Rock River Arms isn't just a family of high-end AR-15s; it's a family success story. The 20-year-old company is adding to the family, too, with an all-new line of premium AR-15 platform rifles called the Ascendant. Although one of the factors that makes AR-15s so popular is the platform's infinite customizability, the fact is that some people just don't have the time or confidence to build their own. The point of the Ascendant series rifles is to deliver superior out-of-the-box performance.
RRA isn't trying to re-invent the wheel with the Ascendant series. It builds on RRA's well-known, well-loved, proven and premium LAR-15 components. The company's engineers have carefully selected components from top-end manufacturers to create a complete, soup-to-nuts competition-grade gun. All firearms in the Ascendant series are crafted using the best components manufactured to the highest quality standards. These components merge in a unifying, mission-specific platform to deliver the highest accuracy potential and reliability possible in a production-built rifle.
RRA designers selected three chambers for the Ascendant All-Terrain Hunter series to launch the Ascendant program: .223 Wylde, .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. Beyond the hunting caliber chambering, each Ascendant ATH is built with features that maximize accuracy and reach new performance levels in a hunting rifle:
Barrel: All barrels are made of high-quality 416R stainless steel and are media-blasted to matte finish to reduce glare in the field. They are also cryogenically treated for maximum stability and accuracy.
Handguard: To minimize weight in the field, RRA's lightweight handguard is employed. A full-length Picatinny top rail is integrated into the handguard, providing room for mounting IR or thermal optics ahead of the scope.
Trigger: For the trigger, RRA tapped TriggerTech for their precision Diamond Single-Stage AR15 cartridge trigger. This is a true zero-creep trigger with an extremely short overtravel that practically eliminates shooter-induced shot disturbance. It is also adjustable from 1.5 to 4 pounds of pull.
Scope: Each Ascendant ATH rifle comes with one of two Vortex variable-power optics: the Viper HS 4-16x44mm or the Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm. Each use RRA's robust, Hi-Rise Cantilever scope mount with 30mm rings. This is a heavy-duty mount with integrated rings and a one-piece clamping bar that ensures a solid mount to the Picatinny rail.
Stock: Backing the Ascendant ATH is Magpul's new PRS Lite stock. The PRS Lite stock allows the shooter to achieve a comfortable, custom fit with its adjustable length-of-pull and cheek riser height, and its lighter weight reduces carry fatigue in the field.
Grip and Charging Handle: RRA's Hogue rubber overmolded pistol grip is one of the most ergonomic grips on the market today. Combined with the ambidextrous Radian Raptor charging handle, the combination delivers optimal retention and operational control in the most challenging environments.
MSRPs range from $3,020 to $3,225 depending upon model chosen. RockRiverArms.com
