The Ruger AR-556 is a versatile, American-made modern sporting rifle that combines reliability, accuracy, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced shooters.
Key Features
Barrel and Chamber:
- Equipped with a 16.10-inch cold hammer-forged alloy steel barrel featuring a 1:8" twist rate, the AR-556 is optimized for accuracy with a wide range of bullet weights, from 35 to 77 grains. The barrel's 5.56 NATO chamber allows for the use of both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, providing versatility in ammunition selection.
Ruger
- Equipped with a 16.10-inch cold hammer-forged alloy steel barrel featuring a 1:8" twist rate, the AR-556 is optimized for accuracy with a wide range of bullet weights, from 35 to 77 grains. The barrel's 5.56 NATO chamber allows for the use of both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, providing versatility in ammunition selection.
Gas System and Handguard:
- Utilizing a carbine-length gas system, the rifle ensures reliable cycling and reduced recoil. The heat-resistant, glass-filled nylon handguard is designed for comfort and durability, and the barrel nut and delta ring assembly allow for easy, one-person disassembly and reassembly.
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- Utilizing a carbine-length gas system, the rifle ensures reliable cycling and reduced recoil. The heat-resistant, glass-filled nylon handguard is designed for comfort and durability, and the barrel nut and delta ring assembly allow for easy, one-person disassembly and reassembly.
Sights and Optics:
- The AR-556 comes with a Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight, which provides windage adjustability and pairs with the A2-style, F-height, elevation-adjustable front sight for a solid, reliable aiming system. The flat-top upper receiver features a Picatinny rail, allowing for easy attachment of various optics to suit individual preferences.
Ruger
- The AR-556 comes with a Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight, which provides windage adjustability and pairs with the A2-style, F-height, elevation-adjustable front sight for a solid, reliable aiming system. The flat-top upper receiver features a Picatinny rail, allowing for easy attachment of various optics to suit individual preferences.
Stock and Ergonomics:
- Featuring a six-position, telescoping, M4-style buttstock and Mil-Spec buffer tube, the rifle can be adjusted to fit different shooters or accommodate varying levels of outerwear. The enlarged trigger guard is designed to allow gloved shooting in cold weather, enhancing usability in diverse conditions.
Ruger
- Featuring a six-position, telescoping, M4-style buttstock and Mil-Spec buffer tube, the rifle can be adjusted to fit different shooters or accommodate varying levels of outerwear. The enlarged trigger guard is designed to allow gloved shooting in cold weather, enhancing usability in diverse conditions.
Construction and Durability:
- Constructed with 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forgings, the AR-556 is built for durability. The shot-peened and proof-tested 9310 steel bolt and 8620 steel bolt carrier ensure longevity and reliable performance. The inside diameter of the carrier and gas key are chrome-plated, and the key is staked for added durability.
Ruger
- Constructed with 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forgings, the AR-556 is built for durability. The shot-peened and proof-tested 9310 steel bolt and 8620 steel bolt carrier ensure longevity and reliable performance. The inside diameter of the carrier and gas key are chrome-plated, and the key is staked for added durability.
Generational Improvements
The AR-556 introduces several enhancements over previous Ruger models:
Enhanced Barrel Design: The cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:8" twist rate provides exceptional accuracy across a broad range of bullet weights.
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Improved Sighting System: The inclusion of the Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight offers greater flexibility and ease of use compared to fixed sights.
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User-Friendly Disassembly: The design of the barrel nut and delta ring allows for easy, one-person disassembly and reassembly of the handguard, simplifying maintenance and customization.
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Applications
Recreational Shooting:
- The AR-556's adaptability and user-friendly features make it suitable for recreational shooting, offering a reliable platform for target practice and informal competitions.
Home Defense:
- With its adjustable stock, reliable gas system, and compatibility with various optics, the AR-556 serves as an effective option for home defense scenarios.
Hunting:
- Chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington, the rifle is appropriate for hunting small to medium-sized game, providing accuracy and dependability in the field.
Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
- Barrel Length: 16.10 inches
- Twist Rate: 1:8" RH
- Overall Length: 32.25" – 35.50"
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Stock: Black Synthetic, Collapsible
- Sights: Adjustable Post Front Sight; Adjustable Ruger® Rapid Deploy Rear Sight
- Finish: Type III Hard-Coat Anodized
- Capacity: 30 rounds
Why It’s Special
The Ruger AR-556 stands out for its combination of reliability, accuracy, and affordability. Its user-friendly features, such as the adjustable stock and easy disassembly, make it accessible to a wide range of shooters. The rifle's robust construction ensures durability, while its compatibility with various optics and accessories allows for customization to meet individual needs.
The Ruger AR-556 is a well-rounded modern sporting rifle that offers exceptional value. Its blend of performance, versatility, and user-friendly features makes it a compelling choice for shooters seeking a dependable and adaptable firearm.
Please visit the manufacturer's website for more information.