Sights: folding front post attached to the gas block, Picatinny rail for attaching opticsTrigger: two-stage; 4-lb., 4-oz. InterLock; 5-shot string #2. For testing, we fitted the rifle with a Leupold 1.1-8X 24 mm CQBSS using steel 34 mm rings. Accurate. Mossberg 500 vs 590: Which Shotgun Is Right for You? This eliminates all stress risers in the barrel that can cause a barrel to shift point of impact as it heats when shot. The barrel and trigger are certainly the two greatest contributors to the V2s accuracy, but Rock River gets the small things right that most others miss. In addition, Rock River Arms uses only the highest quality components in their rifles, which results in a firearm that is accurate and reliable. Now for 2022, the company ups the game for hunters with the introduction of the All-Terrain Hunter (ATH), a mid-length rifle that stands tall in the field of AR-platform hunting rifles. The Assault Weapons Ban had sunset and I wanted a really nice AR. He was an agent with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and a member of their tactical team. And if youve ever waded into some of the online forums devoted to things-AR, you know just how bewildering it all can be. Rock River Arms has been making their two-stage match trigger for more than a decade. resulting in 1.5-MOA accuracy at 100 yards. There, review done. The RRA ATH comes with an. I shot this rifle within my skill level, and I think I shot it well. Testing. In the time since it reacquired the rights to the BAR-10/LAR-8, Rock River replaced the original charging handle with a more common design and refined the extractor for better performance. Several years ago, I was visiting with a good friend of mine when the discussion turned to the guns he carried on duty.. So, this rifle is as good as any. The Rock River A4 won some points from us when we uncrated it to find a blue plastic breakdown case with foam storage areas for extras, like scopes. Ruger's multi-role small frame autoloading rifle - Sear - combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability. Last but certainly not least, the trigger was the most impressive part of this rifle. This handle received mostly positive reviews, although our female tester found it a little too large. New Shooters Guide: What Is a Pistol Caliber Carbine? I am by no means an expert on ARs, but I do know a bit about quality firearms. The new RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol from Rock Island Armory features a patented RVS Recoil system that maximizes barrel mass and linear movement to give shooters super soft recoil. All of these options bring the gun to a wallet-emptying $1994 retail price. This is a .350 Legend. Turned out, he had just bought that rifle for deer hunting and got a youth version because it was the only one in stock. Our advicemake your decision and your move now. The handguard is RRAs own design, and I like it for its smooth simplicity. Contrary to what youll find on the internet, most rifles are not capable of this kind of performance with factory ammunition. One Magazine, RRA Case, Manual and Warranty Information. Leader of the Pack: Rock River Arms Fred Eichler Predator Review If youre already among the AR-cognoscenti then you probably already know general information about Rock River Arms and their line of LAR-15 rifles in particular. This is not the first time Ive tested a Rock River rifle with their stainless-steel match barrel, so I was not surprised when group averages hovered near MOA for five shots at 100 yards. If youre looking for a reliable AR-15 manufacturer, Rock River Arms is definitely worth considering. Overall, Rock River Arms rifles are known for being high quality and reliable. At 100 yards, my groups were a bit to the right, but I was just looking for groups so I didnt touch the scope. Rock River Arms ATH V2Type: Gas operated, direct impingement, semiautomaticCartridge: .223 WyldeCapacity: 20 or 30 rds.Barrel: 18 in., 1:8-in. Regardless, youll get a gun with a fit and finish better than most AR rifles available on the market right now, even at a significantly higher price. On the other hand, they add a pair of critical dimensions to the receiver in an already crowded area just below the barrel extension. There is also a fundamental difference in the definition of the varmint hunter. As I said, this was a well-used gun and I knew the owner wouldnt tolerate any problems. The safety lever, on the other hand, while not ambidextrous, has a raised dome on the tail that makes it easier to manipulate. Or if you already have some idea of the various fancier accessories you might want, you can order it that way to start with, and trust