Help with a rifle purchase...

[JimJD]

Hello

I'm about to purchase an AR and need some help.
The model I'm looking at right now is an AR from Rock River Arms. This one in particular:

I'd like to add:

A Mid-Length Free Float Quad Rail
CAA Tactical Buttstock
Chrome lined barrel
Smith Vortex flash hider
Badger tactical latch
RRA dominator 2 mount

This rifle would be for general use and whatever else might come along.
Is there anything I should know about this rifle both bad and good?
In regards to some the add-on's...

1. Who makes the free float rail for RRA? Is it a quality piece? And about free floated handguards in general, I understand they do add to accuracy. But are they as strong as standard, non-floating handguards? Are they weaker?

2. The CAA butstock. I know nothing about them. Good, bad, so-so? Stick with the one it comes with?

3. Smith Vortex flash hider. I've read some very good things about them.
But I'm a little concerned about the "open" design and foreign matter getting lodged in there. Anyone have any issues like that? Any issues in general? I was thinking about something for muzzle rise reduction, but I don't believe I'll need it because the 5.56/.223 is a soft shooter to begin with. But I'm still open to them. Or am I wrong and the Smith does help a little with muzzle rise? I'm also a bit confused when it comes to muzzle devices. From what I've picked up, a flash hider is great for... well, hiding the flash from a fired round. A compensator is for rise/"walk" reduction, with little or no flash hiding capability. And a muzzle brake... I'm not sure. It does both jobs?

4. Badger Tactical Latch. Heard, read some good things. What say you?

5. RRA Dominator2 Mount. I want to get some type of optic system in the future, but I'm not sure what. At this time, I'm leaning towards an EOTech, hence the Dominator 2 type mount. I believe the "standard" one is set up for Aimpoint type optics, correct? If I went with a D2 mount, and decide on an Aimpoint instead, Can I mount it with a riser of some sort to get correct sight height? Or am I S.O.L. and have to get a regular "RRA detatchable carry handle"? By the way, how are the rear sights on the RRA detatch. handle anyway? Same as the ones on a standard AR?

In addition to all of that... I was told the RRA rifles don't use a standard buffer tube setup for the stocks. Is that true? If so, is there anything else on the RRA's that is not "standard"? I'm concerned that if I need to swap out a part, I might not be able to because of non-standard dimensions.

I'm also looking at two models from Stag Arms. The "Stag-15 with A.R.M.S. #40L" & "Stag-15 with A.R.M.S. #40 A2". I've only seen/held the #40 A-2 version. It seemed to be a nicely finished rifle, but I can't say anything for function.

Wow, that's a lot of questions. I have more, but just can't recall them right now. Thanks so much for the help!

 

[Dark_Harvest]

Why do you want a free floated handguard? they really only add accuracy in a bench rest type situation... for a general use rifle they usually just add to the cost...

as far as the stock, i have a RRA entry tactical, and i left the standard adjustable stock on as it fits me and my needs... the stock is something i'd wnat to try in person before making any changes...

and the standard flash hider is perfectly functional, no real reason to change it unless you plan on adding a suppressor.


as far as the sights and mount... does this model come with a flat top and a detachable site/rail? (my entry tactical did, i have a BUIS/rail system that i can remove, leaving a bare A3 rail system...) As long as you can remove the BUIS mount and/or cowitness your optics on the one that come with it, you should be good.

lastly, i'm not familiar with the Stag models, but i have heard good things...


b

[edited for spelling]

 

[JimJD]

Thanks for the reply D.H..

My reasoning for a free-float handguard was to squeeze some additional accuracy out of the rifle. The range I frequent the most is bench shooting only.
I figured while I was at it, I'd get one with rails so I can add a light and vertical foregrip down the road (when I'm not at the range).

Yes, this model does have a flat top upper.

If I go with the RRA, I'd have to order it through a local dealer. Should I go for a Stag, I can pick one up that's in stock at a dealer or go to a show. I'm seeing more and more of them these days.
Nothing against the Stag, but the RRA has more of the features I want. Especially the mid-length type handguard. I can deal with the shorter carbine type, but the mid-length gives me more room to play with handhold wise. And the longer sight radius(?) seems to work better with my eyes.

 

[GunNut]

Go for the Stag over the RRA, at least they use the correct front sight for use w/carry handles. Plus all of their guns are chrome lined.

A Free Float tube will also allow you to mount optics on it without it moving.

I'd skip the dominator mount if you are going to us a Eotech, it will mount right on the flat top of the upper. Plus there are a lot better mounts available from places like Larue and such.