Review: MVB ARC-X Collapsible AR Stock
Major Pandemic 04.27.17
As my longtime readers know, I am a huge unpaid and unsponsored supporter of Barnes Precision Machine’s AR15s and believe they are among the finest AR15s available for the money. The same goes for their SBRs and AR15 pistols. The featured Barnes Precision BPM-15 SBR started its life with me as a Sig Brace equipped AR15 pistol while I waited (and waited) for my SBR tax stamp application to be approved.
It was awesome to be able to use and shoot the BPM-15 pistol while I waited (cough–five months) for the ATF to send my approved SBR tax stamps. With tax stamps in hand, it becomes legal to make an SBR by removing the buffer tube and stabilizing brace and installing any AR15 rifle stock. In this case the MVB Collapsible Stock was already installed.
One of the reasons I selected the MVB was that Andrew Barnes personally recommended it to me as the best ultra-compact collapsible stock on the market. I had the opportunity to handle the vast majority of MVB competitors and none of them captured all the features of the MVB.
What Sets the MVB Collapsible Stock Apart
The MVB is a stout 23 ounces of steel and billet aluminum which can be installed on any standard AR15 rifle or tax-stamped SBR. This is a no-joke high-tier $355 collapsible stock, which should be noted is not for everyone. For most people, a standard AR15 collapsible stock will work on their SBR, but if you really want the most compact solution, MVB is it.
The biggest advantage is that when collapsed, the stock only adds 4-⅞” from the back of the receiver. Considering that a standard carbine buffer tube adds nearly 7 inches to the back of a receiver, a 2”+ savings is huge when compactness is the goal. Unlike almost every other solution on the market, MVB achieved this without the need for a specialized/proprietary Carrier.
Let me say that again: Any Mil-Spec carrier is compatible with the included MVB bolt insert. The insert slips into the rear of a Mil-Spec carrier and allows the entire buffer tube and compound dual spring assembly to mitigate the recoil in a space essentially half as long as a standard buffer tube, an impressive feat, which is patented.
The stock will work with both direct impingement and piston systems, and has five-position functionality with a fully extended length of 8-⅞”.
One of features that really sets MVB apart is one-handed stock extension. When you grab the back of the stock, your hand naturally depresses the lock release, which allows the stock to be extended or collapsed. Every other stock on the market requires a shooter to use one hand to pull out the stock and the other to push a release button. With MVB, the shooter just pulls/rips out the stock to extension with one hand and they are ready to party.
All MVB kits are supplied with springs and buffer. There are a number of kits that range from various buffer weights intended for 5.56 cased AR15 builds, 9mm buffer systems, and even 308 for those sadistic deaf bastards who want a SBR 308.
Installation and Reliability
The install was pretty simple. If you have the skills to remove a buffer tube, you have the skills to install the MVB stock. Installation should take less than ten minutes at a leisurely pace. The only marginally confusing part was figuring out the order in which the compound springs, buffers, and bolt interface were installed, but the instructions are good.
I have a little more than 3000 rounds through this little SBR, and I have yet to have a fumble or hiccup running MVB’s standard H1 buffer assembly. Reliability has been perfect.
Final Thoughts
The MVB stock is strong, although I would not necessarily use it to start breaking down doors. The best way I can describe it is “graceful.” A shooter can go from backpack to extended stock to shooting in seemingly an instant. In comparison, every other stock I have tested and handled feels clunky and slow.
If you carry an SBR for a living you know that the majority of your time is getting in and out of cars and buildings, where it seems the stock is getting opened or closed in each transition. Having a stock that requires two hands for that operation will get old fast.
Shorter is better when it comes to SBRs, and short is something MVB does better than anyone. The MVB stocks deliver a more compact solution that allows you to get to work faster and work this setup.
Manufacturer Specs
$355.00–$385.00 Collapsible PDW Stock
This is a 5-position collapsible stock for an AR-15 rifle. Works with any existing Mil-Spec Bolt Carrier allowing use with both gas impingement and gas piston systems. Requires only one-handed operation and will lock in the closed, intermediate and extended positions. Supplied with Springs and buffer.
PWS MK1 MOD1 uppers, rifles and pistols produced from 01-01-13 to 12-31-15 were equipped with a carrier with added mass in the tail that requires our PWS specific smaller diameter buffer for the ARC Stocks.
For all PWS MK1 MOD2 uppers and firearms, the carrier has the standard carrier tail bore dimensions and is compatible with our standard diameter buffers
- H1 Buffer is standard size buffer (3.9 oz) $355.00
- H0 Buffer is 3.1 oz $355.00
- H2 Buffer is 4.6 oz $365.00
- H3 Buffer is 5.3 oz $375.00
- PWS Buffer is 4.7 oz and is specific to the PWS upper system. $385.00
- Weight: 23 ounces
- Length Collapsed: 4-7/8″ (from lower receiver buffer extension)
- Length Extended: 8-7/8″
- Position increments: 5 x 1″
