When people start splitting hairs as to what really constitutes a “battle rifle” often times the discussion comes back around to caliber. The big question is, was the LAR-8 really developed to be a battle rifle Or, by virtue of its smaller cartridge, was the LAR-8 some other sort of weapon? Is the LAR-8 developed for uses similar to the M-1 Carbine? This is the argument. Sure the LAR-8 functions, but with its little bullet, it can’t really be called a battle rifle, can it?
Well, there are lots of firearm makers these days taking caliber out of the argument by building AR-style rifles in 7.62. This, of course, starts another debate as to whether the LAR-8 started as 7.62. Looks like with the .308 in AR we are going back to the future
There’s not enough time in the day to answer these questions. RRA stepped up and gave the world a .308 caliber AR rifle that hits with the power of a battle rifle, but carries like an LAR-8. The LAR-8 Elite Operator won’t stop the argument, but will certainly provide the power, accuracy and versatility modern shooters really want.
My RRA Elite 7.62, 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 firearm indeed tricked out with a 6 position CAR 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 construction 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.
The RRA developed gas block incorporates a pop-up front sight, sling attachment points on three sides and a short Picatinny rail making the firearm ready for anything. I mounted a Command Arms bipod on the lower portion of the quad rail and that worked slick. That bipod can stow with the legs pointing forward or aft for even more versatility. I would have liked to see a rear sight on this firearm, but that’s an option, not factory standard.
My case was take apart style which limited optics The good news is that’s the only part of this firearm 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.” In this case, let’s say five would be the minimum.
There is virtually no difference in the LAR-8 and the RRA .308. I say almost, because there are two small changes on this firearm. The RRA magazine release button is ambidextrous and can be activated from either side of the rifle and the bolt release is located at the bottom rear of the magazine well. The bolt release is an ambidextrous lever you push straight down, with your trigger finger if you like. While I am on the topic of the magazine release, the Elite Operator uses FAL metric and L1A1 inch magazines. So there should be no trouble finding 20-round boxes for your reloads.
For the day’s range fun I quickly mounted a Eotech on top of the Elite 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. Finally after 50 to 75 yards, I braced the rifle on the post and started dropping rounds on the 100-yard target. 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 168 ammo worked great and seemed be consistent with several brands. Built for battery storage, the Operator CAR stock offers a handy method to store batteries. Push the Operator butt plate button on the left side of the butt plate and it slides down exposing a storage area for several of the CR123 batteries.
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 firearms 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.
RRA also offers several enhanced features such as a unique barrel nut assembly. No barrel nut (either separate or as part of a tubular hand guard or quad rail hand guard) except those made specifically for the RRA LAR-8 should ever be used on an RRA LAR-8 or upper half. 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.
The RRA LAR-8 Elite Operator gives you a rifle and a platform that offers power and overall flexibility. In a law enforcement capacity you will get greater range if you need it and more penetration around buildings and vehicles. Hunting firearm, no problem, if you want to use this as a Modern Sporting Rifle, the Elite Operator will have no trouble taking deer-sized game at any range you feel comfortable shooting.
RRA Entry Firearm AR10 Model 308A1276 Rock River Arms has a list price of 1670.00. I ended up ordering it over the internet for much less. Many dealers in my vicinity required list price … plus which did not set well with my budget plan. I obtained my RRA LAR-8 LAR-8 308A1276 Elite Operator from Class 3 Weapons in Houston, Texas at a considerable cost savings. RRA is at present promoting their 7.62 rifles at an aggressive price. Other Rock River Arms rifle models in 7.62 start at an incredibly economical price of $1,069.00 according to their website.
I searched the internet for the best AR 7.62, my Review of the new RRA AR10 308A1276 Elite Operator Firearm
Want to know the best LAR-10 .308 firearm to buy? Review of the RRA Elite Firearm AR10 Model 308A1276 Elite Operator Firearm
Rock River Arms, RRA AR10 Model 308A1276 RRA Elite Operator Rifle
Rock River Arms, Rock River Arms Elite Rifle LAR-8 308A1276 Elite Operator Weapon
