ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56
Posted May 26, 2023
NATO
ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56 NATO
The ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56 NATO is one of the most popular AR platforms available. The AR-15/M4 platform is incredibly versatile, and the AR1296 is an excellent addition to the lineup from Rock River Arms. As one of the best in its class, this gun has a lot to offer to any gun enthusiast.
The AR1296 is an impressive gun that stands out from the competition with its features and reliability. At first glance, it’s easy to tell this is not your average AR-15. It features a full-length Upper and lower receiver made from forged 7075-T6 aluminum, with incredibly clean lines and a smooth finish. The telescoping stock provides a great range of adjustability, and the two piece handguards are smooth and snag free. The AR1296 features an M4 profile barrel, making it incredibly lightweight and maneuverable.
Overall, the fit and finish of the AR1296 is excellent. It’s a beautiful gun with a quality look and feel. From its brilliant chrome plated bolt carrier group, to the smoothly contoured furniture and stock, the build quality of this gun is top notch.
Reliability is where the AR1296 really shines. It features a 16” M4 profile, chromed lined, 1/9 twist barrel for maximum accuracy and dependability. With the standard .223 Remington/5.56 NATO round, you won’t have a single issue with firing. It has been tested to shoot reliably and accurately with FMJ, HP, and other varieties of ammunition.
The AR1296 is a great value for the money, and it’s easy to see why it has become one of the most popular AR rifles on the market. It has a full range of features, including a flash suppressor, dust cover, and detachable carry handle. These features, in combination with a reliable and accurate gun, make this platform an excellent choice for any shooter.
In terms of accuracy, the AR1296 is incredibly impressive. With the .223/5.56 round, it can easily reach 500 yards with an accurate shot. The gun is capable of incredibly tight groups when zeroing in on a target, and the adjustable trigger is easy to adjust for personalized proficiency.
Overall, the ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56 NATO is an impressive rifle with all the features and reliability one would want from an AR-15/M4 platform. It’s well-built, lightweight, accurate, and affordable. Whether you are an experienced shooter or a new gun enthusiast, the AR1296 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable, high-quality rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and ergonomically designed for proper balance and superior accuracy.
- Compatible with several calibers of ammo, and offers the option of switching from .223 to 5.56 calibers with just the change of one bolt.
- Employs a hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrel, adding to the firearm’s reliability and consistency in accuracy.
- Features a two-stage trigger that has a crisp, clean break.
- Parts are machined to USGI specifications, making it compatible with most AR-15 accessories and parts.
Cons:
- The rifle is more expensive than other entries in the market due to its high-end design.
- Its weight can be a little cumbersome for younger shooters or those carrying it for great distances.
- The stock does not offer many customization possibilities.
Who Should Buy
The ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56 is a powerful and versatile firearm well suited for a variety of shooting applications. It is mainly geared toward more experienced shooters who are comfortable handling such a powerful and reliable firearm.
This firearm isn't suitable for those who are inexperienced or just learning how to shoot. Due to the extreme power of the .223 cartridge and the platform used for the AR1296, it can be difficult for novice shooters to accurately and safely fire the weapon. Additionally, this firearm is not recommended for younger shooters due to the potentially dangerous nature of the weapon and cartridge.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length | Magazine | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56 | .223 | 16" | 30 Rd | $1,100 |
| Sig Sauer M400 Tread Rifle 5.56 NATO | 5.56 | 16" | 30 Rd | $1,056 |
| CMMG MK4 Carbine 5.56mm | 5.56 | 16" | 30 Rd | $875 |
| CMMG Resolute 300 MK9 Rifle 9mm | 9mm | 16" | 30 Rd | $1,050 |
| Del-Ton AR-15 Sport Mid-Length Rifle | .223 | 16" | 30 Rd | $735 |
Features / Specs
-Caliber: .223/5.56
-Capacity: 30+1
-Barrel Length: 16 inch
-Twist Rate: 1:9
-Operation: Semi-Automatic / Direct Impingement
-Stock: 6 Position Telescoping
-Forend: RRA Lightweight Free Float
-Weight: 6.5 lbs
Popular Accessories
30 Round Magazine
The most popular accessories for the ROCK RIVER ARMS AR1296 .223/5.56 30 Round Magazine are:
- Magpul PMAG 30 AR/M4 Gen M2 MOE Magazine – This is a lightweight, durable, and highly reliable polymer magazine designed for combat use.
- Magpul MOE+ Grip – This is a drop-in upgrade for AR15/M16 pistol Grip that provides improved ergonomics and enhanced grip experience.
- Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate – This is a drop-in replacement for the base plate of the AR1296 and doubles the capacity.
- Magpul MBUS Pro Off-Set Front and Rear Flip Sights – This set of durable flip sights provide a superior alternative to the factory sights of your AR1296.
- CAA AR SRS Short Rail System – This is a lightweight replacement rail system for the AR1296, offering improved versatility and facilitates the mounting of accessories such as sling mounts.
Accuracy
The Rock River Arms AR1296 is one of the more popular rifles among gun enthusiasts. This gun is known to offer superb accuracy and reliability, making it a great choice for users looking for precision performance. The AR1296 comes with a 1/9 twist rate barrel for greater stabilization of .223/5.56 rounds. Accurate feeding and ejection is provided by the mid-length gas system. Users can expect tight groups and sub MOA accuracy at distances up to 200 yards. Additionally, the rifle's flat-top Picatinny rail allows additional optics to be mounted for long distance shooting. Users all agree that the Rock River Arms AR1296 is accurate and reliable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a quality rifle.
