Magpul vs Battle Arms Development: AR-15 brands compared
Magpul leads in 4 of 6 categories.
Magpul for pistol grips. Battle Arms Development for receivers and internals.
From tens of thousands of real builds and live prices at 30+ retailers.
Our take
Magpul makes PMAG magazines, MOE stocks and grips, and created the M-LOK slot system that most handguards use now.
Created M-LOK · Mil-spec compatible · 60 day returns
- Close to average prices
- The more popular pick: in 29% of builds
- Pistol grips, picked 105x as often
Battle Arms Development (BAD) makes ambidextrous AR controls like the BAD-ASS safety selector and The RACK charging handle, plus complete rifles.
Ambi controls · Safety selectors · Limited lifetime warranty
- Paying more: about 21% above average
- Receivers (Magpul receivers are rarely picked)
- Internals (Magpul internals are rarely picked)
Many builders mix them: 31% of Battle Arms Development builds add Magpul, most often the stock.
Biggest differences
"Picked" is the share of builds with that part that chose each brand.
| Magpul | Battle Arms Development | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price vs average | 19% cheaper | 21% pricier | Magpul cheaper |
| Share of builds | 29% | 3% | Magpul 10x |
| Grips picked | 23% | 0.2% | Magpul 113x |
| Parts listed | 1,103 | 216 | Magpul 5x |
| Retailers carrying | 23 | 15 | Magpul 1.5x |
Price: Magpul wins
For the same part, Magpul parts run 19% cheaper than average and Battle Arms Development parts run 21% pricier than average.
Builder favorite: Magpul wins
Magpul is in 29% of builds and Battle Arms Development is in 3% of builds.
Why Magpul: Every Magpul product has a 60 day, no questions asked return policy, so you can test it in the field.
Receivers: Battle Arms Development wins
Battle Arms Development upper receivers picked often, Magpul rarely.
Most picked Magpul receivers
Rarely picked
Internals: Battle Arms Development wins
Battle Arms Development charging handles picked often, Magpul rarely.
Why Battle Arms Development: BAD-ASS selector levers are CNC machined steel bar stock, and you can swap between several lever sizes.
Most picked Magpul internals
Rarely picked
Furniture: Magpul wins
Builders pick Magpul pistol grips (105x) more often than Battle Arms Development. Magpul handguards and stocks are picked often, Battle Arms Development's rarely.
Why Magpul: The MOE SL stock fits mil-spec carbine tubes and has a slim profile, an anti-rattle feature and an ambi QD sling mount.
Most picked Magpul furniture
Magpul MOE Stock Collapsible$33.99, in stock at 9 stores
Magpul MOE K2 Grip Polymer Gray$14.97, in stock at 5 stores
Magpul MOE-SL Mid-Length Handguard$29.99, in stock at 8 storesMost picked Battle Arms Development furniture
Battle Arms AR Rifle Ultralight Chevron Carbon Fiber$180.00, in stock at 5 stores
Battle Arms Development Adjustable Tactical Grip$17.76, in stock at 7 storesShopper clicks: Magpul wins
Of recent clicks through to a store for these brands, 72% went to Magpul and 28% went to Battle Arms Development.
The full record
Everything we track for Magpul vs Battle Arms Development, from builds, store listings and daily prices.
| Magpul | Battle Arms Development | |
|---|---|---|
| Share of builds | 29% | 3% |
| Price tier | Mid priced | Premium |
| Parts listed | 1,103 | 216 |
| Part types | 34 | 23 |
| Retailers carrying | 23 | 15 |
| In stock now | 85% | 80% |
| Price change, 90 dayson the most picked parts | 13% higher | Flat |
| On sale now | 2 parts | None |
On sale now
Magpul deals
Magpul MAG447PLM AK Cheek Riser 0.75 Plum$13.54, typically $23.79 (43% off)
Magpul MAG500- Asap Steel$23.91, typically $34.15 (29% off)Battle Arms Development deals
None right now
