I have a DPMS ar15 but i am a left handed shooter, and i was wondering what else i would have to get besides a stripped left handed upper receiver. does the charge handle or bolt assembly or anything need to be left handed specific

thanks
nathan

The barrel has to have an Ambi extension. You will need a lefty Bolt carrier/Bolt assembly.

Get a Stag upper if you are really interested in getting a lefty model. I have one and it has worked with no problems.

height=8

Quoted: The barrel has to have an Ambi extension. You will need a lefty Bolt carrier/Bolt assembly. Get a Stag upper if you are really interested in getting a lefty model. I have one and it has worked with no problems.

Have to agree, I have a Stag leftie and love it.  

I am left handed and personally, I think it's a waste of money. Save the money, get standard parts and spend the extra money on other cool shit.

Quoted: I am left handed and personally, I think it's a waste of money. Save the money, get standard parts and spend the extra money on other cool shit.

+1, except you MUST get an ambi-mag release.  Best $80 ever spent by this southpaw.

There are really two schools of thought in play here:

1.  As a 22-year veteran still on active duty, I've been dealing with the ARs right-handed geometry for so long that I hardly even notice all of the nagging compromises I've been forced to accept over the years (this was more problematic in the A1 era).  That said, when I first learned of Stag's left-handed upper design, I couldn't help but view them as a huge leap forward for oft-maligned 10-percenters like myself.  We couldn't have asked for a more useful or better engineered solution, and I applaud Stag for their investment.  Every southpaw should probably own one of these simply to underscore the economic viability of the concept.

2.  From an operational perspective, of course, it's useful to keep in mind that those who rely upon the AR for their livelihood might still be well-advised to pass on the left-handed alternative.  Larry Vickers, most notably among others, has pointed this out many times, and there is no arguing with his logic.  Since 99.9% of the ARs you'll encounter out in the real world are going to be set up according to the original recipe -- for right-handed operation -- there is real potential for negative habit transfer/muscle memory if you come to grow too fond of your Stag. That's probably only a concern for those of us who are still wearing a uniform, but it really does warrant some serious thought.  If you've ever tried to migrate between a 1911 and a HK P7, for example, you can appreciate how autonomic impulses can kick in when they are least expected.

For my part, I suppose I've got one foot planted on both sides of this particular issue, but if your AR is primarily a range rifle and you aren't headed to war anytime soon, I do think the Stag LH upper is a sure winner.

Chief

The left handed upper does not cost that much more and the only friggin thing different about it is which side the shell ejects. Everything else is the same. why does everyone think that if you get used to your lefy that you might fumble when Youhave to use a righty. The lower is still the same. The charging handle operates the same. What might you have a problem with if you went from a lefty to a righty. I have a stag and love it. I have other ars as well and I dont have any problem shooting the righties,except the left side of my face is black after shooting all day and all I can smell is the gas up my nose. The stag is awesome. I dont know about the DPMS.

While it's true that these left/right distinctions may be quite subtle, given that the lowers are essentially identical, one must keep in mind that most LH setups include a Norgon anbi-catch and an ambidextrous safety selector.  Both of these components figure prominently into a modified manual-of-arms.  

Of course, even if the only real issue here was the ejection of spent brass, it could still be a bit disorienting to pick up a standard AR in a firefight after one had grown accustomed to left side ejection.  Is that going to kill anyone?  Perhaps not, but when the adrenaline kicks in, muscle memory is definitely going to be a relevant concern.  

Don't get me wrong -- I'm a Stag proponent in every sense of the word.  I'm just quietly wondering if perhaps my own migration to a portsided AR might be best deferred until retirement.  That isn't meant to suggest that I feel there is a right or wrong answer to the question at large.

Chief

stag

I do agree with the self hating lefties who don't find the need for ambi safeties and other lower functions. I have the lefty upper on a standard lower. I have no problem menouvering around the rifle I just dont like gas up my nose or brass up my sleeve.

Price wise, you'd be better off getting a complete Stag upper, than the parts, mostly because of the barrel extension install.

Quoted: I do agree with the self hating lefties who don't find the need for ambi safeties and other lower functions. I have the lefty upper on a standard lower. I have no problem menouvering around the rifle I just dont like gas up my nose or brass up my sleeve.

Self-hating lefties?  A little dramatic, don't you think?  LOL

In any event, I've no wish to be adversarial, but I haven't really had gas up my nose or brass in my sleeve since the A2 was released.  Not saying it can't happen, but these are really vestiges of ARs past, no?  That said, I still have hot casing scars on my chest from my Infantry days in the A1 era, so I'm not unsympathetic to the overall point you're making.

To me, the Stag offers convenience and comfort, and there isn't a thing in the world wrong with that.  It isn't as if our modern-day M4s are punishing those of us who shoot portside, but I'm sorely tempted by the Stag 6.8 upper.  All in due time ...

Chief

I do believe that with a left hand model you are not going to loose any ability with a right hand model. Specially with a regular lower. Get and extra bolt/carrier for a SHTF situation.

For me, when shooting wolf or other "smoky" ammo in a right hand upper, you do get the cloud of smoke in your face and some powder. I do not have to worry about that and if something blows up, then you are a bit safe too.  

Quoted: ... when shooting wolf or other "smoky" ammo in a right hand upper, you do get the cloud of smoke in your face and some powder.

Point taken.  I've never used Russian/Wolf ammunition.

Chief