@@ToastyZach Bought the same one at the perfect time in dec of 2019 for $599. It has been great with zero malfunctions except for a bad mag. Surprised at how accurate its too. With my 62gr gold dot hand loads and 1-8x Im getting .5 moa and about 1 moa with just 55gr PMC.
Glad you found it helpful I've always liked videos that break down real kit that is really being used by professional end user there is a stark difference between people that varied thier gear everyday vs people that just keep it in a safe and shoot it once or twice a month maybe
I've had a Ruger AR 556 for about 5 years, and I've not had a single malfunction except for a few caused by bunk ammo. I also put a Rise Armament trigger in mine(RA140), and some ergonomics like a stock and such. The rifle is very accurate, and is just an all around workhorse that just keeps going.
I have a RA140 on another rifle it's a clean trigger. I was made a believer by my AR-556 just a total workhorse. I was running BCM, Larue, Aero and Geissele prior to being issued this, I trust it and have no issues trusting my life to it. Just a no frills gun the runs.
I currently have a Ruger AR-556, I don’t have nearly 7300 rounds on mine. I’ve got a 7” BCM Mlok rail and a Magpul fixed carbine stock. Just iron sights (rear is a folding Troy battlesight) a Magpul sling, and a streamlight pro-tac hlx on a cantilever scout mount which is excellent because it pushes the light bezel forward of the front sight base and reduces the shadow caused by the gun… I really like it quite a bit, I’ve had zero malfunctions with many different magazines and ammo types. It just runs everything I put in it.
@The SmorgMan I will say I've run the hell out of this hard on the ground in the dirt with high schedules of fire. The only malfunctions I've head were created by an insttuctor(dick stick) or ammo related I did have a mag go down once but I had been having issues and trashed it.
I picked up the mpr a while back and wow! That 18 inch barrel turns a good ar into a great ar. Higher velocity, higher accuracy. Last time at the range i put a silhouette, the size of a raccoon standing on his hind legs, out 200 yards. Got 53 hits outta 60 shots. With iron sites!!! Yes i was army trained on the M-16, but that was 40 years ago. The mpr is special.
Whoever says that the Ruger 556 is an entry rifle never had experience with AR’s. Those Ruger 556 are awesome and solidly built!!! And very insanely accurate. I own 2 LWRC’s and still prefer the Ruger 556 any day!!!
@TheOldMan1911 LWRC ? DI or Piston? LWRC is kinda weird - they're quality but they are kind of proprietary and you get the feeling that maybe you could have gotten something better for the price. My buddy had a DI carbine that sucked with cheap ammo -2.5 to 2.75 groups @ 100 yds with lake city 55gr xm193 - his S&W M&P15x had better groups and COST LESS I get the same when I look at my $1,400 BCM midlength and shoot it in comparison to my PSA " premium" barreled midlength- both are reliable and both shoot 1.5- 2.00 inch groups with xm193 and xm855.... To me ruger ar556 is neck and neck with del ton echo 316s, PSA PA-15s, S&W M&P sport IIs, and Windham weaponry ARs...
I got my 1st AR in June of this year. It is the Ruger AR556 with Magpul furniture. Still can't figure out what optics I want to put on it. I want a red dot tube with a magnifier. But also want a scope. I figured I won't be using it alot at 500+ yards. I'll use it more for home defense. So im thinking a red dot tube with a magnifier, just not sure what one to go with
@TheOldMan1911 it's "good enough" ( would NEVER get a gov't contract) . Compared one to my Colt 6940 and my BCM Haley Jack? The ruger is a entry level AR. AND ENTRY LEVEL ISNT A BAD WORD Yes they( Ruger AR 556) work - sadly the Trump shooting showed that all too well, and for a gun owner on a budget ? They can get a properly manufactured rifle that functions and can be used for small game hunting , shooting sports and yes, self and home defense. But I can buy BETTER than an " entry level " rifle.....
