Ruger SR-556

Ruger SR-556
Ruger SR-556 - Standard Configuration (discontinued)
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Designed2009
ManufacturerSturm, Ruger & Co.
Produced2009–2018
Variants
  • SR-556 (standard)
  • SR-556C (carbine)
  • SR-556U (6.8 SPC)
  • SR-556E (essential)
  • SR-556VT (Varmint/Target)
  • SR-556TD (Takedown)
  • SR-762 (7.62/308)
Specifications (Standard)
Mass3.60 kg (7.94 lb)[1]
Length832 mm (32.75 in) (collapsed)
910 mm (36 in) (extended)[1]
Barrel length409 mm (16.12 in)[1]
Width64 mm (2.5 in)[1]
Height197 mm (7.75 in)[1]
Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO/.223 Remington
.300 AAC Blackout (Aftermarket barrel)
6.8mm Remington SPC
.308 Winchester/7.62×51mm NATO (SR-762 only)
Barrels16 in (0.41 m)
ActionGas-operated short-stroke piston, rotating bolt
Rate of fireCyclic rate of fire:
800 rounds/min
Practical rate of fire:
*Semi-automatic:
100 rounds/min
*Full-automatic:
250 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity945 m/s (3,100 ft/s)
Effective firing range800 m (870 yd)
Maximum firing range1,000 m (1,100 yd)
Feed system30-round STANAG magazine or 40-round box magazine
SightsIron sights
References[2][3]

The SR-556 is a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. The rifle was introduced in 2009 in .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO and as a .308 Winchester AR-10 variant in 2013, the SR-762.[4] It is one of several AR-15 rifles to use a gas piston operation.

History

Ruger announced on May 15, 2009 on the SR-556 being produced.[5] On May 13, 2010, the SR-556C was announced.[6]

In January 2016, Ruger discontinued all SR-556 rifles[7] and introduced a new takedown variant, known as the Ruger SR-556 Takedown, with a lightweight KeyMod handguard in 2017.[8]

Design

The rifle features a short-stroke piston mechanism as opposed to the semi-direct impingement system of the AR-15. Gas flow is controlled by a four position regulator. Several key parts, such as the 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 suppressor is similar to Ruger's AC-556 and Mini-14GB.[9]

The 5.56 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 STANAG magazines. The 7.62 variant uses SR-25 pattern 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 mm (16.12 in), chrome lined, and features a six groove, right hand, 1:230 mm (9 in) twist.[4]

In August 2010, Ruger announced that the rifle would be offered in the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge.[10]

Criticism

Ruger's introduction of the SR-556 was met with some criticism for its high price tag of around US$2,000.[11] Ruger products are usually known for affordability, but the SR-556 is essentially a regular AR-15, but with a piston operated gas system instead of the standard direct impingement system . It differs from the less expensive alternatives like the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport and Sport II model rifles, of which the original Sport model lacked a forward assist and dust cover. The SR-556 was also criticized for being heavier than other AR-15s.

Ruger addressed these shortcomings by introducing a lighter and less expensive rifle, the SR-556E.[12]

  • Firing the Ruger SR-556
    Firing the Ruger SR-556
  • Adjustable gas key on Ruger SR-556 piston rifle
    Adjustable gas key on Ruger SR-556 piston rifle
  • Elements of Ruger SR-556 gas system
    Elements of Ruger SR-556 gas system
  • Top: Bolt and carrier for Ruger SR-556 gas piston rifle Lower: Bolt and carrier for direct impingement AR 15 Rifle.
    Top: Bolt and carrier for Ruger SR-556 gas piston rifle
    Lower: Bolt and carrier for direct impingement AR 15 Rifle.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Ruger SR-556". Sturm, Ruger, and Co., Inc. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  2. ^ "Ruger® SR-556® Autoloading Rifle Model 5902". Archived from the original on January 20, 2013.
  3. ^ "Ruger® SR-556® Carbine Autoloading Rifle Model 5905". Archived from the original on January 15, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Gilbert, Glenn M., Ruger's SR-556: Ready To Run, Right Out Of The Box, American Rifleman, October 2009
  5. ^ "Ruger News". ruger.com. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  6. ^ "Ruger News".
  7. ^ "Gun Review: Ruger AR-556 [Ultimate Hands-on Review] by Sniper Country". Sniper Country. September 1, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  8. ^ Sadowski, Robert (July 12, 2017). "Review: The Discreet Ruger SR-556 Takedown". Gun Digest. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "Ruger SR-556 Semi-Auto Rifle Chambered for the 6.8mm SPC Cartridge". www.gunblast.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  11. ^ "Ruger SR-556". May 16, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Cumpston, Mike. "Ruger's SR-556E 5.56mm NATO". Guns. Vol. 51, no. 12. p. 56.
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