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

Texas the Latest State to Approve FireStick for Muzzleloader Season

Texas recently approved the use of Federal Ammunition’s FireStick system during the state’s muzzleloader season. It is 33rd state to legalize the technology.

News, New for 2026

Hardware Review: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

Check out Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen's review of the EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U.

News, New for 2026

W H2026 04 Hardware W3801 TAH 1672Finalversion3 Jb

New for 2026: CMC Triggers Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group

CMC Triggers Corp has released its Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group, available in both Flat and Curved trigger bow configurations.

News, Guns & Gear

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

Most folks have already gotten their Mom something by now. Whether it's the simple pleasure of making her a special dinner, a full-on family getaway for the weekend, or that latest book she's been craving, some sorts of people know how to make a mom's day complete. Then, of course, there's you—the sort of person who frantically clicks into a gift guide the week before Mother's Day. All jokes aside, here are five things Mom is sure to love.

News, New for 2026

North Fork Bullets: The Reintroduction of an Icon

Fans of hard-hitting hunting bullets rejoice! North Fork bullets is back in action and better than ever. Phil Massaro breaks down the latest from this storied company.

News, New for 2026

First Look: Ol' Man Outdoors Clamp Down Jaw and Stabilizer Truss Systems

Ol'Man Outdoors, has introduced two advanced technologies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of ladder stands. The Clamp Down Jaw System securely locks the ladder stand to a tree before a hunter ever leaves the ground, while the Stabilizer Truss System enhances ladder stability, provides more tree options and eliminates unwanted noise.

News, Guns & Gear