LUTH-AR MBA-3 Carbine Stock Review
The standard buttstock on AR carbines is simple and effective. However, one of the more common complaints shooters have is that their rifles would fit better if the stock was just a little longer, taller, etc. LUTH-AR’s MBA-3 Carbine Stock aims to offer a lightweight solution to this problem.
Both of the length of pull and cheek rest are easily adjusted with the two large metal knobs on the right hand side of the stock. The cheek rest can be raised to provide an extra inch of height above standard. This can make a big difference with some of the taller optics setups, as not having a proper cheek weld will keep anyone from getting the most out of their rifle. The length of pull can be pushed out just over an extra inch as well. This makes for an easy way to fine tune the comfort of the stock to a specific shooter. When tightened, the adjustment on our MBA-3 did not loosen up when shooting.
The MBA-3 that we’ve installed on our test AR does not rattle at all. This is largely due to the flat bottom set screw that built into the side of stock. If this screw is tightened down a bit after adjusting the stock length so that it’s just right, then there is not more wiggle or rattle. This design also lets the same carbine stock work with both mil-spec and commercial buffer tubes. The hex wrench for making these adjustments is stored on the stock, just below the screw.
There is one trick to installing the LUTH-AR stock. When removing an existing stock, often all that is required is to pull down all the way on the release lever pin and then slide the stock off. However, the MBA-3’s locking pin will only come down all the way for installation or removal when the small slot cut into the bottom of the pin is facing towards the front of the rifle. Otherwise, it will only slide on about 1/3 of the way on to the buffer tube. If you run into this issue, just check to make sure the pin is rotated correctly and then installation is easy.
The third adjustably option on the MBA-3 is with the stock’s buttplate. The previously mentioned hex key can be used to adjust the buttplate up, down, left or right to further fine tune the fit of the rifle to a specific shooter. Although it does take some time to play with all of the adjustments, when everything is finally dialed in, it almost feels like you’re shooting a new rifle. All of these adjustments are as simple as turning one or two screws. The absence of additional adjustment levers and toggles, along with a skeletonized frame, helps to keep the stock’s weight down to a surprisingly light 18 ounces.
The bottom of the stock has a molded in picatinny rail, which allows for the attachment of a monopod, etc. There is also the option to install a sling swivel or a push button type swivel, both of which are sold separately, which is a minor disappointment. However, at a ballpark pricepoint one hundred and fifty dollars, the MBA-3 comes in about a hundred bucks cheaper than some of the other adjustable AR stocks on the market. If you are looking for a lightweight, adjustable buttstock for the carbine in your closet, then LUTH-AR has an upgrade worth considering.
