NRA Gun of the Week: Rock River Arms BT9 R9 Competition

by
posted on September 4, 2020
** 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. **
The BT9 R9 Competition carbine from Rock River Arms (RRA) is a 9 mm Luger-chambered semi-automatic based loosely on the AR-15 design. Growing interest in pistol-caliber carbines has resulted in Rock River Arms’ latest offering. A two-part receiver set enhances the functionality of the platform and allows shooters to customize with aftermarket AR-15-style parts and accessories. Smartly, RRA devised its lower receiver for use with popular 9 mm magazine pattern from Glock.

Right-side view of Rock River Arms BT9 R9 Compeition black carbine shown on white background with text on images noting make and model.

A 16” chrome-moly steel barrel come standard on the BT9 R9, which is threaded and includes RRA’s 9 mm Mini Brake. Covering most of the barrel is a 15” RRA lighweight handguard that features M-Lok slots for accessories. The aluminum handguard is fitted to the company’s extruded aluminum receiver with Picatinny rail covering the top side for easily attaching optics. RRA includes its Operator CAR stock, which is six-position adjustable as well as a rubber grip from Hogue.

Close-up view of the right side of a Rock River Arms 9 mm shown with clear magazine on a white background.

Our experience at the range proved the BT9 R9 Competition to be a smooth-shooting carbine. RRA’s two-stage trigger broke crisply and reset quickly. The gun’s 6.8-lb. weight combined with its pistol-caliber chambering and the addition of a Mini Brake at the muzzle allowed for fast and accurate follow-up shots on target.

Man wearing protective shooting gear on a shooting range holding a black rifle in his hands.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video, above, to learn more about the Rock River Arms BT9 R9 Competition carbine.

Rock River Arms BT9 R9 Competition Specifications
Manufacturer: Rock River Arms
Action Type: blowback-operated semi-automatic rifle
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Upper Receiver: extruded aluminum
Lower Receiver: machined aluminum
Barrel: 16"chrome-moly steel
Trigger: two-stage; 4-lb., 7-oz. pull
Stock: six-position adjustable
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 ozs. empty
MSRP: $1,275

Further Reading:
Review: Rock River Arms LAR-47 X-1
Handgun Hard Choices: Colt M1911 or S&W M1917?
6 Tactical Lever-Action Rifles Available in 2020
Big-Bore AR Cartridges
Rock River Arms LAR-8 Standard Operator

Extras:
Magpul MP5: Accessories & Installation


ARTV—Feature: Director's Cut Bonus Scenes


Melvin Johnson’s Automatics


NRA Gun of the Week: Bula Defense Systems M14LH Rifle


National Archives Video: Close Combat Firing

Latest

Army 250Th Part 4 6
Army 250Th Part 4 6

250 Years of the U.S. Army: From Vietnam to Today

For more than half a century, the U.S. Army's standard infantry rifle has undergone a remarkable transformation, from the battle rifles of World War II to the compact, modular carbines carried by soldiers today.

The Alpha Foxtrot Attila: Not Just Another 2011

In a marketplace filled with 2011-style pistols, Alpha Foxtrot decided to go a different direction with its Attila handgun design, which is built to use Shield Arms S15 magazines.

JP Morgan Rescinds Discriminatory Policy Against Gunmakers

In January, JPMorgan Chase joined Citigroup and Bank of America in rescinding policies discriminating against lawful businesses in the firearm industry—in this case, reversing their policy against lending to rifle manufacturers.

Remembering Past NRA President David A. Keene

David A. Keene, a prominent conservative leader and NRA President from 2011 to 2013, died on March 8, 2026, at 80 years old, from pancreatic cancer.

Semi-Automatic Bans Are Unconstitutional

If the logical application of the rule of law means anything in this constitutional republic, bans on massively popular semi-automatic firearms will be found unconstitutional.

New Handloading Helpers: The Latest Reloading Gear From RCBS

When Hodgdon Powder Company took over RCBS in 2024, company leaders said positive change was coming. By looking at the new products RCBS introduced in 2026, it’s clear they were right.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.