A Myth of the Folding Stock

Published on April 17, 2023
Duration: 12:17

This video explores the practical application of folding stocks on firearms, particularly for discreet carry and deployment from bags. While folding stocks are excellent for reducing the firearm's package size for transportation and discreet carry, the ability to effectively shoot with the stock folded is a narrow use case. The presenter demonstrates that deploying a firearm from a bag and maintaining accuracy is challenging, and it's generally more advantageous to deploy the stock for increased accuracy, even if it adds a negligible amount of time.

Quick Summary

Folding stocks on firearms are primarily beneficial for reducing package size for discreet transport and bag deployment. Shooting with a stock collapsed is a very narrow use case, generally less accurate and practical than deploying the stock, which adds negligible time but significantly improves accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction: Marrying Ideas
  2. 00:23Knife Lashing Analogy
  3. 01:19Folding Stocks and Bag Deployment
  4. 01:23Law Folder Review
  5. 02:09Confined Space Scenarios
  6. 02:26Bill Rapier's Experience
  7. 03:03Right Tool for the Job
  8. 03:32Range Test Setup
  9. 04:00Firing with Folded Stock
  10. 10:32Test Results Analysis
  11. 10:47Why Deploy from a Bag?
  12. 11:00Off-Body Carry Use Case
  13. 11:35Narrow Use Case Discussion
  14. 11:48Conclusion: Don't Marry Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of a folding stock on a firearm?

The primary benefit of a folding stock on a firearm is its ability to significantly reduce the overall package size. This makes the firearm easier to transport discreetly and facilitates quicker deployment from bags or confined spaces, rather than enabling effective shooting with the stock collapsed.

When is it practical to shoot a firearm with its stock folded?

Shooting a firearm with its stock folded is a very narrow use case, typically reserved for extreme close-quarters engagements in highly confined spaces where deploying the stock is impossible or would hinder weapon manipulation. Specialized firearms or situations might call for this, but it's not a general-purpose capability.

Is deploying a rifle from a bag faster than drawing a concealed pistol?

Generally, deploying a rifle from a bag is not faster than drawing a concealed carry pistol from a holster. Even with an optimized draw stroke for a pistol, the process of extracting a rifle, potentially unfolding its stock, and aiming is more time-consuming.

Why is it important not to 'marry' an idea in firearms selection?

'Marrying' an idea, such as the belief that one must be able to shoot with a folded stock, can lead to suboptimal gear choices. It's crucial to select firearms and accessories based on your actual use cases and needs, rather than on theoretical or romanticized applications that may not be relevant.

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