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

Silent Bull: The Taurus TTX Suppressor Series

With its TTX series, Taurus USA is launching a full set of suppressors designed to complement the company's line of firearms.

U.S. Troops Using Captured Small Arms in World War II

American troops took a healthy interest in Axis small arms during World War II. Sometimes they were simply looking to collect a war trophy. On other occasions, GIs and Marines looked to use those firearms against their former owners.

Standing Guard | The Midterms and Freedom

Politics is something most of us only step into because we must. We’d rather smile in the warm autumn sun as we help a son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter, break their first clay or plink steel with their first .22 rifle.

America’s Retaliation for the Lives Taken by Iraqi Sniper “Juba”

The killing of the Iraqi insurgent sniper known as "Juba" was a collective effort by thousands of Marines, culminating in one single shot.

Why This DOJ Opinion on Handgun Ownership Matters

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.