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

1854 Lorenz
1854 Lorenz

I Have This Old Gun: 1854 Lorenz

The Austrian Model 1854 Lorenz rifle musket, designed by Lt. Joseph Lorenz around 1852, saw use in numerous European conflicts and was the third most common longarm seen in the American Civil War—its popularity being right behind that of the U.S. Model 1861 Springfield rifle musket and British Pattern 1853 Enfield.

Editor’s Choice: Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Poncho

A modern take on the perennial classic, the patented Swagman Roll Poncho from Helikon-Tex incorporates several simple upgrades that promise far more versatility than a simple blanket.

The Armed Citizen® June 23, 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.

Gun Safe Sales Remain Strong

There are a variety of factors fueling the demand. Burglary rates, mandatory storage regulations in some regions and skyrocketing value of some firearms are noted by several research firms.

Preview: TiCK MiTT

Minimizing the threat of dangerous parasites on gun dogs, pets and their owners is a relatively simple task with specialized products such as the TiCK MiTT.

New For 2025: Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols

Rossi downsized its Triple Black lever-action rifle into several pistol variants, creating large-format handguns that are sized for easy carry, vehicle storage or tight maneuvering in dense brush.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.