brace

Foxtrot Mike - Mike15 gen 2

200 rounds of ammunition was supplied by Target Barn for the review

  AR pistols have become very commonplace. Foxtrot Mike has designed their pistols and rifles to be a little different, but in a good way. They use an integrated bufferless recoil system in their Gen II AR’s. Foxtrot Mike sent me a 12.5 inch Mike-15 pistol with a few added in options. So let’s get into what advantages this Mike-15 has to offer.

  When you first look at the Mike-15 Gen II, it looks very AR15ish. That is because most of it is. The lower receiver is Foxtrot Mike’s standard AR15 billet lower. But installed in the lower is a rear picatinny mount that also doubles as the bolt stop. The upper receiver system is where the difference is. Yes, it uses a standard AR barrel assembly and is still direct impingement. Because the Mike-15 is a bufferless system, the bolt carrier is different. As is the self contained recoil system that is placed above the bolt carrier, not behind like in a standard AR. This does make the upper about a quarter inch taller than your standard AR. The Mike-15 also uses a forward charging handle. All of these work very well together.

  As mentioned, the Foxtrot Mike, Mike-15 lower receiver is billet. This means that it is machined from a solid block of aluminum, not from a forging. This allows Foxtrot Mike to add in some different features. One of those is an oversized built-in trigger guard. This guard also has a slot in the bottom of it. I don’t know if it is for weight savings, or if it is for something else, but it looks nice. Foxtrot Mike also machines in a radiused 3 dimensional magazine well. This is a pretty nice feature to aid in reloading the rifle/pistol, even if you can see a few light machine marks in the magwell. Some other advanced features are: a screw in bolt catch pin, threaded and set screwed spring for the rear takedown pin, a ball detent for the safety with a set screw to hold it in (normal style spring and detent work also), and a screw for tightening the upper to lower fit. This Mike-15 also came with an upgraded Hiperfire trigger and an ambidextrous safety selector. The safety selector came as a 90 degree throw, but can be switched to a 45 degree, which I did as I like short throw safety levers. The optional Hiperfire Eclipse trigger is fantastic and has a pull weight of 2.5 pounds. The Hiperfire is not listed as an option on the website, but contact them and they will let you know how much extra it adds to the price. I also have a stripped Mike-15 lower for a different project, this is partly why I know about all those extras. I should also mention that the rear picatinny rail installs into the buffer tube threads and has the recoil bumper attached in it. It also has a QD slot at the bottom of the rail, so if a brace is not attached, a sling can be.

  The Upper receiver of the Foxtrot Mike is really where the huge differences are in this pistol, and their rifles. To start with, the upper receiver contains the recoil system. It is housed above the bolt. This recoil system consists of a dual spring and guide rod. The guide rod also goes through the top part of the bolt carrier. This allows the bolt carrier to push against the recoil system. The Mike-15 then uses a standard AR bolt assembly, but not a standard carrier. Because of this system, the receiver is about a ¼ inch taller than a normal AR’s receiver. The extra ¼ inch can make optics sit a little higher. This doesn’t cause any problems on the pistol version, but on a rifle, your optic may need a slightly lower mount. Foxtrot’s upper receiver does not have a forward assist, but does have a shell deflector. The Mike-15 gen II still uses a gas impingement system, so no differences over a standard AR in that respect. Except that the gas block is pinned, not set screwed or clamped. Foxtrot Mike then installs a 4150 barrel. This one is 12.5 inches with a mid length gas system. Because of the higher receiver height, a M-Lok rail that matches the height of the upper is installed. This handguard measures 11.75 inches, so it comes up flush with the muzzle brake. Depending on the rifle or pistol you order, the handguard length will vary. Lastly, Foxtrot Mike put a nice little 4 port compensator on this pistol. The comp works better than I was expecting it to.

  Operation of the Mike-15 gen II is a little different then a standard AR15. Instead of using a rear charging handle, Foxtrot Mike designed a forward charging handle that is in the upper part of the handguard. The charging handle is basically in the part of the handguard that is taller, so it doesn’t affect the M-Lok slots or get in the way. You can set this charging handle up to be either right or left charging. The charging handle DOES NOT reciprocate. However, it can be angled either slightly up, or slightly down, depending on how you have it configured. It comes curved up on the left side of the firearm. A folding lever is also available from Foxtrot Mike. The folding lever folds out of the way against the upper, for a more streamlined charging handle.

