REVIEW: Donaustahl ODIN mounting shaft

The topic of gun stocks has been gaining popularity for some time, especially since the introduction of the "Israel - Tactical Hype" with the Roni stock for the Glock pistols - HERE is the SPARTANAT review for the Micro-Roni stock - has spread widely. Khi Pa Landgraf from KL Strategic has tested the ODIN from DONAUSTAHL.

But there has always been a problem: those who have different pistols need a stock for each of these pistols, revolvers are not even an option; and that can get quite expensive at times.

Here, the German manufacturer DONAUSTAHL promises a solution. Like the Allfather, the ODIN is supposed to combine the supremacy of gun stocks and be the fundamental solution on which one can rely. We took a closer look at the whole thing.

The ODIN gun stock promises compatibility with pretty much all handguns, as long as they have a Picatinny or Weaver rail, because the system is connected to the gun via this rail.

The double clamping mounting - patented by the manufacturer - works via two screw elements. The first screw is continuous and can be used in one of the three predetermined holes to hold the gun in the respective recess of the mounting rail. This system is already known from conventional clamping mounts for mounting rails.

In addition, there is the clamping function via the second screw connection. This fixes the gun in the system laterally on the mounting rail over the entire length. This way, the gun is securely held in the gun stock. Thanks to the mounting and the open design, a major advantage is already evident: the gun's sighting can still be used without limitation!

Since different guns have different dimensions, the connection of the front bracket to the shoulder stock is made via flexibly adjustable connecting rods. These can be rotated in their front and rear receptacles, resulting in sufficient space for mounting and operation even for large handguns (e.g. 1911s, etc.) due to the shaping. In this case, one accepts that the overall dimensions of the gun stock increase in width.

The ODIN comes standard with a milStd M4 retractable stock, which can be replaced according to individual needs. The rear stock attachment is via a standard buffer tube thread.

The ODIN comes with various mounting rails in the clamping mounting and connecting elements for attaching optics and other accessories right from the start. The front area in particular is suitable for mounting with optics, etc.

How does it work in practice? Installing the weapon works very quickly with a little practice. First, the retaining screw is completely removed, the weapon is inserted into the clamping jaws from the rear, and positioned so that the retaining screw can pass through the mounting rail of the weapon when using one of the three predetermined positions. Then this is tightened by hand. Next, the clamping screw on the opposite side is tightened by hand, pressing the clamping jaws against the mounting rail. If necessary, the retaining screw can now be tightened again; and there you go ... the weapon is already installed in the shoulder stock. With some practice, this procedure takes less than half a minute.

If necessary, the lateral connecting elements can now be adjusted for easy operation ... and you're good to go.

Two questions were of particular interest to us in the practical test:

1. Is the weapon really secure in the stock and can it be shot easily?

Generally speaking: YES!

The clamping jaws hold the weapon securely in the shoulder stock when correctly assembled, and the retaining screw prevents the weapon from sliding forward or backward in the clamp. It is crucial that the mounting rail on the weapon is of good quality and deep enough to cleanly accommodate the retaining screw without slipping over it.

Shooting is initially a bit unfamiliar, as the weapon is fixed exclusively in the front area, and with a correct stance, it feels like the weapon is tilting in the stock. This feeling goes away fairly quickly when the included handle is mounted and a correct rifle shooting stance is used.

Thanks to the flexibly adjustable connecting elements, the stock can be adjusted so that operating the weapon is smooth. Malfunction drills can also be easily carried out.

2. How repeatable is the installation of the weapon in the shoulder stock?

Surprisingly, the repeatability of installation is quite high. With a mounted red dot sight and similar installation conditions, the point of impact shifts only minimally, so at least in close range, no readjustment is necessary; of course, depending on the precision demands one has for themselves and the weapon.

So who is the ODIN from Donaustahl suitable for?

Basically, first of all for anyone considering getting a shoulder stock; especially for those who use different systems and do not want to acquire a separate stock for each one.

For sporting use, the ODIN is highly recommended, especially due to its flexible usability.

For official use, the ODIN is only conditionally suitable, depending on the operational conditions. One advantage is definitely the quick assembly of the handgun to increase effective range and accuracy. However, due to the relatively wide and open design, there could potentially be problems with other equipment getting caught or snagged. For official users, there is at least a significantly increased need for training for safe use in high-stress situations.

For use in civilian security services in armed guarding and protection, the use of the ODIN could be more conceivable due to its quick deployability and generally less extensive equipment. Unfortunately, the ODIN is not suitable for concealed carrying, for example in the field of personal protection, due to its design.

CONCLUSION: Donaustahl has achieved with the ODIN what many have been waiting for - a universal shoulder stock compatible with almost all handguns. The ODIN is particularly suitable for sports shooters and civilian users who want to use the shoulder stock concept to expand their field of activity; for example, for the feeling and handling of rifles at ranges where only handguns are allowed, or to compete in the (still relatively unknown) sporting disciplines for shoulder stocks with existing handguns. Here you get a high-quality product where functionality takes precedence over aesthetics, and all for a reasonable price.

You can get the Donaustahl ODIN universal stock system at ANSCHLAGSCHAFT.DE for 489 euros.

DONAUSTAHL on the internet