CHRISTENSEN ARMS CA556
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The Christensen Arms CA556 is a semi-automatic AR-15, chambered in a .223 Remington round, designed for use in both sporting and tactical shooting activities. The CA556 was designed to be an accurate, reliable, and lightweight firearm with an accurate and reliable bolt action system.
The first thing that strikes you about the CA556 is its looks. It features a flat top receiver that has been hand forged to provide superior rigidity and strength. The 15-inch aluminum Key Mod free-floating handguard has M-Lok slots and provides ample real estate for accessories. A three-pronged aluminum flash hider is also included. The collapsible Magpul MOE SL stock provides a great fit and feel for most shooters.
On the inside, the CA556 has a 16-inch, chrome-lined, free-floated barrel with a 1:8 twist ratio. Christensen Arms uses their match-grade 416R stainless steel barrels with this build to ensure accuracy and consistent performance at range trips and competitions. A tuned Mil-Spec 3-pronged flash hider is included to reduce muzzle flash.
The bolt carrier system features a nickel boron coated mounting surface for a smoother cycling action. The firing pin is nickel boron coated and precision machined to ensure a crisp and consistent trigger pull. The CA556 uses a standard AR-15 trigger, AR-10 hammer, and hammer spring. This combination provides an overall lighter trigger pull for greater accuracy and precision shooting.
The lower receiver features the familiar AR-15 magazine and magwell. The magazine release is enlarged and offers easier access to magazine changes while under stress. The CA556 accepts any mil-spec magazines and the mil-spec trigger guard and safety selector are also included.
The CA556 is the perfect choice for shooters looking for an affordable and reliable AR-15 that doesn't sacrifice accuracy or quality. It offers all of the basic features of an AR-15 but with upgraded materials and craftsmanship that all shooters can appreciate. The CA556 also has an excellent price point. It retails at around $1000 which is an impressive value for such a high quality rifle.
So is the CA556 worth the price? It all comes down to personal preference and potential use. For the recreational or competitive shooter who wants an accurate, reliable, and lightweight AR-15 that doesn't sacrifice performance, then the CA556 is hard to beat. The combination of materials and craftsmanship make it a great choice for shooters of all types. For those who want more features and customization, the CA556 isn't for you. But for those looking for a basic, yet accurate, AR-15 that provides good value for the money, the CA556 is an excellent option.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable aerospace-grade carbon fiber construction with excellent weatherproofing
- Excellent accuracy and low recoil
- Quick-change barrel system for easy cleaning and barrel swapping
- Available in a wide variety of calibers including .223 Rem, .300 BLK, 7.62x39, and 6.5 Creedmoor
- Adjustable gas block for reliability and accuracy when using different ammunition
Cons:
- Price is higher than most other AR-15 models
- Installation of a forend may require some extra work or fitting
- Longer barrel will require an additional stabilizing brace for proper shooting posture
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a lightweight, precision rifle should consider the Christensen Arms CA556. It is ideal for recreational shooting, hunting, competition shooting, and more. However, anyone who is not familiar with firearms or who is not comfortable with working with firearms should not purchase the Christensen Arms CA556.
Comparisons
| CHRISTENSEN ARMS CA556 | SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLION BULLPUP | PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10 | PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PSAK47 MOE |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Platform: Bolt Action | Platform: Semi-auto | Platform: Semi-auto | Platform: Semi-auto |
| Action: Chassis Rifle | Action: Bullpup | Action: Direct Impingement | Action: Long Stroke Piston |
| Caliber: 5.56 NATO | Caliber: .308 Win | Caliber: 5.56 NATO | Caliber: 7.62x39mm |
| Twist Rate: 1:7" | Twist Rate: 1:10" | Twist Rate: 1:7" | Twist Rate: 1:10" |
| Mag Capacity: 10 Rounds | Mag Capacity: 20 Rounds | Mag Capacity: 20 Rounds | Mag Capacity: 30 Rounds |
| Barrel Length: 9.375" | Barrel Length: 20" | Barrel Length: 20" | Barrel Length: 16.5" |
Features / Specs
•Chambered in 5.56 NATO
•Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Upper & Lower
•16” Carbon Fiber Wrapped Barrel, 1:8 Twist Rate
•Direct-Impingement Gas System
•MLOK Handguard
•6 Position Telescoping Stock
•Weight of 6lbs 3oz.
•Overall Length 34.75”
•Comes with Christensen Arms Elite Trigger
•Cerakote Finish
Popular Accessories
Some of the most popular accessories for the Christensen Arms CA556 include magazines, barrel shrouds, muzzle brakes, and aftermarket triggers. Additionally, many of our customers choose to add an adjustable stock, handguard, optics, and/or a laser.
Accuracy
The CHRISTENSEN ARMS CA556 is an incredibly accurate rifle. With this rifle, shooters enjoy very tight groups with almost any ammunition they use. It features a free-floated carbon fiber barrel that is engineered to optimize accuracy. The barrel is hand-lapped and precision button rifled with a 1-in-8" twist rate, making it capable of accurately firing a variety of bullet weights. Additionally, Christensen Arms' proprietary muzzle brake helps mitigate recoil, making follow-up shots more accurate. The overall quality and accuracy of the CHRISTENSEN ARMS CA556 is remarkable, making it a great option for enthusiasts and competitors alike.
