Education
Stability Redefined: The L89 ARCA System
Feb
As a competition shooter and avid student, I’ve spent a few hours behind rifles equipped with ARCA rails. However, my experience has primarily been with bolt-on solutions – Area 419 ARCA rails or Magpul ARCA mounted to my rail via M-LOK. With the launch of our new L89 ARCA rails for small-frame AR-15 receivers, I wanted to dive deeper into the world of integrated ARCA systems. To get the full story, I sat down with Scott Peterson, a veteran competitive shooter and former Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) instructor, to discuss everything from ARCA’s origins to its practical applications in both competition and tactical environments.
Who is Scott Peterson?
After spending 20 years in military service across both the Marine Corps and Army, Scott has established himself as a leading expert in precision shooting and firearms training. His journey began as a marksmanship coach in Hawaii, where competitive shooting caught his attention. Success in Marine Corps championships led him to the prestigious Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), where he served from 2016 until his retirement in October 2024.
During his time with the AMU, Scott specialized in action shooting, competing in PRS (Precision Rifle Series), Quantified Performance matches, and various sniper team competitions. His experience extends beyond competition into R&D, end-user testing, and training elite military units. Today, Scott continues to share his expertise through Veracity Solutions, his consulting and training company.
More Than Just Another Rail System
“ARCA Swiss was the company that developed the original system decades ago,” Scott explains. “They created a simple, 1.5-inch wide dovetail standard that revolutionized how we mount and stabilize firearms.”
The advantages over traditional Picatinny rails are significant. The ARCA system provides a more positive clamp on the rifle and offers a wider, flat bottom surface that’s ideal for positional shooting. Whether you’re engaging targets from a barricade, vehicle, or natural support, the ARCA rail combined with a good shooting bag creates a stable platform that significantly enhances accuracy.
The L89 ARCA Advantage
Our new L89A rails are engineered with both competition and tactical applications in mind. A key feature is the retained six o’clock M-LOK slot beneath the ARCA section. This gives users the flexibility to mount traditional M-LOK accessories or barricade stops while maintaining ARCA compatibility. Our design incorporates the RRS-Lock system, an improvement over the standard ARCA lock up engineered and designed by Really Right Stuff.
When asked about potential drawbacks, Scott noted that while there’s a slight weight penalty compared to standard rails, the benefits far outweigh the costs: “The rigidity you get, especially when using clip-on thermals, lights, and lasers, is substantial with the L89 design. An integrated ARCA rail provides stability that bolt-on solutions just can’t match.”
Getting Started with ARCA
For those new to the ARCA system, Scott emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. “Get out there and shoot it,” he advises. Whether it’s attending a training course, participating in a Quantified Performance match, or simply going and watching experienced shooters, there’s no substitute for practical experience.
The ARCA ecosystem continues to grow, with manufacturers offering everything from specialized shooting bags to tripod tables and bipod adapters. This versatility makes the L89 ARCA rail a valuable addition to any precision gas gun setup.
Looking Forward
Backed by Sons of Liberty’s lifetime warranty, the L89 ARCA rail represents our commitment to innovation and quality. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, hunting enthusiast, or professional operator, the integrated ARCA system offers enhanced stability, versatility, and performance that can elevate your shooting experience.
Want to learn more about maximizing your ARCA-equipped rifle? Follow Scott (@VeracitySolutions on Instagram) for training opportunities and shooting tips, or check out other respected trainers like the teams at Bruiser Industries, Ridgeline Defense, and Colemans Creek.
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Till then, keep your powder dry.
– Thomas Paine
