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I received a few new items in the mail today, among them the relatively new to the market Mission First Tactical Battlelink Minimalist Stock.
While
there aren't as many options for trimming weight off your M4 AEG as
there are real steel, furniture selection can make a distinct difference
in feel, weight, and handling. The BMS, as it is known, is advertised
as the "lightest stock on the market" - one of its primary selling
features amongst an ultra-low-profile design and of course an overall
'minimalist' design.
Features and Specifications
5.8 oz. total weight.
Reinforced DuPont Polyamid construction.
Angled non-slip rubberized buttpad.
Quick Detach Sling mounting point incorporated for optimum
usage with ambidextrous shooters.
Offered for Mil-Spec and Commercial buffer tube diameters (most AEG's use Mil-Spec diamters, but it pays heed to check before purchasing.)
Made in the USA.
Average retail price of $59.99
Besides
being incredibly lightweight, the other immediately noticeable feature
of this stock is the fact that it doesn't have a traditional triangular
design. Instead it is more "L" shaped, which may be a point of criticism
for some; i.e. "it's not going to be as strong as a traditional stock
design." In other words don't try to break a door down with it. I do not
feel this is a claim with much merit, though, as an M4 is hardly suited
for this task to begin with (that's how I destroyed a buffer tube
once.) Get an AK if you want to be in the business of breaking doors.
The
minimalist design extends to the release latch, which is a
flush-fitting design that doesn't protrude into places it shouldn't.
Fitment of the stock to the buffer tube is quite tight. It does not
rattle or wiggle much, which is a nice feature for the noise conscious.
The top of the stock features a witness whole for those who might have
buffer tubes with numbered positions. Just forward of the stock latch is a QD socket for Quick-Detach sling swivels. It is non-rotational limited, which is a plus in my book, but may be a negative for those who prefer rotational-limited sockets. The angled buttplate is made of a
hard rubberized material that is quite grippy. I definitely appreciate
the angle of the bottom toe on the stock as it allows for faster
presentation from the low-ready position. It just seems to clear the
shoulder better than a Magpul CTR stock, or even the standard A2 style.
Size-wise,
this stock is nearly the same size as the Magpul CTR stock in length
and buttpad height, minus the extra support arm. It is, however, lighter
than the CTR stock.
Some have mentioned that the L shaped
design might snag more on your gear, clothing, etc. Through my testing, I
have yet to snag the stock on my load bearing gear or my clothing.
Mission First Tactical is now offering a paracord "cobra braid" for
those who are concerned. Whether or not you need this is up to
individual preference. I personally do not feel it is a necessary item.
The BMS stock is offered in the following colors:
Black
Flat Dark Earth
Foliage Green
Grey
Scorched Dark Earth
For
my build I selected Foliage Green colorway. It doesn't quite match the
shade of Foliage as used by Magpul in their MIAD grip, nor does it quite
match the VLTOR CASV-M (however, the Magpul grip and the CASV color
shades are near identical). It's just a bit lighter, but still
recognizable as Foliage. For the color purists who need everything to
absolutely match, you will likely have a nervous breakdown. I suggest
you speed-dial your Cerakote refinisher before ordering this stock.
Installed on a customized KWA RM4.
Conclusions
I'm
pretty happy with this stock and would have no problems recommending it
to someone who's looking for an ultra-lightweight package. I do not
feel it is a weakly designed part - rather the contrary; it feels very
rigid and sturdy. I also feel that it comes off the low-ready faster
than any other stock out there, mostly due to the angled in toe on the
bottom of the buttplate.Coupled with weight loss treatments to the
front-end, or perhaps nylon / plastic (forgive me, but eeeeeew)
receivers you could have yourself a really lightweight build. - Arkady
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