Rock River Arms Ar1560 Lar-15 Ath Rifle 556mm 18in Stainless 20rd Black Reviews
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The Modern Sporting Rifle seems to have a polarizing effect on shooters and not-shooters alike, at least in my experience.
To an old-school burglarize shooter, an AR-way rifle is anathema to his or her manner of thinking…rifles are supposed to be forest and metal with no plastic.
I am a fan of the MSR, or the “Black Rifle†equally some call it.
So, it was with a flake of enthusiasm that I accustomed the offered test gun from Rock River Artillery, their Rock River Arms LAR-15 BTB 5.56×45 rifle, in tan and black.
Equally you can see, it'southward a rather handsome specimen with its two-tone stop and furniture. It was a decent shooter as well.
Pros
- Collapsible buttstock
- Reliable
- Sights are easy to adjust
Cons
- Front post is blackness and hard to pick upward
- Drop-in rail has limited customization options
Earlier we get on with things, permit'due south accept a brief wait at the history of the AR platform, both military and civilian.
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Stoner'due south Brainchild
It started in 1956. Eugene Stoner had designed the AR-10 in 7.62 NATO. The cartridge was adopted two years before. At that time, the Usa Army was thinking of replacing the M1 Garand. They even considered rechambering the Garand. They were open to suggestions, and this was equally practiced a time every bit any to introduce a new burglarize. So, Stoner submitted his rifle and got rejected. Even so, information technology few foreign militaries started taking note.
Equally we know now, the army settled on Springfield'southward M14 in the end, just it was big and heavy. Some of the powers-that-be wondered if they needed a full-size battle burglarize that's proficient at 600 yards. Modernistic confrontations were occurring at closer ranges, usually less than 300 yards. It was around this time that Russia introduced a midrange .30-caliber circular, the seven.62×39. They started to deploy it in earnest during the 1950s in the AK-47. This, of course, wasn't a total-power rifle circular, a fact that's duly noted by the US defense department.
At that time, Remington introduced the .223, which became the 5.56×45 in military rifles' chambers. For a curtailed description of the difference between .223 and 5.56, go check the history of the 5.56×45 NATO.
Enter Filly
In 1959, ArmaLite was having financial difficulties. It couldn't run into manufacturing needs, then it sold the AR-15 to Colt. Filly undertook production of the AR-15, which morphed into the selective-burn down M16.
In the early 1960s, the U.S. sent observers, trainers, and Special Forces troops to Vietnam. This started as an effort to train indigenous forces against the communist North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong. They ranged from North Vietnam, employing standard military operations and guerilla tactics in forays across the border with South Vietnam.
As we know now, this grew into what became the Vietnam War. Everyone knows the story, such every bit how relatively few troops were committed at the commencement. By the time the U.S. left Vietnam in March 1973, it had placed more than 550,000 military personnel in the country. This isn't a comment about that war as I take only admiration and respect for all who served. I was merely showing why we needed a whole lot of rifles and ammunition. Unlike the .30, we didn't have tons of v.56 ammo lying effectually. So, the ammo companies geared up to supply them.
An interesting side annotation ― U.S. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara decided the fate of the M14. He concluded that the M14 was:
- Likewise expensive to produce.
- Too big and heavy.
- Fired a needlessly overpowered round.
He asked that the AR be put into product, albeit with selective-burn capabilities. We went from a total-power .xxx caliber battle round to a .22 caliber midrange circular. Some folks liked it; others, not so much.
You know the remainder:
- Winchester, which was brought on lath to help produce ammo, went from a stick powder to a brawl powder
- How that caused increased pressure and fouling
- Telling troops that their M16s didn't need cleaning acquired battlefield issues
Moreover, this put many soldiers and Marines in bully danger. Worse, some rifles quit working in the heat of battle due to fouling and jungle crud buildup. We then figured out that these rifles did indeed demand to exist cleaned, and that helped to lessen the problem. Other positive changes included the forrard assist on newer models. Winchester also went back to the original stick pulverisation. If you served and accept experience with this state of affairs, delight leave a annotate beneath ― I'd like to hear your take on it. For an interesting read, check out this commodity about the history of the AR-xv/M16 rifle.
