Ruger AR-556 | |
---|---|
Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designed | 2014 |
Manufacturer | Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
Unit cost | $989 MSRP, Standard (2022) |
Produced | 2014–present |
Specifications (Standard) | |
Mass | 2.9 kg (6.5 lb) |
Length | 819 mm (32.25 in) (collapsed) 902 mm (35.50 in) (extended) |
Barrel length | 409 mm (16.10 in) |
Width | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Height | 200 mm (8 in) |
Cartridge | 5.56x45mm/ .223 Remington |
Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
Feed system | STANAG magazine |
Sights | Fixed front iron sight, flip-up rear |
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]
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.
There have been five recorded shootings involving the Ruger AR-556:
In 2021, after the Boulder shooting, 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. [12]