  Maintenance on the Mike-15 gen II is also a little different. Because of the self contained recoil system, you can not just pull the bolt out like a standard AR. On the top rear of the upper, there is a little square plug with a hole in it, located where the charging handle on a regular AR would be. One must use a small punch, or something, and push down the recoil spring assembly. Then slide the plug down. Watch out for lift off of that spring, as it can go flying. Then just pull the recoil spring assembly out, tip the gun back, and the bolt carrier should slide right out. All the other maintenance stuff is pretty similar to what a standard AR is.

  The Mike-15 pistols come in a variety of options. Some of those are barrel length and different colors. These pistols can be had in the picatinny rail version. Meaning they only have the pic rail on the rear of the receiver. Or you can get them with a folding SBA3 brace. I'd opt for the folder. The Mike-15 12.5 inch they sent me had an A3 Tactical folding brace with an A3 Steady Brace. These braces are top tier and work great. Plus they are super lightweight. If you want one of these as an add-on to your Mike-15, just ask Foxtrot Mike Products to see what they can do for you. The A3 brace folds to the left side of the Mike-15. Because the Mike-15 uses the forward charging handle, the brace does not get in the way of manipulating the firearm. Yes, of course the Mike-15 will fire while the brace is folded because of the self contained recoil system. 

  The Mike-15 that they sent was pretty solid. I’ve run a bunch of bill drills with it, along with other stuff. Target Barn supplied some 5.56 to help with the review: 100rds of Winchester 5.56 55gr M193 and 100rds of PMC 5.56 55gr. The Mike-15 currently has over 500 rounds through it. I did run into a problem with the recoil system after around 150 rounds. The springs were binding up and wouldn’t allow the bolt to go rearward all the way. I contacted Foxtrot Mike and they sent the “new” style buffer springs and guide rod. I literally had them the next day! Somehow the “old” style guide rod had been installed in this Mike-15. It has run flat out since with zero malfunctions since the initial problem. During my conversation with Foxtrot Mike, they also told me that they have a buffer tube spacer that plugs the buffer tube in case you want to run the Gen II uppers on a standard AR. They sent me one, so I tried it. The Gen II Mike-15 upper ran fine on a standard AR lower with that buffer tube spacer. One thing to mention is that the Mike-15 uses a different manual of arms, kind of. Because of the forward charging handle, one needs to readjust a little. Is this a bad thing? I don’t think so, but I thought it needed mentioning. When it comes to that manual of arms, the Mike-15 also seems to take a little more muscle power to manually cycle the bolt. Probably a non-issue for most. Watch a short clip of how it runs HERE.

  There are a few aspects of the Mike-15 that I really like. The first is the folding brace. I really liked this addition. One, because it folds and makes the Mike-15 really compact. Two, because it has M-lok slots in the arm. Having M-lok allows me to install a QD socket so I can run a sling easily. The next aspect I like is the weight. It weighs 5.6 pounds on my scale, and that is with the Lucid E7 blue-dot optic and the brace. When it comes to performance, the Mike-15 can hold its own. Being only a 12.5 inch barrel, I do shoot it slightly slower than a 16 inch barreled AR, but it is still fast. The Hiperfire trigger helps with the speed also. It is a very nice trigger upgrade. Lastly, I really like the self contained buffer system as it makes the Mike-15 pistol something you can shoot with the brace folded. I’d say the performance of the Mike-15 is above par for the price you pay.

  Foxtrot Mike designs their products for the everyday user. You get a high quality product for not a ton of cash. The Mike-15 Gen II pistols start at $699 MSRP and work their way up from there, depending on options of course. If you are looking for a truly foldable ARish pistol or rifle, the quality you get from Foxtrot Mike is top notch. You can check them out over at fm-products.com.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Bufferless AR style rifle or pistol

Target Market:

Those wanting a non conventional AR that has the advantage of not having a buffer tube.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • CALIBER: .223 WYLDE

  • OPERATING SYSTEM: DIRECT IMPINGEMENT

  • BARREL LENGTH: 12.5"

  • BARREL TWIST: 1:8

  • BARREL MATERIAL: 41V50 PREMIUM MATCH GRADE 41v50 BARREL, VACUUM STRESS RELIEVED, MELONITE COATED WITH A BURNISHED CHAMBER

  • GAS SYSTEM: MIDLENGTH

  • GAS BLOCK: 0.625" NON-ADJUSTABLE

  • UPPER RECEIVER: BILLET AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING 

  • LOWER RECEIVER:  BILLET AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING 

  • HANDGUARD: 11.75" M-LOK FREE FLOAT TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING

  • CHARGING HANDLE: 4 POSITION NON-RECIPROCATING FRONT CHARGING HANDLE

  • PISTOL GRIP: THRIL

  • BUFFER LESS  

  • LENGTH (INCHES): 22"

  • WEIGHT (LBS): 4.7 without brace or optic

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Various lengths, rifle options, etc.

