New Toy - Ruger SR-556

[nlax2011]

Well I finally decided to jump in to the AR-15 pool, so here is my new toy, and my first AR. So far I really like it. Only put about 300 rounds through it a couple local ranges but no issues, no failures and seems to be a great shooter.

Did a LOT of reading online about DI vs gas piston systems, reviews on this gun, etc... and I feel pretty comfortable with what I've seen and read. The more I looked at specs and adding on similar parts to a traditional DI carbine I think you get a lot for your money with this.... quad rail, Troy fold down BUIS, chrome-lined/hammer forged barrel, etc.... Local dealer had a good deal on it that I couldn't pass up.

Added on an EOtech 552 (found a local dealer who had several police trade in units for a good deal). Also found a local store who had a Mako 5x magnifier that came with an EOtech flip to side mount. I know Mako isn't the best in quality but the price they had it for wasn't much more than what the flip mount by itself should cost. And it actually seems to be a decent unit and works well with the Eotech.



Through the EOtech without magnifier. Not the best quality while trying to hold on to camera as well.


Now through the magnifier, again a little blurry because of the camera.

(sights were off of the rifle for the sight pics)

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[LeCalsey]

Beautiful new toy. Congrats

[WHEC724]

Oh man... Super cool!

I want one bad...

[BlueNinjaGo]

Looks sweet... How much do Ruger SR-556's usually run?

[nlax2011]

Looks sweet... How much do Ruger SR-556's usually run?

I've seen them around here from ~$1350 to $1600. Definitely not the cheapest but basically comes with what I would have put on it anyway, plus includes 3 magpul 30-rd mags.

[WHEC724]

One first showed up last year at a local gun store for $1,400. They've since jumped up to $1800 (at the same store).

[BlueNinjaGo]

Oh man, way beyond my price range... for now at least... still... it's quite beautiful.

[Ring]

nice, but DUMP THAT FLASH SUPPRESSOR!!!!!!!!!!

put a phantom on for 30$

[MitchellCT]

You could have spent $1,000 on a rifle, and the rest on training and ammo...

[ctr]

Excellent rifle. I handled one at the store today and was quite impressed. Enjoy the new rifle.

[johnshia]

What I don't get is why Ruger didn't do away with AR buffer/spring recoil system?

That way, they could have made a side-folder like original AR-180.

[Patti]

I handled the new Ruger about a month ago at my local gun shop. It was soooo tempting.

I settled on the Colt LE 6920.

[BAC]

Mitch, I might agree with you except that it doesn't sound like this is his HD tool. Sometimes folks get guns just 'cuz. It's enough to make a college student jealous!

nlax2011, be mindful of carrier tilt and barrel heat. The Ruger is known to get hot quick and tear up receiver extensions. Otherwise, enjoy your rifle and shoot 'er up. Let us know how it does down the road.

What I don't get is why Ruger didn't do away with AR buffer/spring recoil system?

That way, they could have made a side-folder like original AR-180.

You know, on that note, I'd like to see someone make an AR-180 out of modern materials that can accept a free-float rail just to see how it does. Then again, half the crap I own is in various stages of assembly because I can't leave anything alone, so maybe I just like "just 'cuz."


-B

[nlax2011]

Mitch, I might agree with you except that it doesn't sound like this is his HD tool. Sometimes folks get guns just 'cuz. It's enough to make a college student jealous!

nlax2011, be mindful of carrier tilt and barrel heat. The Ruger is known to get hot quick and tear up receiver extensions. Otherwise, enjoy your rifle and shoot 'er up. Let us know how it does down the road.

Yea, the 12 gauge and my carry handgun are my go to weapons at home for now.

Haha...I understand about the college student thing, I'm not far off from that, currently just 1 year out from finishing med school so I'm still living a student lifestyle.

Have wanted an AR for quite a while. A buddy of mine got an AK last year and it's nice, but just didn't do it for me.... was still partial to the AR platform and style. Had saved up for a while and finally sold of the remains of my previous car audio hobby which helped financed this purchase.

Did a TON of reading on this and definitely going to keep an eye on the carrier tilt issue. Have only put ~300 rounds through it and no failures, shoots great, and no obvious signs of tilt yet. Saw a couple other threads on the m4carbine forum with a couple links to a replacement buffer and/or tube that seemed to help those that were having problems.

Everything has their opinion on what is best and I've definitely read threads of pure Ruger bashing but for the most part what I've seen has been positive. I'm not LE/military so I don't need a rock solid DI-proven rifle for duty. Plus I've always enjoyed "new" items/technology and just wanted something that was a little different.

Later on when the AR bug grows and funds allow I'd like to build a traditional lighter weight DI SBR rifle. For now I know I'll have a ton of fun with this.

[MitchellCT]

Guns are fun...

But not as much fun as 2 days of shooting with the gun...