Description
The Rock River Arms LAR-15 Coyote Carbine .223/5.56, 16″ Barrel, M-LOK, Black, 20rd is a purpose-built, lightweight AR-15 platform rifle designed for hunters and shooters who need a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-customize carbine. It’s a no-fuss, high-quality rifle that bridges the gap between a tactical workhorse and a dedicated varmint gun. I’ve put several hundred rounds of mixed .223 and 5.56 through this model, and it’s proven to be a solid, dependable performer right out of the box.
Key Features
- Lightweight, Free-Floated M-LOK Handguard: The slim, 12-inch aluminum handguard keeps weight down and heat off your support hand while offering a ton of modern mounting real estate.
- RRA Two-Stage National Match Trigger: This is a standout feature. It provides a crisp, predictable break that significantly aids accuracy over a standard mil-spec single-stage.
- 16″ Chrome-Moly Vanadium Barrel: A great balance of maneuverability and velocity, with a 1:9 twist rate that handles a wide range of common .223 and 5.56 ammunition weights effectively.
- Coyote-Specific Furniture: The collapsible stock and pistol grip come in a flat dark earth color, giving it a distinct, ready-for-the-field look straight from Rock River Arms.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Twist Rate | 1:9 inches |
| Handguard | 12″ M-LOK Aluminum |
| Trigger | RRA Two-Stage National Match |
| Weight (approx.) | 6.5 lbs |
The rifle ships with one 20-round magazine, which is a practical choice for both bench shooting and carrying in the field. The upper and lower receivers are forged and finished in a durable black anodize, creating a sharp two-tone contrast with the coyote furniture. Here’s the thing—at a price of $1305.66, you’re getting a rifle with several premium features, like that excellent trigger, that you’d typically pay extra to add to a base model AR. The total length with the stock collapsed is about 34 inches, making it easy to handle in a vehicle or a blind.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Coyote Carbine is ideal for the Missouri hunter targeting coyotes, prairie dogs, or other small to medium-sized varmints. It’s also a fantastic choice for the shooter who wants a single, versatile AR that can pull duty on the range, in a defensive role, or during hunting season without needing a complete reconfiguration. If you appreciate a refined trigger pull and a lightweight front end but don’t want to piece together a custom rifle yourself, this model hits a sweet spot.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The two-stage trigger is a genuine upgrade that makes precise shots easier. The free-float M-LOK handguard is modern, lightweight, and ready for lights, lasers, or bipods—I mounted a Magpul M-LOK bipod adapter without any issue. The overall fit and finish from Rock River Arms are consistently top-tier, and the rifle is mil-spec compatible where it counts, so parts like triggers and grips are easy to swap.
Cons: The 1:9 twist barrel, while versatile, may not stabilize the heaviest 70+ grain bullets as well as a 1:7 or 1:8 barrel would for extreme long-range varminting. Some pure tacticians might prefer a full-black rifle, but the two-tone scheme has grown on me. It’s a specific look for a specific purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle ready to shoot as soon as I get it?
A: Yes, it’s drop-in ready. It comes with one 20-round magazine. You’ll need to supply your own optic or iron sights, ammunition, and ensure you complete the required FFL transfer for firearm purchases. After that, you’re good to go.
Q: What optics work well on this carbine?
A: Given its intended role, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-6x or 1-8x range is an excellent match. I’ve also had great results with a simple 3-9x hunting scope for longer shots. The flat-top upper receiver is compatible with any standard AR-15 optic mount.
Q: Can I use PMAGs or other standard AR magazines?
A: Absolutely. The lower receiver is designed to work with standard AR-15 magazines. I’ve used Magpul PMAGs, USGI aluminum mags, and Lancers without a single hiccup. It feeds .223 and 5.56 reliably from all quality magazines.
Look, if you’re after a high-quality, factory-built AR-15 that’s already optimized for hunting and precision shooting without the plain-Jane look, the Rock River Arms Coyote Carbine deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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