Guys, I am new to AR's as I mostly shoot bolt guns. However, I am planning to get my first AR and have a question about what would be better between a RRA Varmint and a Remington R15. I had originally planned on getting an R15 because of the lightweight/handling. However, I could pick up a Rock River Varmint 20" locally from an individual for $800. That is quite a bit cheaper than what I can get a R15. I know that the RRA Varmint is heavy, so I was wondering if it is economical to plan on getting the Rock River and then getting a lighter upper in the near future? Or should I hold off of a good deal and just get the R15? I am just concerned about using the Rock River as a calling gun because of the weight, but it will sure shoot. Your advise is appreciated.
Rock River Varmint or R15
- Thread starter spook1
- Start date
Greyhunter
New member
I'm a big RRA fan but that 20" varmint is going to be very HEAVY for a walking gun. If that $800 gun is new, you could send the upper to Dtech and have it fluted to knock off a pound and still probably be cheaper (but still heavier) than the R15. I have a RRA predator pursuit, which is a pound lighter than the varmint model, and although it isnt bad I wouldnt call it a light weight at over 10# scoped and loaded. AR's are relatively heavy guns.
If the RRA has the 2 stage trigger then your another $100 ahead of the R15, but they are both nice guns.
If the RRA has the 2 stage trigger then your another $100 ahead of the R15, but they are both nice guns.
Howdy, I'm a big RR fan..well only own one(1)- RR Varmint EOP w/24" barrel in .223, of course. Only punch paper and PDs and it is a fine rifle with an excellent trigger.
If I had the opportunity to regularly hunt coyotes [live in FL and think the gators may keep their numbers down by feeding on what could be a major food source..yappy, little dogs] would NOT, could NOT tote my RR very far. Do have an old CAR15 on which I replaced the old carry handle w/an after market EOP upper and works as a carry rifle.
So depending on your primary use, if you match the weight on an AR platform rifle you'll be fine,IMHO.
If I had the opportunity to regularly hunt coyotes [live in FL and think the gators may keep their numbers down by feeding on what could be a major food source..yappy, little dogs] would NOT, could NOT tote my RR very far. Do have an old CAR15 on which I replaced the old carry handle w/an after market EOP upper and works as a carry rifle.
So depending on your primary use, if you match the weight on an AR platform rifle you'll be fine,IMHO.
Evil_Lurker
New member
Empty Weight (no optics):
7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) - 16"
8.7 lbs (4.0 kg) - 18"
9.2 lbs (4.2 kg) - 20"
9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) - 24"
It says the barrel is 1.05" under the handguard and .920 from the gas block forward. I had a 20" .920 bull and ended up getting it fluted to knock off some weight. However, I did use it as a carry rifle for a few years.
$800 for that rifle is a smoking deal if it's in good shape.
I'd be very tempted to get that RRA myself and put up with the weight temporarily. You're getting a lower that's worth close to $500.
How much is the R15?
edit: On the RRA site, that upper is listed at $620. The entire rifle lists for $1110.
You might grab it, order a fluted upper from D-Tech and then sell the RRA upper once it arrives and come pretty close to breaking even on the cost.
I'm just sayin.
7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) - 16"
8.7 lbs (4.0 kg) - 18"
9.2 lbs (4.2 kg) - 20"
9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) - 24"
It says the barrel is 1.05" under the handguard and .920 from the gas block forward. I had a 20" .920 bull and ended up getting it fluted to knock off some weight. However, I did use it as a carry rifle for a few years.
$800 for that rifle is a smoking deal if it's in good shape.
I'd be very tempted to get that RRA myself and put up with the weight temporarily. You're getting a lower that's worth close to $500.
How much is the R15?
edit: On the RRA site, that upper is listed at $620. The entire rifle lists for $1110.
You might grab it, order a fluted upper from D-Tech and then sell the RRA upper once it arrives and come pretty close to breaking even on the cost.
I'm just sayin.
