Armalite or Rock River

[52grain]

I am trying to decide between the Rock River and Armalite National Match A2. I would like to practice service rifle and eventually shoot local matches. If anyone has experience with either of these models, please share.

The Armalite webpage says that the first trigger stage is the 2.5 lbs and the second stage is 4.5-5 lbs. Does this mean that the total trigger pull is 4.5-5lbs (on the high side in my opinion, but not terrible) or 7-7.5 lbs?

 

[mshootnit]

I don't have experience with both. I just built an Armalite 20" HBAR rifle and for me its the most enjoyable AR I have had. I cannot fault Armalite rifles. That said the tightest, highest quality AR I have had was the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Magpul carbine. In terms of fit and finish my Armalite is just above my old Bushmaster which was till pretty darned good. That Bushy was a sub moa shooter with certain ammo fo sho.

 

[husker]

Sorry all i have is an old Colt Sporter match from 1992-94
Your rifle sure looks nice.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The Armalite webpage says that the first trigger stage is the 2.5 lbs and the second stage is 4.5-5 lbs. Does this mean that the total trigger pull is 4.5-5lbs (on the high side in my opinion, but not terrible) or 7-7.5 lbs?

It means the first stage pull is 2.5lbs and the hammer falls at 4.5-5lbs. Service rifle comp has a minimum trigger weight rule, 4.5 lbs as I recall.

 

[kaferhaus]

It means the first stage pull is 2.5lbs and the hammer falls at 4.5-5lbs. Service rifle comp has a minimum trigger weight rule, 4.5 lbs as I recall.

Actually it's 3.5lbs

Unless you spend a bunch of coin a "off the rack" AR is not going to be competitive with the rifles we "match" shooters are using. A true match quality barrel is gonna set you back 400 bucks or more.

Most of the guys I shoot with have built their own rifles (including me) and we all have well over 1500 bucks in each of them. But no one is losing a match due to inferior equipment... these all shoot .25 - .4" groups.

Most AR components other than the barrel, trigger and sights are of pretty much equal quality no matter who's selling it or whose name is on it.

 

[Mags]

I say disregard post 5 for now. Cut your teeth with the factory rifle, until you learn what you need and want for competition. Our hobby is an expensive one and I don't see a point in buying/building a rifle of net specs if it ends up being alot of stuff you don't need or want. You don't need to win the comp your first time out learn and see what you need for your setup.

 

[Onmilo]

<<<<Would choose the Armalite.

 

[SwampWolf]

Mags has it right in terms of buying your first "match" rifle. I have no experience with the Armalite rifle but I've had good success with my RRA National Match rifle. I'm especially enamored with their two-stage match trigger.

 

[wnycollector]

I have a RRA National Match lower and a Del-ton 20" upper. The RRA lower really does have a very nice trigger for the money.

Once I save some $$$ I'm contemplating picking up a White Oak Precision Service Rifle Upper and trying my hand at a few matches next spring.

 

[chrome_austex]

I don't have a full RRA rifle, but I have an RRA lower with match trigger, and I'm currently using the RRA detachable carry handle w/ 1/4 min match sights, and both the sights and the trigger are working very well for me.

An off the rack AR is probably fine until you're in master/high-master territory.

Consider getting a nice highpower jacket (from Creedmore or elsewhere). The jacket will probably do more for your initial success and scores than increasing your mechanical accuracy a fraction of an inch.

Highpower competition is a lot of fun, but I don't care for the overly restrictive rules for service rifle class, so I compete in 'match rifle' with a practical gun that fits my ideals.

-j

 

[wanderinwalker]

First, ignore post #5 for now.

Either the Rock River or the Armalite is capable of taking you to High Master and getting you a Distinguished Rifleman badge, right out of the box. My rifle is an Armalite, but a Rock River will serve you well also. The only weakness seems to be in the RRA two-stage triggers, which can go down sometimes (losing the second stage is most common, I *think*). Shooting Highpower, your X-ring is 1-MOA at 300 and 600 (1.5 MOA at 200), and I've only met a couple of shooters capable of keeping 98%+ of their rounds in the 10-ring, which is twice as big. Almost any old 69-77gr match bullet will shoot well out of these rifles at 200 and 300. Some people shoot the 75 and 77 grain magazine bullets at 600, but I prefer the 80gr Nosler. Sierras are probably the most popular, but I buy based on price.

Here is the NRA's definition of a Service Rifle in Highpower, and the trigger weight is 4.5 pounds. Incidently, mine has never been worked on and just makes the check weight at Perry.

So pick whichever one you can get the better price on, get a good sling and go join in! No need to wait to participate, find a new shooter clinic, try it and dive in. You'll learn more, faster, from the clinic and shooting in matches, than you will learn practicing on own. And if you have any questions on anything, just ask. Most of us Highpower shooters are plenty happy to help out new shooters. We're kind of pushers; the first one is ALWAYS free...

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

there's a bit of difference in price...I own both, Armalite will cost you more generally.