: the emod and sopmod. The bigger stocks feel great because of the balance they offer, this makes it much easier to manipulate the gun.
If you want the lighter stock, get the sopmod. But I really like the emod as well. Not a huge fan of magpul stocks.
Not in proximity to one another nor for any real length of time, so my ability to judge the two is very limited but I appreciate that they are different designs. I vaguely remember a generally positive impression of the SOPMOD.
I’m running a B5 SOPMOD on my 16" Mid-length LW BCM. I was using an ACS-L on it – Glad I made the switch. I say go with the B5 for sure. Either one of the SOPMOD’s are absolutely perfect stocks in almost every regard. A little weight but not too much; balances perfect and you can remove a couple more oz’s by taking out the battery tubes.
I won’t be using anything but SOPMOD’s for a ‘fighting’ carbine.
This might help:
http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/ar15-buttstock-considerations
My current choice is a Vltor Imod.
SOPMOD.
C4
I’ve never used the B5, but I’ve got LMT SOPMODs on a couple of my rifles, and I’ve had a couple CTRs.
Both are great stocks, but for most uses, I prefer the SOPMODS.
For between the price of the two, consider the STR. I have two, and they’re both great. Really like a mix of a sopmod and a ctr, plus its the strongest stock on a regular carbine buffer tube, according to military times.
Agree with the SOPMOD. I have the LMT SOPMOD on my SR15 and I have a Vltor eMod on my other AR, and I prefer the LMT. The eMod is nice and I like it better than the Magpul variety due to the cheek weld being very comfortable and very similar to the SOPMOD. They both lock up tight and don’t wiggle. Also if you run accessories (or plan to) that use batteries with the SOPMOD and eMod, you get battery storage which you may find as a plus
Have STR and CTR, both nice but…STR locks up tighter and also has very nice cheek weild, other stuff QD mounts/storage is cool too.
link?
I’ve never used a Sopmod stock, however I’ve used a CTR, STR, EMOD, and an ACS. I honestly think it’s a push between the E-mod and the ACS. If your battery storage has to be watertight get the E-mod if you need the c-hair of tightness advantage the ACS offers with the friction lock, get the ACS. After using the ACS and STR I have no idea why Magpul made the STR probably because it looks more like thier classic CTR.
The STR is 3/4" shorter than the ACS, a couple of ounces lighter (and lighter than the ACS-L by a gnat’s ass), and has (a) QD socket(s). It’s most similar to the SOPMOD compared to any of Magpul’s other stocks.
Personally, I’d recommend the B5 given the price.
The ACS comes with the QD now. It’s 0.11 LB. heavier and 0.64in. longer fully collapsed. almost identical to me.
I found the link.
You’re correct on the length. I got 1.93 oz difference on my scale (both heavier than listed), but yes, they’re close.
With no doubt. SOPMOD. You can practically fall asleep on the stock it is so confortable.
Dan
Look in to FAB. IDF uses them. I like mine a lot. Holds 2 AA or 2 CR123. Nice rubber pad, looks like tire tread.
check into the Vltor stocks, i’ve had an emod and an imod and like them both. for a longer/heavier rail go with the emod for balance. if you don’t have a heavy rail and don’t need the extra storage space go with one of the imod stocks. can’t see any advantages of paying more for the SOPMOD, but that’s just my opinion.
B5 SOPMOD is only $100 and of the finest quality.