Stag 2T vs DD M4 V5?

[richmyster]

I've been searching the interwebs and I come out feeling more so confused than when I started looking. Everywhere I look says Daniel Defense is awesome and better than stag due to stag using inferior materials, but on stags websites they're saying that the 2T uses the good materials in them and the specs seem comparable, I do like the magpul stock and 12 inch quad over the 9 incher though and I already have magpul flip ups so the sights don't bother me.

So what I'm trying to ask here is, whats the better make and bang for my buck? The DD is 125 cheaper than the stag and the store that has the DD is one province away rather than the east cost.

Let me know ASAP I got a stag on order and I may be canceling and going with DD depending on your opinions!

 

[TK-Hryciuk]

I handled a DD once and was very disappointed with the fit, finish, and quality of it. The stag on the other hand, if they're the ones from AEI, are full mil-spec. Not just in dimensions but also material, making them just as good as anything out there. The stag I held was very well built, which I can't say about the DD.

 

[Leibermuster]

I was at Lanz and they had both a DD and Stag, both were very nice. Depends I guess what you want out of each rifle most. The fit and finish seemed stellar to me for the few minutes I held each.

 

[Epoxy7]

Tough choice,

I have experience with the 2T but have only looked over the specs of the DD V5. The 2T I have is an older one. The twist rates are now 1:7 on them and they have the bayonet lug which mine doesn't. The action on my Stag is the smoothest of my AR15 rifles. This includes an Armalite enhanced police carbine and a LMT mrp. The Armalite and LMT both have the dry lube stuff sprayed on the inside which eventually comes off with use. The Stag doesn't yet is far smoother.

The Samson rail on the Stag is very nice. The newer ones are improved over mine and I really like mine. Now that being said the DD ones look really good as well and come with high praise.

With the Stag the specs aren't the same as the American ones. The ones here seem to include a lot of milspec stuff that the "famous" list says they don't. Mine has an H buffer for example, a correct F marked front sight, and the staking on the BCG is correct. Also the trigger on mine was very good. My LMT trigger is ok but a bit gritty in comparison (regular not match trigger).

I like the looks and specs of both rifles. Right now DD is the "in" brand of rifle along with LMT, KAC etc. I have noticed the Stag seems to get overlooked lately. It's considered not as desirable although the specs on mine are right up there and it's a fine AR15.

Looks wise for a patrol carbine I prefer the look of the Stag 2T over the DD LE version with the front sight. But I like a flat top such as the V4 or V5. Keep in mind the V5 is the "lightweight" barrel. So no grenade launchers (flares) or bayonets. Which doesn't really matter but again it's a difference you should look at.

I've read that the DD is used by some military special forces but can't confirm that. With the Stag I can confirm that I've seen them used as police carbines right along side Colt. That particular police force uses both. Both brands also came from Arms East.

One thing to consider. Walt at Arms East can modify your rifle right there to what you want. Want the Magpul CTR stock? No problem. It will change the cost but it can be done before you even take ownership of the rifle. I had the CTR added to mine.

With the DD rifle, it comes with a "CTR" but it's the MOE version. It doesn't have the extra lock. I wouldn't want that stock. I'd prefer the real CTR stock. So your savings aren't as good as it originally looks if you aren't happy with the cheaper version of the CTR.

Bottom line you won't go wrong with either rifle. But they are different.

 

[Dietz]

Fit and finish have nothing to do with quality.

DD is the superior product, however it is very unlikely that the Stag won't serve your needs.

That's all I have to say.

 

[TK-Hryciuk]

Fit and finish has nothing to do with quality.

DD is the superior product, however it is very unlikely that the Stag won't serve your needs.

That's all I have to say.

So a loose safety selector, and undersized trigger pins that you can literally pull put with your fingers, and an incredibly off index receiver extension don't count? Not to mention the gritty action. I don't see how fit doesn't represent quality. Don't take offense, I'm merely starting a discussion I mean no disrespect.

 

[Epoxy7]

Fit and finish have nothing to do with quality.

DD is the superior product, however it is very unlikely that the Stag won't serve your needs.

That's all I have to say.

I don't know about that. The Stag is every bit as well made. The only thing I would ask is do you want a complete flat top and lighter profile barrel or do you want the regular M4 profile with the F front sight and backup sight included?

From Arms East's website:

Stag Arms 2T-R CDN LE Tactical Carbine. Now available in 5.56NATO.

Select 16" 4150 (MIL-B-11595E) Chrome-Moly Vanadium Barrel. 1/7 Twist. MP (Magnetic Particle) Inspected and High Pressure (HP) Tested barels. Hard Chrome lined for longer barrel life, easier extraction and faster bore cleaning. Double lead lapped.
556 NATO Chamber (Shoots 223Rem and 5.56 ammunition).
A2 Flash Hider 1/2x28 Muzzle.
Milspec Taper-pinned Front Sight Base for proper gas seal. Front sight base is F-Marked, correct for flat-top uppers. Includes bayonet lug.
Bolt Also MP/HP, with barrel.
Samson STAR-C Freefloat Quad-Rail System.
A.R.M.S. #40L Flip Rear sight with Dual Aperatures.
Latest Milspec Materials and Finishes throughout.
LIFETIME WARRANTY to the original buyer.

I should also add that I really like the ARMS #40 flip up rear sight. It's a great match with the F sight and my Eotech 553. I know Magpul is popular but in this case I prefer the ARMS.

 

[Rock Out w/ Ur Glock Out]

So a loose safety selector, and undersized trigger pins that you can literally pull put with your fingers, and an incredibly off index receiver extension don't count? Not to mention the gritty action. I don't see how fit doesn't represent quality. Don't take offense, I'm merely starting a discussion I mean no disrespect.

No offense should be taken from what you personally experienced however I do believe that what you had in your hands was a ripe lemon! Lemons happen though I would hope that it is a rare occurrence.

My DD suffers from none of the issues that you listed and is a very solid piece of gear. Thats not to say that Stag is lacking because they most certainly are not. Both are very solid rifles with very solid reviews. We on CGN have, up until now, heard more about Stag on this site because the DD's just recently flooded our market. Looking at reviews from the land down under indicates, to me at least, that DD has made a reputable name for themselves!!

 

[richmyster]

I ended up going with the DD. I didn't need the sights on there due to having magpul flips downs, and I didn't want the larger sight on the front due to it, for me, interrupting with the red dot I'm getting and not wanting co witness with the front site unless I want it to. I also have not read anything negative about them anywhere and I prefer the 12 inch to the 9 inch quad rail. Can't wait to get it!

 

[MUGEN]

I think Stag 2T is closer to a DDV3 than DDV5.
I have considered both and ended up with the DDM4V3, mostly due to the price is relatively more reasonable when comparing the price in US and in Canada.

 

[richmyster]

I think Stag 2T is closer to a DDV3 than DDV5.
I have considered both and ended up with the DDM4V3, mostly due to the price is relatively more reasonable when comparing the price in US and in Canada.

v3 is pretty much the v5 without the 12 inch quad rail and it has sights, which works good for me, cause i got the magpul back ups and i didn't want the front sights on the v3/2T in my aim points view and i prefer the look of the 12 inch quad and it saved me 120 bucks on the stag!

Just watched the DD torture test, holy f*** hahaha, epic.

I do wish DD had some kind of animal logo though, i just find it gives all the ar's a different personality. Maybe a ... honey badger?

 

[Trinimon]

^^ ditto. The DD engraved logo is fugly.