Ruger's New AI-Style Magazines And Complete AR Lowers

by
posted on April 5, 2017
** 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. **
rugerelitelower-l.jpg

In the past I've heard some of the good folks at Sturm, Ruger & Co. say they work for a gun company, not a components company. Lucky for us, that attitude has shifted a bit over the last few years with the introduction of high-quality, in-house components and upgrades including the BX trigger group for 10/22 rifles and 452 AR-Trigger upgrade for AR rifles. Now the company is adding a few more options.

The arrival of Ruger's new .223 Rem./5.56 Precision Rifle also heralds the release of a new selection of genuine Ruger factory AI-Style Precision Rifle magazines. They are constructed from 50 percent glass-filled nylon for strength and durability. Stainless steel springs provide reliable feeding and corrosion resistance while the provided dust covers protect rounds during transportation and storage. 

The AI magazines are designed to be compatible with all AICS (Accuracy International Chassis Systems) pattern bottom metal and short action cartridges built on a 0.470" case head. This includes cartridges like the 308 Win., 7 mm-08 Rem., 6.5mm Creedmoor, 260 Rem. and .243 Win. Models for .308 Win. and similar cartridges are available in 3-, 5- and 10-round capacities. The 3-round provides a near flush-fit for the Ruger Gunsite Scout and other sporter-stocked rifles. For .223 Rem. rifles, the magazines are available in a 10-round capacity. Suggested retail is $39.95 per magazine.

Last year Ruger quietly started shipping stripped AR-15 lower receivers, the same mil-spec forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers used to build the company's gas-impingement operated AR-556 rifles. This year the option of a complete AR lower assembly has been added to the catalog. Called the AR-Lower Elite (#8516), it's built around the same AR-556 receiver with the addition of the Ruger Elite 452 AR-Trigger upgrade, an adjustable Magpul MOE SL shoulder stock and MOE pistol grip. With a suggested retail price of $299, it's an affordable option for starting a custom rifle build or converting a factory assembled upper into a complete rifle.

The new AI-Style magazines and AR-Lower Elite are shipping now. For more, visit Ruger.com.

Latest

target with holes
target with holes

Resisting the Temptation of "Good Enough" for Firearm Performance

No matter what firearm you're using for whatever purpose, even if it's simply a trip to the range, always resist the temptation to accept “good enough” if there is the possibility of better performance.

Armed Citizens Stop a Lot More Criminals Than Most in the Media Will Admit

Since January 2025, the Crime Prevention Research Center has documented 16 defensive gun uses in which police say armed citizens stopped mass public killings.

Federal & Mossberg Collaborate on Autonomous Airborne Drone Defense

Federal and Mossberg are working with Palladyne AI in the creation of SwarmShot, a kinetic defense system that employs swarms of armed drones to shield troops from unmanned aircraft system threats.

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.