Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15 Review

Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15
Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15

U.S.A.-(Ammoland.com)- Rock River Arms recently sent us one of their rifles known as the RRAGE. This is a lightweight carbine with a 16″ barrel and a monolithic-style upper and hand guard.

This rifle is Chambered in 5.56mm NATO and uses a carbine length gas system with a low profile gas block. It sports a 16″ chrome-moly barrel with an A2-style flash suppressor.

The 6061T aluminum free-float handguard is M-LOK-compatible and has mounting points at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The upper receiver is made of the same material and both the Picatinny railed flat-top upper and the top of the handguard line up perfectly to give the shooter a monolithic mounting platform for improved scope options.

Rounding out this build is a standard A2 pistol grip, a single-stage mil-spec trigger, and an RRA six-position tactical carbine buttstock.

The Good

What impressed me the most about this build was the unloaded weight of 5.7 pounds. That is a full 2.2 pounds less than the M16A2 we humped as a Marine grunt back in the 1980s.

The second factor was the way the upper receiver and top of the handguard matched up perfectly. You seldom see this in non-billeted upper receivers and RRA did an outstanding job in this regard. The barrel is completely free floated to provide the best in accuracy.

The upper receiver and top of the handguard matched up perfectly.
The upper receiver and top of the handguard matched up perfectly.

Thirdly is the price. While the AR market is still pretty soft two years after the election and cookie-cutter used ARs can be had for as low as $399 these days, RRA rolled this one out at $759.99. This is very affordable for a new off the rack AR.

The Bad

I found the monolithic rail a bit on the short side for adding back up iron sights. I am still a dinosaur that likes irons on my rifles so this may be a moot point for most shooters who refer to run optics only. I get that they wanted to keep the rail short for weight savings and probably 95% of the shooters of modern sporting rifles prefer a red dot or Holosight to irons so this will make sense for most of you.

However, if you like irons, you may wish to check out a set by Ultradyne, where the front sight attaches to the barrel threads instead of a rail section. As is, you might give up an inch or two of sight radius mounting irons to the top rail, not a huge deal for a 16″ carbine, but this rifle is really intended for an optic.

All that said, we had no other problems with this rifle.

Range Time

I chose to mount an ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X on the RRAGE. My main reason for doing so was due to the distance between the rings to see if the monolithic upper could accommodate the gap. It certainly did and if you have not played with one of these scopes, they are what I call the IPhone of rifle scopes.

Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15
Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15 with ATN Day/Night scope

This is a digital day/night scope.

Standard optical night vision devices amplify ambient light from natural sources, such as the moon and stars, or manmade sources, such as distant streetlights through an intensifier tube, which projects an amplified image onto a phosphor screen before the eyepiece. Digital night vision, on the other hand, processes the external light within a coupling device and projects it to a liquid crystal display (LCD). As a result, digital night vision devices can be used in daylight, as well.

Most digital night vision devices feature several display settings that allow the rendering of the image on the LCD in green, red or gray. Green is typically the highest quality, red is used for preserving night vision and gray decreases the viewer’s light signature when viewing. Instead of looking through a scope, it is more like looking through the viewfinder of a camera.

Zeroing the scope is completely different than a traditional rifle scope, and I mean that in a good way. However, it must be done at a range as opposed to boresighting in your backyard or workshop.
The shooter takes aim at the target and after firing the first round, you must move the reticle to your point of impact, press a button and set your zero.

Even better is the fact that the scope will store multiple “zeroes” for multiple rifles, so should you want to move from a 5.56 rifle to a 458 SOCOM or to a .308 bolt gun; you can do so with minimal shift in POI (Point of Impact).
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X incorporates smartphone technology like we have never seen before in a rifle scope from a rangefinder to an internal ballistics calculator. Imagine a scope that “knows” the wind, range, target angle, temperature, humidity, and as we mentioned, can be set up for different rifles. You no longer have to imagine, because now it’s a reality.

Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine
Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine

In keeping with that smartphone spirit, the shooter can stream HD video directly from the scope, plus simultaneously record what they are viewing to the SD card inside. I am starting to think of this as the iPhone of rifle scopes.

The view looks a bit different than a standard glass optic. I was worried at first that turning up the magnification might pixelate the view, but it turned out that worry was unfounded. The view is crystal clear on every magnification setting.

This was the fourth rifle I have mounted this scope on and I was averaging 1.25-inch groups with Aguila 62-grain 5.56 ammunition at 100 yards. At times, I felt more like I was watching my shooting on television as opposed to through the scope of a rifle. While I was not able to shoot in complete darkness, I was able to do so in low light conditions, and removed the scope several times to check its return to zero. All was satisfactory on that front.

Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15
Rock River Arms RRAGE Carbine LAR-15

The Reality

The RRAGE is a solid performer if you are looking for a lightweight carbine and are determined on mounting an optic only. As that seems to be the trend these days, I think this would make for a fine entry level rifle for anyone looking for a home-defense or target rifle.

I liked the rifle so much that I decided to purchase this test gun from RRA and will probably use it as a dedicated night vision rifle with the ATN scope mounted.

  • CALIBER: 5.56mm NATO Chamber for 5.56mm and .223 Caliber
  • LOWER RECEIVER: Forged RRA LAR-15
  • UPPER RECEIVER: Extruded Aluminum A4 with Port Door/No Forward Assist
  • BARREL: 16-inch Lightweight Chrome Moly, 1:9 Twist
  • MUZZLE: A2 Flash Hider / 1/2–28 Thread
  • GAS SYSTEM: CAR Length, with Low Profile Gas Block
  • TRIGGER: RRA Single Stage Trigger
  • HANDGUARD: CAR-Length Free-Floated Aluminum with MS1913 Top-Rail, M-LOK™ Compatible
  • BUTTSTOCK: RRA Six-Position Tactical CAR Stock
  • PISTOL GRIP: A2 Grip
  • Weight: 5.7 pounds
  • Length: 36 Inches Stock Extended
  • MSRP: $759.99
  • URL: https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=1843

About Mike SearsonMike Searson

Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

  • Homepage: www.mikesearson.com
  • FB: www.facebook.com/mike.searson
  • TWITTER: www.twitter.com/mikesearson
21 Comments
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Jakill O'Niel

Just because the libtards or an anti gun person may be offended by the name of a rifle or there are skulls on it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to have it. If it looks good and you like it why not. Freedom of expression right? If you give them an inch they take you a mile. So just saying that you shouldn’t put skulls on your rifle will now be inserted in the minds of the anti gunners for them to use against us. Best just to leave it alone.

Ton E

I’m just wondering why a a relatively big name AR manufacturer would still make a rifle with a 1/9 twist barrel I could better understand a 1/8 barrel over the 1/9.

Mike Ross

Still a lot of cheap 55gr ammo available.

James Poland Jr

Why? 1/9 gives better twist and accuracy. The more spin on your bullet the better.

Jon

You’re only partially correct James. Yes, a greater twist rate stabilizes the bullet better & improves accuracy. But the smaller the number the faster the twist rate (i.e. slow 1/12, faster 1/9, even faster 1/8, fastest of all 1/7).

A 1/9 twist rate is slower than 1/8 or 1/7. A 1/9 means the bullet twists one complete revolution in 9 inches. A 1/8 means it twists 1 complete revolution in 8 inches which is faster & a 1/7 which is what military M4s use is 1 complete revolution in 7 inches, which is even faster. https://americanshootingjournal.com/barrel-twist-rate-affect-accuracy/

Jason

I’m only interested in buying a ar15 with California approved 10 rounds. California 2nd amendment ruin.

Jeremy Jackson

You made a comment that struck me a little weird. It was when you said that scope was an iPhone of rifle scopes. People could take that different ways. Me for one, when I hear someone say that I hear “There are way better options for the money” or “Highly restricted piece of crap”. On the latter could be it’s ease of usability that anyone can figure out. I wouldn’t use an iPhone as a comparison to things.

