First Look: Rock River Arms Predator HP LAR-BT3

by
posted on January 21, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Rock River Arms Predator HP LAR BT3 Lead

What It Is: A fully outfitted AR hunting rifle for varmints, predators, hogs and deer.

Why We Love It: Chambered in the venerable .243 Winchester, this AR is field ready and capable of MOA accuracy.

Rock River Arms consistently produces AR-platform rifles for hunters that are well built and loaded with features and the new Predator HP LAR-BT3 is no exception. RRA BT3 billet uppers and lowers come standard on these guns, as does a low-profile gas block and rifle-length gas system. The fluted, cryogenically treated 20-inch barrel is made from stainless steel and features a 1:10” twist rate. The barrel is threaded ⅝x24 and comes with a Rock River Predator muzzle brake. The two-stage trigger is smooth, clean and easy to control, and the oversized trigger guard makes it easy to use even when wearing winter gloves.

The 17-inch Rock River free-floated extended rail offers M-Lok compatibility, so you can easily mount sling studs or bipods. Speaking of mounting space, the full-length top rail offers plenty of real estate for mounting scopes, thermal optics or anything else you like. The six-position adjustable Rock River Arms CAR stock allows you to customize length of pull quickly in the field, which is a major benefit on a hunting rifle like this. In the summer or early season while you’re hunting hogs and varmints, you can extend the stock, and when winter arrives and you’re chasing whitetails and coyotes in bulky clothing, you can shorten it to accommodate bulky garments. The stock also offers QD attachment points, and a Hogue rugger pistol grip is also standard.

This AR-platform rifle comes with a metal magazine and weighs in at 9.2 pounds. Overall length is 39 inches. Rock River Arms promises sub-MOA accuracy for all their Predator HP LAR-BT3 rifles. The Rock River’s accuracy and long list of hunter-friendly features make it an ideal all-around hunting rifle.

The new Pradator HP LAR-BT3 has an MSRP of $1,675. For more information, visit rockriverarms.com.

 

Latest

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Green Dot

Purpose-built for turkey hunting and wingshooting, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot line now adds a green reticle option for those who prefer it in certain lighting and shooting conditions.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.