Went to the range today and the wife fired the AR-15 for the first time.  We had a blast but she said that the recoil was hurting her shoulder and it indeed did leave some small bruises.  Nothing out of the ordinary with the gun, 14.5" barrel, mid-length gas system, and your typical Federal 5.56 ammo. 

I have the standard M4 stock on it right now but was thinking about the B5 SOPMOD, mainly because I like the stock but it also has the cushioned buttpad (plus it's way cheaper than the LMT version).  Anyone with this stock notice an improvement in comfort/recoil?  I know the AR15 isn't a very strong kicking gun to begin with.  Any other suggestions welcome too.

Magpul CTR or ACS-L buttstock with the enhanced butt pad.

Went to the range today and the wife fired the AR-15 for the first time.  We had a blast but she said that the recoil was hurting her shoulder and it indeed did leave some small bruises.  Nothing out of the ordinary with the gun, 14.5" barrel, mid-length gas system, and your typical Federal 5.56 ammo. 

I have the standard M4 stock on it right now but was thinking about the B5 SOPMOD, mainly because I like the stock but it also has the cushioned buttpad (plus it's way cheaper than the LMT version).  Anyone with this stock notice an improvement in comfort/recoil?  I know the AR15 isn't a very strong kicking gun to begin with.  Any other suggestions welcome too.

Did you make sure she adjusted the stock for her size, ensuring the butt was snug against her?  Leaving a gap is bad, as I'm sure you know.  I've never had any of my friends or family have a recoil problem with any of my ARs.  If she's bruising, sounds more like she just needs practice holding the rifle tightly against her.

Magpul CTR or ACS-L buttstock with the enhanced butt pad.

Two other good choices.  I prefer the SOPMOD though plus it's a little cheaper.  I guess we'll see if any goes on sale.

Did you make sure she adjusted the stock for her size, ensuring the butt was snug against her?  Leaving a gap is bad, as I'm sure you know.  I've never had any of my friends or family have a recoil problem with any of my ARs.  If she's bruising, sounds more like she just needs practice holding the rifle tightly against her.

She moved the stock all the way forward and I told her to keep it snug, even to lean forward into it a little.  Didn't seem to help.  At first I thought maybe it was because she exercised before we went and her muscles were sore but it did leave some minor bruises.  She said she didn't mind and would keep shooting without a new stock but it kinda gives me a good excuse to buy one 

I suggest adding a muzzle brake for her.  Also like someone said make sure she is shouldering it properly.  If not a lot more than brushing can happen. Brian at xring can help you if you're not sure. 

I suggest adding a muzzle brake for her.  Also like someone said make sure she is shouldering it properly.  If not a lot more than brushing can happen. Brian at xring can help you if you're not sure.

Unfortunately it's pinned since it's a 14.5 barrel.

That's no problem.

Bought a used SOPMOD off Amazon, going to see if that combined with better shouldering helps her.  If not, I'll look into a muzzle brake.

Never shot a collapsible stock AR until I built a .308.  Instant dislike of the rattling thing.  No cheek weld possible,  Pull length felt all wrong.

Went to an ACE stock, and have an A2 on hand in case I want to go all the way back to what I originally shot.  Last .223 AR was an old Colt HBAR and it had virtually no recoil with the A2 stock.

Suspect a lot of people have collapsible stocks because it looks tactical, but a fixed stock would work far better for them.