Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, lining up for a CMP or NRA High Power match, and the shooter next to you is running a custom-built rifle with a price tag that could buy a used car. You shoulder your rifle, a Rock River Arms LAR-15 National Match CMP Rifle AR-15 223/5.56/.223 Wylde, 16″ Barrel, 2 Stage Trigger, 20rd Mag, and proceed to stack rounds in the black. That’s the value proposition here—a purpose-built competition rifle that delivers serious accuracy without a custom shop invoice. For $1315.99, it bridges the gap between a standard AR and a full-blown match gun.
Answer Capsule: The Rock River Arms LAR-15 National Match CMP Rifle is a semi-automatic AR-15 platform rifle chambered in .223 Wylde, designed for service rifle competition. It features a 16-inch chrome-moly barrel with a 1:8 twist, a premium two-stage trigger, and National Match sights, offering out-of-the-box readiness for CMP and NRA High Power events.
Let’s break down what makes this rifle a standout for the budget-conscious competitor. The heart of any accurate rifle is the barrel, and RRA didn’t cut corners. The 16-inch chrome-moly steel barrel uses a 1:8 twist rate, a versatile middle-ground that stabilizes both lighter 55-grain plinking ammo and heavier 69-77 grain match bullets essential for reaching out to 600 yards. The .223 Wylde chamber is the real key—it’s designed to safely and accurately fire both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO rounds with improved precision. You get the flexibility of using cheaper 5.56 for practice and .223 match-grade ammo for competition, all from one rifle. This hybrid chamber is a smart, cost-effective engineering solution.
The trigger is where you’ll feel the difference immediately. Rock River Arms installs their own two-stage match trigger, which is a massive upgrade over a standard mil-spec single-stage. The first stage takes up slack cleanly, followed by a distinct, crisp second-stage break. This gives you incredible control for precise shot placement, especially in the offhand and rapid-fire stages of a match. It’s a drop-in ready component that would cost you over $100 to add to a basic AR, and here it’s included from the start. The rifle also uses a standard A2-style fixed stock, which provides a consistent length of pull and cheek weld, critical for repeatable shooting positions. At approximately 8.5 pounds unloaded, it has a solid, stable feel that manages recoil effectively.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 Wylde (Chambered for .223 Rem & 5.56 NATO) |
| Barrel | 16″ Chrome Moly, 1:8 Twist, A2 Flash Hider |
| Trigger | RRA Two-Stage National Match |
| Sights | National Match A2 Front & Rear |
| Stock | A2 Fixed Rifle Stock |
| Magazine | 20-Round Aluminum Included |
| Lower Receiver | Forged A4 with USGI Markings |
Pros & Cons: The biggest pro is getting a competition-ready rifle for just over thirteen hundred dollars. The two-stage trigger and match-grade sights are huge value-adds. The .223 Wylde chamber offers ammo flexibility and inherent accuracy. The cons? The 16-inch barrel, while handy, gives up some velocity compared to a 20-inch barrel, which can matter at the longest ranges. The fixed A2 stock isn’t adjustable, so it may not fit every shooter perfectly without modification. And look, it’s a dedicated competition tool—it’s heavier than a carbine and not ideal for tactical courses or hunting.
Who is this rifle for? It’s built for the new or budget-minded competitive shooter entering CMP Service Rifle or NRA High Power matches. It’s also an excellent choice for a precision-oriented recreational shooter who wants an AR that can do more than just punch paper at 100 yards. If you appreciate the fundamentals of marksmanship and want a rifle that rewards good technique without demanding a second mortgage, this RRA model hits a very sweet spot. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle legal for CMP and NRA High Power Service Rifle competition?
A: Yes, in its as-configured state. It meets the criteria for the Modern Military Rifle category in CMP Games matches and similar NRA competitions with its service rifle sights, fixed stock, and standard configuration. Always check the latest rulebooks for your specific event.
Q: Can I use my existing AR-15 magazines with this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The lower receiver is a standard mil-spec design, making it fully compatible with any mil-spec AR-15 magazines from brands like Magpul, Lancer, and USGI. The included 20-round aluminum magazine is a classic service rifle style.
Q: Why a 16-inch barrel instead of 20 inches for competition?
A: The 16-inch barrel makes the rifle more maneuverable and slightly lighter, which is a benefit in offhand shooting. While a 20-inch barrel provides higher muzzle velocity, the 16-inch tube with a 1:8 twist is still highly capable out to 600 yards with the right ammunition, offering a good balance of performance and handling.
If you’re ready to step up to a rifle built for accuracy right from the factory, the Rock River Arms National Match CMP rifle represents a serious value. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.