Everything About Rock River’s Top-Shelf Precision Shooter Shines Bright with Quality
I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Here’s What You Need to Remember: From out-of-the-box feel to the practical on-range performance, this is an heirloom rifle if I’ve ever seen one. Named quite simply, the RBG-1S stands for Rock Bolt Gun, 1st generation short action. That tells me that Rock River has every intention to continue to improve on this impressive rig.
There are plenty of excellent choices if you are looking for a long-range precision rifle. However, if you want the best top-shelf precision rifle, Rock River Arms has quite a contender for the title. The RBG-1S, released in 2019, is a magnificent long-range rifle that I’ve recently had the pleasure to test and evaluate.
One of the luxuries that you’ll get for the $4,500 price tag is the ability to customize your rifle from the factory, as well as in the field. The RBG Series includes the .308 and 7.62 bolt gun or the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 1:8 twist stainless steel barrel has three options for length at 20, 22, or 24”. My .308 has a 24” barrel and an overall length of 43.5”. All in, this rig weighs about eleven pounds empty without its accessories. After you decide how much rifle you want, there are three color options (black, tan, and green) on the table to choose from as well.
Some other features that stand out on the RBG-1S include a well-placed short top-Picatinny rail with counterpart lower rail. Neither rail is very long, but they are both all I need or expect on a big precision hunter. My best optics are well-mounted and secure atop the RBG-1S. An oversized bolt handle is very generously sized and operates the 3-lug bolt system with smooth-as-silk motion.
With an ideal blend in the action, stock, and barrel, Rock River Arms has done a marvelous job with the RBG’s design to set me up for optimum Sub-MOA accuracy. Designed to be durable and easy to use, the short action is paired up with a barrel that has been cryogenically treated for stress relief. The operation of the controlled round feed is tailored to me, with an incredibly versatile chassis. A comfortable straight pistol grip leads the way. The fully adjustable stock and comb ensure I can make whatever adjustments are needed to fit me perfectly. A Remington-style safety is within easy reach and the bottom feed box mag can be swapped out with any AICS mag. The clean trigger is snappy and feels lighter than its actual weight, which was an enjoyable discovery on my long range.
Everything about Rock River’s top-shelf precision shooter shines bright with quality. From out-of-the-box feel to the practical on-range performance, this is an heirloom rifle if I’ve ever seen one. Named quite simply, the RBG-1S stands for Rock Bolt Gun, 1st generation short action. That tells me that Rock River has every intention to continue to improve on this impressive rig. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Richard Douglas is a firearms expert and educator. His work has appeared in large publications like The Armory Life, Daily Caller, American Shooting Journal, and more. In his free time, he reviews optics on his Scopes Field blog.
This article is being republished due to reader interest.
Image: YouTube.