Rock River Arms

[Tornado_Racing]

I am a newbie here and first wanted to say how pleasant it is to read from this site. Some of the other sites are brutal to the FNG's. lol

I built a RRA from the ground up and just had some questions and wanted some opinions.

I am a civilian with no military or weapons training that shoots about 100 rounds a week through my AR. I started with an Olympic Carbine to "get my feet wet" and learn about the AR platform. I slowly upgraded my Olympic with furniture options, then a free-float rail, ambi fire select, etc. I then decided to build my first AR with some new parts and some from my upgraded Olympic. I chose Rock River because a local gun shop had lowers, uppers, BCG's, triggers, etc. I have since put the Olympic back together and sold it and just completed my RRA.

1. Did I make a good choice in selecting RRA or should I upgrade to something else for a lower, upper, BCG, and trigger?

2. What would I actually call my RRA?

Below is a list of what I used to build my RRA (items in red are next on the list):

MAGPUL Polymer Trigger Guard http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=354
MAGPUL CTR Commercial Stock http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_73_110&products_id=255
MAGPUL PMAG Magazine http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80_120&products_id=268
MAGPUL PMAG Ranger Plates http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80_120&products_id=281
MAGPUL MBUS Sights http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_57&products_id=266&zenid=ircdpj2hpsd51f3m7lg6pgrdq4
MAGPUL Ladder Rail Protectors http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76&products_id=207
MAGPUL BAD http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=362
MAGPUL MOE Hand Grip http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=78_125

CAA FGA Flashlight Grip Adapter http://commandarms.com/product.asp?pID=225&cID=12
American Defense Aimpoint Cantilever Mount http://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=4
Redi-Mag Quick Attatch http://www.redi-mag.com/Shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=5&idproduct=30
Surefire G2 Tan http://www.surefire.com/G2-Nitrolon
Primary Arms Green Laser http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=7&categoryId=4
Vortex Strikefire Red Dot http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-strikefire-hunting-red-dot-scope-low-30mm-ring
Aimpoint Rubber Cover http://www.botachtactical.com/aiouruco.html
Viking Tactics Light Mount http://www.vikingtactics.com/prod_vtac_lightmount.html
Vickers Padded Sling http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=5&prod_id=105

Midwest Industries QD Front Sling Adapter http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=80
Midwest Industries QD End Plate Sling Adapter http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=97

DPMS Accu Wedge http://dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=241
DPMS Ambidextrous Safety http://dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=871

Yankee Hill Machine Lightweight Mid Length Handguard http://www.yhm.net/store/forearms.html
Yankee Hill Machine Oversized Takedown Pins http://yankeehillmachine.com/store/product356.html
Yankee Hill Machine Low Profile Gas Block http://www.yhm.net/store/gas_blocks.html

Rock River Arms Upper A4 Receiver Assembly http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=202
Rock River Arms Lower Receiver Stripped http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=203
Rock River Arms 2 stage Match Trigger http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=287
Lothar Walther 16" M4 Contour Barrel http://www.lothar-walther.de/473.php

Norgon Ambi-Catch Magazine Release http://www.norgon.com/
Arredondo Mag Release http://www.arredondoaccessories.com/category.cfm?cid=1004,2009&PID=fc26q3248azeat&GID
ArmaDynamics ACLM Ambi Charging Handle http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=150&t=817312
K&S Non-Rotating Trigger Pins V2 http://www.knsprecisioninc.com/Gun%20Parts.htm

.223 Laser Boresight http://www.opticsplanet.net/nc-star-tlzseries-laser-boresighter.html
UTG AR Sight Tool http://www.opticsplanet.net/leapers-ar-15-dual-front-sight-tool-scp-a1245.html
Oakley SI Assault Gloves http://www.tacticaltailor.com/oakleysiassaultgloves.aspx

Spike's Tactical Fake Can http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_31&products_id=42
Spike's Tactical ST-T2 Buffer http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_97&products_id=201
Tubb Speedlock Flatwire Buffer Spring http://www.davidtubb.com/tcom_images/ar15_images/cs_buffer.html

Again thanks for any and all advise, feedback, or info.

