It's an AR!

[koveras225]

Finally! I've been waiting all day for this... It's an AR! (And hopefully not in the 'Another Recall' way)

Ruger SR-556



(I really thought it would be an SR40... And I never want to make another post again... lol, post count )

 

[shooter521]

We told ya so.

 

[melensdad]

$1995 gas piston AR

 

[shooter521]

Pic:

And specs:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem.
Capacity: 30 Rounds
Finish: ManganesePhosphate/HardcoatAnodized
Stock: 6-Position Telescoping M4-Style
Barrel Length: 16 1/8"
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:9" RH
Overall Length: 32.75" - 36"
Weight: 7.92 lbs
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Folding BattleSights (Elev.)
Rear Sight(s): Folding BattleSights (Windage)
Other Features: AR Compatible Selector Lever
Suggested Retail Price: $ 1995.00
Miscellaneous: AR-style SR-556 ships with 10" Troy Industries Quad Rail, Three Troy Industries Rail Covers, 3 30-Rounds Magazines, and a soft Ruger case. Also includes Hogue® Monogrip® Pistol Grip.
____________________________

Glad to see they went with good quality add-ons and mags (Troy & Magpul), but it makes me wonder if they are making their own receivers and gas system, or using someone else's? I also don't see any mention of a quick-change barrel, which rumors indicated it was supposed to have.

Bottom line - I don't see anything here that "redefines" the AR platform; I just see a late entry into a rapidly crowding field for what is a niche product (piston guns; not ARs in general) at best.

 

[Chefcook]

That looks sweet, a little pricey though...

 

[Ricnzak]

Pretty nifty looking. But for 2k it should be.

 

[rmcrob]

Interesting approach. I kind of expected more of a lower end offering from Ruger. $2k isn't lower end. Going with a piston is interesting.

 

[JosephR]

I'd buy an LMT over that any day.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Nothing like being the last one to the dance...

-J-

 

[joslar15]

For that money, I think I'd buy ammo and a PTR-91. Or perhaps the Sig556, if I really wanted a piston AR.

But it is cool looking! I sure wouldn't refuse one if I won it in a contest, or something.

 

[JosephR]

For that money, I think I'd buy ammo and a PTR-91. Or perhaps the Sig556, if I really wanted a piston AR.

But it is cool looking! I sure wouldn't refuse one if I won it in a contest, or something.

Don't you mean if you DIDN'T want an AR Jose?

 

[Chefcook]

I'd buy an LMT over that any day.

Got that covered...

 

[sporter]

I'd buy an LMT over that any day.

They ain't going after your money though. They are going after FUDD money

 

[mettle]

Looks like they copied the XCR to a good extent. My XCR still looks better, and runs. I'd just buy another XCR for $1500 before I'd buy an unproven Ruger.

 

[mettle]

Plus the XCR is one frame, back to front the rail is one. Having that troy quad rail, to me, may be a issue once battering takes place.

Just a thought... it may be perfectly fine. If it runs like a 10/22 good for them!

 

[shooter521]

Looks like they copied the XCR to a good extent.

So putting a piston system into an AR is now "copying the XCR"? I know you're a fan, but come on.

 

[JosephR]

I gotta see this. Is it an AR or something like an XCR? Why compare it to an XCR? Jeeez...

 

[joslar15]

Don't you mean if you DIDN'T want an AR Jose?

Touche', my friend!

 

[Culpepper]

Pic:
I also don't see any mention of a quick-change barrel, which rumors indicated it was supposed to have.

According to the exploded view of the manual they have used their own style of barrel and barrel nut. By the photo it appears they have made their idea of a quick change barrel by using a larger barrel nut (#64). Their manual advises that all parts have to be bought from them, appears that includes barrels.

My question is, how do you set the torque when installing a new barrel. I am concerned about a set screw or separate pin (#79) for indexing the barrel instead of a stud made as part of the barrel. Screws can back out and pins fall out. Loose your head space, the barrel rotates or worse your barrel falls off, you have big problems.

Piston guns have their own problems and it appears that this design has not fixed them.

 

[4PWW9]

You don't set the "torque" on any QCB. It's in the design.
Part #79 shown in the above schematic is the same type stud pin used for barrel alignment to the reciever as used with every M16 & AR15 out there, nothing different with that.
The Ruger SR556 has some unique features that are not clearly shown in the drawing. Give it a few weeks to get into the hands of shooters before forming an opinion. Ruger has spent some extra time on this one.
Not sure where they are coming from on the price, seems like it could be better even with the current market demand.