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Brownells - yes it’s for the rifle version, but it is still close   

One of my favorites

I purchased the 16" as well as the 11.5" pistol version. I shot the 16" primarily and was able to zero at 100y and hit targets at 500y without issue. A bit more fine tuning with my scope could yield a bit more in its capability. Some things to note about the rifle: I had some issues with the first round in a magazine going into battery and having light primer strikes that were rectified through break-in. After a couple magazines, I had zero errors. The biggest issue I had was getting proper eye level with my sight. Be aware the Zhukov stock and the folding, mounting system sits 0.25" lower than a standard AR. You may have to buy the $15 0.25 Magpul AK Riser to get the proper eye line. I paired my 30mm LVPO with a low mount, cantilever scope mount. In all, it only cost an additional $50, but I wish there were a way to have the stock sit at the same level as a buffer tube would. This is information I wish had been noted in reviews/videos before purchasing the rifle. Am I happy with my FM-15?Yes, it's probably my favorite AR long gun. Would the sight-line information have changed my decision to buy? Maybe, but ultimately I'm happy to own such a unique rifle. Time will tell if I enjoy the pistol length version as much as the 16".Though, I do hope Foxtrot Mike develops a 300BLK, short barreled upper of the same style.

Link to other reviews:

Tiberious Gib on YouTube   

Pew Pew Tactical   

Price point:

MSRP = $699.00 +

As tested = Approximately $1125

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Foxtrot Mike or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Folding brace

  • Self contained recoil system

  • Pinned gas block

  • 3D magwell

Cons:

  • Manual of Arms is slightly different 

  • Harder to charge the firearm when compared to an AR

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Gforce Arms Rapture review

Strike Industries Dual Folding Adapter

  Strike Industries recently brought out their Dual Folding Adapter. It is a unique folding stock, or brace, for mounting on a picatinny rail, hence the “adapter” part of the name. From pistols to rifles, the Dual Folding Adapter (DFA) has a variety of uses. 

  The Dual Folding Adapter comes with everything needed for multiple mounting options. It comes in the box set up to be used as a pistol brace. Also in the box is a buttplate. The buttplate is to use the DFA on a rifle or registered Short Barrel Rifle (SBR). Do not put the buttplate on the DFA while it’s on a pistol. The buttplate also has a rubber buttpad attached to it. To mount the DFA to anything, you need a firearm with a rear vertical picatinny rail. Then you just slide it on the pic rail, insert the screws, and tighten it down. The stabilizer has a QD socket at the top rear, for use with a single point sling. This lets you put pressure against the sling, to help stabilize the pistol. The buttplate is pretty explanatory for a rifle. The buttplate also has 2 QD’s, one on either side, for mounting a sling. To switch between the buttplate and the stabilizer, there is a torx head screw that goes through the end of either one of them, and screws into the strut.

  Now for the best part. The Strike Industries Dual Folding Adapter folds both ways! There are 2 buttons on the top, by the picatinny rail mount. These buttons unlock the DFA so it can fold. If looking at it like you hold a pistol or rifle, push the left button down, into its recess, and the DFA  can then be folded to the right. Or, push the right button and it can be folded to the left. The DFA has a slight 3 degree downward angle, when folded. This is to help clear ejection ports, so that a rifle can still be fired with the DFA folded. To unfold the DFA, you have to push up slightly and then pivot the DFA out to lock it in the unfolded position. If you push up by the stabilizer or buttplate, nothing happens. You have to push up closer to the hinged portion, or the DFA won’t unfold. I like how this worked because you aren’t accidentally unfolding the DFA. It is also really easy and quick to unfold the DFA. Just push up a little with your thumb and you are in business. There is a small price to pay for the ability to fold both directions. That comes in the way of the picatinny rail mount and folding mechanism. The folding mechanism is 2” wide, so it is the widest part on the whole DFA. One typically mounts the DFA up by the firearms receiver, so it’s not as bad as it sounds. 