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bowhunter57
Well-known member
spook1,
The $800 price is a good one for a RRA. Rock River Arms has been making ARs for years, I'm not aware of Remington's experience in the field for quality, reliability, parts, etc. with ARs.
I own a RRA A4 Varmint with a SS 16" Wilson barrel that will shoot 1/2" groups with box ammo. Yep, it's a little heavy, but I wouldn't change it for the world. However, I may purchase another upper in a 16" tactical entry model. I really like the 16" barrels for coyote hunting, as they're much easier handling.
I purchased my RRA at Adco Firearms, in Sylvania, Ohio. I'm not sure where you're located, as to how much of a drive that may be for you. I'm about an hour south of them in Lima and it is well worth the drive.
Here's a link: www.adcofirearms.com Talk to Steve, if you call, as he's very informative and will get you what you want.
I paid $830 for mine, about 5 years ago and they've not gone up, much. Definately, get a flat-topped upper, as it will allow you the most options for sights.
Also, Fin Feather Fur, in Ashland and Sportsman's Den, in Shelby are having some good sales too, on DPMS Panther rifles.
www.sportsmansdeninc.com
www.finfeatherfuroutfitters.com
I hope this info helps! Feel free to e-mail me and I'll help you as best as I can. outdoorguy_57@yahoo.com
Good hunting, Bowhunter57
The $800 price is a good one for a RRA. Rock River Arms has been making ARs for years, I'm not aware of Remington's experience in the field for quality, reliability, parts, etc. with ARs.
I own a RRA A4 Varmint with a SS 16" Wilson barrel that will shoot 1/2" groups with box ammo. Yep, it's a little heavy, but I wouldn't change it for the world. However, I may purchase another upper in a 16" tactical entry model. I really like the 16" barrels for coyote hunting, as they're much easier handling.
I purchased my RRA at Adco Firearms, in Sylvania, Ohio. I'm not sure where you're located, as to how much of a drive that may be for you. I'm about an hour south of them in Lima and it is well worth the drive.
Here's a link: www.adcofirearms.com Talk to Steve, if you call, as he's very informative and will get you what you want.
I paid $830 for mine, about 5 years ago and they've not gone up, much. Definately, get a flat-topped upper, as it will allow you the most options for sights.
Also, Fin Feather Fur, in Ashland and Sportsman's Den, in Shelby are having some good sales too, on DPMS Panther rifles.
www.sportsmansdeninc.com
www.finfeatherfuroutfitters.com
I hope this info helps! Feel free to e-mail me and I'll help you as best as I can. outdoorguy_57@yahoo.com
Good hunting, Bowhunter57
Evil_Lurker
New member
Quote:that upper is listed at $620. The entire rifle lists for $1110.
Okay, from RRA it's worth $490. For what he's paying, if the upper is worth $620 (RRAs price), he's getting the lower for $180. That upper wouldn't be hard to sell for $500 later, and he's still breaking even.
But that's just my opinion on it, and R15s are very nice, too.
Okay, from RRA it's worth $490. For what he's paying, if the upper is worth $620 (RRAs price), he's getting the lower for $180. That upper wouldn't be hard to sell for $500 later, and he's still breaking even.
But that's just my opinion on it, and R15s are very nice, too.
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dawgpound77
New member
I doubt you will find a RRA 20" anywhere for $800. BUt since it's used that's a good price. I have the same gun and it's a tack driver. Yes it's heavy. The RRA has a 2 stage match trigger and from what I hear trigger in the R15 is not so good. Get the RRA you will be happy. Rock river will take care of you too if you have any problems.
deaddogwalkin
Active member
I'm a big fan of the rra's. I have a predator and a car-4. I also have a r-25. For $800.00 being used it might be a little high acouple of years ago. But in the last 6months that isn't to bad. My vote gets the rra. It is by far a better trigger on it. If the gun is in good shape get it. It will also be a tack diver. Yes it is a little heavier than the r-15 but you can change out the upper at a later time.
I have both the RR PP & the R15.