@@Michael-fh6lw Different rifles for different roles. I own a Ruger AR 556 for casual and goofing off use. I also own an FN for serious matters. My ex's shoe collection taught me that a man can have multiple rifles to fill different roles. I will admit to a few practical upgrades to the Ruger, such as an ambi safety.
I've been looking into getting an AR for a few years. With all the videos floating around, I had a hard time making a decision. This Ruger kept coming up as really good with what i consider reputable TH-camrs. I finally got one today, this video makes me feel like I made a good choice. Thanks for the in depth review. You got a new subscriber.
Hey Unc I just purchased the AR556 yesterday Evening I spent most the night just sitting there looking at it. very first gun and I'm in love. Thanks for the video
My Ruger AR 556 is my go to workhorse rifle. Not much besides the guts is Ruger anymore though. Only thing I've had to do is swap my gas rings at about 5k (best guess) and firing pin a little later (preemptively). I've held mini competitions between my Zastava M70 AK and ar556 to see who could go the longest without cleaning and not malfunction. So far the Ruger wins by a landslide.
So True!! I own cheaper guns that i have run the crap out of and I have had more expensive rifles fail. I watched a new MCX have a safety lock up on the rifle and render the trigger inoperable during a class. That said you did get what you pay for but a lot of times you can and do get more than you pay for.
Ive got the SR556 and LOVE it! Its one i will never sell! Its the pre "takedown" model. I thought about getting the AR556 back when they first came out, but they had Colts on sale when i came back to buy it... So i walked out with the Colt for $100 more.
those SRs look sweet with the quad rail. I can't say I blame you I have an older LE only colt I picked up back in 11 got it for a song since there were other ars flooding the market. I want to put it together into a block II if I can find a RIS 2 rail I can afford.
@@unclefreedom213 if you ever get a chance to shoot one, do it! The short stroke piston is so soft shooting!! I love the look of the quads myself but really like the feel of it with them removed, which you can do. It was the first time I ever felt a forend without them and the Troy rail is actually really slim without them. This was back before there was an aluminum rail that wasn't quad. At least any that I knew of back in 08', I believe. I paid $2500 for it back then! I honestly believe that it will be a collectors piece in the future. Being Rugers first AR15. It's one of the few factory short stroke piston operated. They only make them a few years before going to the stupid and pointless "takedown" model and then dropping them altogether for the AR556 for 1/3 the price.
Thanks! Thats kind of my goal I guess, if it's bad it's just bad. i also beat up my gear and actually use it all the time and the way I figure it is if it's working great on my end a casual end user should be good to go with it.
“Don’t lump me in with bad cops and I won’t lump you with shitbags.” Best thing I’ve heard all day. Outstanding statement brother! Stay safe man. Ever Vigilant.
love hearing feedback touching on this topic sweet set up... i love running my PSA m4 style carbine vicers sling acog on unity mount FN barrel, knights quad rail with their rail covers, Aero Precision bolt &Bolt carrier also their charging handle,and a protac light def a fan of the ole classic simplicity setup subscribedd
Folks sleep on the FN produced CHF barrels for PSA because they are from PSA. I have a few and they have been damn good decently accurate and tough. I have not had good luck with Aero's BCG I've had 4 or 5 to this point and broke 2 or them. I do like PSA for their BCGs though they are all manufactured by Toolcraft, are they a fail zero or BCM or Sharps, no but they are solid and I have not had one fail yet. I do have some more complicated guns with more gadgets and gizmos but simple will always just work for the most part.
👍 super awesome build you have there. If that AR556 disappears, i don’t have it 😬 oh, but wait, i have my very own 🥶 not as fancy as yours, but may be some day. So glad i got it, one hell of a rifle right out of the box. Picked mine up one day I was standing at the counter when a Marine was purchasing his Ruger AR556 and said to me, “this is the real McCoy”. I got the last one they had there. Been so pleased with it. Reliable. Accurate. Functions fantastic. Saving your video to mimic your build as I can afford 👍 Thanks for the upload, God Bless and be safe out there 🙋♂️🇺🇸
Thank you! Best of luck on your journey don't be afraid to try stuff never know what you may really like. That said about 550ish is the add on from light to sight including the trigger.
