The Ruger AR-556 is a reliable, American-made 5.56 NATO semi-automatic rifle built on the proven AR-15 platform. With a 16.1″ chrome-moly steel barrel, M-LOK handguard, collapsible synthetic stock, threaded muzzle (1/2″-28), and direct gas impingement operation, this rifle delivers AR-15 familiarity with Ruger’s legendary quality, durability, and value.
This is Ruger’s flagship AR-15: cold hammer-forged barrel, reversible safety, bolt catch, easy field-stripping, and 30+1 capacity—backed by Ruger’s lifetime warranty and made in the USA.
What Makes the Ruger AR-556 Special
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Direct Gas Impingement System: Proven AR-15 operating system. Gas from fired round cycles bolt carrier rearward, rotates bolt, and chambers next round. Reliable, simple, and widely understood.
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16.1″ Chrome-Moly Steel Barrel: Cold hammer-forged for durability and accuracy. 1:8″ twist rate stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights (55gr–77gr). Black oxide finish for corrosion resistance.
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Threaded Muzzle (1/2″-28): Accepts muzzle devices, suppressors, compensators, and muzzle brakes. A2 flash hider included. Ready for upgrades.
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M-LOK Handguard: Modular attachment system for lights, lasers, grips, slings, and rails. Lightweight, ventilated, and rock-solid. No tools required for accessory mounting.
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Collapsible Synthetic Stock: Six-position adjustable stock for length of pull (10.25″–14″ range). Fits shooters of all sizes. Synthetic material resists weather, impacts, and wear.
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Reversible Safety Selector: Ambidextrous-ready. Safety can be installed for left or right-hand operation. Blocks trigger and allows bolt cycling on “SAFE.”
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Bolt Catch/Release: Holds bolt open on empty magazine. Quick release for fast reloads. Standard AR-15 control placement.
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Easy Field-Stripping: No tools required. Breaks down into basic subassemblies (upper, lower, bolt carrier group, charging handle) for cleaning and maintenance.
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30+1 Round Capacity: Includes one 30-round STANAG magazine. Accepts all standard AR-15/M16 magazines (10, 20, 30 rounds).
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Matte Black Finish: Hard-coat anodized aluminum receiver + black oxide barrel. Durable, low-glare, and tactical-looking.
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Made in USA: Ruger manufactures the AR-556 in the United States. American workers, American quality, American warranty.
Specifications
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Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO (also compatible with .223 Remington)
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Action: Semi-automatic, direct gas impingement
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Barrel Length: 16.1″
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Barrel Material: Chrome-moly steel (cold hammer-forged)
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Barrel Finish: Black oxide
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Twist Rate: 1:8″ (stabilizes 55gr–77gr bullets)
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Threaded Muzzle: Yes (1/2″-28 threads)
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Muzzle Device: A2 flash hider (included)
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Upper Receiver: Aluminum (hard-coat anodized, matte black)
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Lower Receiver: Aluminum (hard-coat anodized, matte black)
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Handguard: M-LOK (modular attachment system)
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Stock Type: Collapsible (six-position)
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Stock Material: Synthetic polymer
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Stock Color: Black
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Length of Pull (LOP): Adjustable 10.25″–14″ (varies by stock position)
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Safety Selector: Reversible (left or right-hand installation)
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Bolt Catch/Release: Standard AR-15 style
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Magazine Compatibility: AR-15/M16 STANAG magazines
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Magazine Capacity: 30+1 rounds (one 30-round magazine included)
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Sights: None (optic or iron sights sold separately)
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Optic Ready: Yes (Picatinny rail on upper receiver; scope not included)
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Overall Length (Extended): 35.5″
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Overall Length (Collapsed): 32.25″
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Weight: 6.5 lbs (unloaded, without magazine)
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Hand: Right-hand (reversible safety for ambidextrous use)
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Youth Model: No
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Frame Finish: Matte black (hard-coat anodized)
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Scope Included: No (optic sold separately)
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Mounts Included: Picatinny rail integrated (no additional mounts needed)
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Country of Origin: United States of America
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Warranty: Ruger lifetime warranty (repair or replacement for defects)
Ideal For
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Home Defense: Reliable, familiar AR-15 platform. 30+1 capacity, collapsible stock for maneuverability.
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Tactical Training: Law enforcement, military, civilian tactical courses—standard AR-15 controls, M-LOK for accessories.
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Competition Shooting: 3-Gun, practical rifle, dynamic shooting—lightweight, fast-handling, reliable.
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Recreational Shooting: Range days, plinking, steel targets—fun, reliable, affordable 5.56 NATO shooting.
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First AR-15: Perfect entry-level AR. Ruger quality, American-made, lifetime warranty, affordable pricing.
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Suppressor Users: Threaded 1/2″-28 muzzle accepts suppressors. Check local NFA laws.
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Custom Builds: M-LOK handguard, Picatinny rail, standard AR-15 parts compatibility. Build it your way.
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Budget-Conscious Buyers: Ruger quality at a competitive price. Better value than many “budget” AR brands.
What’s Included
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(1) Ruger AR-556 Semi-Automatic Rifle (5.56 NATO)
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(1) 30-Round STANAG Magazine
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(1) A2 Flash Hider (installed)
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(1) Owner’s Manual
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(1) Cable Lock
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Original Packaging
Note: Optic/iron sights sold separately. Additional magazines sold separately.
Ruger Quality
Sturm, Ruger & Co. has been manufacturing firearms in the United States since 1949. The AR-556 is Ruger’s flagship AR-15 platform rifle, combining proven design with American manufacturing quality and Ruger’s legendary lifetime warranty.
Why Ruger AR-556 matters:
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American-Made: Manufactured in the USA. American workers, American quality control.
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Lifetime Warranty: Ruger stands behind every firearm. Repair or replacement for defects—no questions asked.
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Proven Reliability: Direct impingement AR-15 platform. Millions of AR-556s sold worldwide.
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Value Pricing: Competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Better than many “budget” AR brands.
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Trusted by Shooters: Ruger is one of the most trusted names in firearms.
Important Notes
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Optic NOT Included: Picatinny rail integrated on upper receiver, but scope/red dot/iron sights sold separately. Purchase optics based on your needs.
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Additional Magazines: One 30-round magazine included. Additional AR-15/M16 STANAG magazines sold separately (10, 20, 30 rounds).
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Twist Rate: 1:8″ twist stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights (55gr–77gr). Ideal for mixed 5.56/.223 shooting.
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Suppressor Ready: Threaded 1/2″-28 muzzle accepts suppressors, compensators, muzzle brakes. Check local NFA laws for suppressor ownership.
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State Compliance: Check local laws for magazine capacity, collapsible stock, and feature restrictions (CA, NY, MA, CT, NJ, etc.).
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Ammo Compatibility: 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington are both safe to fire. 5.56 NATO has slightly higher pressure—Ruger AR-556 is rated for both.
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Aftermarket Support: Massive AR-15 aftermarket. Triggers, stocks, handguards, grips, optics—endless customization options.
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Warranty: Ruger lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Contact Ruger for warranty claims.
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Cleaning: Direct impingement systems require regular cleaning. Carbon builds up in bolt carrier group—clean after every 500–1,000 rounds.