that youre getting lasting value for your investment. Our testers said the Bushmaster was handsome and svelte at 8.84 pounds, due to its lighter-weight barrel, and a vented, free-floated forend that included a sling/bipod stud mounted. Next, although fixed power (16x in this case), the Super Sniper had parallax adjustments for given distances present on a rotating indicator dial, along with a fast-focus eyepiece. AR-10-style rifles, the Rock River Arms LAR-8 stands alone. Certainly not, considering the quality. This process alone will add another $30 to $50 dollars to the $1325 price tag. There will probably be a slew of hunters this year who end up walking out of their go-to sporting goods retailer with empty hands and long faces because their standard ammo is not to be had. While the location and function of the trigger is identical to what Stoner and Sullivan originally specified, Rock River includes a two-stage trigger of their design, which is superior to the standard semiautomatic trigger found in most ARs. The best grouping in testing at 100 yards was .935 inch with 155-grain Hornady TAP Precision. The rifle weighs in at approximately 12 pounds and is fairly easy to carry but heavy enough to absorb recoil from the .308 Win. The LAR-8 Standard Operator, reviewed here, also incorporates a number of ergonomic improvements, including an ambidextrous bolt stop and magazine release. Its an aggressive little thing that, should you run out of ammo to fend off a charging beast, could be turned into a defensive tool in its own right. This is not John Waynes revolver it is a modern work of art! Make zone hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy You are using an out of date browser. Well, not any more of an idiot than I usually feel like, I suppose I should say. I have yet to find a Rock River rifle that wasnt extremely accurate, so its only natural to have a favorable impression of the brand. Several of our bolt-action shooters didnt have an issue with the Stags weight, since they lugged guns heavier than our test model. Bergara BXR Review: Is the Bergara BXR the Best Rifle for Hunters? The TaurusTX 22 Compact delivers class-leading reliability, capacity, and shootability in a 22 LR platform, and it's cut for a slide-mounted mini red dot. So got a brand new Rock River Arms Predator Pursuit in .223. One tester felt the handle should be black to reduce glare, because his ADD caused him to focus on the neat little handle running back and forth. Ive had this rest for more than 15 years and its still my favorite. Let me put this out there right away: Im not a rifle shooter by trade. They've been producing 5.56mm and 7.62mm models since the beginning of their AR-15 manufacturing, and that's pretty standard. One of my Ballistics By The Inch buddies is very knowledgeable about ARs. I wanted to do this as by the book as possible, so waiting for calm winds was my only option. Feb 16, 2019 748 . The second part of our testing took place under blue skies at the Arlington Sportsmans Club, one the largest private gun clubs in Texas with over 1300 members and offering a full range of shooting opportunities (www.arlingtonsportsman.com). While the Colt Model 601 was the first AR-15 to be mass-produced, there were several design variations that came before during the platform's development. . The Smith flash hider worked very well and the 1:10 twist ratio seemed perfect for the 165-grain Hornady TAP ammo. Although the particular model tested for this review was a few years old and had seen plenty of use, it was still as tight as any gun I have shot. However, the standard selector lever can be a struggle when a right-handed shooter moves the rifle to the left shoulder and tries to work the selector with the index finger. Their AR-15s are made with forged aluminum receivers, chrome lined barrels, and MIL-SPEC parts. Top accuracy honors came from three flyweight varmint loads. The first time I bought one was in 2006 when one of my Special Forces teammates built an AR-15 for me. Rock River Coyote Carbine Review | An Official Journal Of The NRA It felt comfortable to the shooters, settled in nicely for repeat shots, and turned in a second best 0.940-inch overall average group. Like 3/8 to 5/8 of and inch accuracy for three shots. Feb 2018 Solo. And almost all guns are built for a specific orderit is rare that youll find a new one for sale someplace. Anyway, I was lucky to have someone I could turn to for information. Get the 76th edition of the World's Greatest Gun Book. Spaarne (Haarlem) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Feel free to reach out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy. Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives. However, if youre willing to spend a little extra money on your rifle, Rock River Arms is definitely worth considering. It was comfortable, but I prefer a little bigger grip. K-Mart Classics: Remingtons Nylon Rimfires Engineered To Last. I picked the SIG Optics Tango6 5-30X56mm riflescope with an illuminated MRAD/MOA reticle, and I mounted it on a SIG base and rings. Last year, I got to spend some time with a pre-production version of the LAR-15M and managed to shoot sub-MOA groups. To some, a varmint hunter is someone who blazes away at prairie dogs and other such small targets from a rest. I already knew that I didnt want to shoot bulls-eyes at 25 yards with a 100-yard zero in mind, so I made some minor adjustments and ran the target to the 100-yard mark. By signing up you agree to Guns.com's The 18-inch barrel that Rock River chose to install has a 1:8-inch twist and features a mid-length gas system. All three exceed the Rock River .75" factory accuracy guarantee. Gun Review: Rock River Arms LAR-15 :: Guns.com This month we chose one of the most popular requests, the AR-15 varmint/predator rifle. The Rock River Varmint A4 sported a heavy bull 416SS air-gauged barrel, but it was only 20 inches in length. The LAR-15 X-Series X-1 Rifle in .223/5.56mm from Rock River Arms is available at a manufacturer suggested retail price of $1,450.00 and $1,500.00, depending on the stock and color option (Black and Tan). Rock River Arms is considered to be one of the most reliable AR-15 manufacturers because of the materials they use and the quality of their products. Rock River Arms Re: Reasonable Accuracy from LAR-15 Predator Pursuit, Re: Reasonable Accuracy from LAR-15 Predator Pursu, Would love to see paper from a RRPP shooting .5 groups at 400yds. Rock River Arms is a popular option, but is it the right one for you? Every cowboy needs a revolver. An exceptionally volatile Texas spring brought a series of gusty winds, heavy rain, the occasional hailstorm, and a few tornados thrown in for good measure. Rock River Arms is known for being accurate due to the materials they use and the quality of their products. Wigbolt Ripperda, governor of Haarlem at the time of the spanish siege, inspired the people of Haarlem to resist the spanish. Here are the features to watch out for. Billed as the LAR-15M, these rifles are familiar RRA fare, featuring the companys forged A4 upper and multi-caliber lower receivers, 13-inch extended free-float handguard, Operator CAR stock, and two-stage trigger. Several have stepped up to the .350 Legend plate, and one of the most recent is Rock River Arms. Well it's me and I cheaped out on a scope and have a $200 Nikon on an expensive gun. My experience with Rock River AR-pattern rifles hasnt involved round counts like my friends, but theyve been just as positive. The pistol grip is a Hogue rubber unit and the synthetic buttstock is a fixed Rock River Arms Operator A2 stock. Are you in the market for a new AR-15? For that purpose, it chose the 20-round box magazine used in the FN-FAL, which was readily available and priced as low as $5 each. I settled in on a steady concrete bench and set up my Caldwell The Rock rest. Rock River cured a couple other standard AR failings with parts they developed in-house. Our Sitemap. The Varmint Special included a standard A2 stock with a trapdoor, and added two half-inch scope riser mounts attached to the receivers front Picatinny rail. Besides helping with accuracy, the lapping makes it easier to clean the barrel. Rock River has been around for a long time and they maintain a devoted following because they continue to use quality components while giving attention to the details. Not cheap, but not horribly expensive, either. Being M-LOK compatible, you can fit whatever railed accessories you like or keep it clean. Our friends at Bass Pro Shops in Grapevine, Texas, graciously granted us permission to use the stores 100-yard shooting tunnel. SIG Sauer P322 Rimfire Pistol: First Look, Non-Lethal Personal & Home Defense with Byrna, Range Tested: EAA Girsan Pistols & Shotguns, New for 2023: Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR), New for 2023: All-American RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol, New for 2023: FN Rush 9Ti Pistol Suppressor, New Big Bore Pistols for 2023: FN 510 Tactical and FN 545 Tactical, New for 2023: FN SCAR 15P Rifle Caliber Pistol, First Look: Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum Revolver With 10.5-Inch Barrel, New-for-2023 Taurus Judge Executive Grade 410/.45 Colt Revolver, Smith & Wesson Equalizer and the Brand New M&P 5.7 Pistol. REVIEW: Rock River Arms R3 Competition Rifle | Shoot On In particular, they liked the Magpul stock, side-charging handle, and target handle. Spent a whole lot of time lurking, listening, and learning on this forum - I know that my knowledge does not offer much compared to most posting on this site. RRA's R3 Competition Rifle is a Versatile & Accurate AR Unless otherwise noted, these reviews carry the guns prices at the time of the original review. You have entered an incorrect email address! This came in very handy when we decided to go ahead and test the .223 cartridge for BBTI last year. Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a rest at 100 yards. With this in mind, we went to LaRue Tactical (www.laruetactical.com) for the exceptional LT104 30mm QD Lever Mount, $195. The rifle follows the AR-pattern designed by Eugene Stoner and Jim Sullivan very closely. The Standard Operator has a 20-inch, cryo-treated chrome-moly barrel. While I was pleased to see the new rifle perform well, I like to know all the reasons why. The 16-inch barrel is certainly maneuverable in the brush, and with its 6.8-lb. I look forward to hitting the range again, and Im certain that I wont need to burn through too much more ammo before this rifle and I approach the -MOA mark together. The general idea was that high-velocity ammunition was deemed incompatible, for safety reasons, in areas of flat terrain and denser populations. The adjustable buttstock will interchange, as will the trigger and safety mechanisms, but that is about it. Dependable. Rock River goes the extra steps of cryogenically treating the barrel to relieve stressan accuracy robbing characteristicand then lapping each barrel before shipping to the customer. After mounting the scopes, each gun was given a good general cleaning, carefully lubricated, trigger pull weights checked on a digital gauge, and then it was off to the range. Nice. The design was licensed to Bushmaster, and during the course of about three years, the company built and sold several thousand rifles. Rock River Arms uses barrels from a variety of manufacturers, including FN, Criterion, and Wilson. Federal Gold Medal Match delivered the best group, which measured 0.81 inches. He asked what I was shooting, and then said, Well, thats funny. While you might not associate the AK-47's cartridge with accuracy, out of an AR-15 the 7.62x39 mm can produce tiny groups. The company has created a unique, so-called Star safety selector switch that is both fast and positive. Knowing first-hand the accuracy reputation of RRA rifles through many weve tested for Shoot On and looking at the ballistic performance of the two cartridges tested for this evaluation, I must conclude that neither load hit this particular LAR-15s sweet spot, although the Hornady American Whitetails performance would absolutely get the job done. Rock River's triggers not only have a lighter pull weight and crisper let-off, the hammer shape promotes excellent accuracy. Scopes, guns, boots and other tactical stuff in-between. The .223 Wylde chamber has a tight .224-inch freebore that keeps bullets especially long 69- and 77-grain types from yawing in the chamber prior to engaging the rifling. About the only thing someone might complain about is having to wait for a few weeks to get a custom gun they order from RRA. The LAR-8 Standard Operator is reliable and accurate, and its fine trigger makes it easy to shoot well. Select Trigger. Gun Review: Dead Accurate Rock River Arms BT-3, AR Basics: Initial Diagnosis Of AR Gas System Issues, New AR: Springfields SAINT Pistol Goes .300 Blackout, Shadow Systems DR920 P And L Review: Full-Size Fun From The Factory, Smith & Wesson EQUALIZER Review: Crafted For Carry, Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Review: Stretching Your Dollar Long, 8 On-Target Concealed Carry Insurance Options (2022), 10 Affordable Double-Barrel Shotgun Options (2022), Best AR-15 Options For Any Budget And Buyers Guide (2022), Best Concealed Carry Handguns For Women (2022). It also had an owners manual, assembly tool and lock. Rock River Arms Review: Take Me To The River, Drop Me In Colona? - Gunivore First, is an ambidextrous magazine release consisting of two fenced buttons mirrored on both sides of the lower receiver. Loves Federal Premium 69g Match. However, if youre looking for a cheap AR-15, there are better options out there. 