I have that same exact rifle as my nightstand rifle. I picked it up shortly after they came out used for 400 (only had 120 rounds throughit). Kept it stock accept for magpul handguard, forward grip, cheap bushnell red dot, single point sling, and battle latch. I run cheap steel case though it, had problems with fte every 100-150, honed out the chamber with Emory cloth couple times and so far no fte for at least 300. After I burn the rest of my steel case its nothing but brass from now on.
I have not run steel cased through the gun yet my department provides ammo and I'm a reloader. I can say from other guns that brass has always proven to be more reliable. You got a good deal on the gun that's for sure and you're a brave man to run a single point sling.
I have the free float version of the ar556. Bought it over two years ago. No problems with it. Runs all types of ammo and magazines. Pretty good rifle.
I love the mag thing I had a bcm lower that hated gen 2 pmags no clue why something in the finish out of spec after a year it started going fine on them. Hell the ruger even runs hexmags
It was a toss up between the Ruger Ar556 or S&W M&P Sport 2 when I got my AR. I picked the S&W M&P Sport 2. My friend got the Ruger Ar556. Both seem to be solid choices. Thanks for the video.
I've got a ruger 556 and changed the foregrip like you did and added sling rings. The little known secret about these rugers is that threaded Delta ring, you dont have to fight it to get it disassembled.
@@unclefreedom213 year and a half, I tried some of the other cheaper dots Romeo 5, Vortex Crossfire, an AT3 RD50. I'm just not a fan of the 2 MOA dot I feel it's too big for anything past 100 yards, which is the minimum I like to target shoot at with the rifle, since I go to BLM land to practice.
Just ran across your site today and really enjoyed your presentation of this AR platform. Years ago when I was researching for my first AR my choices were the DD, 6920 LE and the Ruger 556. Cost was my final decision and I settled on the Ruger at under $600. I couldn't have made a better choice for an entry level AR platform. I'm some what old school and Prefer a clean look rifle with out all the accessorizes but I recently picked up a Primary Arms MD-25 optic but have yet to try it out. Again thank you for the review-Subscribed !! BTB
You won't be mad at that reddot and if you do have an issue, Primary Arms is solid at fixing them. I will say the the costs to value ratio on the ruger are pretty stellar.
I would agree Colt is not entry especially not now. I will say even against my higher end rifles this Ruger holds its own with a lot of use. There is something to be said for a solid performer that didn't break the bank.
I love mine. Got the 556 free float 16 inch. Replaced much of the same. But stock. Trigger. I did put o. A longer hand guard. I run a LPVO. But love the rifle!!
Theirs a ruger at 556 that’s been passed around my friends group at work and it’s a beast, it’s been passed around cuz it’s a good gun and every time one friend gets hard up another buys it off him and so on. Damn good gun.
Thanks! it's been very impressive to say the least. The few issues that have arisen are out of 10 guns total that are being subjected to more abuse and wear than normal. If I were just a concerned American I would stake my well-being on this rifle no questions asked.
Hate to hit you up again, but had to shout out once i saw your a fellow lefty shooter. I always like seeing how other lefty's have their guns and rifles setup, and thank you for your service as well sir!
Sadly not a lefty just a camera flip but u still appreciate the shout out. Next time I'm on range with a fellow instructor of mine we will run down his rifle and he is a lefty with a pretty dope rifle as well.
Ive have around 3500 Rounds through mine, it's about 1 year old and I love it. So far no issues, still just as it was when it came out of the box. Looking to change the charging handle but not much else. I do like the threaded During but that's just my preference. Keep up the videos and stay safe out there.
Ive had one for a few years and i have it set up similar to yours. I also had the taper pins walk out too but Ruger's awesome customer service took care of me. Thats the only issue ive had. Orher than that its an awesome rifle especially for the money
My AR556 is just 7 month old with maybe 250 rounds through it. I went to the range and noticed the gas block pins backing out. I drove them back in when I got home I noticed the block was canted way to the left. I called ruger and I needed to ship the gun to Ruger using an FFL and that cost me $60. I live in NJ and can't ship direct. I just got it back after 2 weeks and they replaced the barrel assembly. What's very strange is that the gas block taper pins are driven in Left to Right which seems to be the wrong way. The pins stick way out on the left side and barely reach the other side of the block (the hole are clearly bigger on the right than the left.). The user manual also shows them entering right-left. I tried to drive them out and they are in extremely tight' I wonder if they did that deliberately because they can't keep the pins in the blocks they use and just jammed them in'. Accidentally putting the pins in backwards in a AR-15 factory would seem unlikely. It will cost me another $60 and repackaging and 2 trips to the FFL to send it back.
I have a Ruger AR 15 and it is really a good rifle. dependable as they get. Wouldn't change it for another brand. I bought my sling straight from Ruger.
I totally agreed with you about the shitty proprietary plastic delta ring. Mine is back at Ruger as I'm watching this video to be replaced. It cracked in half and wouldn't keep my hand guard on.
the only issue ive ever had with the ruger is that out of the box, the trigger pins werent in properly so when i fired it, it jammed. after i set them in properly, i havent had an issue since in 5 years. so if you get one, just make sure the trigger is seating properly, then youre golden. It probably isnt the best rifle you can get, BUT it certainly punches above its weight class.
The first AR style rifle I purchased was a Ruger and I have nothing negative to say about it. I put an optic and a sling on it and then just used the crap out of it. No issues.
Excellent video. I come from the M16A1-2 age. When i finally bought my first AR15 it was a Ruger 556. Bare bones and unstoppable. Never a hiccup or problem (except that damn ring!). You've given me some ideas for it now. A Bushmaster (original) and a PSA AR have joined my Ruger now. And for a bit more power and distance, my Adams Arms AR10 Patrol Battle Rifle fills out the group. My biggest problem is finding a way to carry them all at the same time!! Im a retired LEO and the only long gun we had was the venerable Remington 870. Or my 6 inch S&W 686 that rode on my hip. Thanks for your service.
Those MPR look pretty sweet does it have the same thick barrel contour like the standard 556. Also what powder are you running for the 77gr otmtac. I have not been able to get them to shoot very well.
@@unclefreedom213 It's a straight contour .750 gas block. I've been using AR-Comp to get velocity with the 77gr and get 1 MOA groups sometimes better ( .6" ). For factory ammo that ADI 55gr blitzking is awesome and a decent price, not worth reloading blitzking bullets at the price. Well packaged for long term storage too.
My first AR which I still own is the Ruger 556 MPR. It is a must buy! Super smooth trigger, almost no recoil with a full length gas tube, 18 inch barrel and an utter tac driver. I've shot about 3,500 through mine without failures. I have the romeo 5 red dot on it, although I literally just added a 3x magnifier yesterday.
I love the look of those with the full quad rail on it. Good call on the romeo 5 I have one that is creeping up on 15k rounds never a loss of zero or any issues. Did you get the juliet magnifier?
@Uncle Freedom Yeah I can't believe how solid the gun has been. I was thinking of getting the romeo and juliet combo, but got a $100 sight mark 3x which has been functioning well. It had very good reviews online and it was in front of me in the gun store so I just picked it.
Folks think I'm kidding I have seen M16a1 come through the academy fun switch and all. we were qualing them and I walked up behind him and started playing Fortunate Son on my phone.
I have the same model of streamlight, and really like the Arisaka offset mount. It lets me mount the light directly into the M-lok slot, and holds it closer to the handguard at the 9 o'clock position. Feels to me like a genuine improvement without being too expensive.
