NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger AR-556

American Hunter Staff

posted on April 11, 2016

Support NRA American Hunter DONATE

** 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. **

So, you don’t have $2,000 to spend on a switch-barrel, piston-driven Ruger SR-556? No problem, as Ruger’s AR-556 is a direct-gas impingement carbine that offers most of the features AR buyers are looking for at a little more than a third of the price. American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach discusses the AR-556's budget-friendly build in the latest edition of NRA's Gun of the Week. Check out the video embedded above for more information.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: direct-impingement, semi-automatic, center-fire rifle
Barrel: 16.1”, 1:8” RH twist rifling
Sights: elevation-adjustable post front; windage-adjustable, flip-up rear
Trigger: 8-lb., 2-oz. pull
Stock: black synthetic; adjustable
Magazine: detachable box; 30-round capacity, Magpul PMAG
Overall Length: 32.25” to 35.50”
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
MSRP: $800

For more information, go to Ruger.com.

Latest

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

News, Guns & Gear

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

News, New for 2026

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

News, Optics

LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

Federal Ammunition has launched a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry's American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, .30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case's unique geometry promotes smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

News, New for 2026

A Rabbit Hunting How-To

Rabbit hunting can be a wonderful social affair that the entire family can enjoy. If you know anyone with a few rabbit beagles do yourself a favor and ask to be part of a hunt!

News, Small Game & Predators

First Look: Millennium Treestands Antler Shak Ground Blind

Millennium Treestands has launched its new Antler Shak Series, headlined by the Antler Shak 7 Mag and Antler Shak 30/30 ground blinds. Built with a 600D brushed shell in Mossy Oak Country Roots, each blind is designed to disappear into the landscape while providing a spacious, tactically superior shelter for the modern hunter.

News, Gear