by David Crane
david@defensereview.com
Rock River Arms (RRA) recently sent DefenseReview a copy of their press release on DEA contract for their DEA/FBI AR-15 Tactical Carbine (CAR-15), dated 12/05/03, along with some pics. We thought our readers would find it both interesting and informative. Back in February, DefRev published an article on the DEA/FBI AR-15 titled "Rock River Arms (RRA) DEA/FBI Tactical Carbine (Pre-Ban/NFA Config)".
Click on the links below to read the press release and view the pics on the Rock River Arms (RRA) DEA/FBI Tactical Carbine:…
"DEA Awards 5 Year Contract to Rock River Arms." (Press Release)
Click here to see a right-side view of the Rock River Arms (RRA) DEA/FBI Tactical Carbine (AR-15) outfitted with the EOTech 552 Holographic Weapon Sight/Holographic Diffraction Sight (HDS) and SureFire M73 1913 Picatinny forend rail system (four-sided) with side-mounted Surefire Weapons Light (combat flashlight/tactical white light) attached.
Click here to see an angled view (right side, rear) of the Rock River Arms (RRA) DEA/FBI Tactical Carbine (AR-15), again with EOTech 552 Holographic Weapon Sight/Holographic Diffraction Sight (HDS) and Surefire M73 1913 Picatinny forend rail system (four-sided) with side-mounted Surefire Weapons Light attached.
The following is a copy of the official DEA press release on Rock River Arms’ 5-year contract with the DEA:
"News Release:
December 5, 2003
DEA Awards 5 Year Contract to Rock River Arms.
(Colona, IL)…Rock River Arms has the reputation for producing top quality AR15s and custom 1911s. What sets Rock River Arms apart from the competition is their versatility to produce weapons to such rigorous specifications.
Many elite AR15 manufacturers submitted weapons for approval but fell short during the abuse test, which was the initial phase of testing. Rock River Arms AR15 .223/5.56 NATO met the requirements and specifications set forth by DEA. The abuse test consisted of the parts interchange test, the extreme temperature test, the drop test, the throw test and the corrosion test. In the parts interchange test, the carbines were field stripped. The major component parts were randomly interchanged and reassembled. Each carbine was then loaded and fired and had to perform without malfunction. During the extreme temperature test, the carbines were placed in a chamber and stabilized at a temperature of minus 20 F for one hour. Then the weapons were removed and immediately fired at room temperature. Then the carbines were placed in a temperature chamber where it was stabilized at 120 F for one hour then removed and immediately fired at room temperature. The weapon then moved on to the drop test from a height of 4 feet and dropped onto a concrete floor six different times on all sides of the carbine. After completing the drop safety test, the weapon was loaded and had to safely fire 20 rounds with no malfunction to pass. The throw test consisted of throwing the firearm from a height of four feet and over a distance of 15 feet, once on the right side and once on the left side, then must safely fire 20 rounds with no malfunction. It was then submerged in salt water and exposed to sand. After both tests the weapon had to function flawlessly.
Rock River Arms was one of the selected few that outperformed the other manufacturers and moved on to phase two of the testing. Phase two was the 5,000 round endurance/functional reliability test. The testing team consisted of members of the DEA and FBI Firearms Training Unit and the DEA and FBI armorers/gunsmiths. The team also tested for accuracy, dispersion and velocity.
Rock River Arms is supplying the DEA with their AR15 chambered in .223/5.56 NATO, equipped with an Eo Tech holo sight, a Surefire rail and white light, a Viking sling and an Eagle Industry carry case. The DEA awarded Rock River Arms the contract, followed by a substantial purchase order. The initial order will be delivered this month.
For more information, contact: Rock River Arms, 1042 Cleveland Rd, Colona, IL 61241 phone: 309-792-5780 Fax: 309-792-5781