NRA Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms Assurance-C

by
posted on October 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 is no stranger to the needs of today’s professional user, and as such, has built a reputation of delivering guns meant to perform reliably in less-than-ideal circumstances. For the home defender or sporting enthusiast, the Assurance-C is a quality design with classic styling that makes it a capable performer. Watch the video above to see the Assurance carbine in use on the NRA Tech Range.

man with Rock River Arms rifle shooting range

The Assurance-C is manufactured by Rock River Arms from forged receivers that are then precisely machined to create a matched set. This machined mating ensures smooth operation and delivers accurate, repeatable results downrange. However, much of the gun’s accuracy potential comes from its 16” lightweight barrel. The barrel is made of chrome-moly steel with 1:8"-twist rifling. Guarding the barrel is a CAR lightweight quad rail that actually came at the request of law-enforcement agencies looking to adopt the Assurance-C for professional use.

Rock River Arms Assurance-C semi-automatic black rifle ar-15

The upper receiver unit houses a traditional forward-assist feature on the right side, a shell deflector and an articulating dust cover. Along the top, there is a continuous length of Picatinny rail, which extends over the handguard and gas block to provide additional room for sights, optics and accessories. As with other AR-15s, the Assurance-C’s action operates via a carbine-length, direct-gas-impingement system.

Rock River Arms Assurnace quad rail underside metal gun parts

We headed to the range with the Rock River Assurance-C Carbine fitted with a Leupold optic for short-range work. Once zeroed, we found the carbine to be a capable unit. Our testers particularly enjoyed the two-stage Ultra Match Trigger. Its pull weight, at just under 5 lbs., is seemingly ideal for a carbine of this type. The breaking point is crisp. We found the included six-position, Operator CAR stock is also a handy upgrade, offering adjustability and storage within for batteries and parts. Generous sling mounting positions are offered as well.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Rock River Arms
Action Type: direct-impingement, gas-operated, semi-automatic centerfire rifle
Chambering: 5.56 NATO
Barrel: 16.5" chrome-moly steel
Receivers: forged aluminum
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Stock: six-position adjustable
Magazine: 30-round detachable box
Trigger: 4-lb., 13-oz. pull
Overall Length: 33"
Weight: 7 lbs.
MSRP: $1,290

Latest

Zenithmrds 01
Zenithmrds 01

MRDS: Zenith’s American-Made Roller-Delayed Rifle For The 21st Century

While the roller-delayed blowback mechanism has proven reliable in platforms like the Heckler & Koch G3, Zenith Firearms has taken this innovative operating system and paired it with a modern, AR-style feature set in its MRDS.

Remington Announces 4th Annual Shoot To Cure Fundraiser

Now in its fourth year, the Shoot to Cure fundraiser is scheduled to take place on September 19 at the historic Remington Gun Club in Lonoke, Ark.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PD380

For its latest compact carry pistol, the PD380, Walther Arms combined elements of its Performance Duty Pistol series with its legacy PK380 platform.

Black Beauty: Nimschke’s Masterpiece Sold By Rock Island Auction

German-born Louis Daniel Nimschke is widely recognized as one of the most talented and prolific firearm engravers of the 19th century.

Springfield Updates Saint Victor AR-15 Lineup

Since 2019, Springfield Armory has offered its Saint Victor line of AR-15s with enhanced features, and for 2025, the company has updated those features to keep pace with consumer demands.

In Memoriam: Wiley Clapp

Longtime American Rifleman Field Editor and contributor Wiley Clapp passed away June 4, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.