0608-Fulton-Armory-FAR-15-Predator-Varmint.pdf. The rifle I tested was chambered in .223 Wylde, meaning that it can shoot both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm (NATO) ammunition. Other accoutrements included a target-gray stainless barrel ($35), a tac-latch on the charging handle for easier access when a scope is used ($20), a pre-installed Harris bipod ($80), and a side-cocking module ($125). Think about that for a moment: As a new rifle shooter, I shot a sub-MOA group after pulling the trigger less than a dozen times. Rock River Arms LAR-8 Standard Operator - An Official Journal Of The NRA My best 5-shot group was with the Hornady TAP Precision 155-grain A-Max Law Enforcement Ammunition, measuring .935 inch. Which brings me to my point. This makes them some of the most accurate AR-15s on the market. Ben Voss FN Product Manager talks about the new FN SCAR 15P ultra-compact rifle-caliber pistol at SHOT Show 2023. His best 100-yard group was .38 inch. The other competitors were already lapped in at the factory, and required no such break-in. Here's a full review. The gun was termed a Sexy Beast by our female tester. Since we had so many choices, we decided to narrow the field by setting the following parameters: a barrel length between 20 and 24 inches long, constructed of stainless steel, and capable of shooting the most popular ammo weight of 50 to 55 grains. Accuracy: 1 MOA @ 100 yards Included: One magazine, RRA Case, Manual, Warranty MSRP: $1,480 www.rockriverarms.com. He fired tens of thousands of rounds each year, which made me curious about what firearms he used and how they fared. In 2003 they got a big government contract to supply the Drug Enforcement Administration with a bunch of AR-15 style guns. The shorter stainless barrel gave us better balance in the heavy barrel category, allowing us to shoot off-hand with reasonable accuracy. Rock River Arms produces their own bolt carrier group (BCG), which is made from 8620 steel and features a nitride finish. For true fans and students of the gun, we certainly live in a time when many among us may not fully appreciate the incredible diversity of firearms and ammunition at our disposal. twist, stainless steelOverall Length: 36.5 in.Weight: 7 lbs., 14 oz.Stock: Rock River Operator A2Grip: Ergo SuregripLength of Pull: 13.5 in.Finish: Type III, hard coat, anodizedTrigger: RRA MatchSights: Adjustable, flip-upSafety: Selector, two positionMSRP: $1,370Manufacturer: Rock River Arms,309-792-5780, rockriverarms.com. To fix this issue, Rock River has given its Star selector a nipple that sits at the end of the lever, and it protrudes away from the receiver. It really comes down to personal preference. Although inexpensive and reliable, the FAL magazine presented a number of design challenges, such as dimensions and feed angles that differ from AR-style magazines. As a result, Rock River rifles enjoy significantly improved reliability with all types of 5.56mm ammunition. Recoil with any AR-style gun is pretty minimal, at least in the .223/5.56 configuration. Subscriber Services. Rock River Arms alone lists four different models in its catalog, and thats before barrel and option selections! Although Ive shot a few, I didnt really know much about them until a couple of years ago. The company made its humble start in 1963in Gussago, Italywhen Giuseppe Pietta made a commitment to produce guns as authentic and true-to-original as possible. Need Help?service@guns.comCall (866)582-4867, PO Box 1131 13800 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337 2023Guns.com. Several have stepped up to the .350 Legend plate, and one of the most recent is Rock River Arms. The gas block has a folding front sight assembly that can be locked down when not in use and three hinged sling loops, one on the bottom and one on each side. Rock River Arms also offers a lifetime warranty on their products, which is another reason why they are considered to be high end. What should the discerning collector look for in a potential buy? The barrel's twist rate is one turn in nine inches. As a result, we went underground. Epic 22 Pocket Pistol: The Beretta 71 Jaguar. accuracy in the Standard Operator, and our testing, at least with match ammunition, was consistent with that claim. Gun shoots better than I do because for 5 I just to an inch and know it is me. Ballistic Silver Tip SBST223B, $21.48/20, and Black Hills Match New Production Red Box 50-gr. Gun Digest Editor, Luke Hartle, had a brand new gun he wanted reviewed, and he wanted it reviewed from the perspective of a fairly novice precision rifle shooter looking to get into the game. We selected this scope for several reasons. We got a quartet of guns that matched these specifications from Bushmaster, Fulton Armory, Rock River Arms, and Stag Arms, along with some options they felt the varmint/predator hunter would like. Rock River Arms: LAR-15 X-Series X-1 Rifle in .223/5.56mm | VIDEO Select Grip. The A4 had a winter trigger guard, which allowed gloves to be used with the gun. The construction and fit of the rifle are among the best Ive seen in years. He pointed out how good the Rock River trigger was, so Ive had it in that rifle ever since. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Life is full of twists and turns good and bad and when you get a bad one, its a, Modification and customization are honored traditions among dedicated AR-15 fans. Im talking no slop, no gaps and excellent quality. It also included an optional scout rail to raise the scope height, but we found it unnecessary with the LaRue mounts. Although it appears to be just an AR clone, few parts are interchangeable. For more information on the BT-3, please visit: https://www.rockriverarms.com/www.rockriverarms.com. Since the freebore area only surrounds the bullet when a cartridge is chambered, variation in brass thickness causes no trouble. The really nice thing about Rock River Arms is that you can order this specific rifle custom-made to your taste and requirements; youre not stuck with a rifle only to purchase your favorite parts later. The included magazine, which is specific to the .350 Legend, boasts a 10-round capacity. In fact, many experts believe that it is THE most accurate AR-15 on the market. I like shooting rifles its fun and its challenging but I certainly dont feel as though Im capable of producing the level of accuracy todays precision rifles are capable of delivering. Another feature I really liked was the sealed battery storage area . It seems almost every manufacturer out there is turning out some version of this genre. We chose No. If you are Bushmaster fan and are looking for a gun that can shoot off a rest or pop an off-hand shot at a loping coyote, this gun may fit the bill. Hard to imagine a city without a river, and this is Haarlem's. The waterway brings in air and light to the city. Some reviewers have had negative experiences, but this is rare. Of course, all of this comes at a price but if youre looking for an AR-15 that will serve you well for many years to come, then the Rock River Arms is definitely worth considering. The Wylde chamber and tight freebore prevent that from occurring. He loved his Rock River rifle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLDPl0rguAE, Pelican Case Foam Cutting: How to Cut Perfectly Every Time. Their rifles are backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that your investment will be protected. This is topped off with Rock River's .308 A2 flash hider. This rifle also has an RRA TRO-XL extended free float rail handguard and an accuracy of 3/4 MOA at 100 Yards. Like 3/8 to 5/8 of and inch accuracy for three shots. The Rock River Star selector makes that process more intuitive and does it without the expense of purchasing an ambidextrous switch. Take any AR with this trigger and watch what happens to the crosshairs of a magnified optic during dry fire. You must log in or register to reply here. You have entered an incorrect email address! Shot it for the first time today. The author grouped and chronographed Black Hills' 77-grain 5.56 OTM ammo with impressive results. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. Stags first entry into the varminter category sported an extra heavy 24-inch 416SS Shaw barrel that made the gun extremely front heavy, and a rifle you definitely want to shoot off the bench. I didnt know I was capable of shooting like that, and especially not after a mere dozen rounds. The new rifle is built on an aluminum billet chassis with carbon-fiber forend and cheek riser featuring V-block bedding. InterLock; 5-shot string #1, Hornady American Whitetail, 170-gr. Lots of groups under an inch. Theyve managed this because they make excellent guns. However, its unclear if the FBI currently uses Rock River Arms rifles or not. Depending on exactly what kind of gun you want, with all those myriad options I mentioned, you can spend as little as $900. No matter what load we tried, it lagged behind the guns in our test. Rock River Arms LAR-15 Caliber: 5.56mm/.223 Cal. Their AR-15s are made with forged aluminum receivers, chrome lined barrels, and MIL-SPEC parts. Users can access the storage compartment by depressing a button recessed into the ribbed rubber buttpad that slides it down and out of the way. The gun arrived in a plastic carrying case, with a safety block that can also used to remove the takedown pins attaching the upper and lower assemblies. Are Rock River Arms worth the money? The Fulton turned in the best overall grouping at 0.89 inch, despite some balky performance by the Remington ammo we used that none of the guns could group under 1 inch.