Description
You’re on a long stalk, miles from the truck. Every ounce feels like a pound, and that standard AR you love suddenly feels like an anchor. That’s the scenario the Rock River LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Light Predator 2L is built for. It’s a purpose-driven, lightweight hunting and predator rifle designed from the ground up to be carried far and shot accurately, without breaking your back or the bank compared to custom builds.
The Rock RIver LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Light Predator 2L 5.56/223 16″ LW Fluted Barrel Black Finish 20 Rd Mag is a premium, lightweight AR-15 platform rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. It features a 16-inch fluted stainless steel barrel, a specialized lightweight handguard, and a tuned two-stage trigger, all curated under the guidance of professional hunter Fred Eichler for serious field use. This rifle is designed for hunters who demand reliability and reduced weight over long distances.
Let’s talk about where your money goes. The heart of this system is that 16-inch Lightweight Fluted barrel. Fluting shaves unneeded metal, improving heat dissipation and cutting weight where it matters most—out front. This isn’t just a cosmetic cut; it’s a functional reduction that makes the rifle noticeably quicker to shoulder and steadier offhand. The barrel’s chamber is optimized for both 5.56 and .223, giving you ammo flexibility. At just over 6.5 pounds unloaded, this rifle is a full pound or more lighter than many off-the-shelf AR-15s. That’s a significant difference after a full day afield.
The upper receiver is paired with a slim, free-float aluminum handguard. It provides a solid mounting platform for optics or a forward grip while keeping your hands away from barrel heat. The real value play? It comes with Rock River’s renowned National Match two-stage trigger. For a rifle at this price point of $1828.30, getting a crisp, predictable trigger out of the box is a major win—it’s a drop-in ready upgrade you don’t have to buy separately. The lower receiver houses this trigger and is built to standard mil-spec dimensions. This means it’s mil-spec compatible with a vast array of aftermarket grips, stocks, and triggers if you ever want to tweak it further.
Look, you could piece together a similar lightweight build yourself. But by the time you source a quality fluted barrel, a free-float rail, and a good two-stage trigger, you’ll be at or above this price—and you’ll still have to assemble it. Here, Rock River delivers a complete, tested system. It ships with a 20-round magazine, ready for your preferred optic. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, requiring an FFL transfer for firearm purchases.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington |
| Barrel | 16″ Lightweight Fluted Stainless Steel |
| Overall Length | Approx. 32-35″ (stock collapsed/extended) |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 Rounds (1 included) |
| Trigger | National Match Two-Stage |
| Handguard | Free-Float Aluminum |
Pros: The standout advantage is the intelligent weight savings without sacrificing barrel integrity. The included two-stage trigger is a huge value-add, providing immediate performance. The rifle’s compatibility with standard AR-15 parts, like Magpul PMAGs or B5 Systems stocks, offers easy personalization. Its fluted barrel also aids in cooling during extended range sessions.
Cons: The premium materials and machining come at a cost; it’s not a budget-tier AR. As a dedicated hunting platform, it forgoes some tactical features like a full-length Picatinny top rail on the handguard. The lightweight profile can also mean slightly more felt recoil than a heavier bull-barreled rifle, though in 5.56 it’s very manageable.
So who is this for? It’s for the serious varmint and predator hunter who covers ground. It’s for the landowner who needs a dependable, lightweight tool for managing coyotes or hogs. It’s also an excellent choice for the shooter who wants a high-quality, accurate AR that won’t fatigue them during all-day training classes or competitions. If your priority is a do-it-all “battle rifle” with every rail imaginable, other models might fit better. But if carrying weight is your primary concern, this one is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle device?
A: Yes, the 16-inch lightweight fluted barrel comes with a standard 1/2″-28 thread pitch, allowing you to attach a flash hider, compensator, or suppressor mount. A standard A2 flash hider is installed from the factory.
Q: Can I use standard AR-15 magazines with this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The lower receiver is mil-spec and designed to work flawlessly with any standard USGI or commercial AR-15 magazine, such as those from Magpul, Lancer, or Hexmag, in addition to the included 20-round magazine.
Q: Is this rifle suitable for deer hunting in Missouri?
A: While the 5.56/.223 cartridge is capable for deer with proper shot placement and appropriate ammunition, Missouri regulations should always be checked first. Many hunters successfully use this cartridge for whitetail, but some states have minimum caliber restrictions. Always verify with local game laws before hunting.
For a detailed, field-ready hunting AR that saves weight where it counts without cutting corners, the Fred Eichler Series Light Predator 2L presents a compelling package. See the full details on our product page.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.