Ruger SR-556

Ruger SR-556
Ruger SR-556 - Standard Configuration (discontinued)
Type AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designed 2009
Manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Produced 2009–2016
Specifications (Standard)
Weight 3.60 kg (7.94 lb)[1]
Length 832 mm (32.75 in) (collapsed)
910 mm (36 in) (extended)[1]
Barrel length 409 mm (16.12 in)[1]
Width 64 mm (2.5 in)[1]
Height 197 mm (7.75 in)[1]
Cartridge 5.56 NATO
Barrels 1:230 millimetres (9 in)
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Feed system STANAG magazine

The SR-556 / AR-556 is an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle manufactured by U.S. firearms company Sturm, Ruger & Co. The rifle was introduced in 2009 and as a .308 AR-10 variant, the Ruger SR-762.[2] It is one of several 21st-century AR-15 rifles to use gas piston operation (SR-556). In January 2016 Ruger discontinued all SR-556 rifles and introduced a new takedown variant with a lightweight KeyMod handguard.

Overview

The rifle featured a "two-stage" piston mechanism as opposed to the standard direct impingement system of the AR-15. Gas flow is controlled by a four position regulator. Several key parts, such as the short stroke gas piston, gas regulator, and bolt/carrier group are chrome plated. The bolt carrier features an integral lug in place of the AR-15's gas key. The flash hider is similar to Ruger's AC-556 and Mini-14GB.[3]

The rifle includes a number of other manufacturer's parts such as a Troy Industries railed handguard and Samson folding iron sights, a Hogue rubberized pistol grip, and three Magpul PMAG 30-round magazines. The SR-556SC comes with three 10-round magazines and does not have the flash hider or collapsible stock, making it compliant in several states with restrictive rifle laws. The barrel is 409 millimetres (16.12 in), chrome lined, and features a six groove, right hand, 1:230 millimetres (9 in) twist.[2]In August 2010, Ruger announced that the rifle would be offered in the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge.[4]

Ruger AR-556 Rifle

Ruger's introduction of the SR-556 was met with some criticism for its high price tag of around U.S. $2,000. Ruger products are usually known for affordability, but the SR-556 is essentially a regular AR-15 albeit with a different, more complicated operating system, unlike cheaper alternatives, like the Smith & Wesson M&P rifles, which lacked a forward assist or dust cover. The SR-556 was also criticized for its heavier weight than other AR-15s. Ruger addressed these shortcomings by introducing a lighter and less expensive rifle, the SR-556E.[5]

In September 2014, Ruger announced the AR-556, a variant that utilizes traditional direct impingement action, intended to compete with other entry-level AR-15s.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ruger SR-556". Sturm, Ruger, and Co., Inc. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  2. 1 2 Gilbert, Glenn M., Ruger's SR-556: Ready To Run, Right Out Of The Box, American Rifleman, October 2009
  3. ↑ Sweeney, Patrick (2010). "The Ruger SR-556". Gun Digest Book of the AR-15. Gun Digest Books. p. 131. ISBN 978-1-4402-1376-2.
  4. ↑ "Ruger SR-556 Semi-Auto Rifle Chambered for the 6.8mm SPC Cartridge". www.gunblast.com. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  5. ↑ Cumpston, Mike. "Ruger's SR-556E 5.56mm NATO". Guns. 51 (12): 56.
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