We all have been there, we buy or build an AR-15 and somehow end up with a commercial diameter buffer tube when we needed a mil-spec diameter buffer tube. In times past that meant either getting a new buffer tube or getting a new stock to compensate for the issue. That annoying problem might just be cured for good with the new FAB Defense GL Core stock. The new GL Core stock is the brain child of FAB Defense Ltd of Israel and is finally getting some much deserved press coverage in the United States. FAB Defense might not be well-known on this side of the Atlantic but in its home country they are well-known for making durable and effective gear for the Israeli Defense Force and that nation’s law enforcement agencies. Lets see why the stock is such a game changer.
Two spacers for the same stock. Mil & Commercial
Specifications:
Manufacturer: FAB Defense
Country of Origin: Israel
Weight: 14 oz
Width: 2.16″
Height: 6.02″
Length: 7″
Colors Available:
- Matte Black
- Flat Dark Earth
- Olive Drab
At first glance the FAB Defense GL Core stock looks like any other Mag-Pul knock off stock, but it’s something much more than that. As we mentioned the stock is comparable with both commercial and mil-spec buffer tubes, which great. That being said, it’s not the only highlight of the stock this particular stock has a raised cheek rest that really shines when it’s used in conjunction with Kalashnikov pattern rifles. Anyone who has ever tried to use an optic with an AK know that often times trying to get a proper cheek position seems like a virtually impossible task. The cheek rest actually can be adjusted to one of three positions.
The stock also has a few features that are considered “standard”, in up with the trend in replacement stocks on the market. Two quick detachment sling mounts are located towards the rear of the stock, allowing a sling to be mounted on either side. An approximately 3/8″ thick rubber pad is screwed to the rear of the stock and secured by two tore style screws. I tend to like the idea of a pad held on with screws rather than just being pressed in place or glued like other lesser brands on the market.
One Stock, Two Styles
The heart of the FAB Defense GL Core stock is the interchangeable spacer system the company has incorporated into it. The system comes with two sets of spacers that slide into the body of the stock, allowing the operator to choose the stock to be used with mil spec or commercial tubes. That idea by itself is extremely useful, but the company took it a step further and incorporated two ways to tell the different spacers apart. First the company made the spacers in two colors, green for mil-spec and black for commercial. I like this method of differentiating the type types so as to not mix them up, but they took it a step further. The other way the company takes the guess-work out of knowing what spacer you have is my manufacturing the spacers so that they have raised letters on them. This also allows even the most non mechanically inclined person to swap spacers without messing up.
The FAB Defense GL Core stock might not be a household name in the world of shooters like Mag Pul or B5 Systems SOPMOD stocks, but it does a fine job of finding a niche market and catering to it nicely. As we stated this particular model stock with cheek riser might be too high for anyone using an AR-15 rifle but for anyone using a Kalashnikov rifle it’s just the ticket we have been waiting for. The function of the adjustable cheek rest is shown in the video above, which does a much better job of demonstrating it that I could convey with words. If you happen to be an AR shooter, have no fear FAB Defense does make a similar model without the cheek riser that works much better for weapons with lower mounted optics. Just check the link above in the article to go to the FAB Defense site and check out the wide selections of stocks that FAB Defense offers.
Parting Thoughts
This stock is priced very competitively starting at $57.95 without the cheek riser and $77.95 with the riser. This isn’t outrageous when you consider most Mag Pul stocks are in the same price range or higher in some cases. The fact I can use this stock across different rifles and choose to use the cheek riser or not is a nice advantage in my mind. I also like how well the cheek riser secures to the stock, and most likely won’t become detached during rough handling or drop tests. The only draw back on the cheek riser is the need of an allen wrench to loosen or tighten the riser securely. This is a minor criticism at best.
So far the stock appears to be well-built with and without any bubbles or heavy mold marks in the polymer material. It’s easy to engage the release lever on the bottom of the stock and slide it along the buffer tube. The engineers at FAB Defense seem to really focus on making this stock free of sharp spots or strange angles that would hook gear or clothing when being used. I can’t speak to how well the rubber pad works or how the stock handles during firing events because I haven’t had a chance to make it out to the range. The range sessions of a gun writer is often times still shaped by the events of his 9-5 day job. I should be able to head to the range very shortly and test this stock under and extended range session. The plan so far is to try this on the Saiga Project Rifle and run it for 300-400 rounds and see how it performs. While this isn’t a huge session, it will give us an idea of how it feels. The second part of the stock test will be to see how it feels on my AR-15 short barrel rifle and on my 16″ barreled AR’s. In total I want to fire 1000 rounds with this stock attached to various rifles in my collection, all in the name of science of course.
We hope you enjoyed this quick look at the GL Core Stock by FAB Defense, we are scouring the internet and the gun stores to find firearms, stocks, grips and accessories that we think our readers might want to hear about. If you have a favorite aftermarket stock for your military style sporting rifle, we want to hear about it. We don’t hear enough about or preferred stock choices and that something we want to change…What are you running on your rifles ? Mag Pul ? B5 Systems ? or maybe a Mission First Tactical ? Show us below in the comments section. If you are interested in picking up a Fab Defense GL-Core Stock they can be found at ZFI Incorporated at the link below.
GL Core Stock by FAB Defense
ZFI Incorporated Fab Defense Stocks: MSRP $86.90 : LINK HERE
