Help with a Rock River AR

[1BLINDREF]

My next gun purchase will be a Rock River Arms AR15 (my first AR) and I have two questions for the RRA people out there.

1. How can I find out what the differences are between all of the different models that they offer ; Entry Tactical, Tactical CAR A4, Elite CAR A4, Tactical CAR UTE2, Elite CAR UTE2, CAR A4, and the Mid-Length A2/A4?

I went on to the RRA website and printed out all of the different models and looked at them side by side. On some models it looks like the only difference is the handguard and what options are available for that gun. The prices are all in the same range. I'm looking for a SHTF rifle and would like to get an AR before the next election (just in case) and my head is spinning with all the different models that RRA offers.

2. When looking at a RRA, how can you tell if the gun has the Chrome Moly barrel or the Chrome lined barrel. Is it worth getting the 223 Wylde Stainless barrel? What advantage/disadvantage does the 223 Wylde barrel have?

I've decided on a RRA, so please don't post "Don't get a RRA, get a ......."
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Jimmie]

The 223 Wylde was "invented" to shoot 5.56 and .223 accurately. It's a compromise.

Most of their models have the option of Chrome Moly or Chrome Lined. On the Entry Tactical page for example (http://rockriverarms.com/item-detai...age=entry07.gif&CFID=1665852&CFTOKEN=21113250) the Chrome Moly 1:9 is the default, but you can get chrome lined 1:9 or 1:7 for an extra $40.

On the CAR A2/A4 page, (http://rockriverarms.com/item-detai...ge=cara2407.gif&CFID=1665852&CFTOKEN=21113250) the chrome moly is default, but you can get chrome lined for an extra $40 or SS for an extra $50.

I just got my RRA 18" varmint upper from RB Precision. I'm not home to shoot it yet, but it sure looks purty in pictures! I was very pleased with the service from when I first ordered the lower kit to finally getting the upper.

It might be easier to compare just the uppers (http://rockriverarms.com/item-detai...ge=uentry07.gif&CFID=1665852&CFTOKEN=21113250) and then compare lowers. That's probably how you'll order anyway, so at least that'll isolate a few variables for you.

Patterns I think are consistent:

"Elite" = midlength handguard
"Tactical" = R4 handguard
Entry = R4 barrel profile
TASC = A2 handle
CAR = basic 16" upper A2 or A4
Standard = basic 20" upper A2 or A4

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

What do you want the weapon to do? Do you want it to be for varmint hunting? Self defense? Do you want to mount optics? What kind?

For self/home defense most people tend to choose the Entry Tactical. I would recommend upgrading to a chromed barrel with a light under the handguards profile.

BTW, most non stainless barrels are chrome moly, whether they are chrome lined or not. Chrome lining is an upgrade you have to pay extra for with RRA (one of several reasons why I don't recommend RRA).

 

[1BLINDREF]

I want it mainly for a HD/SHTF battle rifle.
I definately want at least the chrome lined barrel. Can you tell the difference between the chrome moly (standard barrel) and the chrome lined barrel just by looking at them?? If so, what do you look for?

 

[Eyesac]

The chrome barrel will be chrome on the inside, non-chrome will not be chrome on the inside.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Best place to get RRA info is the Industry section of AR15.com. They have a rep that answers questions there.

As far as differences, it's mainly options as you noticed.

Entry Tactical - M4 Length handguards, Tactical carry handle, Hogue grips, "Tactical Carry Handle", side sling swivel. Grenade launcher profile barrel.

Tactical CAR A4- Same as above, with the heavy profile barrel (no GL notch)

Elite CAR A4 - Essentially the same as above with midlength gas system and midlenght handguards.

Tactical CAR UTE2 - Same as Entry Tactical, but has integrated fixed rear sight instead of carry handle option.

Elite CAR UTE2 - Same as Elite CAR A4, but has integraded fixed rear sight instead of carry handle option

CAR A4 - Basic version M4 handguards/gas system, no bells and whistles.

Mid-Length A2/A4? - Basic midlength handguards/gas system version, no bells and whistles. A2 has the integrated carry handle, A4 is a flat top.


I would go with one of the Mid-Length options.

 

[1BLINDREF]

Thanks for the replys so far.
I joined AR15.com and posted the question over there.

 

[snakyjake]

Jorg, great descriptions. Do you have any information about which models are best suited for which situations?

 

[longdayjake]

Did you see the date on the original post?

 

[kwelz]

Why are you set on a RRA?
For the same money you could get a BCM midlegth and have a much better gun.

 

[snakyjake]

Yes, saw the original post. Looks like the same question, but wanted more details. The OP seems to have a much better idea of what he's doing than me. It also appears the question transferred to another forum site.

No, not stuck on RRA. Just confused by so many options and only have a slightest idea. Figure I would go with a company with a good warranty. BCM is not a company I'm familiar with, and not sure where the dealers are. Most Internet sites are geared to those who have a lot better idea of what to build or what they want. From the website, BCM doesn't look any different than RRA (just a lot more confusing options). Another reason I looked at RRA is for the 6.8 spc upper.

 

[gidaeon]

....

 

[Lucky Strike]

Yes, saw the original post. Looks like the same question, but wanted more details. The OP seems to have a much better idea of what he's doing than me. It also appears the question transferred to another forum site.

No, not stuck on RRA. Just confused by so many options and only have a slightest idea. Figure I would go with a company with a good warranty. BCM is not a company I'm familiar with, and not sure where the dealers are. Most Internet sites are geared to those who have a lot better idea of what to build or what they want. From the website, BCM doesn't look any different than RRA (just a lot more confusing options). Another reason I looked at RRA is for the 6.8 spc upper.

I started out with a factory RRA gun and later swapped out the upper for a BCM one. Thanks to the Obama gun buying frenzy I actually made a profit in selling my used RRA upper on classified forums and buying a new BCM one from their website.

If you research various AR15 dedicated forums you'll find that Bravo Company has probably about the best reputation of any manufacturer out there as far as quality and customer service is concerned. Most AR uppers will all look about the same but it's the things you can't specifically see off of pictures that make a lot of difference (steel used, barrel twist rate, MP testing, proper feed ramps, proper front sight base height, etc)...doing research will teach you about these differences.

I can tell you that I recieved my BCM upper a couple days before I sold my RRA one and side by side you could definitely tell the difference in quality.

I don't think there are any brick and mortar BCM dealers....If you're new to the AR world my advice would be to buy a complete lower at the dealer of your choice. Then order a BCM complete upper off their website along with one of their bolt carrier groups.

You could also take advantage of the sale SurplusAmmo is having on Aero Precision lowers (very good quality lowers...the company also makes lowers for Armalite). You can get a complete lower with 6 position stock for $190 which is a pretty great deal.

For like $850 total you could have a very high quality rifle.

If you're wanting 6.8spc though that's another story

 

[Casefull]

I have bought several RRA rifles and they are all super. I have the 308. Some .223s and a 458 socom. Very well built, extremely accurate, firearms. Good service also.