REVIEW: LAW TACTICAL AR15 Folding Stock GEN 3-M

It doesn't matter about the size, honey ... unfortunately, it does. At least when it comes to transporting AR15 systems. Unfortunately, still a big issue, because getting the carbine small is a challenge due to its design. LAW Tactical has taken on this problem: here is the Gen 3-M Folding Stock.

This is what the part looks like, inconspicuous and apparently nothing special. But why is it so complicated to equip an AR15 or AR10 with a folding stock? AK, XCR, SCARs, SIG - they can all do it out of the box...

The system is fully assembled here, which can best explain it. The bolt of the AR15 moves back through the gas pressure and then sticks in the tube, called the buffer tube, on which the stock is attached.

This means that a folding stock for an AR system must inevitably consist of two parts: A folding mechanism and an extension for the bolt, which is now too far from the spring that brings the bolt back forward. The challenge is also that when folding, the spring and the bolt do not fly off in all directions.

The LAW Folding Stock is available in TAN and Black. With the bolt extension, the folding stock weighs just under 300 grams. In normal condition, this makes the AR15 3.3 cm longer (adapter width).

The material used is hardened 4140 steel, CNC-milled in the smallest possible dimensions and without any protruding parts that could get caught on. In addition, there is a Quick Detach point for Push-Button Slings on the underside.
So first of all, disassemble everything. Unscrew the buffer tube, remove the retention pin. Then the folding stock must also be disassembled. There are two screws to remove, which later hold the retention pin and the mechanism for the bolt hook.

Now the Gen 3-M is screwed onto the lower. An extra tool is included to tighten the ring with the adapter to the lower. The tool is made of thin metal and should bend when the correct tightening point is reached.

Now insert the retention pin from below and the bracket for the bolt hook along with the spring. Then the buffer tube can be screwed on and the buffer inserted.

Now the lower must be connected to the upper, bolt inserted, and then in the folded state, the extension must be attached.

If done correctly, it should look like this. The bolt is held by the hook, and the spring by the retention pin. Here you can also see the push button on the right below the Forward Assist, which releases the folding mechanism.

When unfolded, the AR15 is now, as mentioned above, 3.3cm longer, which is not significant due to the telescoping stock - if necessary, just move it a bit further forward. The weight naturally increases after installation, but this is a welcome "disadvantage" for the already top-heavy AR systems.

This is how it looks folded. The telescoping stock is on the left side of the AR. The Folding Stock does not have a lock in this position so it can quickly be brought into firing position. The "resistance" can be adjusted via a screw to the user's preference.

Here we have the assembly instructions and product flyer as PDFs for you:

- Assembly Instructions

- Gen 3M-One-Sheet

What can the folding stock do, what can't it do?

• You can't shoot when folded.
• You can load the weapon, secure it, and then fold it for transport.
• You can fold the weapon at any time while loaded, as long as the bolt is forward.

Theoretically, you can fire a shot while folded, although this is not recommended by the manufacturer and is not covered by the warranty, it is theoretically possible and should hold up due to the solid construction.

Where does the folding stock make sense?

The Gen 3-M's strengths are of course in so-called SBRs - Short Barreled Rifles. A short rifle with a 10 or 12.5-inch barrel can be packed into a small backpack with a folding stock, making it ideal for covert operations units.

Furthermore, the stock helps wherever space is limited: in vehicles, transport boxes, and so on. A folding stock is also suitable for parachute jumps, as it does not get in the way.

Even though the folded AR15 is actually 1.5cm longer than the upper and lower separated, you can quickly have a ready-to-use weapon again.

Here's a picture from a suite in Vegas at the Shot Show: We see an HK417 - the only one available with a folding stock by LAW Tactical!
We have been using the folding stock intensively since the Shot Show 2018