DPMS 3G vs Stag 3G vs build

Ben-Sons · Nov 4, 2011

For a dedicated 3gun AR. Would you recommend dpms stag or DIY.
The dpms is a couple hundred cheaper than the stag and I haven't seen a way to do it any cheaper myself. I'm not opposed to any options, I can't spend a fortune, but I'd rather "buy once - cry once" than make a bad buy.

benjamin-benjamin · Nov 4, 2011

do a build, but DON'T go cheap on any parts.. you will regret it....

uscbigdawg · Nov 4, 2011

I build all of mine, and for some friends, but will say that if not for already owning the tools, I'd buy. Of the DPMS or Stag, I'd go with the Stag. I think it's a better package all around (mostly the trigger). Don't forget that Jesse has a discount code for us.

As another option, JP just started their Rifle Ready Program.

Rich

Ben-Sons · Nov 4, 2011

Is there a source for parts that is lower than others? I have ran the numbers (from MSRP) and it's almost double. Any help would be much appreciated!

jtischauser · Nov 4, 2011

Looks like the stag is about $140 more based off a quick search on guns America. The big difference or should I say plus with the Stag is that it has a lighter and longer 15" Handguard. The Giessle trigger costs more than a JP but they are both good triggers. The sticks are another thing that the Stag uses a more expensive magpul item. The stock and trigger kinda come down to personal preference.

If you can build u can probably do so and get some upgrades for about the same price. The two rifles your considering buying are tough to beat from a price point but it can be done if you shop the various classifieds on the forums.

I'm partial to the Stag but either platform is ready to go for a competition.

Ben-Sons · Nov 4, 2011

The "ready rifle" looks like a highspeed setup. If I can find a setup close to that, I'd love to save some change and build my own.

bsmith918 · Nov 4, 2011

Ben-Sons said:
The "ready rifle" looks like a highspeed setup. If I can find a setup close to that, I'd love to save some change and build my own.

I have all of the tools and can help you put it together. Do you have a bench vise? I'm in Ft. Smith about once a month for business and would rather build a gun than sit in a hotel room.

Ben-Sons · Nov 4, 2011

Fortunately I am a armorer for the m16-m4 series rifle so the build won't be a problem. Unfortunately, I'm new to the game and don't know the best sources for parts, or what parts are "best" in the 3gun world.
It's a bit overwhelming when every product description says it's the latest and greatest.

Thanks for all of the input, great info in a small amount of time.

Matt1911 · Nov 4, 2011

It's better to build yourself because the parts you put on tend to be personal preferences a lot of the times. One guy might highly reccomend brand "x" so you try it and think it's crap so you go with brand "y" instead.
The best way would be to frequent some matches in your area and try to chat up a few of the guys there and see if they'd be willing to let you put a few rounds through their rifles after the match so you could get a feel for what you like and don't like. There's plenty of people around the OKCGC macthes willing to help out if you ever make it this way.

You may end up spending more money on a custom build, but it will be everything you want and nothing you don't.

jtischauser · Nov 4, 2011

Here are some groups I shot this evening with my Stag Arms 3G. I always shoot prone with my only support being the base of my Surefire 60rd mag. I am using a Swarovski Z6i 1-6x Scope with the BRT reticle. I'm ~2" high at 100 yards, 2" low at 200 yards and I zero with the first hash down at 300 yards.

I'm averaging around 1.5 MOA.

100 yards, Black Hills 69gr Sierra MK ammo, same ammo for all groups shot

200 yards

300 yards

Ben-Sons · Nov 5, 2011

Ok, let's play devil's advocate... IF you were to buy the DPMS or Stag what parts would you change?

And second, what would a parts list look like for a setup like this? (I'm guessing this has been beat to death, so a link would do as well)

Matt1911 · Nov 5, 2011

On the Stag rifle the bolt carrier and buffer would be changed to JP light weight models and the muzzle brake would be changed to a SJC Titan. I would probably opt for a CTR buttstock as well to save a little weight from the ACS. I'll be changing to the CTR in my rifle pretty soon actually, or maybe a VLTOR clubfoot fixed stock, I haven't decided yet.
Most guys would rather have a carbon fiber handguard too, but that's where I differ. I still like the Troy TRX extreme 13" handguard, it's a very light weight aluminum.

I haven't checked out the DPMS model yet so I couldn't tell you what I would change on that.

brandt9913 · Nov 5, 2011

Six months ago I planned to build myself a complete 3 gun AR. I made a parts list and added everything up. I was over $1,700 for parts alone. During the LOKI lower group buy, I discovered that JP will take any stripped lowed and turn it into a JP-15 for only $1,650. That's the direction I plan to go as long as my year end bonus isn't a "jelly of the month club" certificate.

jtischauser · Nov 6, 2011

The only parts that would upgrade either rifle would be a Lightweight bolt carrier like a JP or Young manufacturing. An adjustable gas block like a Keis, JP, PRI, etc. Theagpul sticks already have carbine buffers do there is no need to change that to work with the lightweight carrier. The SJC or rolling thunder comps are slightly louder and therefore more effective than the two that come on the factory guns. After those upgrades u essentially have the best 3 gun rifle money can buy.

jtischauser · Nov 6, 2011

brandt9913 said:
Six months ago I planned to build myself a complete 3 gun AR. I made a parts list and added everything up. I was over $1,700 for parts alone. During the LOKI lower group buy, I discovered that JP will take any stripped lowed and turn it into a JP-15 for only $1,650. That's the direction I plan to go as long as my year end bonus isn't a "jelly of the month club" certificate.

Please start a new thread on this JP build when it happens. I'd be curious as to what parts you get for that price. It sounds too good to be true since the JP15 costs more than that.

Robusto · Nov 6, 2011

I think JP triggers are the Luther Vandross of AR trigger world.

drmitchgibson · Nov 6, 2011

Robusto said:
I think JP triggers are the Luther Vandross of AR trigger world.

"Cocaine is a hell of a drug."

Robusto · Nov 6, 2011

Mitch Gibson said:
"Cocaine is a hell of a drug."

I will have to take (singer) Rick James word on that one.

The JP trigger much like Luther is smooth, light to give the best results.
Here is an obligatory Luther link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm4wAmsGyN0 that I should have included earlier.

brandt9913 · Nov 6, 2011

Jesse Tischauser said:
Please start a new thread on this JP build when it happens. I'd be curious as to what parts you get for that price. It sounds too good to be true since the JP15 costs more than that.

Thread started. It is built with all JP parts, except the LOKI lower I'm sending to them. The reason it is cheaper to do it this was is because the 10% federal excise tax on firearms only applies to the lower that you already purchased and provide to them. On a complete JP-15, the tax applies to the entire firearm. My total cost for this build will be $1,649 plus the $83 LOKI lower from the group buy.

Steve at CHA's said he had done transfers for a couple people that purchased JP stripped lowers and immediately sent them back to JP so the entire rifle would be JP. This little trick will save you about $150 less shipping.