Nearly the same size as today's mil-spec, 5.56 NATO-chambered AR-15s, the Ruger Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle (SFAR), is designed as a compact, lightweight platform chambered in .308 Win. that brings short-action power into an easily handled and carried platform loaded with all of the versatility we've come to expect from AR-style rifles.
Since the discontinuation of the Ruger SR-762, the company's lacked a short-action chambering in its modern sporting rifle lineup. With the SFAR, the short-action, AR-style rifle is back at Ruger, and it's in a whole new guise that's more affordable than most AR-style .308s on the market. Ruger went back to the drawing board to design the split receiver for the SFAR, ensuring that standard features like the brass deflector, forward assist and full-length Picatinny rail were retained while shrinking the platform down to traditional MSR sizes.
In so doing, the company also ensured that the platform was able to safely handle the increased power of a .308 Win. chambering, thanks to the tapered lug geometry and high-strength alloy of the bolt and barrel extension, which are both designed to outperform similar components comprised of C158 steel. The bolt carrier is machined from 8620 steel and is chrome-lined, and it features a nitride-treated gas key that's staked into place. Inside the carrier is a titanium firing pin that's DLC-coated for added durability. The bolt itself is built with dual ejectors and an improved extractor.
On the upper receiver, Ruger mounted a 5R-rifled barrel cold hammer forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel. The barrel is topped with 5/8-24 TPI muzzle threads, and the company includes a two-port Boomer muzzle brake to reduce felt recoil. Surrounding the barrel is the company's 15" Lite aluminum, free-floated handguard, which offers M-Lok accessory slots at the 3-, 6- and 9-o'clock positions. QD swivel sockets are also included at the muzzle end of the handguard.
Each Ruger SFAR is equipped with a four-position, mid-length gas system, complete with a .750" rotary regulator gas block. Contained on board the rifle is a 3/16" ball-end wrench that allows users to make fast adjustments in the field and accommodate a wide range of ammunition. The rifle is also equipped with Ruger's Elite 452 trigger, which provides a two-stage pull with a 4.5-lb. break. Each gun comes with a Magpul MOE SL stock and an MOE pistol grip. The SFAR is compatible with all mil-spec AR trigger groups, receiver end plates, charging handles, pistol grips and adjustable stocks.
Two models of the Ruger SFAR are available, one with a 16" barrel and another featuring a 20" barrel. Each rifle ships with a single 20-round Magpul P-Mag. The suggested retail price on the SFAR is $1,229. For more information, visit ruger.com.
