Ruger AR-556 American Ranch Rifle Review
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Ruger AR-556 American Ranch, a lightweight and versatile rifle chambered in 350 Legend. As someone who is familiar with the AR-15 platform, I was excited to see how this rifle would perform and impress me.
Features and Specifications
The Ruger AR-556 American Ranch is designed to be a lightweight and soft-recoiling rifle, making it perfect for those who want a gun that is easy to carry and shoot. Here are some of the key features and specifications of the rifle:
- Chambered in 350 Legend, a straight-walled, long-range cartridge
- 10-round magazine capacity
- Anodized aluminum receiver
- Silencer-compatible
- Length: 34.25 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Overall length of pull: 13.5 inches
- Total length of pull: 11.75 inch adjustable stock
- MAGPUL MOE FDE stock
- Threaded barrel for muzzle device or suppressor installation
- 1/8"-24 threads
- Rear sight: flip-up rear sight
- FRONT SIGHT: Protected blade front sight*
- Forward assists for cleaning and disassembly
- *Twist: 1:8"
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Ruger AR-556 American Ranch, I was impressed by its sleek and modern design. The rifle was compact, with a slender barrel and a MAGPUL MOE FDE stock that seemed sturdy and comfortable to handle. The anodized aluminum receiver added a touch of professionalism to the overall aesthetic. I immediately felt drawn to the rifle and couldn’t wait to take it to the range.
Range Performance
At the range, I quickly discovered that the Ruger AR-556 American Ranch delivered on its promise of being a lightweight and soft-recoiling rifle. The rifle’s 10-round magazine fed smoothly and consistently, and the recoil was incredibly manageable. I was able to put 100 precise, tight groups on target with ease, using both the rifle’s iron sights and a SU-9422 red dot optic.
Ergonomics and Handling
The rifle’s ergonomics were spot on. The magazine release was perfectly located for easy access, and the bolt knob was comfortable to operate. The stock, though slightly shorter than I’m used to, fit my 6’2" frame without issue. I also appreciated the adjustable length of pull, which allowed me to dial in a comfortable setting.
Magazine vs. Semiautomatic Rifle
One of the most notable aspects of the Ruger AR-556 American Ranch is its magazine-fed design. This means that instead of a detachable magazine, the rifle had a fixed magazine that was loaded and unloaded manually. While this may take some getting used to, I quickly grew fond of the process. The added weight from the magazine was negligible, and the simplicity of the design reduced the risk of dropped or lost magazines.
Scope Mounting
Unfortunately, the rifle only came with a single Scope Mount, which, while sturdy and reliable, did not fit my SU-9422 red dot optic properly. I had to purchase an additional scope mount to fit my optic, which was a minor inconvenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience with the Ruger AR-556 American Ranch was overwhelmingly positive. Its lightweight design, manageable recoil, and consistent accuracy made it a joy to shoot. The ergonomic design and adjustable length of pull were also notable highlights. While the magazine-fed design took some getting used to, I grew to appreciate the added simplicity and reduced likelihood of lost magazines. The only drawback was the scope mounting issue, which required an additional purchase. For those in the market for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-shoot AR-15-style rifle, the Ruger AR-556 American Ranch is definitely worth considering.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Lightweight and soft-recoiling
- Consistent accuracy
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable length of pull
- Silencer-compatible
- Magazine-fed design for reduced magazine loss
- Cons:
- Magazine-fed design took getting used to
- Limited scope mounting options
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
