Rock River Arms Review?

[benEzra]

I have a 16" RRA midlength.

Pro: Absolutely reliable so far, fit and finish is very good, accurate, great trigger.

Con: They did a lousy job staking the gas key screws and didn't stake the castle nut at all (a LE AR armorer kindly did the gas key staking for me and I did the castle nut). The barrel on mine is heavier than most AR's, which is the one aspect of the rifle that I'd change if I could. I replaced the flimsy charging handle with a BCM Gunfighter.

So overall? I like mine, but for the same money I might could have gotten a BCM had I shopped around, and it did require some touch-up work. I did get a chrome lined barrel and 5.56x45mm chamber; not all RRA's do (it was an extra-cost option on mine).

 

[Captains1911]

You can do better for the money. I have owned 2 RRA and had problems with both.

But if "fit and finish" is your top priority, you will probably be happy with a RRA.

 

[NYH1]

My first AR15 was a RRA A2 Tasc Rifle 16" middy. Bought it new back in 2002. I sold it four years later to buy better (Leupold) scopes and a AR with the A3/A4 flat top. I got what I paid for it. I never had any trouble at all with it. I sold it to a good friend. Him and his son have shot the crap out of it with no problems. I just didn't think it would take me four years to buy the scopes I wanted to buy and buy another AR15.

I shot my friends Stag model 3L (left hand model) this past summer. Even though I'm right handed I still liked it a lot. Having had good luck with my RRA, when I was shopping for a new AR15, I was looking at RRA and Stag. My FFL said getting a RRA would take up to 90 days. I wasn't that proud of my last RRA to wait 3 months for another one.

Two weeks ago I bought a Stag A2 complete lower half. When I picked it up I had my FFL get me a price on a complete upper half. He gave me a great price on Stag's model 1H with the Plus Package. I have $844 invested, tax and shipping included. My son, my wife and I have shot 230 rounds through it. I couldn't be more pleased.

NYH1.

 

[RangerHAAF]

You can do better for the money. I have owned 2 RRA and had problems with both.

But if "fit and finish" is your top priority, you will probably be happy with a RRA.

Reliability and field accuracy are my priorities and the LAR-8 mid length A-4 meets my standard.

 

[Welding Rod]

But if "fit and finish" is your top priority, you will probably be happy with a RRA.

True.

If hitting small things at long distances is your priority, you will also probably be happy with a RRA.

If a good trigger pull out of the box is important to you, again, you will also probably be happy with one.

 

[Captains1911]

Realize that with that RRA trigger pull you sacrifice reliability.

And I'd prefer a chrome-lined bore out of the box rather than a minuscule increase in accuracy that most shooters won't even notice.

I'm glad you like your RRA, but don't be one of these people that fail to acknowledge the differences.

 

[Welding Rod]

No question, all equal, a minute and precise engagement surface will not last as long as a generous one.

I have a 20" SS barreled Standard A2 RRA... it is a 3/4 MOA gun. My chrome lined A2 Standard RRA is a MOA gun with match ammo, so I agree that there is not really a good reason not to opt for chrome if you aren't going to go stainless.

I own 2 20" BCMs (gov profile) too. Different guns for different purposes. If I really want to make a challenging shot, I will definitely be reaching for one of my RRAs and not one of my BCMs. I would also grab the RRA if I wanted to reload the brass since they don't stretch it near as much. If I anticipated a fire fight, I would grab the BCM.

 

[Longrifle2506]

I think RRA is the best thing going. When they say 3/4 MOA accuracy on the Coyote Carbine; They mean it. I shot 3/4 inch groups with mine and I was just resting the rifle on top my car. I am confident it can do better off sand bags.
I owned a Colt 6731 Competition HBAR for Ten years. I loved it; and I did shoot a half-inch group with it once(5 shots, 100yds); I ended up selling it during tough times. I told myself I would replace it with a Coyote Carbine one day. I finally was able to buy a Coyote Carbine Last Summer, and I love the rifle much more than the Colt. I love the butt stock; how it holds 4 AA batteries or 6 CR123 lithiums. I love the fact that it does NOT have a front sight post; which allows for lower scope mounting; Plus, the weaver rail gas block is awesome!; I put a 190 Lumen weapons-mount LED Light on my gas block; and it looks like it was made to be there. I absolutely love the Hogue handguard, it's very grippy. I bought a Bushnell 3200 3-10x40(short action) scope for $200 from the sportsman's guide; and mounted it on the RRA on a Burris PEPR mount. Awesome set-up. That short action scope looks like it was made for an AR! It is in perfect proportion with the rifle. Right now, you can get that same scope from Natchez Shooter's Supply for like $159; but believe it won't be in stock for much longer. Those elite's are going fast at prices that low. Well I hope this might give you a little more confidence in choosing a RRA rifle. I think the only two rifles RRA claims shoots 3/4 MOA is the Coyote Carbine and the Predator Pursuit. There might be another one; but I think it's just those two. My Rock River came with a RRA scope Mount; but I sold it on Ebay and bought the Burris PEPR mount. But it's cool that they come with a mount.

