Watchman Rifle brings .223 Wylde, .300 BLK to Rise Armament LE Division

The Watchman is chambered in either .223 Wylde or .300 BLK. (Photo: Rise Armament)

Rise Armament kicks off its Law Enforcement Division with the Watchman Rifle, an LE-focused AR platform chambered in .223 Wylde or .300 Blackout.

The Watchman features a 416R stainless steel, CB-160 barrel that shoots sub-MOA with factory ammunition, according to Rise Armament. The barrel opts for a 1-in-7-inch twist and 1/2×28 threads coupled with a mid-length gas system. The barrel sports a Rise advanced flash hider created specifically for the Watchman. The four-prong setup minimizes flash in low light scenarios, preserving officers’ night vision capabilities.

The Watchman boasts a 13.5-inch RISE LE handguard with M-LOK slot attachments for accessory mounting in addition to an LE145 Tactical Trigger. The rifle is topped off with a Magpul pistol grip and CTR stock as well an ambidextrous safety.

Rise Armament said the Watchman was born from the Dallas police ambush tragedy in July 2016. The company intends to provide rifles that are affordable but capable, ensuring no officer is outgunned again.

“It’s important to us for officers to be equipped with high-quality, high-performance rifles that are affordable,” Matt Torres, president of Rise Armament, said in a news release. “They’re putting their lives on the line for us every day, and it’s our duty to use our talents as engineers and machinists to give them the best products possible.”

The company said the rifle was designed with input from law enforcement professionals. “We developed the Watchman with input from SWAT/SOT/SRT officers, beat cops, military snipers, competitive shooters and firearms instructors to ensure it combined the best in functionality, accuracy, dependability, and affordability,” Rise Armament offered in a statement. “From a squad car to an entry team, it’s duty ready right out of the box.”

Available to LE departments, the rifle can be procured now.