• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Guns Holsters And Gear

honest reviews and news on firearms

  • Home
  • 2020 SHOT Show
  • Reviews
    • Ammo
    • Books
    • Flashlights
    • Guns
    • Hearing Protection
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Survival Gear
  • Resources
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Review Policy
    • Site Index
  • NRA Lifetime Membership
You are here: Home / 2012 SHOT Show / Rock River LAR-47

Rock River LAR-47

by: Aaron 8 Comments

Aaron got a close look at the Rock River LAR-47 at the 2012 SHOT Show.  Here are his thoughts on the rifle.

Rock River Arms (RRA) has become one of the hottest AR-15 rifle manufactures in the country. Brothers Mark and Chuck Larson founded the company in 1996, after spending about 15 years as armorers with Springfield Armory, Les Baer Custom, and Eagle Arms – where they worked on AR platforms.

The RRA LAR-15 rifles and 2-stage triggers have become synonymous with quality craftsmanship. It was that quality that led the DEA to award RRA a contract for patrol rifles back in 2003, beating out several of the “majors” rifles for the bid. That bid alone may have propelled RRA into the AR market spotlight at an early age when most weapon manufacturers are still trying to work out the bugs of their brand name. RRA has excelled at making excellent rifles, and the number of agencies and personal owners has increased accordingly.

Rock River LAR-47

Though they have experience building 1911 pistols, RRA has for years focused their attention solely on AR-15 rifle platforms.

That is until now!

At the 2012 SHOT SHOW Rock River Arms announced that in 2012 they will begin distribution of the RRA LAR-47 CAR A4 – a sweet combination of the AR-15 and AK-47 platforms that RRA calls “a match made in heaven”. I talked with RRA representative, Steve Mayer about this truly unique innovation in the rifle market.

At first look I thought that just the magazine well had been redesigned, along with a proper bolt, feed ramps and barrel. Mayer explained that this isn’t just an AR-15 that has been designed to take AK-47 magazines. In fact, the entire upper and lower receivers are proprietary components of the new RRA design. In spite of the proprietary design, the LAR-47 will accept all standard steel, and polymer AK-47 magazines.

Rock River LAR-47

There will be two initial versions of the LAR-47. The Standard Model AK1263 and the Deluxe Model AK 1291.
Here are the features of the Standard Model LAR-47 AK1263:

  • 16-inch, 7.62x39mm chrome-lined heavy barrel
  • Chromed 7.62x39mm bolt carrier group
  • 1:10 RH twist barrel
  • Proprietary billet A4 upper receiver
  • Proprietary billet LAR-47 lower receiver
  • RRA 2-stage trigger group
  • RRA LAR-47 winter trigger guard
  • Ambidextrous magazine release
  • Standard safety selector
  • RRA 6-position Tactical CAR stock
  • A2 pistol grip
  • Standard CAR handguard
  • Picatinny flat top rail
  • Standard A2 front sight
  • Unloaded weight – approximately 7.1 pounds
  • Approximate total length – 36” (extended stock I believe)
  • Includes AK-47 magazine (steel), case, manual and RRA limited lifetime warranty
  • MSRP $1200.
Rock River LAR-47

The Deluxe Model LAR-47 AK1291 has all the same features of the Standard Model plus the following upgrades:

  • RRA Delta brake muzzle device
  • RRA Star safety selector
  • RRA 6-position Delta CAR stock – which accepts push-button single point sling mounts, and has a Picatinny rail on the bottom for more traditional sling mounts
  • RRA Delta pistol grip
  • RRA 2-piece quad rail handguard
  • Approximate total length – 36.5” (extended stock I believe)
  • Unloaded weight – approximately 7.75 pounds
  • MSRP $1475

A few advantages I see to an AR-15 platform that can fire AK-47 cartridges are:

  • Similar AR-15 controls – safety, trigger, charging handle, forward assist
  • Ability to shoot 7.62×39 from an AR platform with existing AK-47 hardware
  • Less recoil with 7.62×39, than from more common AR upgrades in .308 (7x62x51)
  • Lighter weight of carrying ammunition, than the common AR upgrades in .308
  • Ammunition and magazines that are similarly priced as AR magazines and ammo
Rock River LAR-47

There are a few disadvantages or negatives I’ve found with this design:

  • The upper and lower receivers are proprietary, which could keep prices high
  • Since the receivers are proprietary, there is no simple receiver/barrel switch out with the shooter’s existing AR-15
  • The magazine release is located within the trigger guard – increasing the risk of AD’s (a better location would have been just in front of and extended below the guard)
  • A standard AK-47 can be bought for about $450-$500, and “tricked” out with many of the same features for $400-$500. That brings the refit price to around $1000, which is $200 less than the Standard model LAR-47.

Despite the negatives I’m excited to see Rock River Arms venture into the market of fusing the AR-15 and AK-47 platforms into one platform. It’s a unique design with similar features, and the price is reasonable.

Perhaps in years to come we’ll see an AR-15 lower receiver that can accept 5.56mm magazines or 7.62x39mm magazines. Then a fairly simple upper receiver and barrel change out could make a more friendly and modular rifle.

Until then, enjoy the creativity of Rock River Arms LAR-47.

Rock River LAR-47

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Randall says

    February 1, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Aaron,

    From the side, it looks like the Unholy Union of East and West. Or like someone took a hatchet to an AR-15’s magazine well and shoved a Kalashnikov banana in its tailpipe. I love my two RRA LAR-15’s, so I know it is built solidly.

    Randall

    Reply
  2. Aaron says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    Randall,

    I’m a big fan of Rock River Arms myself. They have really excelled at making high quality AR-15’s and their 2-stage trigger is one of the best on the market. It will be interesting to see how the LAR-47 is received, but I’m glad someone is willing to give it a shot.

