Ruger SR-556: Photos and video…

If you have not heard the news. Ruger has moved into the AR platform.  They have announced the Ruger SR-556. It is a short stroke gas piston rifle built upon the AR platform.

Features include troy rails, sights and covers. Receiver is 3rd party from what I gathered from the salesmen.  The barrel, flash suppressor, and I believe the bolt are Ruger made. Possibly other parts as well. The upper two-stage gas piston system was designed by Ruger.  Essentially, what I gathered is that Ruger is trying to provide a full feature ready made gas piston AR platform.

MSRP is something like $1,995, they should start shipping in June.

Michael Bane was there filming for the Outdoor Channel. I also managed to capture some video…

Here was an outtake… ( I wonder if I’ll still be allowed at the Michael Bane sponsored Blogger Happy Hour tonight.) *LOL*

I endeavored to seek answers for a number of questions I’d seen asked online already. I asked a salesman what differentiated the Ruger SR556 from the SigSauer556. He expressed that the Sig was a long stroke piston similar to an AK. Where as the Ruger is a short stroke piston. (Now here is where I must confess my ignorance. As I have NO CLUE what this means. Nor what advantages or disadvantages either has; so if you my readers would like to chime in here, please do!)

The receiver is a standard lower and therefore you should be able to put any upper on it.  (Hmm…POF receiver with Ruger upper might be a nice setup.) While I am not sure about .22LR conversion kits. A .22LR upper system should work according the salesman I spoke with on the floor.

An interesting note…the salesmen stated that they have two testing units which have broken 20,000 rounds (uncleaned).

More photos of the SR-556 here in the photo gallery!