I want to buy a collapsable stock for my AR

[Duff]

I don't want to spend 200 bucks on a "super duty tactical whiz bang" stock. I just want a decent 4 or 6 position stock (M4 style). I just don't know which to buy or where to get it from. Again, I don't want to buy the cheapest stock...but I don't need the best one either. Can you guys point me in the right direction? Currently, my AR sports the standard A2 stock.
thanks-Duff

[TinMan]

I have an old CAR-15 aluminum stock on my CAR, after the plastic one cracked while sitting in the safe. If I were in the market today, I would take a hard look at the Magpul stock, but I haven't priced them yet.

[Squeeze]

I have just gone through a medium priced collapsible stock recon buy,
and here is what I know.

Olympic Arms sells an aluminum version of the common 6 pos. collapsible. It
won't crack easily. I think it was about $95 shipped, IIRC. It does rattle a
little, which is pretty typical of collapsible stocks, but in general, it functions
well, and will be more durable than the polymer stocks.

The next stock I ordered was the 6 pos. collapsible DPMS Pardus stock, and
for a polymer stock is seems well made, with strong sling anchor points, but it
does have the collapsible stock rattle. I put a rubber butt pad on it, and
IMHO it is a good lower priced collapsible stock, that should hold up to
reasonably rough duty. I think I paid $55 before shipping, for the Pardus.

The final purchase was the Command Arms(CAA) collapsible, with the tube
assembly. This is the first collapsible stock that I have used, that did not
rattle...But that same tightness is a bit of a pain to adjust the stock.
It will probably loosen up over time, and a little lube helped. I tried moly
grease, but that turned out to be a bit too messy, and just used good old
Hoppes #9 gun oil, which helped the adjustments be smoother. I should
get some Imperial Sizing wax, and wax the buffer tube, and that will probably
do the trick. I REALLY like the features on this stock. It has a battery
storage compartment on the left side, and a picatinny rail, on the right
side, where a mag holder, or other accessories can be mounted. There is
also an inexpensive cheek piece available for this stock. The stock
in general has a very solid feel to it, with strong sling anchor points. It
also comes with a rubber but pad installed. For the $75+shipping, I paid
for it, this one is my current favorite.

But all three have turned out to have redeeming qualities over the typical
polymer collapsible buttstocks offered as the "standard" collapsible
stocks, by most AR-15 rifle suppliers. All three seem to be of higher
quality materials, with strong sling anchor points, and in the case of the
CAA, some nice bells and whistles, too. And for the "I hate plastic" guys,
that want a reasonably priced collapsible, then the Oly Arms, would be my
recommendation.

Squeeze

[Terry N.]

FWIW, the Colt 6-position (plastic) collapsible stock is mighty durable. I was taking care of 400+ M4 carbines in the sandbox, and the only one that broke during my tenure was when a troop dropped the weapon out of a moving Hummer. The very tip of the toe broke off when it hit the asphalt. The stock was still fully functional and serviceable - just missing 1/2".