Good idea I'm gonna look into those when I get off shift. I hate stacking the tolerance of the mlok pic rail sections I would rather it be a direct fit to the mlok. I feel like it would be a slimmer profile too, which would be nice with as chonky as the light is
Assuming the Streamlight HLX is like the Protac, you would be able to just use a button top 18650. That's the only issue I've had with mine, all my 18650s are flat tops.
You know that's a good point I have some button tops at home that I use in my Fenix lights (PD35tac and tk20R). Gonna have to check that this weekend. I know in my PROTAC 2LX they do not work and you have to run the circuit protected Streamlight brand but have never tried the button top in the HLX.
I have to apologize. Mine is in fact the Ruger SR-556. A little bit more price wise I believe than the AR556. Both are “Ruger” tho! I did want to tell you about my flash hider I swapped out. Designed and mfr’d by an x-army friend of mine. He found himself having troubles with muzzle break flash in low light situations, mostly early to late evenings shooting, and being blinded by the flash. After trying many aftermarket products he wasn’t finding any of help. So…. you can find him on TH-cam… STDs he calls them. Short for Simple Threaded Device. They really are incredible. Not only does it greatly reduce muzzle flash, in his and my opinion, they help reduce muzzle rise with each shot. Keeping the recoil forced more straight back into your shoulder verses the barrel jumping upward. And the flash, no more than a Bic lighter flick. Which, if you think about it, conceals your location for the most part. You have to see the design and you will appreciate the concept. Anyways, just thought I’d share. Sharing is caring. Plus, everybody needs an STD 🥶🙋♂️🇺🇸
So, I was not able to locate his videos or even his Amazon ad where he was selling them. They were relatively inexpensive, I’ll try and find out what happened or where you may be able to find one.
Some great info in this video. I wonder if the taper pins walking out is due to the different front sight / gas bock design that Ruger uses compared to most other ARs with a fixed front sight...? FWIW I have had a Spikes Tactical carbine with a fixed front sight in my truck for almost 4 years now and not had that issue, but I can see it happening on a gun that spends most of its time in a vehicle.
The front sight is different as well on the Ruger. It pins in the top of the barrel vs the bottom like a standard A2. That could indeed be the issue, I also think thier drilled holes arw a touch larger. Spikes makes some pretty good stuff from what I've seen.
I’ll have to check those slings out. I started with running vickers blue force gear slings but damn they are like using a web belt for a sling they are so thick and heavy duty. In the last couple years I switched to ferro concept slingsters. I really like the ferro but they are really thin. However, they are comfortable and seem to slide a little better than the vickers.
Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback, I'm having fun with and am looking forward to what's next as well. Be going into some good and bad pistol and rifle ammos this week. All of which I have personally tested and fired through barriers and gel.
I had an SR556 for a little while, she was a heavy girl lol. I haven’t shot the D.I. version but It sounds solid, I’m glad your department lets you modify it 🤘
It's kind of a timeless setup. It really made me want to do a 6920 and set it up like my initial block 1 with the CCO comp M2 and broom handle forward grip just so I can be nostalgic about when I used to be cool in the early 2000s
@@unclefreedom213 I actually have a question. I came back to look at the different loads you mentioned, and was wondering how your ammo selection for duty works. Does your department specify a list of ammo that is allowed? Do they specify that it just can’t be fmj? Does it work the same with handgun rounds?
@Conro Man after my own heart great question. I am the person within our department that specifies what ammo can be carried. I will be uploading a video today talking about top 10 handgun, rifle rounds and top 10 nogo for the same. I have put a lot of dirt time into ballistics testing through barriers and gel. Typically a department will designate an ammo that has been proven as a performer. That said I have seen a lot of departments running aubpar ammo for budget reason or because 15 years ago someone said it was good. Ammo advancements have come a long way. I am the only person running a long distance ammo as that is a part of my job. Duty ammo is Hornady TAP urban and is issued by the department anything outside of that you clear it with me and pay for yourself. If it's really good stuff like the Tap patrol we will order it in for everyone. Handgun is solely issued by the department as that is the primary weapon for all officers. I switched our ammo to Hornady Critical Duty 175gr for the .40cal. We have one officer that runs his personal pistol in 9mm which we provide with 135+p critical duty. All off duty firearms both rifle and concealed carry handguns are issued the same duty ammo you carry at work.