  Other than the folding point, the Dual Folding Adapter is quite slim. The strut on the DFA extends rearward from the folding mechanism, it has some lightening cuts and is only about ½” wide. The whole DFA weighs under 10 ounces, so it’s not heavy at all. Total length on the DFA is about 9.25”. In the folded position it adds, a tiny bit over, an inch to your firearm. If, for some reason, you want to take the DFA off, you can push both the buttons and slide it off of the picatinny mount. Why, I am not sure, because it folds. Strike Industries also sent me out their Cheek Riser. This is for using the DFA as a rifle stock. The cheek riser clamps on through 2 holes in the strut. It has 3 height positions. The cheek riser makes the strut much more comfortable to lay your cheek against. Plus those height adjustments let you get your eye in the right spot for your optics. I was impressed with how comfortable and useful this little piece of polymer was.

  The Dual Folding Adapter was used mainly on a Strike Modular Chassis. So it was used in the pistol stabilizer configuration. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the DFA stabilizer brace worked for me. It rested nicely against my arm and really did help stabilize the pistol. There is a tiny bit of up down movement in the whole system, but it’s less than some M4 stocks, so no complaints about stability. Speaking of stability, Strike Industries has little rubber bumpers that go inside the DFA to help with lockup and cushion the impact of that lockup. I ended up using the thickest ones provided, as they gave the best feel and tightness. I probably have opened and closed the DFA more than I should have. It’s kind of a fidget spinner for firearms. 

  If you happen to be in the market for a folding stock or brace, why not let it fold both ways. The Strike Industries Dual Folding Adapter does just that. It makes an excellent stock, as it is sturdy, and it really shines as a foldable brace. Strike Industries has really stepped up their accessory game in the last few years, The Dual Folding Adapter is definitely one to check out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Dual Folding stock or brace

Target Market:

Those wanting a folding stock

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Pre Assembled as stabilizer and includes a separate stock rear piece for rifle or registered Short-Barrel Rifle (SBR)

  • Patented Picatinny dual folding adapter with intuitive unfolding system

  • Folds left or right anytime without flipping or reconfiguring hinge

  • Adds [Stabilizer] 9.24" (234.64mm) or [Stock] 9.18” (233.14mm) to overall weapon length

  • Adds 1.02” (26.00mm) to overall weapon length in folded position

  • Positive lock in the folded position, included rubber pads for folding adapter indentation to adjust desired locking tension when fully deployed

  • Pull up on bar near hinge and back for quick deployment when folded

  • 3-degree down tilt to help prevent interference with ejection port when folded to right side

  • Mounts directly to 1913 Picatinny interface with 2 built-in locking lugs

  • Single rear QD [Stabilizer] and ambidextrous QD sling mounting points [Stock]

  • Rubber anti-slip buttpad [Stock]

  • Steel hinge with 6061-T6 Aluminum base, adapter & strut

  • Lightweight at under 10 ounces

  • Modular system with interchangeable parts sold separately

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog  

Price point:

MSRP = $219.95

Cheek Riser = $31.95

Retail = $199.95 at Brownells   

I need it now! Availability:

Strike Industries or Brownells

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Folds both ways

  • Switchable between rifle and pistol options

  • Easily deployed

  • QD points

  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Wide picatinny rail folding mount

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

Guntec Micro Breach pistol brace

 Guntec USA has a new pistol brace kit out. Yes, everyone has a pistol brace kit out now. But does the complete kit cost $69.95? Yeah, that’s what I said. I have found that Guntec parts are of good quality, especially for the price. The Micro Breach pistol brace falls into this category also.

  The Micro Breach is a blade style brace. A blade style brace has a triangle piece that sticks down from the AR buffer tube. By doing this, one is able to rest the brace against your forearm for support. There is also a slot in the angled piece. The slot can be used for a sling or to put a strap through, so you can affix it to your forearm. It is made from a Zytel polymer, so it should hold up to most gun maintenance supplies. It is also ATF approved.

  Since this brace is in a kit, it comes with everything needed for installation, minus the buffer tube wrench. Buffer tube, check. Spring and buffer, yep. Castle nut, uh huh. End plate with sling attachment, of course. Even the wrench to tighten down the brace to the buffer tube! 