Now that we've seen where the AR-15/M16 came from, what near the company that made the Rock River Arms LAR-15? Let's check information technology out.
A Bit of History on the LAR-15
Brothers Marking and Chuck Larson worked for Springfield Arsenal. Mark was the head armorer. They formed a partnership, leaving Springfield Armory. in 1991 to work with Les Baer in the production of his custom 1911 pistols. In 1993, they left Les Baer Custom to piece of work with Eagle Arms in Coal Valley, Illinois, producing AR-15 rifles. Tolerance Plus was founded as a event of their efforts (later Stone River Arms). They began making 1911 pistols. In 1997, they quit Eagle Arms and began creating AR-fifteen-style weapons. Marker died in April of 2013.
A Large Order From the DEA
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was looking for a new AR-mode rifle in 2003. Information technology tested xi different brands, with Rock River Arms coming out on top in abuse tests. The contract chosen for at least 5,000 rifles to be purchased during the next five years. As a result of the DEA's gild, the FBI and the U.South. Marshals initiated piggyback contracts with Rock River Arms. These 2 brothers did very well for themselves.
The reputation of Stone River Arms was built on AR-xv-style rifles. To this day, Rock River Arms produces seven different 1911-model pistols and lots of related parts. It started out with pistols and has stuck with them. The company is based in Colona, Illinois.
Here to Stay
Whether you're an AR fan, they are hither and will most likely stay for a good while. At that place are a seemingly unlimited number of ARs out at that place and at least as many aftermarket parts for your burglarize. If the 5.56 or .223 isn't your thing, guns are bachelor in several other calibers. Nosotros are seeing an increasing number of ARs in the hunting fields, chambered for mid-level hunting rounds such equally the .300 Coma and the new .350 Legend.
In my stance, this is a adept thing. I am not the most rabid AR fan out there, only I do ain 1. I could hands buy an upper in one of those calibers and take it to my deer blind. The AR MSR is, equally stated, a polarizing weapon. If more folks could come across that information technology has a purpose other than as an "musical instrument of destruction," we might all be ameliorate off. Adding in 3-gun and other types of competitions, we start to run into the AR in a more generalized low-cal. I think it'due south a good thing.
Versatility and Modularity
Another plus of the AR-way carbine is the availability of aftermarket parts. I may have joked about it, but part of the draw is the ability to modify just well-nigh anything on your AR. From triggers, folding sights, and lights to a new upper, y'all can customize the AR to your centre'southward content. I've heard it referred to every bit the "Barbie of rifles." I am thinking almost getting an upper in .350 Legend.
The new Winchester round seems like a useful cartridge around my neck of the woods. Information technology'due south easy ― just buy the new .350 upper from Deport Creek Arsenal or Rock River Artillery and stick it on. Equally you can encounter in some of the photos, the handguard rail is on the top and lesser. Then, in that location's merely enough of a small-scale rail on each side at the forward stop of the guard. Put a laser or low-cal there ― I like the possibilities. These are merely a few of the possibilities bachelor when upgrading an AR rifle.
The Stone River Arms LAR-15 BTB Rifle
Permit'south expect at the specific gun I was sent to review, a Stone River Artillery LAR-15 BTB rifle. In case you lot're wondering, BTB stands for "Beyond the Basic."
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO/.223 |
| Lower Receiver | Forged RRA LAR-15 |
| Upper Receiver | Forged A4 |
| Barrel | 16-inch chrome-moly HBAR, one:nine twist |
| Muzzle Device | A2 flash hider, 1/2-28 thread |
| Gas Block | Depression Profile |
| Trigger | Single-phase |
| Pistol Grip | RRA NSP Overmolded, Tan |
| Buttstock | RRA NSP-2 CAR Stock, Tan, multiposition |
| Handguard | RRA NSP Drop-In Rail, CAR-length, Tan |
| Sights | RRA NSP Flip Forepart & Rear, Tan |
| Weight | 7.0 pounds |
| Length | 33.25 inches |
| Accuracy | one infinitesimal of bending (MOA) at 100 yards |
| Includes | Two RRA xxx-round tan magazines, hard instance, owner'south manual, warranty information |
| MSRP | Limited Time: $825 (existent-world pricing starts around $750) |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime, original purchaser, with the usual limitations |
One thing non mentioned is that the gun functions via direct gas impingement, non a piston arrangement. I guess that would be obvious when it mentions a gas block, only I'm not one for the obvious at times.
