Preview: Rock River Arms FES Light Predator2L Rifle

by
posted on February 22, 2021
rraeichler.jpg
New for 2021, Rock River Arms (RRA) continues an industry partnership that created the latest Fred Eichler Series (FES) rifle — the Light Predator2L. This culmination of RRA’s manufacturing ability and working relationship with Eichler bolsters a tried-and-true platform to provide sportsmen and sportswomen with a great predator-hunting tool. Fred Eichler is a conservation steward as well as a successful bowhunter and host of Predator Nation TV.

RRA builds its Light Predator2L on forged receivers; the lower unit comes patterned after the company’s LAR-15M blueprint and the upper is of the A4 style. RRA pairs its upper receiver with a 16” stainless steel, lightweight profile that is further fluted and cryogenically treated. The RRA FES Light Predator2L is chambered for .223 Wylde, a match-grade chambering that blends .223 Rem. with 5.56x45 mm NATO for a chamber dimension that safely allows the use of both ammunition types. Rifling is twisted one turn in 8”, a middle-of-the-road measurement that further allows hunters and target shooters to enjoy myriad bullet offerings with sufficient accuracy. A RRA FES muzzle brake comes standard to mitigate recoil for follow-up shots on wily game. RRA notes that the FES Light Predator2L will provide at least 1-m.o.a. accuracy at 100 yds.

The versatility of the AR-15 blueprint allows companies such as RRA to design and market niche-specific alterations that can further be tailored to a users needs. With the help of Fred Eichler, this latest iteration features a FES carbon fiber handguard that is free floating and ventilated by way of animal paw prints along its sides. The full-length handguard features Picatinny rail along the top’s entirety with a section below for additional accessories such a bipod.

Black is the standard color option, but users can opt to dress the Predator2L from the factory in a Gunmetal Gray finish for a nominal up-charge. RRA sources Bravo Company MFG, Inc., for its BCMGUNFIGHTER charging handle. An adjustable RRA Operator CAR buttstock is included with appointments for slings and storage. A rubber pad caps the butt.

RRA’s two-stage varmint trigger comes standard. This trigger is known to provide crisp and consistent breaking points between 3.5 and 4 lbs. The chrome trigger also has a non-reflective shoe. In addition, the continued use of matte finishes throughout is thoughtful. Ambushing nature’s predators requires supreme camouflaging, which usually includes the use of gloves, so RRA includes its winter trigger guard to accommodate gloved hands and uninterrupted transition to the trigger. RRA provides its Star Safety selector here, too.

For more information on the RRA FES Light Predator2L, please visit the company website HERE.

Latest

Wadcutter .38-cal cartridges brass ammo standing laying on caldwell black orange green target shown with stainless steel smith & wesson revolver full underlug
Wadcutter .38-cal cartridges brass ammo standing laying on caldwell black orange green target shown with stainless steel smith & wesson revolver full underlug

Comparing Factory .38 Spl. Wadcutter Loads With A S&W Model 686 Plus

A common choice for classic competition, the factory wadcutter load can prove to be a top target load while also mitigating the effects of strong recoil due to its reduced velocity.

Preview: XS Sights Standard Dot Revolver Front Sight Smith & Wesson

XS Sights has a solution for owners of Smith & Wesson J-frames, such as the 640 and 340 PD, that have front sights attached with a single pin and fixed rear sights.

New Guns & Gear At The 2025 NRA Show

The 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, held at the Georgia World Congress Center, April 24-27, was teeming with new guns and gear. Here's a taste of what you can see on the show floor.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

Welcome to American Rifleman’s Gun Of The Week. For this episode, we have a version of Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 lever-action that’s specifically made for field use. Meet the Model 1854 Stealth Hunter.

The Armed Citizen® April 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Great FN Gun Giveaway At NRAAM 2025

Here’s a chance to win a custom, one-of-a-kind FN 545 Tactical pistol at the 154th NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 24-27, in Atlanta, Ga. No purchase necessary.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.