Rock River Arms (RRA) has been building quality ARs meant for professional operators for a long time. In the upcoming August 2014 issue of SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE, author David Bahde runs and guns with the new RRA Operator III in 5.56mm NATO.

Bahde writes, “The new Operator III starts with a forged LAR-15 lower receiver featuring RRA’s proven two-stage trigger, oversized winter triggerguard and Star safety selector. A Hogue rubber pistol grip provides for comfort and control, and an RRA Operator CAR buttstock is installed on the six-position buffer tube.

“Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, the 16-inch, chrome-moly, heavy barrel has a 1-in-9-inch twist rate and is capped with the new Operator muzzle brake. The RRA TRO (Top Rail Octagonal) handguard covers the barrel and mid-length gas system, which utilizes a low-profile gas block. This forend is lightweight, comfortable and can be customized with various lengths of Picatinny rails as needed. The continuous top rail makes it easy for operators to mount any optics, sights and accessories. Two mil-spec, 30-round magazines are included in the Operator III’s hard case.

“For most of the testing, I used an Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO). I also added flip-up front and rear backup sights. To evaluate the carbine’s accuracy at the range, I used a Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-6.5x24mm SFP scope with the BTR-2 reticle. This scope has seen significant time on several of my guns and provides for excellent precision.

“Along with the standard muzzle brake, I installed SureFire’s SOCOM flash suppressor to accommodate my SureFire SOCOM762-MINI suppressor. This design can be used with multiple calibers and operates with less backpressure than most.”

To learn more, check out the August 2014 issue of SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE, available on newsstands and digitally July 1, 2014. To subscribe, go to Tactical-Life.com/subscribe.