RISE Armament recently announced the release of the Watchman XR rifle in 22 ARC. Built for shooters who require highly accurate, extended-range shooting for hunting varmints, whitetails, and antelope, as well as Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitions and tactical/law enforcement applications. RISE also introduced the Reliant trigger for REM 700 and clone actions. Let’s take a look at the RISE Armament Watchman XR 22 rifle.

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[SHOT 2024] RISE Armament Watchman XR 22 ARC Rifle, REM 700 Trigger

One of the main selling points of Watchman XR is its accuracy, including the ICONIC Independent two-stage trigger that offers a 1-pound first stage and a 2-pound second stage. The trigger is designed to have a ‘NoDoubt’ second-stage wall and a ‘Clear ’n’ Quick’ reset to ensure a crisp, icicle-sharp break.

The Watchman XR is equipped with a free-floating, skeletonized aluminum handguard which includes a full-length 12 o’clock Picatinny rail, M-LOK slots, and four threaded steel sling swivel QD inserts, providing versatile mounting options for accessories. A patent-pending lock attachment contributes to maintaining the rifle’s zero.

The Watchman XR is available in two calibers, 22 ARC and 6mm ARC, which were chosen for their high velocity and flat trajectory, enhancing the rifle’s performance for its primary uses.

The 22 ARC cartridge stands out in the PRS role due to its limited drop and superior ballistic coefficient, also making it a capable choice for predator hunting. With Hornady’s 88-grain ELD Match round, the 22 ARC also serves tactical or law enforcement applications, outperforming the commonly used 5.56 in accuracy-focused roles.

For shooters desiring a projectile weight above the 22 ARC’s 88 grains, the Watchman XR is available in 6mm ARC. The 6mm ARC, developed by Hornady in 2020, is recognized for its long-range capabilities. This model maintains the same feature set and capabilities as provided by the 22 ARC Watchman XR.

Watchman XR specifications:

• Calibers: 22 ARC or 6mm ARC
• Barrel: 18-inch 416R stainless steel, fluted, button-rifled, air-gauged and tested
• Twist: 1:7
• Gas System: Rifle-length
• Trigger: ICONIC Independent Two-Stage Trigger
• Charging handle: RISE ambidextrous charging handle
• Safety selector: RISE ambi safety, with long and short paddle, captured detent
• BCG: Premium BCG with 9310 bolt, black nitride finish
• Receivers: Forged aluminum
• Trigger Guard: RISE trigger guard, opens easily for use with gloves
• Stock: Magpul PRS Lite
• Grip: Magpul MOE+
• Handguard Length: 15.25 inches
• Overall Length: 37.25 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Finish: Custom Cerakote finish
• Colors: Slate Gray/Black or Patriot Brown/Black
• MSRP: $2,099

The 22 ARC caliber rifle is scheduled to be available in March 2024 with the 6mm ARC caliber model to follow within the year.

Reliant REM700 and Clone Triggers

RISE Armament has also introduced its new Reliant series of triggers, which are engineered to address common issues found in standard Remington 700 and clone action triggers. Some replacement triggers can have safety and design flaws, ranging from the need for a full disassembly for adjustments to those with non-securing pull-weight adjustments potentially leading to accidental discharge. RISE Reliant triggers have been developed with a patent-pending design that exceeds SAAMI Standards.

One of the key differentiators of the Reliant series is its advanced safety features. The new design significantly diminishes the risk of accidental firing. It incorporates Posi-Catch adjustment screws that are designed to stay securely in place, thereby preventing any walkout.

Ease of installation also sets these triggers apart. The Reliant triggers are self-contained within an aluminum cassette housing, enabling straightforward installation without the need for additional parts or complex assembly.  RISE’s triggers are hardened with nickel boron coated key internal parts for durability and smooth operation.

The Pro model allows both pull weight and overtravel adjustments, while the Hunter model offers pull weight adjustment. The Reliant’s design allows for adjustments through the trigger guard when the trigger fully installed.

Performance is delivered with almost no take-up and a crisp, clean break. Additional features of the Reliant triggers include their fast lock time, enhancing shooting accuracy by minimizing the time it takes for the firing pin to contact the cartridge primer after the trigger is pulled.

The Reliant triggers fit all Remington 700 and clone actions.

Reliant Pro Specifications

• Pull Weight: <1 lb. to >3 lbs., preset at 2 lbs.
• Blade Shape: Curved or flat
• Adjustability: Pull weight and overtravel
• Bolt Release: With or without
• Housing: 7075 aluminum
• Internal Components: S7 tool steel black nitride finish / nickel boron finish
• Housing Finish: Type II bright dip anodizing
• Key Internal Components Finish: Black nitride, NiB and NP3 sear components
• Color: FDE
• MSRP: $259.99

Reliant Hunter Specifications

• Pull Weight: <2 lb. to >5 lbs., preset at 3 lbs.
• Blade Shape: Curved
• Adjustability: Pull weight
• Bolt Release: With or without
• Housing: 7075 aluminum
• Internal Components: S7 tool steel black nitride finish / nickel boron finish
• Housing Finish: Type II bright dip anodizing
• Key Internal Components Finish: Black nitride, NiB and NP3 sear components
• Color: Green
• MSRP: $169.99

For installation and adjustments, the following tools are included:

• .050″ ball-end hex key
• .125″ punch
• 3/16″ hex key
• 5/32″ hex key

Additional information can be found at RISEArmament.com