Shooting Ruger's AR556

posted on October 9, 2014
** 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. **
rugerar556.jpg

The first firearm designed and built in Ruger's Mayodan, N.C., plant, the AR556 is a step in a new direction for the firm's AR-15-inspired carbines. It's also one of the most budget-friendly offerings from a major U.S. manufacturer.

The trimmed-down carbine features a 16" cold-hammer forged barrel with 1:8" twist, a gas block with integral front sight, bayonet lug and QD port, a polymer flip-up rear sight and an innovative barrel nut and delta ring assembly that replaces the traditional spring-tensioned design.

Although the rifle's suggested retail price is $749, expect to see in-store models priced right around the $600 mark. Ruger is able to achieve this wallet-friendly price point by building the lion's share of the gun's components in-house. The firm has invested a lot of time and effort into streamlining and economizing manufacture, the AR556 is a product that will pass the savings on to consumers.

Watch the video below for more, and be sure to visit Ruger.

Latest

smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range
smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Ruger Buys Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger announced on July 1 it has acquired all assets of Anderson Manufacturing, a recent top 10 producer of firearms in the U.S.

Favorite Firearms: Anticipating Answers

Everyone has a favorite gun, but not many have a story quite like the one from NRA member Jim Schollhammer.

Rifleman Report: Safe Passage

While the phrase “tools of the trade” may refer to specific items that a worker uses to ply his or her vocation, it could just as easily be a reference to the firearms, knives and other everyday carry, or EDC, gear that the average citizen uses to ensure his or her safe passage through the course of an uncertain, sometimes dangerous, daily existence.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model 1914 Auto Pistol

The Spanish/Basque city of Eibar is one of Europe’s great arms-manufacturing centers, with a history in gunmaking dating back to the 1500s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.