Photo Gallery
Here are some photos of the examination gun I had. A quick ascertainment ― the tan goes with the black very well. At least I remember then.
The BTB in tan. It also comes in black.
The collapsible buttstock tin can be adjusted in 6 positions.
Here'due south a shut-up photo of the front sight. Notice how easy it'southward to adjust meridian.
Here are shots of the rear sight. Once more, at that place's that obvious ease of adjustment.
Shut-upward of the handguard. Annotation the pocket-size rail on the sides.
Front end and rear sights folded down.
Two 30-round magazines are included.
Standard A2 flash hider. You lot can supersede this with something else if desired.
Magazines
The tan furniture blended nicely with the matte blackness of the body. I have seen many ARs finished in a similar fashion, merely the Rock River Artillery LAR-15 was especially well done. Fifty-fifty the pistol grip was composite nicely, exhibiting both blackness and tan colors. Both mags were tan, every bit you tin meet from my pics. Speaking of mags, they didn't transport 10-circular magazines. Instead, they went for the "full meal bargain" on the 30-round extended mag. I recently reviewed the Troy Defence force M5 9mm Carbine with 1 10-round Glock magazine. For those states that ban such things, I causeless they pack their firearms with the smallest mag chapters possible. It was a relief to learn that this burglarize came with not one, but two long magazines. Here'southward the mag, from their site:
The mag isn't only a 30-rounder, merely it'due south cheap and information technology works. For instance, I take null confronting polymer mags ― I but have as well many steel ones to offset collecting polymer. And one big reward ― you drop the above mag, it bounces. No dings or dents. For $9 ― from the factory, no less ― you can stock upwardly. In instance you wanted metal or other types of mag, at that place are no worries. Most chiefly, information technology shows vi unlike styles and brands of magazines on its site, ranging from $nine to $25 and with a 5- to 45- circular capacity.
The Gun Case
The gun example that the burglarize came in was interesting. It has the visitor logo molded into the front end and is pretty sturdy. It has two metal clasps at the front and full foam padding on the inside. Some folks don't pay attention to the example their new gun comes in, but I do. I figured some folks may not take the cash to invest in a gun safe. So, the gun better arrive in a decent hard instance, preferably one that'south lockable. Merely if your gun doesn't come in ane, hither's a list of good AR-fifteen cases.
The last long gun I reviewed came in a cardboard box, which offered picayune protection. This gun was different. Equally you lot can see in our reviews of handguns, some companies may put a mediocre product in a whiz-blindside difficult case. All else being equal, I'll take a skillful-quality firearm in a paper-thin box. For example, look at my excellent 1982-vintage Southward&W 629 8 ⅜-inch-barreled .44 Magnum. It came in a cardboard box. If you don't have a gun chiffonier or prophylactic, you need a decent hard instance to put the gun in. Even something as small as dust can wreak havoc with your scope or finely tuned action. Safe is also a business organisation.
I am doubly impressed with this gun and instance because both seem to exist of high quality.
Shooting the Rock River Arms LAR-15 BTB
On a cold 24-hour interval, I shot the BTB at my backyard range. I used the gun's stock sights instead of adding a scope or red dot. Merely wanted to see how it worked right out of the box. The fold-down or fold-up sights were, like most backup sights, both like shooting fish in a barrel and not like shooting fish in a barrel to pick up.
What do I mean? Those of you who accept shot a rear-aperture-band/front end-mail setup know what I'm talking well-nigh. The ring on the rear sight was typical. It did its task well, directing my heart to the front postal service. Here'due south where it gets a bit sticky: similar nigh all other forepart AR posts, the mail service is black and minor. I've said before that sometimes my glasses aren't the best at putting everything in focus. I had to concur my head at an angle to see the sights. Plus, the post is black.
