REVIEW: Ruger AR-556 Armalite Rifle, a Bargain?


The Armalite rifle is hardly news. It was designed in 1957, a downsized version of the AR-10, and has been around since 1958. It was originally a target rifle for the U.S. Air Force, impressing General Curtis LeMay by destroying watermelons at a 4th of July picnic. Over the years, the AR-15 deservedly received a poor reputation from a tragic comedy of errors: ammunition issues, cost-cutting issues, jamming issues, barrel rate of twist issues, and so forth. The original versions just plain sucked.

The “AR” design was filed for patent by Eugene Stoner back on Aug 14, 1956. In September, 1960, US Patent #2951424 was granted. In the last fifty years, the M16 has seen its ups and downs, with more downs than ups. While Fairchild Armalite sold its rights to the AR-10 and AR-15 back in 1959, the AR15 went from a light, sub- 6 pound rifle to a bloated 9 pounds or more with all the goodies hanging off of it. The original AR-15 had a 1:14 rate of twist barrel, changed to 1:12, and changed again to 1:7 in the M16A2 (Colt Model 645).

Now, over 55 years later, this rifle has been designed, redesigned, modified, and re-modified (over 47 times) and has become the most popular rifle in the United States.

    Model Number: 8500

    Caliber: 5.56 NATO / 223 Rem

  • Stock Black Synthetic, Collapsible

  • Front Sight Adjustable Post

  • Rear Sight Adjustable Ruger® Rapid Deploy

  • Barrel Length 16.10"

  • Thread Pattern 1/2"-28

  • Twist 1:8" RH

  • Capacity 30

  • Finish Type III Hard Coat Anodized

  • Height 8"

  • Weight 6.5 lbs.

  • Overall Length 32.25" - 35.50"

  • Finish Type III Hard Coat Anodized

  • Length of Pull 10.25" - 13.50"

  • Grooves 6

  • Suggested Retail $799.00

  • Ruger® Rapid Deploy folding rear sight provides windage adjustability, and pairs with the elevation adjustable front sight for a solid, reliable aiming system. The rear sight can be folded out of the way to make room for optics, but can be instantly redeployed if needed.

  • Six-position telescoping M4-style buttstock and Mil-Spec buffer tube allow the rifle to be properly sized for different shooters, or varying levels of outerwear or defensive gear.

  • Made from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forging, the flattop upper receiver includes a forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector, and is Type III hard coat anodized for maximum durability.

  • Bolt is machined from 9310 alloy steel and is shot peened and pressure (proof) tested to ensure strength, structural integrity and durability.

  • Front sight post is elevation adjustable, and a front sight tool is included. The A2-style F-height allows co-witness with many optics.

  • Patent pending Barrel Nut and Delta Ring are designed for one person handguard removal and installation. The design accepts standard carbine length handguards. The barrel nut uses a standard wrench and can be swapped with a Mil-Spec barrel nut if desired.

  • Milled gas block is located at a carbine-length (M4) position for improved balance and handling. Multiple attachment points include a QD socket and bayonet lug, for many sling and accessory mounting options. Serrations on the angled face of the gas block provide a low-glare surface.

  • Medium contour cold hammer-forged barrel with ultra-precise rifling provides exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. The 1:8" twist rate stabilizes bullets from 35 to 77 grains, and the 5.56 NATO chamber allows the use of both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem. Ammunition. M4 feed ramps provide improved operational reliability, and the matte black oxide finish reduces glare and provides corrosion resistance. A Ruger® flash suppressor is provided, and the 1/2"-28 threaded barrel allows for standard muzzle accessories to be installed.

  • Ergonomic pistol grip features an extended trigger reach for more precise trigger control.

  • Chrome-plated bolt carrier inside diameter and chrome-plated gas key inside diameter provide exceptional resistance to hot gases. The gas key is staked so that it will not loosen after extensive firing. A matte black oxide finish on the exterior of the bolt carrier provides corrosion resistance.

  • Single-stage trigger provides durable and reliable fire control. The enlarged trigger guard is designed to allow gloved shooting.

  • Handguards are made from heat-resistant glass-filled nylon for shooting comfort and durability.

  • Also includes: One, 30-round Magpul® PMAG®.


Originally, the AR-15 had a 1:14 rate of twist, generally considered good for a 40 grain bullet, then it was changed to 1:12, better suited to 55 grain bullets. For 77 grain bullets, 1:7 is considered a good choice. This Ruger has a 1:8 rate of twist, called “optimum” for M885 Ball ammo (62 grain projectile).

The tested Ruger AR-556 weighs 6-1/4 lbs. without the magazine. The trigger has no take-up whatsoever, it just breaks, but it is heavy at 8 pounds which is repeatable. The AR-556 is well-machined and well-finished. About the only thing some might want is a hard-chrome lined barrel to make cleaning a bit quicker, but that isn't wondrously important to me.

The factory sighting system is fine, for relatively close quarters. The A2 front sight is coarse, covering a lot of real estate even at 50 yards. I've not done the calculations, but it is something like a 14 MOA front post sight, covering roughly seven inches at 50 yards. While it is easy to hit a silhouette at 50 yards with the as-supplied sighting system, for anything approaching a decent group at 100 yards you'll likely want to add optics. It is easy enough with the built in rail if you choose to go that route. Of course, the folks that are really into AR's and want a specific configuration would likely get a second upper anyway.

The AR-556 can be the ideal home defense arm, easy to use for women, senior citizens, and most everyone: with moderate recoil, and far greater accuracy than possible from a handgun. It is a far better threat deterrent than any handgun or shotgun, and is simply a better tool for the legal defense of self and others than most platforms. The persons who have the most need for 30 round magazines are those who would have great difficulty changing a magazine — such as elderly persons or persons with disabilities. Although one can quickly change magazines, persons being attacked by criminals will typically prefer not to spend even a few seconds for a magazine change.

It is a lightweight, well-balanced rifle. With the adjustable stock, it will fit most anyone, and its function with 62 grain Federal American Eagle rounds is flawless. Like essentially all AR- platform rifles, recoil is exceedingly mild. Selling for about $700 street price, the AR-556 is clearly a lot of AR for the money. Back in 2013, Armalite rifles were hard to find, and prices soared past $2000 for a time. If the AR-15 platform appeals to you, now is a great time to buy, and this Ruger AR-556 is a very, very solid choice and an excellent value as well.

 

Copyright 2016 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Custom Search