Ruger SR-556: A Solid 5.56mm Carbine contender
As a firearms enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing and reviewing various rifles over the years, and the Ruger SR-556 has been a recent addition to my collection. In this review, I’ll be sharing my experiences with this 5.56mm carbine, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it’s worth considering for your next purchase.
Design and Build Quality
The Ruger SR-556 is a solidly built rifle, with a rugged aesthetic that exudes quality. The carbine features a 16.4-inch barrel, with a blued finish that’s resistant to corrosion and scratches. The barrel is rifled with a 1 in 9-inch twist, making it suitable for use with a variety of 5.56mm ammunition.
- Magazine and Ejection Port: The rifle comes with a 5-round steel magazine, which is a bit on the smaller side compared to other 5.56mm rifles. However, the magazine is designed to be simple and reliable, with a straightforward design that minimizes jamming issues. The ejection port is protected by a stainless steel cover, providing added protection against debris and moisture.
Fire Control Group
The Ruger SR-556 features a proprietary fire control group designed by Ruger, which offers a crisp and reliable trigger pull. The trigger itself is a two-stage, ambidextrous design that breaks at around 5.25 pounds.
- Safeties: The carbine comes equipped with a dual-safety system, featuring a manual safety on the right side, as well as a drop safety integrated into the trigger group. This provides an added layer of security for accidental discharges.
Optics and Sights
The Ruger SR-556 comes with a Dawson Precision DAK delta ring flip-up rear sight, which is adjustable for windage. The front sight is a protected, standard issue post, providing a clear and unobstructed view.
- Optics: Unfortunately, the rifle does not come equipped with any optics out of the box. However, Ruger does offer an option to upgrade to their own 4x32mm scope, which is specifically designed for use with this carbine.
Performance
I’ve had the pleasure of taking the Ruger SR-556 out to the range, and it’s performed impressively well. The rifle showed no issues with reliability, feeding, or extracting, even when using a variety of 5.56mm ammunition. Accuracy was decent, with 100-yard groups falling within 2.5 MOA.
- Range Performance: Here are some specific range performance notes:
- Muzzle velocity: 2,700-2,850 FPS (depending on the specific ammunition used)
- Effective range: 100-300 yards, depending on the shooter and conditions
- Accuracy: 2-3 MOA at 50 yards, 2.5-3.5 MOA at 100 yards
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Ruger SR-556:
Pros:
- Reliability: The rifle has shown no issues with reliability in testing.
- Build quality: The Ruger SR-556 has a solid and durable build.
- Fire control group: The trigger is crisp and reliable.
- Price: The rifle is priced competitively for its class.
Cons:
- 5-round magazine: The limited magazine capacity may be a concern for some shooters.
- No optics: The rifle does not come equipped with optics out of the box.
- Weight: The rifle is slightly heavier than some other options in its class.
- Sights: While the sights are functional, some shooters may find them less than ideal.
Conclusion
The Ruger SR-556 is a solid 5.56mm carbine that’s built for reliability and dependability. While it may not excel in every aspect, it’s a great option for those looking for a no-frills, no-muss, no-fuss rifle for casual shooting or home defense. With its rugged build and reliable fire control group, the Ruger SR-556 is a great choice for those who value a solid, dependable rifle without breaking the bank.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation:
The Ruger SR-556 is a great option for:
- Home defense
- Casual shooting
- Competition shooting (with a scope upgrade)
- Law enforcement/military use
However, if you’re looking for a rifle with extended magazine capacity, high-end accuracy, or advanced features, you may want to consider other options.
