NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger AR-556

by
posted on April 11, 2016
** 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

LEDE Rangeguide 10X40
LEDE Rangeguide 10X40

New for 2025: GPO Rangeguide 10x40 Upgrade

German Precision Optics (GPO) has upgraded its popular Rangeguide lineup of rangefinding binoculars.

More Montana Deer and Elk Hunters Afield on Opening Day

More sportsmen and sportswomen were afield than last year when Montana’s 2025 general rifle big-game season opened to cool and windy conditions on Oct. 25. Despite the increased participation. success rates also improved.  

Calling Bull Elk in Rifle Season

Calling may not only get a bull to reveal its whereabouts but also spur rut-like activity not many rifle hunters witness.

Nosler Expands Whitetail Country Line

Nosler has announced the expansion of its Whitetail Country Ammunition line.

Game Departments Warning Hunters About AI-Generated Misinformation

Two states are warning hunters to not rely on the artificial intelligence-generated responses that appear after a web search for state regulations, as they are often incorrect and increase the risk of sportsmen unknowingly violating game laws.

First Look: Nomad Outdoors Conifer VX3 Gear

Nomad Outdoor has launched Conifer VX3, the updated version of its line of technical in-field gear designed for maximum warmth when the winter winds howl and late season cold fronts throw the worst conditions at hunters searching for that target buck.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.