On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders.
The gun is everything a stock AR should be in the modern age. It comes with the shooter’s choice of a Magpul DT carbine or M4-style buttstock, both taking advantage of six positions on the Mil-Spec buffer tube to adjust to whatever length is desired by the shooter. Forward of this, either an MOE-K2 grip from Magpul, or an A2 grip, allows for easy maneuverability. Up above, the two-position safety sits in the usual spot, easily actuated by a thumb. All controls, for that matter, are standard to the platform, making it easy for anyone to pick up who already has familiarity. Before we move on to the upper receiver, we should note that both upper and lower are mil-spec, and machined from 7075 forging and Type III hardcoat anodized. Even cooler, the lower includes a tension screw to eliminate slop between the upper and lower receivers. This is a cool feature in and of itself, but will come in even handier if you’re a tinkerer, and someday swap an upper on that might not be as tight a fit.
The upper runs around a nitrided bolt and carrier group, with a staked gas key, and includes a forward assist, brass deflector and dust cover. It is topped by a full stretch of Picatinny rail, which runs forward into a small length of rail on the back of the slim-profile free-float handguard, which also sports another on the front. While this top position is great for optics and lasers, more mounting positions are available, thanks to M-Lok running all along the handguard at the 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions, and 8 more intermediate slots at the muzzle end. Underneath, a mid-length gas system balances recoil and reliability, while the 16.1-inch Government-profile barrel sports a 1:8 RH twist through its 6-groove rifling, culminating in a 1/2x28 TPI threaded muzzle fitted with an A2 flash hider.
The Ruger Harrier comes with one 30-round Magpul PMAG, and tips the scales at just over 6.5 pounds, empty. For more information, visit ruger.com. And of course, to help in the fight to keep our 2nd Amendment rights, click the join button in the upper lefthand corner to pick up an NRA membership.
