The Ruger AR-556 in 5.56x45mm (brand part no. 8529) is a semi-automatic AR-15 built from forged aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, giving shooters a durable, hard-coat-anodized rifle for range and defensive use. Ruger pairs a 16.1-inch cold-hammer-forged, heavy-contour threaded barrel with a 1:8-inch twist rate, fits an 11-inch free-float M-LOK handguard made from heat-resistant glass-filled nylon, and includes a forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector on the flattop upper. A single-stage trigger, a bolt machined from 9310 alloy steel, and a chrome-plated bolt carrier with a matte black oxide exterior finish round out the build. The rifle ships optic-ready and includes a Magpul PMAG. Among AR-platform rifles in the AR rifles category, the AR-556 favors shooters who want Ruger build quality at an accessible price.

Key Specifications

• Chambered in 5.56x45mm.
• The barrel carries a 1:8-inch rate of twist.
• Features a 16.1-inch cold-hammer-forged, heavy-contour, threaded barrel.
• Built from forged 7075-T6 aluminum.
• Includes an 11-inch free-float M-LOK handguard.
• Uses a single-stage trigger.
• Bolt is machined from 9310 alloy steel.
• Ships optic-ready with no fixed sights.
• Uses a thumb safety.
• Feeds a total of 30+1 rounds, one Magpul PMAG included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the receiver made of? Forged 7075-T6 aluminum, hard-coat anodized.

Does this rifle come with sights? No, it ships optic-ready without fixed sights.

Buy the Ruger AR-556 5.56 NATO

Ruger build quality at an accessible price is exactly what the AR-556 delivers. As soon as it is ready to ship, order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL.