Replies

The Armalite AR-10 is an okay weapon, but their quality is not (IMO) what it used to be several years ago. The two brothers that own Rock River Arms used to work for Armalite, and attempted to get them to make some changes in quality control. Armalite wouldn't go for it, so they left the company and started their own. Rock River is now known as one of the best quality AR rifles on the market.

The S&W M&P15 is a good weapon so far as I can tell, but I have not had as much exposure to them in the classes I teach as I have had with Colt, Bushmaster, Rock River, etc. It is my understanding, though, that S&W is not actually manufacturing the weapon - it is being manufactured for them and stamped with their name. Not that this would make a difference in quality...

This is similar to Wilson Combat's situation when they first entered the AR market - all of their lower receivers where made by Rock River Arms (and possibly still are, with the receiver being stamped Wilson Combat). I do know that Wilson manufactures the barrels for the Rock River Arms Predator and Varmint rifles, and that they are air-gauged. Perhaps there is a mutually beneficial contract where each company supplies certain parts to the other?

Regards,Raven6