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

Weatherby 307 MZY 01
Weatherby 307 MZY 01

Weatherby Goes Black Powder: The Model 307 MZY

As Weatherby's first entry into the muzzleloading category, the Model 307 MZY promises to “deliver a new standard of accuracy, reliability, and consistency for black powder hunters.”

First Look: Federal’s X Henry 250th Collection

Federal has officially begun shipping its Federal X Henry Collector’s Edition ammunition, created in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms.

An Independence Day Celebration of the Armed Citizen

Independence Day is a celebration of armed defiance to tyranny—and of the citizen’s right to defend their lives.

When Minutes Counted: The 1776 Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

Shortly before the Declaration of Independence was signed, a small but pivotal battle took place near the port city of Wilmington, N.C. The February 27, 1776, Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was the first Revolutionary War battle to be fought in the Old North State.

I Carry: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior in a PHLster Floodlight 2 Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, we take a closer look at Kimber's latest double-stack, 2011-style handgun, the 1911 DS Warrior, and pair it with a SureFire X300 Ultra weapon light and a PHLster holster.

The Armed Citizen® July 3, 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.