The AR-15 platform’s greatest strength is, without a doubt, its modularity. Using the same basic weapon, you can configure a dependable CQB weapon, a nasty DMR, or an adaptable mid-length carbine.
By building a gun with a short barrel and some other modifications, you can even turn an AR-15 into a low-key “Grey Man” backpack gun. However, assembling this type of weapon requires specialized knowledge and parts — notably, a folding stock. It can be truly confusing if you aren’t well-versed in building with the AR platform.
That’s why we’ve broken down the best AR-15 folding stock options in this post. To make sure your AR-15 build has just the right parts, let’s take a look at the 8 best folding stocks and adapters on the market for 2024.
Understanding Folding Stocks on AR-15s
To build an AR that’s the perfect compact, portable “backpack gun,” you need to equip it with a folding stock. A folding stock can drastically cut down an AR’s overall length, which is otherwise a challenge with this platform.
But you can’t just slap a folding stock on any AR-15 and call it a day. Unlike its main rival, the AK platform, the average AR can’t accept a folding stock out of the box.
That’s because the average AR-15 uses a direct impingement (DI) system to extract a spent cartridge and load a fresh one every time you pull the trigger. This type of system requires a buffer tube that extends back from the lower receiver to properly function.
However, some ARs employ a short-stroke gas piston reloading system (similar to the AK’s long-stroke piston system). These systems don’t require a buffer tube, so they can employ folding stocks. The only downside is that they require specialized receivers to function, so bear this in mind before you buy a folding stock.
In contrast, some companies have built adapters that can turn the average DI-driven AR into a foldable weapon. They can work with any mil-spec AR, but they aren’t as versatile as a piston-driven gun. We’ll cover both types of folding ARs in this list.
Top 8 AR-15 Folding Stocks
Now that you know how folding stocks work on AR-15s, let’s take a look at some of the options available today. Here are 8 of our favorite folding stocks for the AR-15 platform.
1. LAW Tactical Adapter
The LAW Tactical Folding Stock Adapter signaled a paradigm shift in the world of AR-15s. It was the first time that a company had designed a way to make AR-15s foldable for civilians. Since then, other companies have made their own AR-15 folding stocks, but it all started with LAW Tactical.
The LAW Tactical Adapter is currently in its 3rd generation. You can install it yourself on any AR-15 (not just the piston-driven variety) fairly easily in a matter of minutes. It works on any mil-spec lower receiver. Additionally, you can use any available stock or pistol brace with this adapter.
Another huge advantage about the LAW Adapter is its price. You can find one for less than $250, making it affordable for any AR builder. They’re also robust enough for duty use, so you don’t won’t turn your gun into a safe queen.
The only problem with the LAW Tactical adapter is that it doesn’t allow you to shoot your gun while it’s folded. But if you’re looking for a gun that you can fold down for transport, then unfold to shoot, the LAW Tactical Adapter is a great choice.
2. Strike FSA Dual Folding Stock
The Strike FSA Dual Folding Stock is built for piston-driven guns. While you can’t use this stock on a mil-spec AR, it makes up for it with other advantages.
The biggest benefit of the Strike FSA Dual Folding Stock is that you can fold it either to the right or to the left. This makes it fully ambidextrous, and one of the best folding stock options for both right- and left-handed shooters. Since most folding stocks are built for right-handed shooters, the Strike FSA Dual Folding Stock definitely stands out from the competition.
Operating the stock is super easy, too. Just pull upward on a small bar attached to the stock’s hinge. Then, it’ll pop into place, and a robust lockup mechanism ensures the stock won’t float around when you start sending lead downrange.
You can also use the Strike FSA Dual Folding Stock with either a brace (for AR pistols) or an actual stock (for rifles and SBRs) — all for less than $200!
3. SB Tactical FS 1913
You may know SB Tactical as the company that invented the original stabilizing brace. It’s well-known that you can attach these accessories to a pistol without legally making them an SBR. For this reason (and many others), they’ve become wildly popular, with many different companies releasing their own versions.
The FS 1913 is SB Tactical’s foray into the folding brace/stock world. In many ways, it’s similar to the aforementioned Strike FSA Dual Folding Stock. It employs a hinge that you attach to a picatinny rail at the rear of a piston-driven gun, along with an arm that folds up against the gun’s receiver.
However, that’s where the similarities end. SB Tactical’s FS 1913 only folds to the left, making it better for right-handed than left-handed shooters.
SB Tactical makes the FS 1913 from two different materials. If you want to maximize strength, get one built out of aluminum. For the most lightweight rifle possible, you can also choose one made from a low-weight polymer.
4. Sylvan Arms AR-15 Folding Stock Adapter Gen 4
Here’s another folding stock adapter you can use to turn a mil-spec DI gun into a portable side-folder. The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Folding Stock Adapter is currently on its 4th generation, and it’s one of the most advanced adapters on the market today.
