Folding rifles are currently very popular, and understandably so—they’re convenient and easy to transport!
However, folding the AR-15, America’s beloved rifle, can be somewhat challenging. There are limited options available, and finding good ones is even more rare.
We offer top-tier rifles, lowers, and adapters to meet all your AR folding requirements!
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What Are Folding AR-15s?
This concept is exactly as it sounds—AR-15s that fold in half (mostly). Typically, this involves the stock folding to the side, significantly reducing the overall size of the rifle or pistol.
Why would someone choose this? It’s simple: to facilitate easier storage or packing.
Perhaps you need a truck gun, or you want to store an AR-15 in your GoBag. Maybe you simply prefer something smaller that can be discreetly packed into a smaller bag when heading to the range.
The reasons vary, but the outcome remains consistent: a rifle that occupies less space.
Folding does indeed increase the thickness, although this aspect usually isn’t a significant issue.
However, the primary drawback of a folded AR is that the rifle typically cannot fire while folded. In some cases, attempting to fire may result in the rifle disassembling itself after just one shot.
Because you can’t shoot while folded, it takes a few seconds longer to deploy your rifle into action. Whether this delay is critical depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
The Truth Hurts
Let’s be realistic here. The AR-15 excels in many areas, but folding is simply not one of its strengths.
While there are methods and adaptations to achieve folding, the truth is that the AR-15 is not inherently well-suited for it.
When compared to rifles like the AK series, SCARs, AR-180s, and the Sig Sauer MCX, which are specifically designed and well-equipped for folding stocks, the standard AR-15 falls significantly short in this regard.
If you’re seeking optimal folding capability, you might need to explore options beyond the AR-15 platform.
Nevertheless, you can still achieve a relatively close approximation with an AR-15.
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The Best Folding AR-15s
FoldAR Complete Rifle
Hey there, we know you’re into folding, so we took it a step further with our FoldAR.
FoldAR is the most foldable (yes, it’s a real word, trust me) AR-15 you can find. It folds not only at the stock but also at the chamber area.
This dual-folding feature transforms a regular-sized rifle into an incredibly compact package.
A FoldAR rifle with a 16-inch barrel folds down to just 17 inches in length.
If that’s still too large, opt for a 9-inch barreled pistol, which folds down to a mere 10 inches.
Really the magic that FoldAR designed was an upper that folds — the stock folding is done by way of a Dead Foot Arms MCS adapter (more on this later).
The real innovation from FoldAR lies in their folding upper, while the stock folding is achieved using a Dead Foot Arms MCS adapter (more on this later).
If you want just a FoldAR, that is a lot easier to find. Combo this with or without a folding lower and you’re ready to rock and roll.
I know the FoldAR looks weird, but I’ve actually gotten to shoot them are it’s shockingly smooth to unfold and get into action.
What really blew me away is that it retains zero like a champ.
The downside? Your wallet will feel the impact, as these rifles cost over $2,000. You’re paying top-shelf prices for a rifle that’s more about its folding capability than its overall quality.
If you need a rifle with extreme folding ability, the price might be justifiable. However, be aware that this isn’t a “go to war” kind of rifle.
17 Design & Manufacturing IFLR-15 Stripped Lower
Relatively new to the realm of folding ARs, 17 Design & Manufacturing has introduced the first AR lower with an integrated folding mechanism.
This means no more adapters or makeshift solutions—this lower is built to fold right from the start, requiring no unusual modifications on your part.
Shipping with a special buffer weight, the rest of the parts required to complete this rifle or pistol are entirely standard AR-15 components.Â
This lower itself is excellent, featuring a flared magazine well, mil-spec dimensions, a tensioning screw to eliminate wobble with the upper, and a threaded bolt catch pin. These solid features make it superior to the average mil-spec lower.
The folding mechanism functions similarly to other folders on the market. A special buffer weight extends through the folding section, allowing it to fold or unfold without extra steps—just pop the latch and go.
However, like many folders, this means the rifle can’t fire with the stock folded, which is not entirely unexpected.