Tony

[Tornado_Racing]

Here are a few pics:

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6449/dscf0831.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9392/dscf0829n.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6034/dscf0832f.jpg

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2443/dscf0833q.jpg

[Stickman]

RRA makes a weapon that tends to run decently, but isn't usually considered leading edge. There are weapons like Noveske, LMT and others which really aren't cutting any corners.

On a side note, welcome to the board, you won't find anyone giving new people a hard time here unless they are going out of their way to cause problems.

[Eric]

Again thanks for any and all advise, feedback, or info.
Welcome!
There are a few accessories that I would pass on:
Redi-Mag. A lot of respected authorities run them and like them, but they're not for me.
Primary Arms Green Laser. Not a laser fan.
Vortex Strikefire Red Dot. I gravitate toward proven optic manufacturers.
DPMS Accu Wedge. Unneeded.
Yankee Hill Machine Oversized Takedown Pins. Unneeded.
Rock River Arms 2 stage Match Trigger. Spotty record.
K&S Non-Rotating Trigger Pins. Unneeded.
Spike's Tactical Fake Can. Non-functional and only adds weight. Pass.

It kind of looks like you went accessory happy.
How has it functioned for you? Have you run it through a class or run a decent number of rounds through it?

[Tornado_Racing]

RRA makes a weapon that tends to run decently, but isn't usually considered leading edge. There are weapons like Noveske, LMT and others which really aren't cutting any corners.

On a side note, welcome to the board, you won't find anyone giving new people a hard time here unless they are going out of their way to cause problems.

Thanks Stick. I've read alot about Noveske, many seem to be happy going that route.

[Tornado_Racing]

Welcome!
There are a few accessories that I would pass on:
Redi-Mag. A lot of respected authorities run them and like them, but they're not for me.
Primary Arms Green Laser. Not a laser fan.
Vortex Strikefire Red Dot. I gravitate toward proven optic manufacturers.
DPMS Accu Wedge. Unneeded.
Yankee Hill Machine Oversized Takedown Pins. Unneeded.
Rock River Arms 2 stage Match Trigger. Spotty record.
K&S Non-Rotating Trigger Pins. Unneeded.
Spike's Tactical Fake Can. Non-functional and only adds weight. Pass.

It kind of looks like you went accessory happy.
How has it functioned for you? Have you run it through a class or run a decent number of rounds through it?

I have not run through a course and have only put about 500 rounds through my RRA. I'm not a marksman by no means. At 75 yards I can uload a 30 round mag on a 12 inch target. I have never had a jam as it's fired perfectly so far. Not really knowing what to expect, it's been great for me so far.

[Lex Talionis]

I am a big fan of RRA. Use their products heavily on both my AR builds. As a civi with minimal usage and needs, I find it will meet every need I ever expect to encounter. I think RRA is money well spent.

[TehLlama]

The RRA NM triggers have posed issues - but RockRiver also stands behind them 100%.

[michschi]

I am a big fan of RRA. Use their products heavily on both my AR builds. As a civi with minimal usage and needs, I find it will meet every need I ever expect to encounter. I think RRA is money well spent.

I agree, I have one, but I, well spent more money on my BCM, LOL

[SDDuc996]

Welcome!
There are a few accessories that I would pass on:
Redi-Mag. A lot of respected authorities run them and like them, but they're not for me.
Primary Arms Green Laser. Not a laser fan.
Vortex Strikefire Red Dot. I gravitate toward proven optic manufacturers.
DPMS Accu Wedge. Unneeded.
Yankee Hill Machine Oversized Takedown Pins. Unneeded.
Rock River Arms 2 stage Match Trigger. Spotty record.
K&S Non-Rotating Trigger Pins. Unneeded.
Spike's Tactical Fake Can. Non-functional and only adds weight. Pass.

