First Look: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

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Rock River Arms has released a retro A1 Carbine SBR AR in celebration of zero-dollar tax stamps.

Now that the cost of some NFA tax stamps has been reduced to zero dollars, there’s basically no reason not to buy factory short-barreled rifles through a Form 4 transfer rather than making your own through a Form 1. Rock River Arms is just one of many companies embracing this change, and the company has launched a new retro AR-15 A1 Carbine SBR to shed some light on that fact. It’s available in two configurations and both look very cool.

Expectedly, the RRA A1 Carbine SBR is chambered for 5.56 NATO, and it features a chrome moly 10.5-inch barrel with a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle and an A1 flash hider. It has a carbine-length gas system, an F-marked FSB/gas block and is built on RRA’s LAR-15M lower receiver. For the cool retro aesthetics, it has a forged carry handle upper and a short A1-style triangular handguard, and it’s available with either a short fixed entry stock or an adjustable carbine-style stock. The grip is A1-pattern as well and the rifle has an RRA single-stage trigger. Not to be pedantic, but while RRA describes the upper as A1-pattern, it technically isn't as it lacks a forward assist. I think that's a good thing though for a little carbine like this, as the slick-side upper has slightly less bulk and weight.

Keep in mind, cool looks and practicality are not mutually exclusive, and RRA’s A1 SBR could be a handy, lightweight defensive carbine. There are ample accessory options on the market for mounting red dots on carry handles and weapon lights on the FSB or bayonet lug. You don’t always need rails to increase a rifle’s utility.

Both variants of the RRA A1 Carbine SBR are available now. The entry stock version has an MSRP of $1,135 and the telescopic stock version has an MSRP of $1,150.

For more information, visit rockriverarms.com.

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