The Magpul SL-K is a compact and lightweight stock developed by Magpul Industries for AR-15 / M16 platform rifles. Designed for PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) configurations and users looking for minimal space, it stands out for its short profile and light weight while maintaining six firing length adjustment positions.
History and Development of the Magpul SL-K
Magpul Industries, founded in 1999 in Texas, is one of the leading manufacturers of gun accessories in the U.S. market. The MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) range has been launched to offer affordable, robust and functional solutions, while the SL (Slim Line) sub-range introduces a thinner and more angular design, inspired by the design language of ACS and CTR products.
The SL-K stock (“K” for “Kompakt” or short) was developed in the late 2010s to meet a specific need: to offer an ultra-light rifle stock, more compact than the standard SL, suitable for PDW configurations and short rifles (SBR in the United States). It takes the place left vacant by the legendary CTR/STR for users who want even more compactness and minimal weight, without sacrificing the build quality of Magpul.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| designation | MOE SL-K Carbine Stock – Mil-Spec (MAG626) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Magpul Industries Corp. |
| Compact | sliding stock type (PDW-style) |
| AR-15 / M16 / M4 | compatible platform |
| Mil-spec compatible tube | only (rifle) |
| Weight (stock only) | ≈ 224 g (7.9 oz) |
| Mounted weight (with tube) | ≈ 337 g (11.9 oz) |
| Maximum length | ≈ 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Maximum height | ≈ 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| LOP Adjustment Range | ≈ 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Folded M4 LOP | ≈ 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| M4 LOP Deployed | ≈ 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Rubber butt plate | , coiled profile |
| Footman’s loop 1.25 in strap attachment + optional M-LOK QD slot | |
| Available colours | Black, FDE (Flat Dark Earth), Stealth Gray, OD Green |
Operation and Technical Particularities
The SL-K mounts only on mil-spec rifle tubes, which limits it to standard military configurations (Colt, BCM, LMT, Aero Precision, S&W, etc.). Its adjustment range allows for 6 shooting length positions, like the majority of modern telescopic stocks.
One of the major innovations of the SL-K is its ambidextrous release lever. Unlike the CTR and STR stocks, which have a separate manual locking lever, the SL-K uses an additional leverless pressure system that eliminates play on the tube while remaining ambidextrous. This offers a significant weight saving and simpler operation.
The rubber butt plate features a coiled profile that facilitates quick shoulder even through a body armor. The shoulder strap attachment is a built-in 1.25-inch footman’s loop , and the SL-K accepts an optional M-LOK QD adapter (sold separately) for QD push-button shoulder straps.
Variants and Versions
The SL-K is mainly available in four colours: Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), Stealth Gray and OD Green. Magpul offers in the same SL family the MOE SL-S stock (with storage), the standard SL MOE and the MOE SL-M (intermediate length). However, the SL-K remains the most compact and lightest of the entire MOE range.
Users and Areas of Use
The Magpul SL-K is popular with American and European civilian shooters for CQB (Close Quarter Battle) configurations, for short AR-15s (rifles in 10.5″ to 14.5″), as well as for PDW builds dedicated to personal defense. Given its very low weight, it is also fitted to many light rifles for wild boar hunting or IPSC rifle sport shooting. Several law enforcement units have also adopted it for its compactness in urban environments.
Civil Possession in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the Magpul SL-K stock is freely available from specialist gunsmiths and on dedicated marketplaces such as nextgun.ch. As a weapon accessory, its simple acquisition is not subject to any specific permit. On the other hand, the rifle on which it is mounted must itself comply with the Federal Weapons Act (Arms Act). For the semi-automatic rifles of the AR-15 platform, the acquisition requires a weapons acquisition permit issued by the competent cantonal authority. The conditions include: being at least 18 years old, not being under general guardianship, and not presenting a reason for refusal within the meaning of Art. 8 (2) Arms Act. Since the 2019 revision (transposition of the EU Directive), semi-automatic rifles with a magazine of more than 10 rounds have been classified as prohibited weapons subject to an exceptional cantonal authorisation.
Conclusion
The Magpul SL-K embodies the modern approach to rifle stock: ultra-compact, ultra-light, robust and functional. Its ambidextrous design with no additional lever, coiled profile, and minimal weight make it a top choice for PDW setups and short rifles. Although it is limited to mil-spec tubes, this choice gives it a competitive cost and impeccable ergonomics. For any CQB-oriented build, personal defense or simple search for lightness, the SL-K remains one of the undisputed references on the market.
