Ruger AR-556

The Ruger AR-556 is a semiautomatic AR-15 style rifle manufactured by U.S. firearms company Sturm, Ruger & Co. Introduced in 2014 as an entry-level AR-15 using a direct impingement action, with variants since being released such as the upgraded AR-556 MPR (multi-purpose rifle) in 2017[1] and the AR-556 pistol in 2019.[2]

Ruger AR-556
Ruger AR-556
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designed2014
ManufacturerSturm, Ruger & Co.
Unit cost$989 MSRP, Standard (2022)
Produced2014–present
Specifications (Standard)
Mass2.9 kg (6.5 lb)
Length819 mm (32.25 in) (collapsed)
902 mm (35.50 in) (extended)
Barrel length409 mm (16.10 in)
Width64 mm (2.5 in)
Height200 mm (8 in)
Cartridge5.56x45mm/.223 Remington
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Feed systemSTANAG magazine
SightsFixed front iron sight, flip-up rear

Overview

The standard model makes use of a traditional direct impingement with a 7 in (180 mm) carbine length gas system and has a cold hammer forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with 1:8 in (200 mm) twist rifling and a birdcage style flash hider. The bolt is machined from 9310 alloy steel, and the furniture included is a CAR-15 style handguard without aluminum heatshields, an M4 buttstock, and a Ruger designed pistol grip. The included sights are a fixed front sight post and a Ruger Rapid Deploy rear flip-up sight. The gas block and sight post design is proprietary to Ruger and includes a quick detach sling swivel socket and bayonet lug.[3]

The MPR model uses a 9 in (230 mm) mid-length gas system and a radial port muzzle brake, and also includes a free-float handguard with M-LOK accessory slots and a continuous top picatinny rail, and either a Magpul or B5 Systems buttstock and pistol grip.[4]

The AR-556 Pistol has a 10.5 in (270 mm) barrel with a free float handguard with M-LOK slots and an SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace,[5] and is also available in .300 AAC Blackout and .350 Legend.[6]

All models include a standard 30 round Magpul PMAG in the box, except those sold in states with magazine capacity limits where a 10 round aluminum magazine is included.

Marketing lawsuit

In 2021, a Ruger AR-556 was used in a mass shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. Families of five of the victims have sued Sturm, Ruger & Co. for "marketing its AR-556 pistol, which resembles a rifle, in a 'reckless' and 'immoral' way that promoted its killing capability and glorified lone gunmen." A 2005 law passed by primarily Republicans in Congress limits the legal liability of gun manufacturers. However, they can still be sued for their marketing practices.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Ruger AR-556 MPR Review". Guns & Ammo. Outdoor Sportsman Group. 2019-04-30. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  2. Horner, Candice (2019-03-30). "Ruger Releases AR-556 Pistol". RECOIL. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  3. "Ruger® AR-556® Model 8500 Spec Sheet".
  4. "Ruger® AR-556® MPR Spec Sheet".
  5. "Ruger® AR-556® Pistol Model 8570 Spec Sheet".
  6. Mann, Pete (2019-07-15). "Ruger Releases AR-556 Pistol". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  7. The Colorado Sun, "More relatives of Boulder King Soopers shooting victims sue gun manufacturer Sturm Ruger", https://coloradosun.com/2023/03/27/victims-of-colorado-shooting-sue-sturm-ruger/?mc_cid=1986e499ed&mc_eid=41211bda96
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