Have you heard of bump fire? If you own an AR- 15 or AK-47, odds are, you have. Fortunately for those of us interested in a non-NFA alternative to a fun switch, there are two companies that have made a stock to make this easier: Slide Fire Solutions and Fostech. Both make a stock to aid in bump firing, so what’s the difference? That’s just what I’ll be exploring in this article.
Both Slide Fire and Fostech stocks perform as advertised: the stocks have a reciprocating component that makes steady, controllable bump firing easier. Where they chiefly differ is in their materials and aesthetics.
Overview
The Slide Fire is an all polymer one piece stock. On a subjective note, some may find the “plastic-y” feel unappealing, but like other polymer buttstocks, it does have the perk of being lightweight. The Fostech stock is made with aluminum, which, to me, just feels more solid. Thanks to my military service, I’ve had experience on several full auto firearms, so I was a little skeptical about how using bump fire stocks would compare to the real deal. Ultimately, knowing how the BATFE (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives) is about full auto firearms, I decided to give them a chance. I’m glad I did.
https://youtu.be/Qxv_c7fwZU4
Lets break down the pros and cons of each bump fire stock.
Slide Fire Solutions
Slide Fire Solutions offers several bump fire options, including the SSAr-15 and the SSAK- 47, pictured right.
Pros:
- Made of polymer—lightweight and weather-resistant.
- Easy installation—sub 10minutes.
- Competitive pricing.
- Available in for multiple rifle platforms.
- Adjustable length of pull.
- Multiple color options.
Cons:
- Made of polymer—less durable than aluminum.
- Less aesthetic value (looks out of place on higher end rifles).
- Lightweight makes for somewhat less manageable recoil.
Fostech Outdoors
Among Fostech Outdoors products are a bump fire option for the AK-47, called the Bumpski, and another bump fire stock for AR-15 rifles, called the Defendar-15.
Pros:
- Full metal construction—more durable
- Additional weight aids in recoil management.
- Higher aesthetic value.
- Offered for multiple rifle platforms.
Cons:
- Generally more expensive.
- Single color/finish option.
- More complex/time consuming installation—approximately 45min.
- Not adjustable for length of pull.
Bumpfire Systems
A geat way to unload a magazine. At 50 yds (and having only fired it twice as my range decided to ban these but, for $125 / year for the whole family and two guests apiece, I’m not dropping my membership at a range that is only 15 minutes from my front door) I can put three 5.56 rounds on an 8 1/2 x 11″ sheet of paper (reliably) and also retain enough control for single shots and short burst (count them out, relax when you’ve shot what you wanted to).
In re: length of pull. That only affects the first shot fired because once the receiver begins sliding back and forth all bets are off until the motion stops. Best bet: if the LOP is too short for you, add a butt pad. Your shoulder will thank you anyway … especially if you are launching something bigger than a 5.56.
You can also flip a switch and revert to regular operation (whatever that happens to be).
Pros:
- Inexpensive but made of the same materials as more expensive stocks(seriously … how much can it cost to injection mold a stock?)
- Available for AR/AK (47-74)/Saiga/M&P 15-22/Zastava/SKS Sorry, no bolt action version yet.
Cons:
- Not length of pull adjustable
- $15 each time you decide to go for the giggles on an AR
- Not drilled & tapped for a sling swivel or QD fitting but will accept the thread-through design of slings
Final Thoughts
I’ve found the performance of all these stocke on the range to be equivalent. They each have their perks, such as the Slide Fire’s easy installation, or the greater rate of fire and recoil control I accomplish with the Fostech stock. Looks aren’t everything, but from that standpoint, I’d have to give the Fostech stocks the edge over the Slide Fire options. To Slide Fire’s credit, though, they did recently release an option that looks more like a standard AR stock that’s better looking than their “plain Jane” standard. They don’t currently have an “upgrade,” however, for their AK stock line.
With either option, you’re sure to have an effective solution for turning dollars into grins, and FAST. Whether you opt for the polymer Slide Fire Solutions bump fire stock, or the aluminum Fostech Outdoors option, you’re going to burn ammo like nobody’s business, and have a great time doing so.
Featured image courtesy of cheaperthandirt.com.
