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

Black Friday LEDE
Black Friday LEDE

5 Black Friday Sales for Hunters

Looking for some hunter- and outdoorsman-focused sales as we swing into the holiday season? Look no further than the great sales and deals going on at the retailers below.

Hardware Review: Riton 5 Primal 3-18x50mm

Check out Frank Melloni's Hardware Review on the Riton 5 Primal 3-18x50mm.

Duck Hunting Haven: Conservation in Colonsay

Delta Waterfowl’s mission is on full display during a hunt for ducks, geese and cranes in Colonsay, Saskatchewan.

Hunter Missing 20 Days Found Alive

Sixty-five-year-old Ron Dailey, of Selma, Calif., was found alive on Nov. 1 after spending 20 days and nights stranded alone and cold in the Sierra National Forest. What began as a one-day deer hunting trip that began on Oct. 13 turned into a life-and-death situation after a series of mishaps while driving to his destination.

Elk Can't See in the Dark (and Other Elk Hunting Tips and Tricks)

Any DIY elk hunter must learn to sort fact from fiction. Read on for tips straight from the field.

Nosler Introduces New Ammunition and Component Bullets for 2026

Nosler has released l its new lineup of ammunition and component bullet offerings for 2026. Building on its proven legacy of precision engineering and innovation, Nosler’s latest offerings give hunters, shooters, and reloaders more options before taking to the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.