When Stoner designed the original AR/M series rifles (Please, let's not bicker particulars here), he had a fabulous idea.  Put the axis of recoil in a direct line with the shoulder to eliminate muzzle climb.  Thus the elevated sight plane.  However, the top edge of the stock in his, and as far as I can tell, in all subsequent designs, is also along that line.  This means, in order to get a proper cheek weld, you have to shoulder the gun higher, raising the axis of recoil above the shoulder, and reintroducing muzzle climb.  Does anyone know of a stock that allows a good cheek weld while keeping the axis of recoil low on the shoulder? 

Alternative, instead of getting a cheek weld riser which will make the mounting of the optic higher off the bore, how about you lean forward into your shots more.

This should change the position where the stock meets your body and, therefore, where the axis of recoil is directed into your shoulder.

Asinaapple got it right.  This is why you see many people shooting ARs leaning forward and with the stocks slightly more towards the chest than in the traditional shoulder pocket.

I agree with both of the above.

My Magpul ACS-L stock provides a comfortable cheekweld, although maybe not a proper one. Nose to charging handle works pretty good though. even with optics.
On a flat top, optics aren't mounted much higher than the flip-up irons.

There's a few out available which are full adjustable like the Magpul PRS. Cost as much as a complete lower though.

Check them out at the HDF fun shoot. ( I think you're in for this next one ) Should have characters with way more money than me to spend on their toys and all-kinds of stocks. ( being it's carbine month )

Let us know what you choose. 

regarding your question about stocks, you'll need to determine if your goals are:

-storage capacity
-weight
-feel
-lockup
-color

I prefer the larger surface of the Magpul ACS, but I might be purchasing an STR at some point.  Also in this category are stocks from Troy, B5 Systems, and a few others that i can't think of right now.  I prefer the larger cheekweld surface area.  I also prefer a more traditional stance more than the newer c-clamp stance.

When Stoner designed the original AR/M series rifles (Please, let's not bicker particulars here), he had a fabulous idea.  Put the axis of recoil in a direct line with the shoulder to eliminate muzzle climb.  Thus the elevated sight plane.  However, the top edge of the stock in his, and as far as I can tell, in all subsequent designs, is also along that line.  This means, in order to get a proper cheek weld, you have to shoulder the gun higher, raising the axis of recoil above the shoulder, and reintroducing muzzle climb.  Does anyone know of a stock that allows a good cheek weld while keeping the axis of recoil low on the shoulder?

Hey Tom_G

How do you plan to shoot your AR? are you planning on running and gunning or target shooting? Here are two extreme examples of how you can shoulder your rifle depending on how you shoot.







Battle line makes an attachment for magpul stocks that can adjust for cheek weld and butt pad can adjust for angle.

Hey Tom_G

How do you plan to shoot your AR? are you planning on running and gunning or target shooting?

Huh.  You know, I haven't the foggiest idea.  What an excellent question!  And me ragging everyone else about preferring guns that are purpose-built... how ironic.

It just seems like I should have one, and I took advantage of a moment of weakness to pick up a striped upper and lower a couple of gunshows back.  I want it to be light, so my lower is magnesium.  I want it to be short, so I bought a 16" barrel.  I plan on NOT mounting an optic.  And I do want the stock to be adjustable in terms of LOP, since that would be advantageous when taking new shooters out, but I also want it to be a comfortable fit.

Precision target?  No.
Mega-tacticool?  No.
Run and gun?  I play with HFD and HRA, but I'm really not interested more than that. 
Home defense?  Probably not.

Um, I guess I just want a general-purpose gun, mostly free of bells and/or whistles, and reliable. 

Huh.  You know, I haven't the foggiest idea.  What an excellent question!  And me ragging everyone else about preferring guns that are purpose-built... how ironic.

It just seems like I should have one, and I took advantage of a moment of weakness to pick up a striped upper and lower a couple of gunshows back. 

AR15's are like potato chips, you just can't have one   

Light, adjustable and cheap(price) - Magpul MOE or the CTR is good to go, if you need more cheek surface area the Magpul STR is an option 

I have good results using the Duostock in CQB applications. good cheek weld and sits high enough for line of sight.

Due to the design of the system and how the charging handle operates, most stocks have the same height profile.  As depicted above their are some stocks that have a cheek riser platform that adjusts comb height and still accommodates charging handle movement, but that is not the norm.  However it is mostly about technique and individual user application(s).  As you stated, the AR / M16 / M4 by design has efficient or low recoil properties and as seen above technique will vary.  For rapid multiple shots being in line with the center axis of recoil is more desirable, however for slow or precision fire the stock placement or axis of recoil is not as important.  However most stock design is very similar in where it places the cheek weld in relation comb height and shoulder height.  Application and technique is the fine tuning portion of it.   

I lean forward until my nose touches the charging handle.  I thought everybody knew that this is the proper way to hold an AR.....

I lean forward until my nose touches the charging handle.  I thought everybody knew that this is the proper way to hold an AR.....

Nose to charging handle is "a way" and not "the way", or only "proper way" to mount an AR.  The firm belief that it is THE proper way is old time dogmatism at the least and chock full of error at most.  Any correct and modern methodology in firearms training regarding the M16/AR15/M4 platform of rifle will acknowledge and follow this understanding.

dp