RUGER AR-556
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Ruger AR-556 isn’t just an AR-15. It’s a high quality, dependable, versatile, semi-automatic rifle that is well suited to hunting, sporting, target shooting and self-defense. Its performance, build quality, and features make it an outstanding all-around rifle that is well worth its moderate price tag.
The Ruger AR-556 is a lightweight AR-15-style carbine. It’s available in a few variations, but all feature a 16-inch cold-hammer forged barrel with a 1:8 rate-of-twist, the Ruger Elite 452 two-stage trigger group, and a M4-style collapsible six-position buttstock. No matter which Ruger AR-556 model you choose, you can be confident that you’ll be getting a reliable, accurate rifle.
When it comes to performance, the Ruger AR-556 is a great rifle. Its 16-inch barrel isn’t the longest on the market, but it’s still enough to ensure that you can get the most out of your ammunition. Its 1:8 rate-of-twist is well-suited to almost any load, from light 50 grain target loads to heavier 77 grain match loads. The barrel’s cold-hammer forging process results in a strong, durable barrel, which will give you the most accuracy and consistency possible.
As for accuracy, the Ruger AR-556 is a great rifle in that respect as well. From the factory it can easily print 1-inch groups at 50 yards, and with match-grade ammunition it is capable of groups of less than half an inch at the same distance. With the right ammunition and a steady hand, it’s possible to print even tighter groups at longer distances.
In terms of build quality, the Ruger AR-556 is also excellent. Its upper and lower receivers are made from aerospace-grade aluminum, so you can be sure that they are strong and durable. All of the small parts and internals, such as the trigger group and buttstock, are made from high-quality materials and kept to tight tolerances, which adds to the Ruger AR-556’s dependability and accuracy.
Ergonomically, the Ruger AR-556 is a great rifle. Its slim profile ensures that it is easy to carry and maneuver, and its M4-style buttstock and pistol grip make it comfortable to shoot. The Elite 452 trigger feels great and is adjustable for both take-up and over-travel, making it easy to customize for the user’s preferences.
At an MSRP of $749, the Ruger AR-556 is an outstanding value. Its quality, performance, and features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an AR-15-style rifle. Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or just someone who wants a reliable home defense rifle, the Ruger AR-556 is the perfect choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable and reliable construction
- Excellent accuracy and precision
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Wide selection of models and configurations available
- Relatively affordable price
- Versatile and effective for home defense and other applications
Cons:
- Limited aftermarket accessories and upgrades
- Limited range due to shorter barrel
- Not the best choice for competition shooting
- May have trouble ejecting some types of ammunition
- The stock trigger can feel a bit stiff
Who Should Buy
Anyone needing a reliable self-defense firearm should consider the Ruger AR-556. It is an affordably priced, lightweight rifle that is easy to handle. Those who own a lot of different firearms and want a firearm to use for plinking or general range shooting should consider the Ruger AR-556 as well. The versatility of the rifle offers a wide range of shooting opportunities.
Those who are looking for an all-purpose tactical rifle should look elsewhere. The AR-556 is not designed for long-range target shooting or high-impact scenarios. It is also not the best choice for someone who is unfamiliar with firearm safety and maintenance.
Comparisons
| Features | Ruger AR-556 | Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup | Palmetto State Armory PA-10 | Palmetto State Armory PSAK47 MOE |
| :----------: | :--------------: | :-------------------------------: | :-----------------------------: | :--------------------------------: |
| Caliber | .223 | .308 | .308 | 7.62x39 |
| Pistol Grip | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Operating System | Direct Impingment | Gas Piston | Direct Impingment | Gas Piston |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
Features / Specs
• 5.56mm NATO chamber
• 16.1” cold hammer-forged barrel
• 1:8” twist rate
• 13.5” M-Lok handguard
• 4-position telescoping stock
• 30-round magazine
• Overall length 35.5” – 38.75”
• 36” with stock fully extended
• 6.5 lbs with empty 30-round magazine
• Aluminum flip-up rear sight
• Adjustable post front sight
• Ambidextrous manual safety lever
Popular Accessories
in 2020?
- Magpul MOE Fixed Carbine Stock
- Magpul MBUS Sights
- Strike Industries Viper MOD-1 M-LOK Handstop
- Magpul MOE-K2+ Grip
- Odin Geissele Trigger
- TangoDown Battlegrip
- Magpul MOE-K Pistol Grip
- Magpul 30 Round PMAG
- Troy Industries Folding Sights
- Primary Arms Vortex Strike Fire Red Dot Sight
Accuracy
The Ruger AR-556 is an exceptional value for a modern sporting rifle. Despite its big and bulky design, it is capable of pinpoint accuracy. It features a 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel and 1:8-inch twist, which ensures accuracy and durability. The optics-ready flat-top receiver includes a rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, and the front sight post is also adjustable for elevation. The Ruger AR-556 is also equipped with an adjustable buttstock that has multiple sling attachment points. Additionally, the AR-556 features a recoil-harnessing system, which helps to reduce felt recoil and keep the gun stable while shooting. All these features combined make for a gun that is capable of incredible accuracy, making it a great choice for hunting, target shooting, or home defense.