It kind of looks like you went accessory happy.
How has it functioned for you? Have you run it through a class or run a decent number of rounds through it?

I gotta agree with Eric. Just because they make a part, doesn't mean you need to buy and mount it.

"Light is right"

Agreed as well on the proven optics. If it's a .22 upper I can see why people would go the cheaper route. (though I personally can't bring myslef to.)

The best thing you can do now, is save up for ammo and a reputable shooting class. I hear people say all the time, "I've been shooting for 20yrs..."
They've forgot to add they've been shooting "wrong" for twenty years.

No point in having it and not knowing how to effectively use it.

Good luck and welcome.

[scumhunter]

I have been operating with a RRA for a few years now. I have had zero problems and it has been a fine weapon.
Two of my co-workers bought the same rifle and had serious problems right out of the box. The guns were returned and repaired.
A third co-worker ordered a RRA with a custom forearm. He had to wait several weeks longer than he was told. When he finally got the rifle it had the wrong forearm on it. Numerous calls to RRA went unanswered. When he was able to get someone on the phone they were rude and less than helpful. The rifle was returned and the proper forearm was installed but this took much longer than promised.
RRA has some serious quality control issues and very poor customer service. Despite my personal experience, my next rifle will not be a RRA.

[Stocks]

I have an RRA M4 style rifle. I put in a BCM BCG, H buffer, BCM Gunfighter Charging handle, Mil Spec Buffer assembly. It has an RRA M4 free float barrel chrome lined, RRA 2 stage trigger, Magpul furniture, Aimpoint T-1 on a LaRue mount. The gun functions perfectly well and shoots tight groups. The RRA lower receiver seems to be every bit as good of quality as any other I have seen. Now, I like the rifle, but I would never buy another one. Next rifle will be a Knights or BCM. Just because I prefer companies who build everything Mil Spec. I didn't know about these rifles prior to buying the RRA.

[Hmac]

Welcome!
There are a few accessories that I would pass on:
Redi-Mag. A lot of respected authorities run them and like them, but they're not for me.
Primary Arms Green Laser. Not a laser fan.
Vortex Strikefire Red Dot. I gravitate toward proven optic manufacturers.
DPMS Accu Wedge. Unneeded.
Yankee Hill Machine Oversized Takedown Pins. Unneeded.
Rock River Arms 2 stage Match Trigger. Spotty record.
K&S Non-Rotating Trigger Pins. Unneeded.
Spike's Tactical Fake Can. Non-functional and only adds weight. Pass.



I agree with this completely. These are unnecessary accessories. I would be inclined to forego some of that stuff and concentrate on your optics.

RRA makes a decent rifle, but they are more oriented toward the casual plinker rather than someone who runs the gun hard, and they tend to cut some corners in areas that might affect the rifle's ability to stand up to heavy use or abuse. That's the difference between RRA and, say, Noveske.

Likewise the Primary Arms optics, while pretty good for cheap knockoffs, are less likely to stand up to a couple of 1000 round weekend courses but might well do fine at 500 rounds a year at the local range. Personally I think you'd be a LOT happier with an Eotech.

As to triggers, I have one RRA and two Giesseles. I've found the RRA to be a little mushy, but of more concern is that pounding the rifle on the butt will cause mine to release about 1 out of 5 times. The Giessele SSA's have been excellent.

[Davey Doodle]

[QUOTE=Eric;12887]Welcome!
There are a few accessories that I would pass on:
Vortex Strikefire Red Dot. I gravitate toward proven optic manufacturers.
/QUOTE]
Just FYI, I spoke to a rep at Vortex regarding their red dot sights. They avoided any discussion of their products being suitable for military combat, but are selling red dots to law enforcement. I was given a list of large departments that have bought their red dot sights. They are not claiming to be a direct replacement for a $600-$800 red dot sight, but they believe that they have " a more affordable yet still reliable alternative."

I'd like to see some feedback from these LE departments, but I'm not as concerned about possibly running a Vortex RDS as I once was.