First Impressions of Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver
Finally, a readily available, left-handed AR-10 platform that doesn’t require me to eject hot brass across my face! The Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver offers southpaws like myself a chance to truly enjoy the AR-10 platform without modification headaches or compromises. Stag Arms, a company known for its dedication to left-handed AR variants, steps up to the plate with this complete upper, chambered in the powerful .308 Winchester.
As a lifelong left-handed shooter, I’ve always had to adapt to right-handed firearms. The AR platform, while modular and customizable, can be particularly annoying for lefties due to the ejection port placement. I wanted to build a dedicated AR-10 for longer range shooting and hog hunting, and a left-handed upper receiver was non-negotiable this time.
Out of the box, the Stag Arms upper is impressive. The anodized finish looks clean and durable, and the 13.5-inch handguard feels solid. Picking it up, it feels well-balanced. The weight is noticeable, as expected from a .308 AR-10 upper, but it doesn’t feel overly heavy.
I considered a few other options, including building my own from individual parts. However, the cost and potential compatibility issues steered me towards a complete upper. I also looked at a similar offering from Aero Precision, but Stag Arms’s reputation for quality left-handed components and the included VG6 Gamma muzzle device ultimately swayed my decision. I was also keen on Stag Arms commitment to US-based manufacturing.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by products promising the world and underdelivering. This time, though, the initial impression was positive. I couldn’t wait to mate it to a lower and hit the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver was at my local outdoor range, under clear and sunny conditions. I mounted it on a compatible Stag Arms AR-10 lower receiver and used a variety of .308 ammunition, including Federal Gold Medal Match, Hornady ELD-Match, and some surplus M80 ball. The initial experience was flawless.
The left-handed ejection was a game-changer. No more brass to the face! The recoil was manageable thanks to the mid-length gas system and the effective VG6 Gamma muzzle device.
There were no immediate issues, and I quickly got used to the feel of the rifle. I was surprised by how smooth the action was, even without a break-in period.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and hundreds of rounds, the Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve used it in various conditions, including a dusty hog hunt in Texas and a damp, foggy range day in Oregon. The anodized finish has held up well, with minimal signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning is straightforward, as with any AR-platform rifle. The barrel cleans easily, and the handguard provides ample space for access. Regular lubrication keeps everything running smoothly. Compared to my previous experiences with right-handed AR-15s, the Stag Arms upper offers a smoother, more comfortable shooting experience for a left-handed shooter. This is without having to compromise on features, quality or performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester. This offers a substantial increase in power and range compared to the .223/5.56 AR-15 platform, making it suitable for hunting larger game and engaging targets at longer distances.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches. This provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Barrel Profile: Tactical Government. This profile offers a good balance of weight and rigidity.
- Gas System Length: Mid Length. This contributes to smoother recoil and reduced wear on the components compared to a shorter carbine-length system.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-10. This twist rate is well-suited for stabilizing a wide range of .308 bullet weights.
- Threads per Inch: 5/8×24. This is a standard thread pitch for .308 barrels, allowing for compatibility with a wide variety of muzzle devices.
- Muzzle Device: VG6 Gamma. This muzzle brake is highly effective at reducing recoil and muzzle rise.
- Finish: Anodized. The hard-coat anodizing provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
- Barrel Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium. This is a high-quality barrel steel known for its strength and wear resistance.
- Gas Block Journal Size-Diameter: .750 in. This is a standard size for AR-10 gas blocks.
- Handguard Length: 13.5 in. The longer handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories and allows for a more comfortable grip.
- Gun Rail: Picatinny. The Picatinny rail allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as sights, optics, and lasers.
- Gun Make: AR Platform. This ensures compatibility with standard AR-10 lower receivers.
- Gun Model: AR-10. The Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver is specifically designed for the AR-10 platform.
- Weight: 4 oz. While the full upper will weigh more, this refers to the weight of a specific component, such as the handguard attachment hardware.
- Additional Features: Left Hand. This is the key feature that sets this upper apart, offering true left-handed operation.
- Bolt Carrier Group Included: No. This allows the user to choose a bolt carrier group based on their specific needs and preferences.
- Charging Handle Included: No. As with the BCG, this allows for further customization.
- Mount Type: Picatinny. This is the standard for mounting accessories on AR-platform rifles.
- Country of Origin: USA. Knowing that the upper is manufactured in the USA can be a significant factor for some buyers.
Performance & Functionality
The Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver performs exceptionally well. Accuracy is excellent, consistently producing sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition. The mid-length gas system contributes to a smooth recoil impulse, making it comfortable to shoot even for extended periods. The left-handed ejection is flawless, eliminating the annoyance of brass hitting the shooter’s face.
One minor weakness is the weight, which is inherent to the AR-10 platform. However, the balance is good, and the longer handguard provides a comfortable grip. Overall, the Stag Arms upper meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch. The materials are high-quality, and the anodized finish is durable. The 13.5-inch handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories and allows for a comfortable grip, even with gloves. There is a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with the AR-10 platform, but the controls are intuitive and easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction suggest that it will withstand years of use. Maintenance is simple, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Stag Arms upper is compatible with a wide range of AR-10 accessories, including optics, grips, and muzzle devices. I added a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 scope and a Magpul PRS Gen3 stock for enhanced accuracy and comfort. The user can easily swap out the charging handle, muzzle device or even the handguard if desired.
Pros and Cons of Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver
Pros
- True left-handed operation: Eliminates brass to the face for left-handed shooters.
- Excellent accuracy: Consistently produces sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition.
- Smooth recoil: Mid-length gas system and VG6 Gamma muzzle device contribute to a comfortable shooting experience.
- High-quality construction: Durable materials and robust design ensure long-lasting performance.
- Compatibility: Works with standard AR-10 lower receivers and accessories.
Cons
- Weight: AR-10 platforms are inherently heavier than AR-15s.
- Bolt Carrier Group and Charging Handle Not Included: Adds to the overall cost since you need to purchase these separately.
Who Should Buy Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver?
Perfect for left-handed shooters looking for a reliable and accurate AR-10 platform. This is also well suited for hog hunters, long-range target shooters, and those seeking a powerful and versatile rifle. Someone who’s looking for a complete, ready to go solution would benefit from this more than a first-time builder.
Those who should skip this product are right-handed shooters, or those on a very tight budget who are prepared to accept a less refined product.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a quality optic, a bipod or shooting rest, and a comfortable stock.
Conclusion on Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver
The Stag Arms 10 Tactical Left Hand 16in .308 Caliber Upper Receiver is an excellent choice for left-handed shooters seeking a high-quality, accurate, and reliable AR-10 platform.
While the price is higher than some other options, the true left-handed operation, excellent accuracy, and durable construction justify the investment. It’s a joy to shoot, and it performs flawlessly. I highly recommend it.
If you’re a lefty tired of compromises, pull the trigger on this upper. You won’t regret it!