Viewed from top of rifle

  Guntec’s brace is also adjustable. It is not as easy to adjust as a positional stock, but acceptable for a pistol brace. Just find the position that works best for you. Then tighten down the 2 bolts with the wrench provided. The 2 bolts essentially tighten down a clamp around the buffer tube. This system worked well and the brace has never moved on the buffer tube.

  The Micro Breach works okay. As a pistol brace, it falls short. It is not very comfortable to rest against your forearm or when strapped to your forearm. It has a decent look to it and is very sturdy. Now, if you were to accidentally put the pistol up to your shoulder (not legal advice), it makes a great substitution for a stock. Since the brace comes with everything, It would be a great way to shoot an AR build until your Short Barrelled Rifle (SBR) tax stamp comes back. The metal parts in the kit are decent quality, as I would expect from Guntec. If something were to happen to the kit, Guntec has you covered with their lifetime warranty

  The Micro Breach pistol brace might be an option for you. Especially if you are looking at it as an economical, get you through until your SBR paperwork comes back, option. Guntec also makes the brace kit for pistol caliber carbines. So if you are looking into a pistol brace, go give Guntec a look. They have always treated me well and make good products.



Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Pistol Brace for AR15 pistols

Target Market:

Builders or those wanting a pistol brace for better control

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Adjustable length

  • ATF approved

  • Low profile

  • Complete kit, includes:

    • Buffer tube

    • Castle nut

    • Single point end plate

    • Recoil spring

    • 3 oz Buffer

    • Brace

  • Brace Length - 6.25”

  • 5 ounces, complete kit is 12 ounces

  • T6 aluminum for buffer tube

  • Brace is Zytel polymer composite

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

9mm version

What others are saying?:

Nothing found 

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $69.95

I need it now! Availability:

Guntec USA

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Price

  • Complete kit

  • Locks down tight

Cons:

  • Not comfortable to use

  • Hard to strap to forearm

Score: 6.50 Okay

65.jpg

Favorite Link:   Walker Defense Research











Sig Sauer SB15 Pistol Stabilizing Brace

Sig Arm Brace If you've been out of the tactical neighborhood for a bit, you maybe scratching your head at all these short barreled AR15s with arm braces that are scattered around magazine spreads and internet blogs. You may be wondering if shooting one handed is the new tactical hat trick. Not quite, but they have become very popular with AR-15 owners who are very proud of their "pistols."

Let me back up a bit. The original purpose of this arm brace is to aid those who are unable to shoulder a rifle effectively, because over either an injury or medical disability. In fact this product was designed by a US Veteran who was looking for a way for disabled vets to still be able to control and shoot rifles safely.  Mounting this on your AR-15 rifle (or AK47 as a different model) does not change its legal definition, and allows users to raise the firearm by anchoring the brace to your forearm. Needless to say, the weight of your rifle and your arm strength play a strong role in your success in using this product. However for those who are unable to fire a rifle for any number of physical obstacles, this stock is a game changer.

Now, I will get into why everyone else, myself included, are purchasing the Sig Sauer SB15 Pistol Stabilizing Brace.  In short, the ATF has ruled that installing this "brace" onto an AR Pistol does not alter the firearm's classification as a "pistol," and thus avoiding the classification of an SBR (short barreled rifle). So basically if you have an AR Pistol and you install this arm brace, it lets you legally own something that is similar to an SBR in handling/shouldering terms, without filing a Form 4, paying for a tax stamp, waiting between 8-12 months for your stamp and approved paperwork, AND not being able to transport the firearm in between states without notification of LEO.

Now I'm not a lawyer, and NFA laws are not something you want to misunderstand due to every gunshop employee you could talk to have a varying explanation.  Even as you are reading this, my understanding of whats correct and incorrect may no longer be the law of the land.  So I will not go deep into the Do's and Don'ts of AR15s and AR Pistols. Just consult the ATF website and make sure your SB15-equipped firearm is in NFA compliance if you are thinking about a barrel shorter than 16 inches.

 

sigbrace2

I actually found the brace difficult to use. The elasto-polymer is uncomfortable if you just shove your arm through the brace. I also found it impossible to straighten my arm enough to use sights. I believe this is a downside to installing the SB15 on an elongated pistol buffer tube, like the KAK industries Super Sig tube. It positions the brace farther back on your forearm, and decreases the angle at which you can align the pistol straight ahead.  Also an optic like a red dot is required as you won't be able to use iron sights correctly with the appropriate eye relief.

