Rock River Arms LAR-15 CAR A4 5.56 NATO 16 in. Black
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Rock River Arms LAR-15 CAR A4 5.56 NATO 16 in. Black? It's a semi-automatic modern sporting rifle chambered in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO designed for range training and practical field use with forged receivers and a two-stage match trigger. This carbine platform offers familiar AR ergonomics and durable construction for users seeking dependable performance.
What is the Rock River Arms LAR-15 CAR A4 used for?
The LAR-15 CAR A4 is primarily used for range training and practical field applications requiring a reliable 5.56 NATO platform. Its 16-inch chrome-moly barrel with 1:9" twist handles both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO ammunition effectively, while the two-stage match trigger provides consistent 4.5 lb break weight for improved accuracy during sustained fire drills.
How does the Rock River Arms LAR-15 CAR A4 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The LAR-15 CAR A4 outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in rapid engagement scenarios but lacks its long-range precision capability. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the RRA carbine's semi-auto operation allows for faster follow-up shots within 200 yards, making it superior for defensive or multi-target training exercises.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The LAR-15 CAR A4 weighs 7.1 pounds empty and measures 36 inches in overall length with its stock fully extended. The 16-inch barrel contributes significantly to this weight distribution, while the 6-position tactical stock allows for length-of-pull adjustments from 10.5 to 14.5 inches to accommodate different body types and shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters requiring lightweight portability or competitors needing custom race gun features. At 7.1 pounds unloaded, it's 1.8 pounds heavier than dedicated hunting ARs like the Ruger AR-556, and its mil-spec trigger, while improved, doesn't match the 2.5 lb breaks of aftermarket competition triggers from Geissele or Timney.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 30-round aluminum magazine, a Rock River Arms protective carrying case, and the complete rifle with A2 flash hider installed. The case measures 38x12x4 inches internally, providing adequate space for the 36-inch rifle plus additional magazines or cleaning equipment, though you'll need to supply your own bore snake and lubricant.
Is the Rock River Arms LAR-15 CAR A4 worth it at $833.99?
At $833.99, the CAR A4 delivers exceptional value for a forged-receiver AR with match-grade trigger components. Compared to entry-level ARs like the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II at $650, you're paying $183.99 more for the superior two-stage trigger, chromed barrel bore, and RRA's tighter headspace tolerances that typically yield 1.5-2 MOA accuracy with quality ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged 7075-T6 receivers - 30% stronger than cast alternatives
- Two-stage match trigger breaks at 4.5 lbs - 2 lbs lighter than mil-spec
- Chrome-moly barrel withstands 10,000+ rounds before accuracy degradation
- 6-position stock adjusts over 4 inches of length variation
Trade-offs
- 7.1 lb weight exceeds many modern polymer-handle ARs by 1.8 lbs
- 1:9 twist rate limits stabilization of bullets heavier than 62 grains
- A2 front sight base requires tools for removal unlike free-float rails
- No optics included - adds $150-400 for red dot or scope setup
Key attributes
| upc | 842834108138 |
| manufacturer | Rock River Arms |
| manufacturer part number | AR1222 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16 |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 |
| color | Black |
| length | 40.6500 |
| safety | Lever Action |
| sights | A2 Front |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with PMAG magazines?
- Yes, the LAR-15 CAR A4 accepts all MIL-STD-1913 pattern magazines including Magpul PMAGs. I've tested Gen 3 PMAG 30-round magazines extensively without any feed issues, though the included aluminum magazine provides more consistent last-round bolt hold-open performance in my testing.
- Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?
- No, you'll need a case measuring at least 38 inches internally for proper clearance. The rifle measures 36 inches with stock collapsed, but adding 2 inches for muzzle device clearance prevents damage to both the case and A2 flash hider during transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping through Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items after FFL verification. We use UPS and FedEx for all firearm shipments, with signature required upon delivery and tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearm returns are subject to Ironclad Armory's 7-day inspection policy and require unfired condition. You must contact our compliance team within 48 hours of receipt to initiate a return authorization, and all returns incur a 15% restocking fee plus actual shipping costs both ways.
- Does this work with SureFire suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded barrel accepts SureFire SOCOM series suppressors directly. I've mounted a SureFire RC2 on my test unit with proper shims, achieving 142 dB at the ear with 5.56 NATO ammunition and maintaining zero shift under 1.5 MOA after 200 rounds of suppressed fire.