What defines a battle rifle? Was the LAR-8 really designed as a battle firearm? Or based on the caliber could the LAR-8 really of been meant for an alternate purpose? Is the LAR-8 developed for uses similar to the German STG-43 than to the M-14 or M-1 Garand? These and many other question are basically what the debate revolves. How can a firearm with such a small caliber really be considered a battle rifle?

Well, there are lots of firearm makers these days taking caliber out of the argument by building AR-style rifles in 7.62. The 7.62 AR-rifle is what Eugene Stoner envisioned from the start. So, are we moving ahead with a 7.62 AR or are we going back to the starting point?

Perhaps these are questions too big for this article, but luckily we don’t have to answer them. RRA stepped up and gave the world a .308 caliber AR firearm that hits with the power of a battle firearm, but carries like an LAR-8. There will always be those that want to debate. You find the choice is clear in this review.

My Rock River Arms Elite .308, 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. Adjust the butts tock to your liking and the rifle comes up naturally and easily. The Half-Quad hand guard offers a comfortable smooth area and a handy a forward rail system for lights, lasers etc. But the rails simply run half the length of the hand guard; from the gas block back. From the magazine well forward the hand guard is just that, a hand guard with a knurled aluminum free-float tube that is both comfortable and easy to grip. You don’t often mount accessories that close to the magazine well anyway. That’s where you want to hold when you fire so this half-quad only makes sense.

Sturdy engineering 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. The gas block front sight also serves as the anchor for three different sling attachment points.

I love the look of a bayonet, but lets face it, who uses a bayonet? Why not make it a small rail instead of a bayonet lug? I mounted a Command Arms bipod on the lower portion of the quad rail and that worked slick. The bipod mount easily and flipped forward like a charm. There was no rear sight, I guess the folks at RRA want to let you choose your own rear sight, but I would prefer to see this firearm ready to rock right out of the box.

My case was take apart style which limited optics The good news is that’s the only part of this rifle I could complain about.

Rapid fie is not a problem for this firearm. In this case, let’s say five would be the minimum.

If you have ever handled an AR-style firearm, the controls on the LAR-8 will be almost second nature. I say almost, because there are two small changes on this rifle. The RRA magazine release button is ambidextrous and can be activated from either side of the firearm and the bolt release is located at the bottom rear of the magazine well. A trigger finger ambi bolt release is a great feature. Speaking of magazines, the Elite Operator is compatible with FAL L1A1 inch and metric. RRA also offers magazines in polymer.

For the day’s range fun I swiftly 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. I started plinking at 25 yards, it was dead on. Then still shooting offhand, I engaged the targets at 50 and 75 yards. Scoring minute-of-bad guy hits on everything I pointed at, combat accuracy was outstanding.

This prompted me to drop a few sandbags on the bench and drop some rounds down range in an effort to see where they would fall if I was really trying to shoot a nice group. I fired as fast as I could get the dot back on group. I am happy! Better than advertised, 1.5 MOA.

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.

AR 7.62 caliber rifles are proprietary with all AR manufactures, that is just the way it is. Alternately the 5.56/.223 AR firearms are generally compatible for an almost endless number of parts combinations. Each maker has apparently come up with what they consider to be the best idea for some part or another with their own 7.62.

Rock River Arms also offers several improved features such as a unique barrel nut assembly. Use only RRA approved parts for modifications. Improper use of third party parts could mean life or death, the specifications must be correct. So, now you know that. The parts don’t interchange with other 7.62 AR parts out there. Don’t try it.

A firearm that clearly offers power and versatility For combat use, more penetration for buildings and vehicles. Hunting rifle, 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.

Listed here are the specifications just as shipped through my online supplier.

MANUFACTURER RRA
MODEL 308A1276
CALIBER 308/7.62 Chamber
UPPER Forged A4 / with Forward Assist and Port Door
BARREL 16 Inch Chrome Moly, 1:10 Twist, Cryogenically Treated
MUZZLE DEVICE Smith Vortex Flash Hider / 5/8x24 Thread
GAS BLOCK RRA Flip Front Sight Gas Block
TRIGGER RRA Two Stage
HAND GUARD RRA LAR-8 Advanced Half Quad Free Float
PISTOL GRIP Hogue Rubber Grip
BUTTS TOCK RRA Operator CAR Stock
WEIGHT / LENGTH 9.1 Pounds / 38 inches
ACCURACY 1.5 MOA at 100 Yards
INCLUDED One Mag*, RRA Case, Manual, Warranty
Trigger: RRA 2 Stage Match, 4.5 lbs.
Sale Price: $1,399.00 , Retail $1,670.00

RRA LAR-8 308A1276 Elite Operator has a list price of 1670.00. I ended up ordering it over the internet for much less. Most dealers in my area wanted list price ... plus which did not set well with my financing plan. I acquired my Rock River Arms Entry Firearm AR10 308A1276 Elite Operator from Class 3 Weapons in Houston, Texas at a substantial cost savings. RRA is at the moment offering their 7.62 rifles at an aggressive price. Other Rock River Arms firearm models in 7.62 start at an incredibly economical price of $1,069.00 according to their website.

Rock River Arms LAR-8 Elite Operator RRA LAR-8 Model 308A1276 Rock River Arms Weapon
Rock River Arms LAR-8 Elite Operator RRA Elite Firearm LAR-8 Model 308A1276 RRA Elite Operator Weapon
Want to know the best LAR-10 .308 firearm to buy? Review of the RRA LAR-8 Model 308A1276 Elite Operator Firearm
The new LAR-8 series from RRA offers tons of features at an excellent price, my Review of the RRA Elite Rifle LAR-8 Model 308A1276 RRA Elite Operator Rifle