Oh Yeah, the Smith Vortex Flash Hider on the Coyote Carbine is an awesome looking flash suppressor. I don't think you'll be disappointed in RRA. Go for it!

 

[RangerHAAF]

I think RRA is the best thing going. When they say 3/4 MOA accuracy on the Coyote Carbine; They mean it.

I agree 100% and a lot of people will never be satisfied no matter what the brand is.

 

[browningguy]

I have had an RRA lower for several years with their match trigger and couldn't be happier with it, shooting everything from .223 to .50 Beowulf. I don't know of any reliability problems with their trigger at all.

I'm also now shooting their 18" heavy barrelled ATH upper and really like it a lot. It doesn't have chrome lining, which is good, because I didn't want it. I like stainless better.

 

[jgh4445]

I had an S&W stripped lower that I put a RRA LPK in. Also added a Hogue overmolded "sniper" ( yeah right) grip. Then I ordered a RRA Coyote Carbine complete upper with chrome bolt. I put a 6 position stock on it. I also have an ACE ARFX to put on it as a fixed stock. Got some Magpul BUIS on it. Tried it out and knew immediately the RRA single stage stock trigger had to go! It was absolutely the worst trigger I have ever felt. Replaced it with a Chip McCormick 2 stage and went to the range. ( Heard the RRA National Match is a great trigger too, but have no experience with it. Wish I had ordered the LPK with that option in the first place) Very accurate with just iron sights and white box ammo. Functions flawlessly. This weekend am mounting a Ziess Conquest 3-9X40 on her and gonna see how she does with my handloads. I'm thinking she'll be a keeper.

 

[FlyinBryan]

Realize that with that RRA trigger pull you sacrifice reliability.

i wouldnt mind hearing how a rr trigger affects reliability.

 

[RangerHAAF]

i wouldnt mind hearing how a rr trigger affects reliability.

Yes I haven't heard that one before.

 

[Captains1911]

i wouldnt mind hearing how a rr trigger affects reliability.

RRA 2-stage triggers are notorious for failing under hard use, or after round count starts adding up. This is well documented. It is a good feeling trigger, I have one in a range rifle, but I'd be cautious of using one in a defensive rifle.

 

[RangerHAAF]

RRA 2-stage triggers are notorious for failing under hard use, or after round count starts adding up. This is well documented. It is a good feeling trigger, I have one in a range rifle, but I'd be cautious of using one in a defensive rifle.

I guess that could be true for you and your personal experience with them but I don't personally know of a Rock River owner or dealer who would agree with that statement. Plus I'll probably never fire anywhere near that amount in the lifetime of my gun, so I'll personally never know.

 

[Longrifle2506]

Dang, if that's the case I may have to get a Jewell. The one thing I do miss about my Colt was the two stage Jewell Trigger I bought for it. It was a Drop-In too! However, the two stage match trigger that comes with the Coyote Carbine is not bad at all. At least, I don't feel like it's necessary to go spend $200 on a Jewell Drop-In; If the RRA trigger was unsatisfactory I would have replaced it. I love the Winter Trigger Guard; so you can fit a gloved trigger finger through it.

But if RRA triggers really are failing in high numbers; I may have to invest in a Jewell, or maybe there's some other good two-stage triggers out there.

You never know, all of our round counts may be adding up if the zombies ever come!

 

[Welding Rod]

When they say 3/4 MOA accuracy on the Coyote Carbine; They mean it. I shot 3/4 inch groups with mine and I was just resting the rifle on top my car. I am confident it can do better off sand bags.

I think you may be right. My 16" Varmit RRA has shot sub 1/2 MOA 5 shot groups. I consider it an ~ .6X MOA gun. I believe it is the most accurate gun I have ever owned, or shot.

BTW, when I wrote about my 20" SS Standard A2 above I incorrectly typed "2". It is not an A2, it is an A4.

 

[Longrifle2506]

Yep, they sure are accurate, and something else I forgot to mention is: My Colt had plenty of slop/movement from lower to upper receiver; meaning I could wiggle the lower/upper receiver and there was movement. An accuwedge tightened it up; but my Rock River Coyote Carbine = virtually zero movement compared to the Colt. Tight as can be. It is so much tighter than my Colt was. Now, this may not mean a darn thing; because the Colt was accurate. But it's a mental thing with me. I like an AR with minimal/zero movement between receivers.