Good news is that it uses a normal mil-spec BCG!
Overall, I highly recommend this option if you’re planning to build a dedicated folding AR from the beginning.
Law Tactical Gen-3 Adapter
The Law Tactical Gen 3 is the most common adapter on the market and is considered the gold standard for folding ARs.
It’s easy to install and use, and it works with any AR lower or BCG—making it a versatile and reliable choice.
Essentially, the Law Tactical attaches to your lower receiver before the buffer tube, with the buffer tube then attaching to the other side of the adapter. Insert a special plug into the rear of your BCG, and you’re ready to fold and go.
This system is highly effective and user-friendly, but like many folding setups, the rifle cannot be fired with the stock folded.
Available in several colors and compatible with a wide range of parts, the Law Tactical adapter offers maximum flexibility for your build options.
Dead Foot Arms MCS Adapter
Finally, a folding AR that you can fire while folded.
This brings both good and bad news. The Dead Foot Arms MCS allows you to fire a folded AR-15, but it can’t be folded into as compact a package as other options. Additionally, the MCS requires a proprietary BCG.
The Law Tactical adapter will give you a folded size about 3 inches smaller than the Dead Foot MCS.
The proprietary BCG of the MCS has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it’s a solid BCG, but it may not meet the highest standards. If you were aiming for a top-of-the-line BCG, this kit might not be the best choice for you.
However, if you’re satisfied with a BCG that’s better than average but not exceptional, then this is one less part you need to purchase, which helps offset the higher cost of the MCS.
No matter how you look at it, if you want the ability to fire while folded, the Dead Foot Arms MCS is currently the only option available for the AR-15.
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Honorable Mentions
If you’re open to something that’s almost an AR-15, consider checking out these options.
Sig Sauer MCX
This isn’t an AR-15, plain and simple. However, it closely resembles one, using the same magazines and offering a similar feel.
Key distinctions include being piston-driven, expensive, and of very high quality.
Sig Sauer had ambitions for the MCX platform to become the new standard for the US military, though that hasn’t materialized yet.
However, the MCX has gained significant adoption among law enforcement agencies in the USA and is being utilized by some Special Forces units on a limited scale. Feedback from these users has been highly positive.
Having had the opportunity to shoot the MCX myself, I was thoroughly impressed by its performance—it’s truly remarkable.
When it comes to folding, the MCX is designed from the ground up to fold and can fire while folded. There’s no need for a cumbersome buffer tube—it’s a folding rifle by design, not an accessory or workaround.
Another impressive feature is its ability to fire while folded, which adds to its appeal.
However, the MCX comes with a hefty price tag and is currently difficult to find in stock.
Brownells BRN-180
This is an upper receiver, not a complete rifle. Attach it to any standard AR-15 lower and pair it with any folding adapter, and you’ll have a folding AR-15 (of sorts) that can even fire while folded!
However, the BRN-180 isn’t technically an AR-15; it’s more of a modern reinterpretation of the AR-180, utilizing a significantly different design to achieve similar functionality as the AR-15.
Despite being piston-driven, the BRN-180 utilizes a robust system that serves as the foundation for nearly every standard-issue rifle currently in use by Western militaries.
In fact, the gas system of the BRN-180 shares similarities with the HK 416 series, including the French 416F and the USMC M27 IAR. Even the Sig Sauer MCX employs a comparable gas system and a similar bolt carrier.
For those looking to enter the folding rifle realm at a more affordable price point compared to other options, the BRN-180 presents an excellent choice.
Wrapping Up
If you’re considering building a folding AR-15, my top pick for a stripped lower is the 17 Design IFLR-15.
However, if you simply want to convert your existing AR-15 into a folder, it’s hard to beat the Law Tactical Gen 3.
For those seeking a true folding AR-15 experience, the FoldAR stands out as one of the best options available—though I would personally opt for a Sig Sauer MCX, despite it not being technically categorized as an AR-15.
I hope this clarifies many of the questions you may have had about what’s trending in the world of folding ARs!