George Burns

Get over your personal bias against iPhones. You know what he meant.

JDC

Minor nit to pick. Big fan of RRA products. NOT a fan of the name of this product. Just like the guys who engrave skulls and crossbones, or death to tyrants, just not a fan of anything that implies anger. As defenders of the 2A we are in a battle for hearts and minds, especially for those who have not formed opinions and can be swayed. The press loves to portray people who believe in standing up for the 2A as somehow backwards, angry and uneducated. Especially angry. So, showing up in public with a MSR named RRAGE, with your… Read more »

Mike Ross

Well said. Would an automaker name a truck “RRage?”

JDC

Or “Deathstar 2000?”

Had that thought while typing up the first comment. We’d never let our kids buy something like that, but yet our gun accessory and gun mfg’s have not woke up yet to how names are used by lawyers to show intent (i.e. ammo names) and those aftermarket death’s head et al accessories to show state of mind. We’ve got to get better at this…the left certainly is good at it.

Sincere thanks for your comments, Mike. Have a good weekend.

Mike Ross

You’re welcome, JDC. Can you imagine the uproar if the next school shooter uses a rifle called “RRage?” Yikes!

There is the point if view that we shouldn’t let anyone dictate what we say, and it’s a good point. But we also need to be aware of the image we project to non-gun people, all they know comes from the soundbites they get on the news. A little tact goes a long way.

You have a good weekend too.

PriklyPete

I’m not worried at all about a name, skull and cross bones on my equipment. When i buy a gun i understand its use and when the SHTF, It will be used for killing and i would hope it keeps on killing.

Buck Cassidy

What in the world is wrong with you pussies? You’re afraid of angering some idiot that as yet hasn’t determined his stance on the Supreme Law of the Land? Doesn’t know if he or she is in favor of the Second Amendment, as written? Then ALL of you belong to the same tribe. That tribe known as the even people! You’re ALL Even Dumber than You Look!!

Clifffalling

Odd, your comment seems to say that you would rather go it alone than try to bring folks together. Seems that with that continued attitude you might get your wish and end up alone.
Instead, maybe try being affable, even friendly, try taking a perspective of teacher, mentor instead of instigator. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Buck Cassidy

Ok dumbass. Don’t read something into my comments that aren’t there. Pukes like you are the problem, not the solution. While you choose to mentor, teach, and be affable to your enemies, me and mine will be using hemp for it’s intended purpose. Pull your head out of your ass! Take at least three deep breaths of fresh air, clean the crap from your rose colored glasses. You’ll be amazed at all the enemies of our Republic staring at You! Me and mine are very fortunate, we can recognize a turd for what it is, in spite of your descriptions.… Read more »

JDC

Have to agree with Cliffalling. I guess given his own words, Buck must be a member of the Hillary Clinton tribe…you know the one that says you cannot treat someone civilly because you disagree with what they say. You have to be nasty and in their face. I am amazed how people like you, Buck are willing to say stuff anonymously on line that would probably get you poked in the nose had you said it in person. Either that, or something has happened that just makes you ticked off at the world. In either event, I wish you well.… Read more »

Ansel Hazen

@ JDC

Angry isn’t a strong enough word. Fact is I’m absolutely stinko over the state of affairs these days.

McChuck

Nothing we do (or not do) has any impact on what our enemies think of us. You CANNOT win them over with calm words. They already hate us.

Revel in it. Bask in the warm glow of their rage and hatred. Build up your immunity to their incessant criticism. Remember – they don’t hate guns, they hate us.

louise deloach

If you’re looking for a good, dependable AR at a reasonable price, I don’t think you could go wrong with a Rock River Arms product. Get a fairly basic model as an introduction and rest assured that when you want to geek-out later, you’ll be starting with a quality platform. Or if you already have some idea of the various fancier accessories you might want, you can order it that way to start with, and trust that you’re getting lasting value for your investment.
https://www.essayjaguar.com/

Hunter427

I own a great RRA ar before they betrayed pog, I can’t forgive them for the past.