AR-15s DPMS or Stag?

[Hacker15E]

If you haven't all ready, do some reading on AR15.com or M4Carbine.net about both brands/models you're thinking of.

Better yet, do some reading about the other brands that are being suggested in this thread, too.

IMHO at your price point (the "well below $1400" point!), there are better brands that are more respected than the two that you are looking at. IMHO $600-$800 is a sweet spot for a high-quality economical "consumer grade" AR from one of the reputable vendors.

 

[Girodin]

I'll echo others and say that between the two I'd get a stag. However, I would not buy either. If I were trying to keep the price down I would get a Palmetto State Armory or a BCM upper on a lower I'd assembled. In fact this is what I am going to do for an SBR build I am waiting on a tax stamp for.

 

[acmax95]

I have a DPMS Oracle. I paid $575 OTD for it brand new. I am getting close to the 1,000 round mark with no issues. About all my rifle has seen is Federal bulk pack and Tula/Wolf steel case.

I know I could have gotten a better rifle for a little more money but at the time that was the money I had available and I felt comfortable with the purchase. I had never shot an AR before buying mine so I wasn't even sure this was a platform I would enjoy.

Now that I know I really enjoy shooting AR's I am looking at getting a new/ better rifle but I will hang on to my DPMS b/c it has been a dependable gun.

 

[jpwilly]

Let me add again that there isn't anything wrong with the DPMS rifles I have owned two for 8 years now. No they aren't Mil Spec but my parts are well built and the rifles run great. The lowers and uppers have been reliable and very accurate - I have some mileage on them. Only wear items that I've needed to changed have been the gas rings in both and one weak extractor spring.

Despite the favorable review of the DPMS rifles I own if I were spending my money today on a complete AR-15 it would be something like the BCM Mid 16 Mod 2

 

[Aiko492]

I own DPMS among two AR's and would not buy again if I had researched carefully like I should have. Check out this updated comparison chart of all the major AR manufacturers. I believe DPMS is one of two that chose not to submit their specifications.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...akp2a3Y2NjMxTEE&single=true&gid=2&output=html

 

[bob barker]

So is Bushmaster a bad rifle too? I have DPMS LR-308 and it is an amazing rifle.

 

[Pat M]

I don't think any of the rifles mentioned are "bad." Some are better than others, and certainly better rifles can be had for the same price as those of lesser quality. Why not shop for the best gun for the money? See, nobody's feelings got hurt.

 

[sungunner]

Looks like I'm a couple of weeks late to the party, but I'm chiming in because for my latest completed project AR, I decided to go with a complete Stag Model 1H upper assembly, rather than build from scratch. Both of my buddies used DPMS uppers to complete theirs during the same month, and they are both jealous of the value and quality the Stag offered. Since I have to deal with NJ AWB restrictions, the compensator Stag uses on their post-ban unit is top-notch.

If I decide to employ a completed upper assy on an up-coming project, I am considering the Stag 3G, with the Dueck sights.

 

[JustinJ]

I'd go for the Stag if that was all i could choose but i think for the cost of those you can do better. You didn't say exactly what price you can pay and still retain the fellas but you can get a colt 6920 for under a grand and this is the best AR value on the market.

 

[mljdeckard]

I'm going to give another vote for building the lower and buying the upper. You can build your first lower while watching a re-run of Law & Order. Get a stripped lower, a parts kit, and maybe do a little homework to see if there are a few parts you would like to switch out. (Like the trigger. Order the free AR parts catalog from Brownell's for ideas.) Then I would look ar Palmetto State Armory, BCM, Noveske, etc. to buy an upper. Building an upper isn't too difficult either, but honestly it isn't as cost effective these days. You could build a rifle EXACTLY like you want it, and it wouldn't cost too much.

Having said all that, I think you could buy a DPMS or a Stag, shoot the heck out of it, and it will be fine.

 

[VeryOldDog]

I have a DPMS Lo Pro Classic in 223. It is an accurate and reliable firearm. This was purchased prior to the acquisition and merger with the company that acquired Remington, Marlin and Bushmaster. At this point, my confidence level in DPMS has diminished based upon current purchasers of this product. I would vote for the Stag.

 

[Skyshot]

I say the Stag has nicer fit and finish, but in defense of the DPMS. I put and Oracle flattop on a plumcrazy plastic lower and we have shot the crap out of it. Well over 2000 rounds now and it hasn't burped. I say get the best you can afford but get one for sure.

 

[Ship_engineer]

I just Traded a universal M1 carbine w/ammo for a bushmaster XM15 E2S A3 flattop with a fixed stock, 5.56 1:9 twist H Bar Chromed lined, 1 10rd & 2 20rd mags, Mako mag grip, CQB combat sling, Carry handle and A.R.M.S Rear BUIS.

The guy said he put less than 200 through it. When i pulled it apart the lower was spotless! The upper needed to be wiped down, there is no noticeable wear on it.

I think i got the better end of the deal... the M1 was kinda beat up and i couldn't get it to group well. My best supported group was 10rds in coffee can lid at 50yards (about 4.5inches)!


When i get my tax return back i'm going to build a mid length.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Between those two, Stag.

 

[ibanezrg320]

I own a DPMS Oracle. Good dependable and accurate rifle. My best friend has a Stag and it is a really nice rifle as well. Really not a bad choice either way you go.