Shooting Ruger's AR556

posted on October 9, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rugerar556.jpg

The first firearm designed and built in Ruger's Mayodan, N.C., plant, the AR556 is a step in a new direction for the firm's AR-15-inspired carbines. It's also one of the most budget-friendly offerings from a major U.S. manufacturer.

The trimmed-down carbine features a 16" cold-hammer forged barrel with 1:8" twist, a gas block with integral front sight, bayonet lug and QD port, a polymer flip-up rear sight and an innovative barrel nut and delta ring assembly that replaces the traditional spring-tensioned design.

Although the rifle's suggested retail price is $749, expect to see in-store models priced right around the $600 mark. Ruger is able to achieve this wallet-friendly price point by building the lion's share of the gun's components in-house. The firm has invested a lot of time and effort into streamlining and economizing manufacture, the AR556 is a product that will pass the savings on to consumers.

Watch the video below for more, and be sure to visit Ruger.

Latest

Keltec Pr3at 1
Keltec Pr3at 1

The PR-3AT: KelTec's Magazine-Free .380

At its heart, the KelTec PR-3AT is a compact concealed-carry pistol chambered in .380 ACP that uses the same rotary-barrel and top-loading, magazine-free design as the PR57.

The 1911 DS Warrior: Kimber's Budget-Priced Double-Stack

With its new 1911 DS Warrior, Kimber is offering a more affordably priced option to handgun enthusiasts looking for a do-it-all double-stack that still retains key 1911 features.

Staccato Expands HD Lineup With C4X Carry Models

Staccato announced a new flagship model in its HD line of guns at SHOT Show 2026: the HD C4X.

Deciphering (Mostly Nonsensical) Cartridge Nomenclature

If you’re perplexed by the naming practices used by our wildcatting forefathers and cartridge makers but are still curious about what they mean, read on.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 19, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

"9 mm Optimized, But 10 mm Capable:" Dead Air's New RXD910Ti Suppressor

The new Dead Air RXD910Ti harnesses the technology of the patented Triskelion baffle system to make for a 9 mm-optimized silencer that is also capable for use with 10 mm pistol cartridges and more.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.