Ruger AR-556: A Top-Selling Semi-Auto Rifle In 2020

by
posted on March 10, 2021
** 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. **
no-2-ruger-ar-556.jpg
Ruger has a longstanding tradition of producing quality firearms at a fair price. Add performance with the durability enthusiasts expect, and it’s a hard-to-beat combination that lands its guns at or near the top of any annual sales list.

Last year the company’s AR-556 claimed second-place honors among semi-automatic rifles on GunBroker.com. It’s a slight drop in stature from its 2019 finish—when it took first—but the scalding firearm sales pace of 2020 indicates the total number sold was still up, likely by a wide margin.

Ruger’s AR-556 has been in the top-10 list since 2015. MSRP for a standard version comes in at $799—the same price as last year if you’re wondering. There are three versions of this family of rifles, and no shortage of options within each.

Standard models are all chambered in 5.56 NATO. Two ship with 30-round magazines, and another pair have state-compliant versions with a 10-cartridge capacity. Barrel length is 16.10", and one model ships without a flash hider or barrel threading for purchase in more restrictive states. Rifling is 1:8" RH and the most expensive model in this line wears Magpul MOE furniture. MSRP for it is $849. All feature Ruger’s Rapid Deploy foldable rear sight and an A2-style sight up front. With a glass-filled polymer handguard and carbine-length gas block they deliver the nimble handling enthusiasts expect in a modern sporting rifle.

There are more chamberings available in Ruger’s MPR line, which features Ruger’s Elite 452 AR-Trigger. Let-off weight in the two-stage trigger is 4.5 lbs. You can select chamberings of 5.56 NATO, .450 Bushmaster or .350 Legend. Barrel lengths depend on cartridge, but run from 16.1" to 18.63". Standard features include free float handguards, the company’s proprietary radial-port muzzle brake and flat-top receiver with Picatinny for optic mounting. MSRPs run from $899 to $1,099. There’s even a Flag model with stars and stripes motif ($949).

Free-Float models are available in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout. They ship with an 11" aluminum handguard with M-LOK slots. The flattop upper receiver makes mounting a scope effortless. Barrel length, regardless of chambering is 16.1", with rate of rifling 1:8" RH in 5.56 and 1:7" RH in .300. A state-complaint version is also available, and MSRPs for all come in at $819.

Latest

Keltec Sub Sdp 1
Keltec Sub Sdp 1

The "Nub Sub:" KelTec's Ultra-Compact SUB-SDP

KelTec is expanding its SUB2000 line yet again with the SUB-SDP, a foldable, braced pistol that KelTec folks colloquially refer to as the "Nub Sub."

Gun of the Week: EAA Girsan Witness2311 CMXX

One of the latest options in EAA's line of 2011-style handguns is the Witness2311 CMXX, which incorporates a large, single-port compensator at the muzzle end.

The Armed Citizen® July 24, 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.

Review: Freedom Ordnance FM-9D

New small arms with groundbreaking designs are rare in an industry where new products tend to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Fortunately, Freedom Ordnance marches to the beat of a different drum and invested its creative energy into developing the unique, innovative FM-9D. 

Number of Retail FFLs Dwindling

The number of retail outlets with an FFL Type 01 license to sell firearms has declined by more than 13 percent in just the last five years.

Ammunition Depot and NRA Partner to Expand Support for Second Amendment Litigation

The NRA has invested more than $3 million in California Second Amendment litigation since 2021 and has provided support for Rhode v. Bonta; Ammunition Depot is launching a checkout donation option to help fund ongoing legal efforts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.