TFB Review: Magpul SL MP5 Stock

Construction

The Magpul SL stock for MP5, MP5 clones, and HK94 rifles is constructed a little bit differently than the original HK MP5A3 and MP5A3F stocks. The Magpul offering utilizes polymer pretty heavily and also incorporates a few design changes. The part of the stock that slides over the receiver and attaches to the firearm is made completely of polymer. It is dimensionally a little bit longer than the original MP5A3 or A3F stocks. This doesn’t cause any fitment issues, but I noticed my thumb brushes against it so I figured I’d mention it. I believe the stock rails are made out of aluminum alloy because a magnet won't stick to it. The butt stock portion is made of polymer and has a steel ambi sling QD cup. The butt pad and buffer are made out of soft rubber. The locking mechanism is made out of steel. The stock adjustment lever is made out of polymer.

Aesthetics

The lines of the Magpul stock match the lines of the Magpul trigger housing very well. When the two are joined, it looks pretty seamless. The Magpul SL stock for MP5 and MP5 clones is pretty close to an HK MP5A3F stock if you’re not an HK aficionado. If you’re an HK purist or really want a clone-correct firearm, the aesthetics of the stock might be a little bit too big of a departure for you. The angle of the buttpad, construction, release lever, and angle of the piece that slides over the receiver are just different enough to not match the original aesthetics of the MP5A3 and MP5A3F.

Thoughts and Opinions

Alrighty, the last bit and fun part. I like the release. I think it’s more intuitive than the HK version. You just pull it up and extend it. You don’t have to worry about pushing a lever the correct way. I like the inclusion of the steel QD cups for sling mounting. It makes it easier to use a modern sling. The stock is made to be really lightweight, which is probably great for some, but leads to a front-heavy firearm in my case.

Personally, I wish the stock was a little bit heavier to balance the weight of the firearm better. The aesthetics of the Magpul SL MP5 stock don’t quite match the true HK look, but it does look to pair pretty well with the Magpul SL grip module. I wish my Magpul SL MP5 stock was a little bit tighter in the fully extended position.

I would recommend buying it if you want to try out a sliding stock on your MP5 or MP5 clone and don’t want to invest a lot of money into it. I wouldn’t recommend buying it if you’re going for the true HK classic design. I think the stock provides a lot of value for its cost, especially compared to the competition. It is a pretty good stock and costs less than half of the other offerings. It might not match the classic HK drip, but it will leave some money in your wallet for ammo, mags, and other accessories.

Note that all NFA rules apply. Installing this stock on a firearm with a barrel less than 16 inches long (among other requirements) will require additional approval from the ATF in the United States. Please check your local and federal laws before purchasing a stock for your MP5 or MP5 clone.