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

AP26072504472802
AP26072504472802

How the Security Team at Temple Israel Stopped a Terrorist

The terrorist attack on Temple Israel, in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit, Mich., was over fast, thanks to a security team that was well-prepared.

RevolverFest & The State of the Modern Wheelgun

Why, in a world of micro nines and omnipresent striker-fired polymer pistols, does the revolver seem to be enjoying a mini Renaissance?

Henry Donates Custom Rifles for Firefighter's Leukemia Battle

Henry Repeating Arms has produced a limited-edition series of Golden Boy Silver rifles to help fund treatment for wildland firefighter Joel Eisiminger, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 24.

250 Years of the U.S. Army: From Vietnam to Today

For more than half a century, the U.S. Army's standard infantry rifle has undergone a remarkable transformation, from the battle rifles of World War II to the compact, modular carbines carried by soldiers today.

The Alpha Foxtrot Attila: Not Just Another 2011

In a marketplace filled with 2011-style pistols, Alpha Foxtrot decided to go a different direction with its Attila handgun design, which is built to use Shield Arms S15 magazines.

JP Morgan Rescinds Discriminatory Policy Against Gunmakers

In January, JPMorgan Chase joined Citigroup and Bank of America in rescinding policies discriminating against lawful businesses in the firearm industry—in this case, reversing their policy against lending to rifle manufacturers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.