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

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.