"Rock River Arms"

I am a fan of M14's and M1 Girands but never much of a AR15 fan. Over the years I've seen many AR15's but was never impressed. Then on a varmint hunt a close friend of mine had a new Rock River Arms CAR A4 in 223. He said it was the best rifle he ever had. Knowing Jim and hearing this, I had to find out more about this Rock River Arms.

After reading up on and checking out thru other avenues of research, I purchased a Varmint A4 from Blythe's Sport Shop. It's a 223 with a Wylde chamber, 24" stainless bull barrel, with a 1 in 8 twist, two stage match trigger and free floated hand guard. Barrel diameter is .920 in front of gas block and 1.050 under tube. Weight was 9.7 pounds, before I mounted a Leupold VX-111 4.5 - 14 x 40 long range scope with Varmint Hunters reticle. Rock River claims an accuracy rating of 3/4 inch at 100 yards.

Well you guessed it, off to the range to test. I brought generic 223 ammo to start. You know how break in is, could not get two shots together. Keeping in mind the rifle was new and the ammo wasn't the best, I still only shot 50 rounds.

A week later I was back to the range to give it another try, only this time with good ammo. Shot 60 rounds using Remington, Federal and Winchester. No good groups. Function was perfect. Rock River builds them tough and tight. I'm still wondering about that 3/4 moa accuracy.

Two weeks later, I am back to the range with more good ammo. I brought 2 extra boxes of 69 grain Federal Gold Match. At the end of the day, I still wasn't happy with accuracy. The 69 grain was better with 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 groups, but still not 3/4. Tried a couple more shots with still the same results. The rifle is flawless as is function, and scope is the best, so I guess its me.

The following week, my range buddies and I are talking about rifle problems we have. My friend Rich tells me to try heavier bullets. Why didn't I think of that?

A week later I am back at the range with three boxes of Federal Gold Match 77 grain sierra matchking BTHP. I re zeroed and put a 1 inch red dot at 100 yards. Four shots inside the dot, not on the edge, but center. These are the results I was looking for.

The rifle and I are now a year and half older, and the rifle keeps getting better. Shots at 600 yards are easy and accurate. Function and fit are still flawless. Rock River Arms product and Leupold's new Varmint Hunter rectile are great. I'd say they make a good team.

"Always shoot safe"