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

W H2026 07 Frst Light CCI Aerial Photo
W H2026 07 Frst Light CCI Aerial Photo

Celebrating 75 Years: The History and Enduring Importance of CCI Ammunition

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

MDT Adds Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand to CRBN Stock Lineup

MDT is adding a Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet to the CRBN rifle stock lineup, expanding access to the platform for left-handed Tikka shooters.

Wildcat Cartridges: Why and Why Not?

Have a hankering to own a rifle chambered in a unique cartridge? Before dropping the cash, you should understand the advantages and drawbacks of selecting one.

New for 2026: Moultrie Edge 4 Series

Moultrie has introduced the Edge 4 series, the first cellular trail camera line built to recognize target bucks and fire a max-resolution cropped image to your phone, before you even set foot in the woods. The Edge 4 is waterproof, has enhanced night clarity and all-season power options built for every piece of ground.

Behind the Bullet: The .333 Jeffery

Delve into the history of one of the most fascinating cartridges from the golden era of hunting—the .333 Jeffery.

First Look: ALPS Mountaineering Reservoir 3.0

ALPS Mountaineering has introduced the Reservoir 3.0 hydration bladder. The Reservoir 3.0 features an anti-microbial IonPure treatment that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, keeping the hydration system fresher between uses.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.