On my Del-Ton AR, I used white liquid paper to brand the forepart sight brighter and easier to see. While not the best, information technology was what I had bachelor. I get it, this wouldn't be a big deal if you are younger than 50 years old. If yous were shooting at a range not surrounded on three sides by hills and copse. It's pretty dark and gets increasingly so this time of the year. And then, with all my lame excuses laid out, let me say that the gun did pretty well.
I concluded up shooting some armor-piercing bullet ammo that I bought a few years agone and was glad that I saved it. They were pretty constructive at punching holes in the steel plate. That was fun. For photos and a video of us perforating some fairly thick metal, check out my slice on the AR-50 .50BMG bolt activeness. That was a fun shoot.
Except for one type of ammo, the Remington manifestly-Jane "light-green box" 55-grain .223, I had good results with everything I shot.
I couldn't get a unmarried i of the .223 to "bang" and I'grand not sure why, to be honest. I think it was the longer 5.56mm bedchamber not allowing the cartridge to seat securely plenty in the chamber for the firing pivot to attain the primer. That really doesn’t make much sense since the .223/five.56 cases are basically the same
I don't know where else to look for a reason, still. I'd heard that non all .223 rounds may function in a 5.56mm burglarize due to their chamber and the longer leade. Anyhow, information technology was no large bargain as I just shot other types. The 5.56 rounds mentioned in a higher place were fun and predictable.
The sights were good and the trigger was more acceptable. The fit of the gun was fine equally well. I enjoyed shooting information technology. I reloaded .223, but I refrained from shooting my loads in a examination gun. They work fine and are accurate in mine.
What did I call back of the Rock River Arms LAR-fifteen? I liked information technology. You might call back I've never met a gun I didn't similar, but that isn't the instance. This rifle was well-made, robust, and enjoyable to fire for me.
Here's a close-up photo of one of the rounds I shot.
The Engineer'south Study
Before we end our await at the Rock River Artillery LAR-xv rifle, I thought I might add some comments from ane of my sons. He'southward a manufacturing engineer at a regional automotive parts casting facility. I took the gun to him considering I wanted him to run into the rifle as an engineer. He'southward also qualified as an AR fan. He owns at least one of his ain and has taken it apart and modified it several times. He helped me build mine several years agone. Hither are his observations.
The Case
He started with the case the gun came in. It uses rotating hinge pins instead of a tab to connect the halves. It has metal clasps on the front and stiff cream within. The case will agree upward to continuous use. It was likewise cleanly molded in terms of the logo on the peak one-half.
The Rifle
- Fasteners: These are socket heads, not hex heads, and are of industrial forcefulness.
- Handguard: Made of reinforced drinking glass fiber and well-made. This is more than expensive to brand than plain plastic. It wears molds out quicker. Even the inside is well-finished, which it didn't demand to be.
- Mag: The halves are well-matched, with the overall finish very well washed. No molding lines are visible.
- Rail: The rail are threaded into flat metal T-nuts, non a plastic insert.
- Engraving: The lettering is clearly cut with no "fuzz" or rolled-over edges.
- Trigger components: MIM cast to precise tolerances. At that place's not much evidence of post-processing.
- Overall metal finish: It'due south very even with no "waves" or other anomalies.
- Threads: The threads for the stock and barrel weren't overly sharp. There is no "chattering" evident.
- Bolt: He wasn't sure if the bolt had been shot-peened, just information technology had been post-process finished. The commodities screws are from Fang Sheng Screw Company in Taiwan (YFS marked on the heads). This company's products are built to either ISO 17025/9001/14001 or ISO/TS 16949 standards. They are very tough.
- General metal fit: No burrs or sharp edges â€" it had been blended very well. The radiuses had been hand-blended, most of them. There aren't many tool paths, It's very shine with no snagging of fibers from a fabric.
