UBR vs CTR

[Hatter]

Can anyone comment on the weight difference between the UBR and CTR?

I'm researching parts for a 10.5 SBR build and like both of these stocks. My only concern is what I've heard regarding the UBR being a beefy heavy stock. The name of the game for the SBR is light and nimble with features such as DD lite rail, Aimpoint Micro, and very few accessories (XTM's or ladder covers, AFG, MIAD, possibly BUIS). Is the UBR really that much heavier that it could unbalance the lite rail? Or am I concerned over nothing?

And no, I'm not overlooking the cost difference between the 2. My gut tells me to go cheap light and nimble with the CTR.

[Paulo_Santos]

For lightweight I'd go with the CTR or the IMod stock.

[Stickman]

Another nod towards the CTR unless you need more balance to your SBR.

[Syntax360]

I tried a UBR on my last build and it is ridiculously heavy compared to the CTR. I loved the stock, but it is *that* heavy, just like everyone says... I think it would make a fine choice for a SPR or something, but not a carbine and definitely not a SBR. I ditched it and got another CTR to serve as a replacement.

[Cameron]

I have found that it is more about balance than weight. The UBR is only 11.5oz heavier than the CTR and can balance some carbines better than the CTR. It is balance that I find that makes a carbine "nimble" rather just being light, moving between targets for me is faster with a balanced weapon rather than one that is too barrel heavy or too stock heavy. Additional considerations for the UBR are better lock up, cheek weld, and storage.

I have 4 ARs with UBR stocks ranging from 10.5 to 18 inch barrels, the UBR on my 10.5" SBR means the balance point is right at the center of the mag well or in the center of the rifle.

LMT 10.5" SBR with Magpul UBR.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4585210904_e73e44e8bd_z.jpg

Four ARs that work well with the Magpul UBR, 10.5" 16" Heavy Barrel, 16" with optic, 18" SPR. The two 16" carbines and the 18" all have a forward bias, and balance in front of the mag well.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4885868129_27c6fc6d52_z.jpg

When I was going really light weight for my wife's new BCM 14.5" carbine (it will have an aimpoint micro soon) the CTR balances this carbine with a bias to the front, balance point is right at the barrel nut, but as she is a pixie the overall light weight carbine feels and points well for her.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4880929764_7c701111ae_z.jpg

However she has never had trouble with, or complained about the weight of the 10.5" with the UBR.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4886502850_e7faea1dae_z.jpg

Obviously the effect of the weight of a carbine is relative to the size and strength of the shooter, similarly the balance is relative to the way the shooter holds the weapon. I really like the UBR and will not be taking it off my 10.5" SBR any time soon.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4885904459_a7c23f3d41_z.jpg

Cameron

[TehLlama]

I agree with balance being the most critical aspect.

I find myself running CTR's and EMODs (didn't have a chance to try an IMOD yet) on all my lightweight and SBR builds, while everything else ends up with a UBR. At this point I wouldn't think of anything other than a UBR for use with a Recce/SPR, or with an ACOG.

When you're doing a cost comparison, don't forget to include the cost of a receiver extension, barrel nut, and if you'll go that route, an IKH SLAP, MI/Noveske/DD QD or MP ASAP plate. As Cameron's collection indicates, UBRs can work on 10.5" units, especially on a suppressed one.

If overall length and weight isn't that critical to you, I'd take a hard look at the EMOD. If the IMOD works for you, it's a touch cheaper and shorter - probably the best option for this. a BCM Gunfighter Sticker will brilliantly cover the gap on the stock, if that bothers you (other stickers will work too)
I really do love my CTR, but I keep finding myself stealing my wife's pink EMOD.

[Ryo]

I have both and both have their places. I use UBRs to balance my front heavy rifles.

[Hatter]

Balance was my main concern.

Cameron, what rail do you have on the 10.5? It appears to be DD but is it the lite?

I think I'll probably try balancing the upper on my existing lower with LMT SOPMOD. That should give me a pretty good idea if I want a little more or less weight in the rear.

[Cameron]

Balance was my main concern.

Cameron, what rail do you have on the 10.5? It appears to be DD but is it the lite?

Yes it is the DD 10.0 Lite rail. Balance is the key and you must consider the weight and position of optics, lights, muzzle devices. While my SBR is relatively heavier than some, it balances very well with the UBR, it is weight neutral at the center of the mag well, unlike all the other carbines I have that balance further out past the barrel nut or beginning of the rail.

Cameron

[sangria7]

I love my CTR :) It works really well and 0 wobble for me when the friction lock is engaged!

[AR-10]

I tried out both of these on my 14.5" carbine:

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/661/qmz4us.jpg

The UBR is significantly heavier, but you will see why when you adjust the stock - it is VERY rugged. I was actually surprised at how solid it was.

The CTR is also a great stock, although if I ever needed another one I'd probably go with the MOE unless I had to have a QD hole.

[Uglyduck]

Here are some good links with relative information to the conversation of weight and balance

AR-15 Weight and Balance (http://vuurwapenblog.com/2009/11/25/ar-15-weight-and-balance-part-1-of-3/)

Buttstock Considerations (http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/ar15-buttstock-considerations)

[Paulo_Santos]

I think you will/can drive yourself crazy if you start to overthink things. We are talking ounces at the rear of the stock. If you want to balance things, removed weight from the front, not add to the rear. I replaced my Emod with the Imod and I can't tell a difference. The only time a noticed a difference was when I had a bipod on the front or when I had the grip pod and weaponlight all the way forward.

JMHO.