However, this brace has an unintended benefit that probably makes up approx 90% of sales, being able to shoulder it like a stock, without it actually being a stock. With the official ruling and letter that comes with every SB15, the ATF has ruled that shouldering the arm brace does not magically make your pistol and rifle, and then back to a pistol when it is un-shouldered... that would be ridiculous and arbitrary! That is the reason why the brace is so popular.  I have tried firing an AR Pistol using only a naked buffer tube, and it was awkward and uncomfortable. The SB15 isn't as ergonomic as an actual stock, but the increase accuracy from a more traditional shooting technique and the legal benefit of this item make it worth the investment for those who desire a short barreled version of an AR-15 without the red tape. The cheek weld isn't bad, nothing to write home about but its better than nothing. Those who often wear armor (plate carriers, or other bulky tactical garb) will also appreciate the shorter LOP.

My only other gripe is the color of the FDE model. It's nowhere close to the other "Flat Dark Earth" furniture I have of my firearms. Not even close to coyote brown.  Why is it so difficult to nail down a consistent color for all manufacturers? OD Green wasn't the same across the board either, but there seems to be so many different shades and hues with the title of FDE that heavily contrast from each other. I would call this color "Flat Dark Baby Puke." Okay, graphic designer rant over!

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Designed to improve the single-handed shooting performance of buffer tube equipped pistols.

Target Market: Disabled hunters or recreational shooters wishing to shoot one-handed (or AR15 owners trying to keep their short barrels legal)

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

  • Fits all pistols equipped with an AR-style buffer tube 1.0" - 1.2" in diameter.
  • ATF compliant** ATF has reviewed this product and determined that attaching the SB15 to a firearm does not alter the classification of the firearm or subject the firearm to NFA control
  • Veteran designed
  • Made in USA
  • Quick and easy to install
  • Made from high-quality, elasto-polymer
  • Uses the operator’s forearm to provide stable support, thereby minimizing accuracy-robbing spin and shift.
  • A flexible cuff with two adjustable nylon straps allows the SB15 to be custom fit to any user.
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black or Dark Earth

What others are saying?: "As far as the intended purpose of the brace: it's completely moronic. you can't really look down the sights, can't manipulate the weapon, and can't really use the controls. Forget about scoring good hits on target. I guess I understand the idea, but it just doesn't work. We all know what the real value of this brace is, and it functions far better in that regard.

Pros: You can skip the ATF wait, tax, and NFA paperwork and have what I would consider maybe 80% of the functionality of an SBR. It actually offers a pretty good cheek weld, if you don't mind how close in you have to tuck your carbine. Rubber is solid enough to function in the "traditional" sense. The stock is on the tube very tight, it took me and another meathead friend of mine to pull it off. I haven't tried to mortar the gun yet but I think the brace would probably do just fine. I consider myself to be stronger than most and it took an enormous amount of force to push the stock as far down as I did.

Cons: It can turn on the buffer tube because it isn't locked in at all. Sig should find some way to lock this in so it can't turn. It wouldn't be any different functionally if it went on a traditional buffer tube, but I'm sure the ATF in all their wisdom would never go for that. It is sold feeling piece of gear, but it's still rubber. You'd probably be **** out of luck if you were trying to squash somebodies head with it as opposed to a normal stock. A QD swivel also would have been nice, but I don't really expect that type of thing from Sig, especially on a product like this. Maybe they'll release a second gen of these at some point, but I kinda doubt it. Another con is that the stupid thing costs $140, more than almost every buttstock on the market, and most of your NFA tax stamp cost. You also have to pony up cash for the pistol buffer tube. The most obvious con is that the brace comes in black and not tan, which makes it infinitely less tactical." Tzook user, M4Carbine.net Review

Price Point:

MSRP: $139.00

I need it now! Availability:  Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Provides one armed shooting for disabled or special cases
  • Includes ATF compliance letter
  • Comes with extra velcro for additional support
  • Invented by a veteran, partnered with SIG and $3 per stock proceeds go to HAVA foundation

Cons:

  • Extremely uncomfortable on bare forearm for use as intended (arm brace)
  • FDE color is way off from Magpul FDE and other "Coyote Brown" colored products
  • Price is too high for what it is/how it affects sight alignment

Score: 6.0 Okay