But yeah Welding Rod, they sure are tight grouping rifles. What amazes me, is this accuracy is coming from a semi-automatic. Heck, many Bolt rifles don't even shoot 1/2 to .6 MOA. I really haven't shot my Coyote Carbine at all; just to zero the scope. I need to get back to shooting my rifles more; I guess I like to save ammo. I don't have cheap ammo; just 300 rounds of Federal Premium Law Enforcement 64 grain Soft Points; which are the ultimate against coyotes. I'm confident my Coyote Carbine could shoot sub .6 MOA off bags; maybe even .5 MOA. It depends on me; every day at the range is different. I have bad days behind the trigger some days; and its definitely because I don't practice much anymore.

 

[Captains1911]

I guess that could be true for you and your personal experience with them but I don't personally know of a Rock River owner or dealer who would agree with that statement. Plus I'll probably never fire anywhere near that amount in the lifetime of my gun, so I'll personally never know.

So now you are dismissing known reliability issues just because your personal experience, which you admit is limited, doesn't support it.

As I said, for certain applications the RRA 2-stage trigger is great, but for a hard use or defensive rifle, it's not the best choice.

Big shock that a RRA dealer would not agree....

 

[Captains1911]

But if RRA triggers really are failing in high numbers; I may have to invest in a Jewell, or maybe there's some other good two-stage triggers out there.

They don't necessarily fail in high numbers, but they do have a higher failure rate than the standard GI trigger. Instructors and armorers who are exposed to large sample sizes of rifles conform this. Geissle 2-stage triggers have a much better reputation for reliability.

 

[RangerHAAF]

So now you are dismissing known reliability issues just because your personal experience, which you admit is limited, doesn't support it.

As I said, for certain applications the RRA 2-stage trigger is great, but for a hard use or defensive rifle, it's not the best choice.

Big shock that a RRA dealer would not agree....

Yes I am because personal experience is all that matters here, everything else including my own observation are opinions and my opinion doesn't square with yours.

 

[Captains1911]

Yes I am because personal experience is all that matters here, everything else including my own observation are opinions and my opinion doesn't square with yours.

Really? So if was to say that a Ferrari is faster and handles better than a Ford Focus without ever personally driving either or witnessing a head to head race, than based on your logic my statement should be considered purely opinion and nothing more?

Now lets say that I am a car enthusiast but have still never driven either, am I more credible then?

And lastly, let's pretend that I have never driven either, but am an enthusiast and know and converse regularly with professional mechanics and drivers, people who all confirm that idea, then is my statement credible?

Rather than arguing about this, why don't you get out there and do your own research on the matter, then report back. Buy now.

 

[RangerHAAF]

Really? So if was to say that a Ferrari is faster and handles better than a Ford Focus without ever personally driving either or witnessing a head to head race, than based on your logic my statement should be considered purely opinion and nothing more?

Now lets say that I am a car enthusiast but have still never driven either, am I more credible then?

And lastly, let's pretend that I have never driven either, but am an enthusiast and know and converse regularly with professional mechanics and drivers, people who all confirm that idea, then is my statement credible?

Rather than arguing about this, why don't you get out there and do your own research on the matter, then report back. Buy now.

I've formed my opinion based on my experience with the Rock River rifle that I own and shoot and you have apparently formed your opinion based on the rifles that you claim to have owned. We both have formed our differing opinions based on these experiences; I'm not saying that you're wrong but it does seem that you're the only poster complaining about something that the rest of the posters consider irrelevant.

So goodbye to you also.

 

[wnycollector]

If hitting small things at long distances is your priority, you will also probably be happy with a RRA.

+1 on this. My RRA ATH has been incredibly reliable and accurate. I have put ~2500 rounds through it and I have never had a single hiccup. When I load FGMM or BH 77gr OTM's this rifle can shoot .6-.7" groups at 100 yards with boring consistency.

As far as the RRA 2 stage trigger goes, I have five of them. Their round count ranges from ~1K to over 5K rounds and I have never experienced an issue. Granted an N of five is not a big sample size, but 100% of my RRA triggers are G2G.

 

[SwampWolf]

RRA 2-stage triggers are notorious for failing under hard use, or after round count starts adding up. This is well documented.

I shoot competitively at Camp Perry with a Rock River AR-15 "service rifle" with the National Match trigger and have yet to encounter a trigger-related problem nor have I ever talked with fellow competitors who use this trigger who have ever experienced any problem with this trigger that is in any way associated with long term usage.

I'd like to see where you found this "well documented" information-and I'm not especially interested in someone's personal experience, internet hyperbole or claims that "instructors and armorers" agree with you. I am interested in learning of any documented empirical data that might support your allegation.