Id take the RR over the R15 anyday. IMO its better balanced, way sweeter 2 stage trigger, more accurate. I have no problem carrying either on a 5 mile hike. The R15 is a bit lighter & a tad more compact with the collapsable stock & 18" bbl., if thats what you are in need of. Trigger is standard heavy as most basic ARs are.
Id take the RR over the R15 anyday. IMO its better balanced, way sweeter 2 stage trigger, more accurate. I have no problem carrying either on a 5 mile hike. The R15 is a bit lighter & a tad more compact with the collapsable stock & 18" bbl., if thats what you are in need of. Trigger is standard heavy as most basic ARs are.
Thanks for the advise guys. I went ahead with the RRA Varmint model after handling it. The gun could pass for an out of the box model as it hasn't been shot much and is in excellent shape. I was able to get the gun, scope riser, sling, couple of mags and case for $750. So I think I did pretty good. What put me over the top was when I called DTech and he said he could flute the barrel to reduce about 1 lb for under a hundred bucks. I figured I could go that route and get lighter if I have to, but the gun actually seems to balance pretty well. I will hopefully post some pics after I shoot some groups with it this evening.
Evil_Lurker
New member
Quote:I was able to get the gun, scope riser, sling, couple of mags and case for $750.
That's quite the score. And yeah, Mike can flute it for you and get a bunch of weight off, if you decide it's too heavy.
Yeah, let's see some groups. If it shoots under MOA, you got the deal of a lifetime. That upper receiver goes for $680.
That's quite the score. And yeah, Mike can flute it for you and get a bunch of weight off, if you decide it's too heavy.
Yeah, let's see some groups. If it shoots under MOA, you got the deal of a lifetime. That upper receiver goes for $680.
odawgp
New member
Originally Posted By: 5spdI have both the RR PP & the R15.
Id take the RR over the R15 anyday. IMO its better balanced, way sweeter 2 stage trigger, more accurate. I have no problem carrying either on a 5 mile hike. The R15 is a bit lighter & a tad more compact with the collapsable stock & 18" bbl., if thats what you are in need of. Trigger is standard heavy as most basic ARs are.
The trigger in a RR will be far superior to that of any stock R15
unless you are busting PD a standard RRA will do you just fine as a hunting rig
My RR CAR 16" barrel w/ Eotech shoots sub MOA with 50gr Nosler BT's @ 100yds
In my case it is not the bow & arrow but the Indian that can't close the deal
Id take the RR over the R15 anyday. IMO its better balanced, way sweeter 2 stage trigger, more accurate. I have no problem carrying either on a 5 mile hike. The R15 is a bit lighter & a tad more compact with the collapsable stock & 18" bbl., if thats what you are in need of. Trigger is standard heavy as most basic ARs are.
The trigger in a RR will be far superior to that of any stock R15
unless you are busting PD a standard RRA will do you just fine as a hunting rig
My RR CAR 16" barrel w/ Eotech shoots sub MOA with 50gr Nosler BT's @ 100yds
In my case it is not the bow & arrow but the Indian that can't close the deal
Evil_Lurker
New member
Quote:In my case it is not the bow & arrow but the Indian that can't close the deal
I know the feeling. There's a downside to having 1/2 MOA rifle, it makes the excuse list a lot shorter.
Curt Barrett
New member
You will like the RR. The Varmint model will consistenly shoot groups about half the size of most R-15s. Mine is an excellent shooter. Both are fine rifles though. If you get the barrel fluted it should make a great calling rifle. If Mike is too busy give ADCO a call. They have a very fast turn around.
Seeking_Coyotes
New member
I have a coyote carbine on order forever. I'm doing the collapsible stock with it to have it double as a predator/varmint and home security gun. Hope I like it as I've never been able to hold a RRA...just aren't any around here.
Spook, you got a great deal. I picked up an A4 18" several years ago and the accuracy was like everyone has said here. The weight kept it in the safe on calling days when the plan was for alot of walking. Last year I had a gunsmith friend of mine turn the barrel down to H-bar diameter. It didn't affect acuracy and its the gun I carry most of the time now..Good luck with the new gun.