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

Armasight Operator thermal riflescope
Armasight Operator thermal riflescope

New for 2026: Armasight Pro Series Thermal Platform

Armasight launches a professional-grade thermal-imaging platform designed to perform.

KelTec Launches KelTec Direct

KelTec begins its 35th anniversary celebration by launching KelTec Direct.

New for 2026: CVA Scout XP and XP-SB Rifles and XP Pistol

CVA expands its Scout line to include two single-shot rifles and a single-shot pistol.

Preview: Winchester After Hunt Dog Bed

Named after John Olin’s famed hunting dog, the King Buck product line exists within the larger Winchester Pet brand to showcase the company’s most deluxe offerings, and the After Hunt Dog Bed is a prime example of the line’s quality.

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.