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

NOAA Small
NOAA Small

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Gun Of The Week: TriStar Arms Raptor II

For this week's range session, we’ve got a 20-ga. semi-automatic shotgun from TriStar Arms. And this latest iteration of the Raptor is sure to impress.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 3, 2025

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.