I ordered a midlength CAR4 through my local dealer. The rifle arrived in about three weeks but apparently there was some confusion between my dealer and RRA. The dealer used the model number for the standard barrel configuration (based on a web print out from the RRA site I gave him) but specified midlength when he ordered the gun. Sure enough, the gun arrived with a standard handguard.
Anyway, RRA agreed to make it right. I sent the gun back to RRA but, unfortunately, I got it there just in time for them to close for the holidays. I received the rifle back from them -- complete with midlength handguard -- on Friday of the week following the break (this past Friday).
I had an opportunity to take the gun to the range yesterday. It shot like a champ. Never hiccuped once and accuracy seemed very impressive -- even using mil-spec ammo. I slapped on a 3x9 Burris and, to my surprise, the first shot (at 25 yards) was within a couple of inches of the bullseye. A few quick clicks and a couple more shots to check things and I moved to 50 yards. I had to drop the elevation a bit but I bet I was zeroed within about 10 shots. I wasn't shooting for super accuracy but I was getting nice tight groups. Then the targets moved out to 200 yards. Still the gun shot well. I soon passed on the paper and started busting clay pigeons (resting, of course) and bowling pins. I probably shot about 100 rounds. I would have shot more but I had a couple of other new acquisitions to shake out as well (first really nice day in a couple weeks, you know).
Super nice rifle! To the folks who love to tout the quality of Colt rifles, I've got to say this gun is put together every bit as well as the Colt I traded in to get this gun (and the RRA trigger is WAY better!).
Good job RRA all the way around. You took care of your customer and you made a sweet shooting rifle.
Oh, and if anyone is thinking about a 16 barrel, the midlength handguard is definitely the way to go!