Stag Arms makes one for the vets!

One for the Veterans: Stag Arms Model 4

As we grow we tired of the over-accessorized and video-game inspired black rifle, Stag Arms has a model to take us back. The Model 4 is built with inspiration from the real war fighter with features akin to the M16A2 and A3 models. Devoid of acronyms and buzzwords the Model 4 pays tribute to what most of us experienced in the early days of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

Author mid-battle w/M16A2. Photo Credit Guy Calaf “US forces from the US ARMY Battle company, second battalion. 503d regiment, 173d airborne brigade conduct a three day raid in the Southern Afghanistan Zabul Province on Sept 05-06-07 2005. on the first day they were dropped by helicopters in the Village of #####, in the ### Afghan district and immediately came to contact with taliban forces. During a four hour battle US forces killed 8 taliban and captured one. No US forces were injured or killed. On September 06th Battle company was moved to another location where a Taliban leader, on the top 20 of the US wanted list for Afghanistan, was supposed to be hiding…

Unlike the pre-war Colts which had been used and abused for years before the author even put a uniform on the Model 4 is issued in pristine condition with an excellent upper-to-lower fit and even bluing. Twist-rate has been updated and the barrel is of heavy profile to make the Model 4 a better target rifle than an issued M16. Overall fir and finish is on par with the excellence we’ve come to expect from Stag Arms.

Product Specs

Weight: 8.5 pounds

Length: 39.75″

Action: Semi-auto direct impingement

Chamber: 5.56 NATO. This rifle will also shoot .223

Twist Rate: 1/9 button rifled

Muzzle Device: A2 flash hider (Stag Arms Compensator on post ban models)

Barrel: 20″, 4140 steel, chrome-moly, heavy profile, manganese phosphate coated

Handguard: Thermoplastic with double heat shields

Upper Receiver: Forged and mil-spec 7075 T6 aluminum with type 3 hard coat anodizing and a picatinny rail on top

Bolt Carrier: Enhanced semi-auto with a manganese phosphate coating

Charging Handle: Standard mil-spec

Front Sight: F-marked A2 front sight, side sling swivel, and bayonet lug (no bayonet lug on post ban models)

Rear Sight: Removable A3 carry handle with integrated sight

Lower Receiver Material: 7075 T6 aluminum with a type 3 hard coat anodizing

Hammer/Trigger pin size: Mil-spec small pin .154″

Pivot/Takedown Pin Size: Mil-spec small pin – .250″

Caliber Marking: 5.56 NATO

Buttstock: A2 buttstock with trap door for storage

Buffer: A2 buffer with A2 action spring

Trigger: Mil-spec single stage trigger with a non-adjustable 5-8 pound trigger pull

Grip: A2 style plastic grip

Magazine: 20rd (Post-ban versions will have a 10rd magazine)

Safety Selector: Right Hand

Author in a Soviet-era BTR during multi-national operations.

So where does such a rifle fit in the market of 2017 filled with hundreds of tacti-cool options? For me it brings back strong memories of adventurous times. Upon handing the rifle to another veteran he immediately snapped to attention and ran through basic ceremonial drills. This is a rifle for memories.

Unlike the ultra-modern, the Model 4 has a place with veterans and those who want to experience what it was like to wield an M16 in the early days of GWOT. I could also see it as a great piece to hang on to for teaching others and sharing history just like the surplus rifles we keep in our collections. The Stag Arms Model 4 is neither a varmint gun nor a rifle you’re likely to take to a 3-Gun match; it’s a rifle you leave unmodified out of respect and in tribute. Videos below cover table-top review and shooting impressions both by the author and Erika who represents the non-veteran perspective.