I posted a while back about my father getting me a Rock River Arms Operator 2 as a present and how I was worried about its quality but not wanting to sell it so as to not upset my father.
After months of using it in various courses and drills of my own, and I am actually thoroughly impressed.
The two stage trigger isn’t the best two stage trigger I have pulled but it definitely does its job.
The Chrome bolt is properly staked and is pretty smooth.
My groupings are always close together relative to range, and the brake actually works semi-well.
I have fired just over 1000 rounds (approx 600 brass, 400 NPA Steel) with zero malfunctions, jams, or hiccups.
Some complaints would only be the ugly folding front sight that is also the gas block with three sling loops, and an unnecessary bayonet lug.
I just wanted to post this as it may be a surprise to many.
Despite all of this I would still very much rather build a more proper rifle with BCM, DD, etc. parts and I plan to very soon as I have already started ordering various parts.
It basically addresses exactly what you are talking about.
I don’t think anyone here would argue that it is impossible to get a good-running RRA, and it sounds like you have a good grasp on where things stand, and what to check for.
Yeah, that’s a good post. I just wanted to point out that I actually got a good one in pretty much every aspect. And I had no control over it since my father bought it but I lucked out.
I own a operator elite 2 also. It has been very good to me. I only shoot brass and the groups have been good with no jams at all. As for the 3 sling loops in the front, i punched 2 of them out and it looks much better.
I have… I have a RRA elite operator 2 and I’ve been very happy with it. After joining this site I went through all of the things that were suggested to check and everything was staked properly and looked fine. I also agree that those three sling points look bad. Since I use a single point sling I just used a couple small black zip ties to keep them from moving around.
Yes, it’s a Burris 2.75x20mm so its focal point is much further away. I had this on one of my AK’s since there is only rail beyond the receiver, but switched it to my AR and really like it. Scout scopes take a little getting used to but I have it zeroed in so tight
The department I work for recently bought the RRA Operator to issue to us. I was not happy when I heard the news but it is growing on me. Mine appears to be staked properly except on the buffer tube lock nut, which isn’t that big a deal. I do have a few complaints…it is a heavy, heavy hog at 8 pounds. Fully loaded, aimpoint, and Surefire G2 and it is around 10lbs. I would also prefer a flash hider to the brake, it is very obnoxious but that is just the nature of muzzle brakes. I’m also not a fan of the three sling point attachments on the gas block/front sight, like the OP mentioned, and plan on getting a rail attachment point and zip tying or paracording them down since I’m not allowed to modify the rifle.
But it has been reliable for 1500 rounds and survived me tossing it around daily for the last 6 months. I’m just trying to decide if I should get a BCM or Colt lightweight carbine and jump through the admin hoops to be allowed to carry it or spend the money on ammo and stick with the RockRiver.
Haha actually I was starting to type something about the weight of it but decided against it. But yes it is pretty hefty for a carbine. The brake is very loud comparable to others but it does work as a brake, which is nice.
It may be beyond worth it trying to get a Colt for your duty AR plus you would have to lock it in those center locks in your patrol car, doesn’t that include adding a piece of metal to your AR?
Most AR makers are capable of building duty grade weapons, they just choose not to. Some of the higher grade guns on the market may be driving some to do better. Time will tell, I’ll let you guys be the guinea pigs though…
Glad you’re enjoying your RRA, your dad sounds like a great guy!
I had that same front sight/gas block on my first rifle. The clamp screws loosened up after about 700 rounds and kept coming loose after that, no matter what I put on them. I ended up ditching it altogether for a low pro gas block w/flip up sight on the rail. Just something to keep an eye on.
I’ll also mirror Sry0fcr’s comments as I don’t really care for makers that charge extra for “features” like proper staking etc.
That’s a good point. I’ll have to wait till the department gets around to installing the locking mounts to see how that’s going to work out. The current shotgun mounts don’t require anything added to the gun.
I had that same front sight/gas block on my first rifle. The clamp screws loosened up after about 700 rounds and kept coming loose after that, no matter what I put on them. I ended up ditching it altogether for a low pro gas block w/flip up sight on the rail. Just something to keep an eye on.
Is that install easy/ok to do yourself? I would love to get rid of it for a low pro.