The folks at Sylvan Arms have really put in the work to make their Folding Stock Adapter stand out. For one, you can install the adapter to fold either to the right or left side (but not both). While this doesn’t make it truly ambidextrous, you’ll only need to fold the stock in a single direction based on your handedness.
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Another great feature of the Sylvan Arms Folding Stock Adapter is its price. Since it rings up at just under $200 MSRP, you can save some cash on the adapter and pick up an extra couple of boxes of .223 for your next range session.
5. Hera Arms Side Folding Unit
Built in Lower Franconia, Germany, the Hera Arms Side Folding Unit is another great example of German mechanical ingenuity. It allows you to attach a normal buffer tube to a piston-driven AR and make it foldable.
Why is this so innovative? Because all of the side folding options that we’ve covered so far allow you to either fold a piston-driven gun OR use a buffer tube — not both. By employing a buffer tube on a side-folder, you can also adjust the stock’s length.
This can make the gun more comfortable to shoot for a wide variety of shooters. If you share a gun with someone, like a significant other, you can both adjust the stock to your preference.
The Side Folding Unit only costs $119 MSRP, but you’ll also need to buy a buffer tube and buttstock, which could cost another $200. That makes a rifle with a Hera Arms Side Folding Unit and necessary accouterments more expensive than any other folding stock option on this list.
6. Shield Arms SA-15 Stripped Lower Receiver
Would you prefer to build a DI gun that can fold without having to go through the trouble of attaching an adapter to your mil-spec gun? If so, the Shield Arms SA-15 Lower Receiver is a great option.
Instead of trying to build an adapter for a folding AR, Shield Arms went for broke and just built their own lower receivers. The resulting SA-15 Lower Receiver is a stripped lower that’s nearly mil-spec.
We say “nearly” because it includes a built-in folder, which you can’t find on mil-spec ARs. However, you can use this lower receiver with just about any other mil-spec gear without any problems. That includes mil-spec buffer tubes, buttstocks, and lower parts kits. Then, just attach any mil-spec upper to the fully assembled lower and you’ve got a sturdy, reliable folding AR.
With an MSRP around $275, the SA-15 costs about the same as most of the adapters on this list. Since the SA-15 also covers the price of your stripped lower, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to get a side-folding AR if you’re building from scratch.
7. Dead Foot Arms Modified Cycle System
Here’s another unique option for a folding AR. The Modified Cycle System (MCS) by Dead Foot Arms is the only entry here that allows you to turn a mil-spec DI AR-15 into a gun that can shoot with the stock folded.
While this vastly improves the usability of your gun, it’s also significantly more complex than a simple folding mechanism. Along with a side-folding adapter, the Modified Cycle System includes recoil and plunger springs, along with a new bolt carrier group. You’ll need to replace all of these parts on your gun’s upper receiver for the Dead Foot Arms MCS to function properly.
If you’re thinking, “that sounds expensive” — congratulations! You’re absolutely right. At around $500, Dead Foot Arms’ MCS costs twice as much as the next most expensive folding stock option on this list. However, this advanced upgrade can make your run-of-the-mill AR a much more compact, concealable, and effective weapon.
8. FoldAR Folding AR
We close out our list of the best AR-15 folding stocks with something a little different: a complete gun. The FoldAR packs the most firepower into the smallest configuration.
The rest of the entries on this list only allow you to fold your AR’s buttstock. However, the FoldAR includes a hinge at the front of the receiver, so you can also fold the barrel back. Combine this with one of the other folding stock adapters on this list to create a gun that disappears into a backpack or under a heavy jacket.
What sets the FoldAR apart from other companies that have tried this kind of thing in the past is accuracy. The FoldAR doesn’t sacrifice precision in the pursuit of concealability, making it a great option for anyone who wants to fold their gun down into the smallest possible package.
While it might look a little gimmicky, the FoldAR is actually extremely robust and reliable. Its price tag is its only real drawback. At $2,000, it’s definitely the most expensive option on this list. However, nothing else on the market today gives you the same flexibility as the FoldAR without sacrificing functionality.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re rocking some kind of piston-driven gun or a standard mil-spec AR, you can still turn your weapon into a compact, portable tool. Remember that replacing your stock is more than just a cosmetic feature — it can make your firearm more ergonomically suitable for any occasion.
A folding stock can offer you more flexibility than a standard stock. Fold your AR into a smaller space, adjust the stock based on right or left-handedness, or simply adjust how it fits into your shoulder. Now that you know what options are available, it’s time to decide what stock works best for your AR setup.
Looking to customize your AR with all the right gear? At Pro Armory , we have whatever you need — stocks, ammo, optics, parts, and more — all for an affordable price.
Browse stocks and other gear online, or contact us for help deciding what your gun needs most. Our team of veterans and firearms enthusiasts are ready to help you achieve all your shooting goals.