Shooting Ruger's AR556

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.

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