The AR-556: Ruger's Dependable MSR

by
posted on November 6, 2021
Ar 556

On Sept. 29, 2014, Ruger introduced its AR-556. A press release at the launch explained the rifle is a “…semi-automatic, M4-style, direct impingement Modern Sporting Rifle. With all major components machined at Ruger’s Mayodan, N.C., facility, the AR-556 offers consumers an affordable, American-made Modern Sporting Rifle with the rugged reliability they have come to expect from Ruger.”

That year, one in which it was only available for three months, is the only one since that the AR-556 has not been in Gunbroker.com’s annual top-10 list of semi-automatic rifles—ranked by sales through the website. The continuing popularity speaks volumes about the quality, reliability and performance of the firearm.

Today there are four versions of the 5.56 mm NATO chambered carbines available direct from the factory, as well as a lower receiver only. All are black and the complete guns come with either basic handguards and buttstocks—most of them six-position adjustable—or Magpul MOE furniture. There’s even a pair of state-compliant versions, and MSRPs run from $959 to $1,099. The lower receiver comes in at $399.

Ruger also makes five different distributor-exclusive models, each wearing furniture in different colors. Turquoise, white, flat dark earth and OD green are available with the standard handguard and stock. Another version, in flat dark earth, comes with the Magpul furniture. MSRPs are determined by the distributor and not available on Ruger’s website.

The receivers are forged from 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum and the 9310 steel bolt is shot-peened and proof tested. The interior of the gas key and carrier are chrome plated.

All complete rifles ship with a 30-round magazine, with the exception of state compliant models, which ship with a 10-round version. The guns feature Ruger’s Rapid Deploy folding rear sight that is windage adjustable. Up front is an A2-style post.

Barrels measure 16.1", the gas block is located at the carbine-length position and rifling rate is 1:8". Barrels are threaded to accept muzzle devices, with the exception of one of the two state compliant models.

Latest

Rossi Rio Bravo Tactical lever-action rifle left-side view shown with bipod in brown grass outdoors with Leupold riflescope attached.
Rossi Rio Bravo Tactical lever-action rifle left-side view shown with bipod in brown grass outdoors with Leupold riflescope attached.

Rossi Rio Bravo Tactical: A Tactically Practical Rimfire

Announced during "The Year Of The Lever-Action," Rossi's latest tactically themed lever-action rimfire rifle does not disappoint, offering up practical features front to back.

Online Safety Resources On Water & Fire Damage Released By SAAMI

“These important documents add to SAAMI’s technical library of firearm safety resources that provide guidance to both industry professionals and the firearm-owning community.”

Rifleman Review: Taurus TX22 Compact

A downsized version of Taurus USA's TX22 is available, giving folks a smaller, handier version of the full-size TX22 rimfire pistol that's become one of the company's most popular offerings.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor 9 mm Pistol

Recently, Springfield Armory added a large-format pistol variant of its Saint Victor 9 mm carbine, giving enthusiasts a compact PCC that feeds from Colt-pattern magazines.

The Rifleman Report: New Developments

Our official coverage of new products for the current year is set for next month, but we included two substantial new developments in this issue that have the potential to make significant ripples in the firearm business even before then.

Arkansas To Begin Mandatory Gun Safety Lessons In Schools

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law requiring public and open enrollment public charter schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction beginning during the 2025-2026 school year.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.