Ruger Announces the AR-556 Modern Sporting Rifle

by
posted on September 29, 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

Ruger has announced the AR-556 semi-automatic, M4-style, direct impingement Modern Sporting Rifle, and is proud to report that all major components are being machined at the company's Mayodan, N.C., facility.

"The AR-556 is the first firearm designed and built in our Mayodan, North Carolina, facility, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the finished product,” said Ruger President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Killoy. "Through extensive design review and product testing, our Mayodan team has delivered a solid rifle that our customers will be proud to own—and and we are proud to call a Ruger."

The AR-556 is constructed from forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers, and a cold hammer-forged chrome-moly steel barrel with M4 feed ramp cuts. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the AR-556’s carbine-length, flat-top, M4 design is fully configured with a Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight, milled F-height gas block with post front sight, forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector.  Other features include a telescoping six-position stock, improved trigger-reach grip, enlarged trigger guard and one 30-round Magpul PMag.  Standardized M4/AR components are utilized throughout, so the AR-556 can be customized easily.

The Ruger AR-556 was extensively tested during its development, with over a quarter million rounds expended during the final validation, endurance, and Ruger “jury” testing. MSRP is $749.

For more information and technical specifications on the Ruger AR-556, visit Ruger.com. To find accessories for the AR-556 or other Ruger firearms, visit ShopRuger.com.

Latest

Savage 110 Trail Blazer rifle in 22 Creedmoor
Savage 110 Trail Blazer rifle in 22 Creedmoor

Review: Savage 110 Trail Blazer Rifle in 22 Creedmoor

Savage’s new 110 Trail Blazer rifle offers top-shelf performance at entry-level pricing.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro 9 mm Pistol in a PHLster Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro 9 mm pistol with a Meprolight MPO Pro-S red-dot sight carried in a PHLster Skeleton kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 16, 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.

FN Releases New SCAR Rifles & QD Suppressors

FN made headlines when it announced it would discontinue its legacy SCAR rifle platform in 2025, but for 2026, the design is back and better than ever.

Review: KelTec SUB2000 GEN3 In 10 mm

At long last, KelTec has answered customer requests for a more potent version of their folding pistol-caliber carbine with its SUB2000 GEN3 chambered for the 10 mm Auto cartridge.

Lowering Decibels For Less: Lyman's New Sonicore Suppressor Lineup

As 2026 shapes up to be the "Year Of The Suppressor," firearm manufacturers are racing their new designs to market, and one of the most affordable options out of the gate is Lyman Products' Sonicore line of suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.