As I said, he's a shooter and knows of gunsmiths who have bought Rock River Arms rifles because of their quality.
What Compares to the Rock River Artillery LAR-fifteen?
Diamondback Firearms DB15 5.56 NATO 16″ Blackness
If yous desire like specs for less, Diamondback Firearms' DB15 is a great starter option. Information technology costs over $200 less than the Rock River Arms LAR-15. For less, you are getting an authentic burglarize with a comparable twist rate of 1:8. It's too virtually a pound lighter. You'll be carrying a slightly lighter rifle and shooting virtually the same ammo grains. This burglarize also has a half dozen-point collapsible and foldable buttstock. What information technology doesn't have are sights, merely you lot can install all kinds of optics in its free-floating M-LOK rail.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15T Two
The S&Due west M&P 15T Ii is another culling, admitting costing $400 more. Information technology's still relatively affordable for what it offers, and then don't be put off past the price. The proprietary K&P pistol grip with interchangeable palm swells is interesting. The flat-faced trigger is a nifty feature to have. With its full-length, free-float rails, you accept a wide range of accompaniment options. The controls, other than the mag release, are ambidextrous. The barrel twist of 1:8 is as well like to the Stone River Artillery LAR-xv and Diamondback DB15. If you tin afford to pay more for premium features, check out the M&P 15T II.
Ramp Up Your Rock River Arms LAR-15
Aero Precision AR-15 Enhanced M-LOK Handguards 12″, Gen two
Improve your rifle's accuracy by swapping the drop-in rail for a free-float one. Aero Precision'south enhanced handguards are lightweight. The scalloped rails allow for a ameliorate grip. This is an M-LOK-compatible costless-bladder handguard. With this, you tin can mount accessories easily onto your Stone River Artillery LAR-15.
Stone River Arms AR-xv National Lucifer two-Stage Trigger
Another part you can upgrade for accuracy is the trigger. By converting the trigger to a ii-stage one, y'all tin can ensure more precise shots. Note that a 2-stage trigger isn't necessarily a improve trigger. Are you unsure about the ii? And then check out this article differentiating the 2 trigger types. If y'all want to expect at other trigger options, nosotros exercise have a buying list for AR-15 triggers.
CVLIFE Red & Dark-green Illuminated Scope
Are you lot shooting at farther distances or need the actress magnification? This scope can offer you lot both. Magnification is available from two.5x to 10x, with a standard 40mm objective. Coincidentally, this is MeatEater's favorite telescopic magnification. CVLIFE's mount is durable, made from high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum. The manufacturer claims that their green multicoated lens has a higher low-cal transmittance than scopes with blue lenses. The specs say that they're for Dovetail mounts, merely don't worry equally they can fit Picatinny rails merely fine.
Thousand & A Parts AR-15/M16 Apartment-Top Scope Mountain
If y'all are going to use a telescopic, you need a mount that can provide a secure attachment for it. This scope mount from M&A Parts is affordable without sacrificing reliability. Because it's a one-piece mount, it provides a sturdy base of operations that tin can withstand impact.
To Sum Up
Rock River Arms LAR rifles are some of the all-time AR-pattern guns you can buy. If you don't believe me, ask anyone who works for the DEA, FBI, U.Due south. Marshals, or any one of thousands of satisfied civilian buyers. These rifles are tough and stand upward well to abuse. They are accurate and made out of some very tough parts. I don't think y'all could practise much ameliorate. If you are in the market for an AR, I'd like to say that I was blown away past the price of the gun I tested. For slightly more than an $800 manufacturer's suggested retail cost (MSRP), you become a rifle that should last you a lifetime. One that you could even so pass down to your kids. The actual real-earth pricing starts at around $750. I don't recall you could do much ameliorate than that.
If you lot're looking at more options for AR-15s, we have compiled all our AR-15 & AR-10 articles in one spot. We've spent hundreds of hours and thousands of rounds of ammo for our reviews, so I'm hoping they serve yous well. As always, get out a comment below for all to read so get shooting. Just stay condom.
Source: https://www.snipercountry.com/rock-river-arms-lar-15-review/
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