Whаt dеfines a Hоg huntіng riflе? Fоrget аbout уоur fathers old rіfle, aррeаrs tо be likе thingѕ are еvоlving and the LAR-8 іs the fіreаrm оf choісе for Hоgѕ. Nоt long аgо I ultimаtеlу reсеivеd my own RRA LAR-8 Mоdel 308A1279 Roсk Rivеr Armѕ Stаndard Opеrаtоr from mу fаvorite lоcal аrea trаnѕfеr ѕuрplіеr. Introduсіng thе LAR-8 Rіflе from RRA and my reviеw оf thіs fіne fіrеаrm. A Hоg hunterѕ dreаm.
Long gone are the days when LAR-8 rifle are 5.56 only. The 7.62 AR-rifle is what Eugene Stoner envisioned from the start. So, are we moving ahead with a 7.62 AR or are we going back to the starting point?
5.56 or .308, there's not enough time in the day to debate on the .308 vs 5.56, I wanted knock-down power of the .308. New from RRA, how about a 7.62 rifle that functions like an AR? The LAR-8 Standard Operator will certainly provide the power, accuracy and versatility modern shooters really want.
My RRA Standard .308, fresh from the Rock River Arms manufacturing facility. True it is heavier than a .223 version, but it is well balanced and easy to handle. A fine rifle indeed tricked out with a Operator A2 stock. The Half-Quad hand guard offers a comfortable smooth area and a handy a forward rail system for lights, lasers etc. Without a doubt a very well thought out hand guard configuration.
Sturdy design is clearly evident in the Rock River Arms sight design. Developed and built by RRA, this sight is an example of the great ideas and sound execution in the manufacturing processes. There is one on each side of the barrel and one below allowing you to mount any sort of sling system you would like.
Beneath the forward sight is a one-inch section of picatinny rail in case you need it. There was just enough room on the rail under the sight for a laser and I also added a Harris bipod. The bipod mount easily and flipped forward like a charm. There was no rear sight, I guess the folks at RRA want to let you choose your own rear sight, but I would prefer to see this firearm ready to rock right out of the box.
The rifle came packaged in a sturdy carry case. The good news is that’s the only part of this rifle I could complain about.
I think it was Ben Franklin who said “The proof of the pudding is determined by how many 165-grain bullets you’re able to put into a bad guy in five seconds.” Can you believe, 5 rounds in less than 5 seconds, on target.
If you have ever handled an AR-style rifle, the controls on the LAR-8 will be almost second nature. I say almost, because there are two small changes on this firearm. The magazine release is ambi. The bolt release is an ambidextrous lever you push straight down, with your trigger finger if you like. Speaking of magazines, the Standard Operator is compatible with FAL L1A1 inch and metric. RRA also offers magazines in polymer.
For the day’s range fun I rapidly mounted a Eotech on top of the Standard Operator. Swiftly, as in, I set the sight on the top rail, flipped the ARMS locks and started shooting. It was dead on at 25 yards. Then still shooting offhand, I engaged the targets at 50 and 75 yards. Scoring minute-of-bad guy hits on everything I pointed at, combat accuracy was outstanding.
So what can this baby do on longer distance groups? I fired as fast as I could get the dot back on group. Accuracy lives up to the Rock River Arms’ claim of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards. The two-stage trigger allows for perfect control and a clean break.
The Smith flash hider worked very well and the 1:10 twist ratio seemed perfect for the 168-grain ammo. Another feature I really liked was the sealed battery storage area behind the rubber butt plate of the Operator A2 stock. Each battery tube of the Operator A2 stock is also spring-loaded to make sure your batteries come out as easy as they go in.
If there is one thing to note about the 7.62 caliber AR-style rifles on the market, it is that parts are not universally interchangeable. Alternately the 5.56/.223 AR weapons are generally compatible for an almost endless number of parts combinations. Where as most LAR-8 rifle parts from most makers will drop in and function, the same is not true of the bigger guns.
As stated on the RRA website, the LAR-8 uses a unique receiver thread and barrel nut. Use only RRA approved parts for modifications. Use of incorrect parts may cause injury or death. So, now you know that. The parts don’t interchange with other 7.62 AR parts out there. Don’t try it.
A firearm that clearly offers power and versatility In a law enforcement capacity you will get greater range if you need it and more penetration around buildings and vehicles. Deer or hog hunting firearm, no problem, with the Standard Operator you can hit hard and fast with no debate.
Listed here are the features as supplied from my online retailer.
MANUFACTURER Rock River Arms
MODEL 308A1279
CALIBER 308/7.62 Chamber
UPPER Forged A4 / with Forward Assist and Port Door
BARREL 20 Inch Chrome Moly, 1:10 Twist, Cryogenically Treated
MUZZLE DEVICE Smith Vortex Flash Hider / 5/8x24 Thread
GAS BLOCK RRA Flip Front Sight Gas Block
TRIGGER RRA Two Stage
HAND GUARD RRA LAR-8 Advanced Half Quad Free Float
PISTOL GRIP Hogue Rubber Grip
BUTTS TOCK RRA Operator A2 Stock
WEIGHT / LENGTH 10.2 Pounds / 42 inches
ACCURACY 1 MOA at 100 Yards
INCLUDED One Mag*, RRA Case, Manual, Warranty
Trigger: RRA 2 Stage Match, 4.5 lbs.
Sale Price: $1,449.00 , Retail $1,720.00
Rock River Arms Entry Firearm AR10 308A1279 Standard Operator has a list price of 1670.00. I ended up ordering it over the internet for much less. The majority of dealers in my area wanted list price ... plus which did not set well with my spending plan. I acquired my Rock River Arms LAR-8 AR10 308A1279 Standard Operator from Class 3 Weapons at a significant cost savings. Rock River Arms is at present offering their .308 rifles at an aggressive price. Other Rock River Arms rifle models in .308 start at an incredibly economical price of $1,069.00 according to their website.
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