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

Ledelargest Crowd Ever
Ledelargest Crowd Ever

Largest Crowd Ever Attends B&C Club 32nd Big Game Awards

More than 550 people attended the Boone and Crockett Club (B&C) Buck Buckner 32nd Big Game Awards events in Springfield, Mo., in late July. The triennial event celebrates the most impressive animals accepted into the club’s record book in all 38 categories.

First Look: Sitka Mercury Pant

When temperatures climb, Sitka’s Mercury Pant are designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable.

New for 2025: Mendoza RM22

Mendoza Firearms, a distinguished Mexican arms manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1911, is proud to announce the availability of its RM22 semi-automatic rifles in the United States.

5 Labor Day Sales for Hunters

Looking for a few good bargains this Labor Day, ahead of the upcoming season? Check out some great deals below, from a few brands consistently trusted by hunters afield.

Sub-Gauge Tubes: How to Shoot Multiple Gauges out of One Break-Action

Chamber inserts or tubesets are an easy way to further increase the usefulness of your break-action shotgun. Want to know more? Read on.

Federal Ammunition Launches Three Shotshell Rebates for Fall

The limited-time offers run from August 1 through December 31, 2025, and provide opportunities to earn up to $200 back on qualifying purchases.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.