First Look: Ruger AR-556

Ruger’s new AR-556 marks the company’s first M4-style rifle with a direct-impingement gas system.

The best part of all: The AR-556 is manufactured by Ruger in the USA, and you won’t have to refinance your house to own one. At an expected retail price of $599, Ruger is making it easier than ever for people to get into the AR-15 platform without breaking the bank.

The Ruger AR-556 has anodized upper and lower receivers, both of which are forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. Lower components include a single-stage trigger, a beavertail grip, an enlarged triggerguard and a six-position collapsible stock on a Mil-Spec buffer tube.

Its upper receiver features a forward assist, dustcover and brass deflector. The upper also houses an oxide-finished bolt-carrier group with a staked gas key and a 9310 alloy steel bolt.

Chambered for .223 Rem./5.56 NATO, its 16.1-inch barrel is cold-hammer-forged from 4140 chome-moly steel and has M4 feed ramps. The barrel has a 1:8-inch twist, capable of stabilizing 35- to 77-grain bullets. Barrel contours measure .850 inch under the handguard, .750 inch at the gas block and .700 inch from the gas block to the 1/2″-28 threaded muzzle with a Ruger flash suppressor.

The AR-556’s folding rear polymer sight is adjustable for windage, while its A2-style front sight is elevation adjustable with an included front sight tool. A pinned gas block has multiple sling attachment points, a QD port and a bayonet lug.

The most unique feature of the AR-556 is a proprietary barrel nut with a threaded delta ring for simple handguard removal. Ruger’s patent-pending barrel nut design accepts standard handguards and uses a standard-size barrel nut wrench. It’s also interchangeable with Mil-Spec barrel nuts if so desired.

During initial testing, the Ruger AR-556 repeatedly hit a 6-inch steel plate offhand at 100 yards with standard factory sights.

Ruger’s affordable new AR is packed with quality features and also includes a 30-round Magpul PMAG. At an expected retail price of $599, we anticipate users buying this rifle and customizing it as they please with aftermarket accessories and optics.

For more information, check out our exclusive video and photos below.

The post First Look: Ruger AR-556 appeared first on Guns & Ammo.