Kchen986
aka "SWAT" =P
- Oct 12, 2008
- 266
Finally got my RRA LAR-8 out to the range.
(Major Add ons: Magpul PRS--highly recommended, Millet TRS-1 4-16x50)
(Factory Config) (LAR-8, 20" HBAR, Free Float Half-Quad Rail)
Couple of notes on the RRA LAR-8.
1.) It is the least expensive AR-10 in its class--a similarly equipped DPMS SASS will cost about $1,800. Mine cost approximately $1,400.
2.) Parts compatibility. One of the more frustrating things about the LAR-8 is the lack of parts compatibility. Installing the Magpul PRS required a stock extension as the charging handle doesn't clear the PRS cheekpiece. In addition, the LAR-8 won't accept BCM .308 charging handles or Magpul LR20 pmags. Due to this, I had to (a) place the scope further back for proper eye relief and LOP and (b) add a PRI big latch (just the latch, not the overpriced complete charging handle).
3.) Magazines. Uses FAL magazines, both metric and inch pattern. Although my FN Fal mags run fine in my LAR8, my LAR8 mags cause double feeds in my FAL. Guess LAR mags aren't backwards compatible.
4.) Gun isn't too heavy. It's about 9lbs. But once the scope and bipod are on, the gun gets substantially heavier.
5.) Gun has ambi-controls with the exception of the selector lever (bolt release, mag release are both ambidextrous). That's a nice touch.
6.) RRA two stage trigger is nice--reportedly set to break at 4.5lbs. However, in the past I have heard of RRA triggers breaking and become very light single stage triggers.
7.) Gas Block's clamped on. We'll see how that holds up. RRA also had a sling mount on the gas block--pretty stupid for a precision rifle. I punched that out.
On to the range report.
========================
I started with a 25-50-100 zero. Nothing really significant except that at 100 yards, I was chasing zero for a while due to the M80 ball I was shooting. Once I switched to Black Hills 168gr Match my groups tightened up significantly.
I used to think that video games about peoples' vision going bad when holding their breath was crap, but today, at 100 yards, when I held my breath for too long, my vision definitely became blurry. In addition, I was a little sore from exercising yesterday so it was hard to center the crosshairs at 100 yards. If there's any inaccuracy in this gun, it is definitely the shooter.
Anyway, here's a 5 shot group from 100 yards:
Here's a 3 shot using Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr:
A lot of stringing came from the shooter. Once I sand-bagged the stock, my groups started sliding horizontally:
Center group was with 175gr FGMM. Top left BH 168 Match, bottom left 168gr FGMM, bottom right the same, and top right 175gr FGMM.
The gun mostly stayed around 1 MOA, but I managed to wrangle out some ~.6 MOA groups center to center. I definitely have a lot to learn when it comes to precision shooting. Hoping to return with some clover-leafed shot patterns the next time around. Gonna have to buy more precision ammo ($75 shipped for 3 boxes [60rds] of M118LR--yikes!).
So what do you guys think, is this a 800M/1000M capable rifle?
(Major Add ons: Magpul PRS--highly recommended, Millet TRS-1 4-16x50)
(Factory Config) (LAR-8, 20" HBAR, Free Float Half-Quad Rail)
Couple of notes on the RRA LAR-8.
1.) It is the least expensive AR-10 in its class--a similarly equipped DPMS SASS will cost about $1,800. Mine cost approximately $1,400.
2.) Parts compatibility. One of the more frustrating things about the LAR-8 is the lack of parts compatibility. Installing the Magpul PRS required a stock extension as the charging handle doesn't clear the PRS cheekpiece. In addition, the LAR-8 won't accept BCM .308 charging handles or Magpul LR20 pmags. Due to this, I had to (a) place the scope further back for proper eye relief and LOP and (b) add a PRI big latch (just the latch, not the overpriced complete charging handle).
3.) Magazines. Uses FAL magazines, both metric and inch pattern. Although my FN Fal mags run fine in my LAR8, my LAR8 mags cause double feeds in my FAL. Guess LAR mags aren't backwards compatible.
4.) Gun isn't too heavy. It's about 9lbs. But once the scope and bipod are on, the gun gets substantially heavier.
5.) Gun has ambi-controls with the exception of the selector lever (bolt release, mag release are both ambidextrous). That's a nice touch.
6.) RRA two stage trigger is nice--reportedly set to break at 4.5lbs. However, in the past I have heard of RRA triggers breaking and become very light single stage triggers.
7.) Gas Block's clamped on. We'll see how that holds up. RRA also had a sling mount on the gas block--pretty stupid for a precision rifle. I punched that out.
On to the range report.
========================
I started with a 25-50-100 zero. Nothing really significant except that at 100 yards, I was chasing zero for a while due to the M80 ball I was shooting. Once I switched to Black Hills 168gr Match my groups tightened up significantly.
I used to think that video games about peoples' vision going bad when holding their breath was crap, but today, at 100 yards, when I held my breath for too long, my vision definitely became blurry. In addition, I was a little sore from exercising yesterday so it was hard to center the crosshairs at 100 yards. If there's any inaccuracy in this gun, it is definitely the shooter.
Anyway, here's a 5 shot group from 100 yards:
Here's a 3 shot using Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr:
A lot of stringing came from the shooter. Once I sand-bagged the stock, my groups started sliding horizontally:
Center group was with 175gr FGMM. Top left BH 168 Match, bottom left 168gr FGMM, bottom right the same, and top right 175gr FGMM.
The gun mostly stayed around 1 MOA, but I managed to wrangle out some ~.6 MOA groups center to center. I definitely have a lot to learn when it comes to precision shooting. Hoping to return with some clover-leafed shot patterns the next time around. Gonna have to buy more precision ammo ($75 shipped for 3 boxes [60rds] of M118LR--yikes!).
So what do you guys think, is this a 800M/1000M capable rifle?
I have had my 18" AR-15 in 223Rem out at 1000yds down at Quantico and 900yds w/ Central VA Tactical. I can shoot sub moa with it at 100, but have trouble holding 3 moa at these extended range with this ballistic setup. I'm running a 75gr AMax, so my ballistic setup isn't much different from the AR-10 in this thread. Its fun, if you can afford to miss 
I would not recommend it for a military, LE, hunting, or competition use.
