Stag Arms New SPCTRM Series Rifles

Stag Arms has long been a respected name since their launch into the firearms industry in 2003. With the AR platform being at the heart and soul of their company, we have seen many new products hit the shelves over the past twenty-plus years. While new product launches are exciting, regardless of manufacturer it can be easy for said rifles to become “lost in the mix” despite whatever new features and capabilities they may possess. In a sea of black guns, with occasional dashes of green, grey and tan mixed in, it takes extra effort and thought in the design process to bring forth guns that stand out amongst the rest. Throughout the design process, consideration must be given to create a design that does not appear gimmicky, while still appealing to the masses versus a small, niche market. Enter stage right the Stag Arms SPCTRM series of rifles.

In a market consumed by black guns (with occasional variations mixed in), the rifles that make up the SPCTRM line stand out… in a good way. Throwing a brightly colored Cerakote finish on a gun to make it catch the eye quicker than your normal run-of-the-mill options would certainly do the job, but that doesn’t necessarily give a gun any character. Whether you use it for hunting, defense, competition or good old-fashioned plinking, the tool which you use should be an extension of its operator. By choosing gear that reflects your unique tastes, you are putting a level of thought and care into what you chose, which more often than not means you will not only be using it more but sharing your enthusiasm for that particular product with others.

So all that is good and well, but what makes the SPCTRM line so special? Knowing that offering up a new rifle line in colors you’d normally find in a box of jellybeans would all but doom the success and sales of the new launch, the powers that be at Stag Arms decided to take another route. The reason the firearms market is inundated with guns offered in black, grey, FDE and OD green is because it is these three colors that appeal to the masses. Fully aware of the fact they didn't need to reinvent the wheel, the new SPCTRM line of rifles was born with color options to include grey, FDE, and OD green. You may find yourself thinking “Wait, aren’t those the colors that we wanted to break away from? How are those going to be any different than what we already have access to?” Let’s pretend your wife sends you to the hardware store to buy a can of white paint for your living room remodel.

Is there only one shade of white to choose from? No. The same goes for the colors incorporated into the SPCTRM line. From the buttstock to the muzzle brake and everything in between, the components that make up each rifle reflect a variation of its main color inspiration. With all that being said, it's not all about looks, as these guns were built to shoot and do so quite well. Running down a quick list of the SPCTRM line’s highlights, you’ll find each outfitted with B5 Systems furniture, Rise Armament RA-535 trigger, Lancer Tactical magazine, .223 Wylde barrel courtesy of Ballistic Advantage, and lastly a Rearden Mfg. DPB muzzle brake. Variations can be found, such as left-handed versions in addition to common-place features such as an ambidextrous charging handle and safety.  

In preparation for range day, the optic du jour was none other than a Vudu 1-6x24, courtesy of the fine folks over at Eotech. This first focal plane LPVO served its purpose well as our 100-yard testing did not require high magnification levels, but would also be an ideal optic for more “tactical” geared applications or for those looking to engage their targets rapidly as you may encounter in competitions or predator hunting. Three different reticle options are available ranging from the fairly straight-forward SR1 to options such as the SR2 or SR3 that incorporate a BDC. All three options are available in your choice of red or green illumination. Adjustments are aplenty as this 30mm tube allows for 29 mils of elevation adjustment and for when Kentucky windage isn’t cutting it, 23 mils of windage adjustment. Top-notch clarity and repeatable accuracy… what more do you need?

When it came time for some hands-on testing of our seemingly “50 Shades of Grey” inspired rifle, we selected options of varying bullet weights and types from Hornady, Federal, Black Hills, and Lehigh Defense. Knowing those who purchase a gun from the SPCTRM line would use it for just about anything from hunting to target and match shooting, or even a potential defensive scenario, having results on such an array of ammunition would provide the most applicable “real-world” results. Live fire testing as it related to the function of the gun itself was uneventful… which is exactly what I look for when doing T&E on new releases from manufacturers. Anything exciting or “eventful” regarding function is typically not a good thing.

While all the ammunition tested performed well, the Stag took a liking to the heavier bullets of our selection from Federal. After a thorough breaking-in period of the gun and additional testing, I expect to see group sizes shrink slightly settling around 1 MOA give or take a tenth, or for you varmint hunters out there "minute of prairie dog.” All in all, giving the new SPECTRM line a test run was a great experience. With coyotes popping up on the trail cameras just ahead of spring turkey season, this rifle may get another test sooner rather than later.