    Aaron

    Reply
  3. Ben says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    Finally, a company that is meeting AK lovers like myself halfway. I’ve always loved shooting the 7.62×39 round and believe that it is superior to the 5.56 NATO round. I also own a Rock River AR-10 that I hunt with but this takes the cake for me. Rock River gets all my AR business now.

    Reply
  4. Aaron says

    February 4, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    With their reputation for excellent rifles I’m sure you can’t go wrong Ben.

    Reply
  5. Michael says

    February 7, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Your remark “Perhaps in years to come we’ll see an AR-15 lower receiver that can accept 5.56mm magazines or 7.62x39mm magazines. Then a fairly simple upper receiver and barrel change out could make a more friendly and modular rifle.”

    Take a look at the MGI Hydra. A modular lower with interchangable mag wells and an upper that has a quick release barrel change. I own the Hydra 7.62×39 with an interchangable 5.56 mag well and it is a great design. They are the original AR platform to take AK mags.

    I am a huge Rock River fan. I own 2 Rock River SBRs. In my opinion, they are the best AR platform manufacturers on the market.

    Reply
  6. Aaron says

    February 8, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    Michael,

    A very big salute to you sir!

    I had never heard of the MGI Hydra but I just checked them out. They advertise that their Marck 15 base system (the “Hydra”) can have the magazine well adjusted and an upper receiver change out in less than 90 seconds – with no tools! The shooter can currently choose from seven caliber changes, with more on the way.

    (.45 ACP, .22 rimfire, .223/5.56mm, 7.62x39mm, 6.5 Grendel, .6.8 SPC, .450 Thumper, .458 SOCOM, or .50 Beowolf)

    The Hydra is already in use at several U.S. law enforcement agencies and with the Feds.

    Check out their site:
    http://www.mgi-military.com/index.php?id=27&sub_id=17

    Thanks again Michael!

    Reply
  7. Michael says

    February 8, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    You are welcome, Aaron. MGI is a great company with outstanding customer service and satisfaction. If my memory serves me well, they were originally part of Bushmaster. Too bad they are so back logged (for the best part of a year) because I really want the 45ACP conversion.

    And just for the future, please no salutes! I worked for a living…. MSG (RET).

    Reply
  8. Aaron says

    February 23, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Here’s another AR-platform 7.62x39mm option from ArmaLite.

    http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=15A4C-7.62X39&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=8e8e5de6-5022-483e-812b-822e58014822

    Aaron

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join or Die Flag NRA

NRA Life Membership – Best Deal [Limited Time]

Gun owners need to sign up immediately for a lifetime membership to the NRA. Why? Let me tell you. As of January 7, the anti-gun team of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have officially won the White House. The US Congress is also in anti-gun hands. The bottom line: more gun control legislation is coming […]

Most Read Articles

  • What is the best optic for my Glock 43x MOS
    What is the best optic for my Glock 43x MOS
  • Springfield Hellcat Apex Trigger Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering
    Springfield Hellcat Apex Trigger Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering
  • What Optics Will Fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat?
    What Optics Will Fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat?
  • Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Review
    Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Review
  • Girsan MC1911 CT Review
    Girsan MC1911 CT Review
  • Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact Pistol Review
    Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact Pistol Review
  • Cheap Riot Guns
    Cheap Riot Guns
  • Wowtac A1S Flashlight Review - The Budget Torch that Couldn't
    Wowtac A1S Flashlight Review - The Budget Torch that Couldn't
  • Fenix LD15R Review - Handy Flashlight for Utility Use
    Fenix LD15R Review - Handy Flashlight for Utility Use
  • Wowtac A4 V2 Review - Bright Light at a Price
    Wowtac A4 V2 Review - Bright Light at a Price
Installation of Apex Trigger

Springfield Hellcat Apex Trigger Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering

Got a Springfield Hellcat you want to squeeze every bit of performance possible out of? I recommend taking a look at the Action Enhancement Trigger from Apex Tactical Specialties. This user-installable kit promises to retain all of the safety of the stock trigger while improving the break, pull and reset. In this Apex trigger review, […]

Springfield Armory Red Dot Optics

What Optics Will Fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat?

So, you recently purchased a Springfield Armory Hellcat and now you want to add a red dot sight (RDS). The question is “what optics are compatible for a Springfield Hellcat OSP?” Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.

Best Price on the Wilson Combat WCP320

Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Review

The Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry is one of the best 9mm pistols I’ve reviewed. From its announcement as the new standard sidearm for the United States military, the popularity of the SIG SAUER P320 pistol seemingly exploded. Original SIG pistols are in high demand and aftermarket accessories are plentiful. You can even build your own […]

profile shot of the Girsan 1911 pistol

Girsan MC1911 CT Review

In today’s review of the Girsan MC1911 CT, I take a look at a classically designed .45 ACP pistol with modern updates including a red dot sight. What might draw a lot of people in is the low price tag: only $661 at full retail. With the standard features, the gun seems like a great […]

Testing the SA XD SC

Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact Pistol Review

While single-stack 9mm pistols seem to be all the rage in modern concealed carry, subcompact pistols that hold a bit more ammunition shouldn’t be dismissed by anyone interested in personal protection. In this Springfield Armory XD Subcompact pistol review, I take a look at the smallest gun in the company’s Defend Your Legacy Series of […]

Atlanta Police Red Dog Deployed to Protest

Cheap Riot Guns

Riots are raging across the United States – and have been for days. Consequently, I’ve had a number of emails come in from readers who are looking for the best self-defense pistol on a budget. Let’s not forget that the government lockdowns from the health crisis have left many people in a tough financial situation. […]

Copyright © 2021 GunsHolstersAndGear.com
GunsHolstersAndGear.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com