@@unclefreedom213 hi, great vid! have heard from you, some of your commenters, as well as other forums, about the front fixed site pins falling out or coming undone. im a complete newb, is there any type of preventive tightening i could do to keep mine from coming undone, or just keep an eye on it, if front sight doesnt have any wiggle then dont worry about it ? thanks, mike
In your discussing Duty ammo selection, it brings to mind why the AR15 overtook roles that were filled by the HK MP5. It wasn’t from lack of effectiveness on the MP5’s part… it was overpenetration. The AR15 offered ammunition tailored to the job that though careful selection limited collateral damage in both thin walled apartments, and Nuclear power stations. The one thing that physics plays hell with is 7-11.5” 5.56 guns, is the absolutely rude blast and flash, especially inside buildings compared to the MP5, MP7, FN P90. You can chop a AK or AR to SMG proportions, but like a snub nose revolver- it makes it great to carry, but more difficult to actually shoot. Everything is a compromise.
I carried the Ar556 as a duty rifle at a jewish kids camp for years on end. Thousands upon thousands of rounds through it during training, never had a complaint. Still own the rifle, now rides in the back of my Dad SUV kitted the same exact way and i trust it to save me and my families life. Fantastic rifle that id recommend to anyone,
Im glad your department actually makes you shoot with your irons. It's a pet pieve of mine when ppl buy irons and throw a dot on it. Either they don't zero the irons or they kinda move their irons and get a rough zero by moving it to the red dot AFTER they zeroed their optic but never really learn how to shoot with irons.
Even better news us we make the whole state pretty much all but 3 agencies learn to shoot and qual on irons. Batteries and optics do fail and some agencies still don't allow dots.
I have one of these it’s amazing added a Daniel defense quad rail with a tango down broom stick with same light as yours and a EO tech 512 holo sight. I also bought the MPR version it’s even nicer they added a 2 stage trigger in it and it’s amazing love ruger products definitely a trusted name. Also did you not try to reach out to vortex on their warranty I have several scopes and red dots by them the only thing I don’t like about their red dots is the flicker but other than that great optics. 0:12
I do really like their 2 stage triggers I have a couple they aren't a Larue but they are damn close. Vortex took great care of me and I agree I do like their optics not a huge fan of their LPVOs but from the Sparc to the UH to their excellent milling scopes. I carry their monocular with milling reticle on duty in my bag.
@@unclefreedom213 yea I made the mistake of buying a strike eagle 1-6x lpvo which is not awful but I don’t like the second focal plane. It’s a learning curve for me to get my holds right at different magnifications at 100 yards and in. I’m thinking about just piggyback a red dot and leave on full power. Thanks for feedback nice to hear other peoples opinions especially law enforcement or military who use there gear everyday im just a weekend range guy lol
@@jonathonking5985 I just fitted a 1-8 strike eagle to my FN. But i went with a ffp moa dot. Its exactly what i wanted. I agree that it might be infuriating in a second focal plane configuration.
Thoughts on the front sight post vs full rail with mbus sights and a red dot? I like the look of what you have done. I have a couple of options for my first AR, IWI, PSA and a Ruger. This is making me want a Ruger. I am sure I will be watching this video a few times and taking a lot of notes. Great video.
Between the ones you mentioned I would take the IWI. I love the fixed front sight but if I had to choose I would take a full free float rail. Better ergonomics, free float, and back up irons, reddots are so good now there's no reason for a fixed front unless you're after the look or nostalgic like me. You can also do a block 2 rail which is free float with more rail space and they look really cool
So, I have an AR-556 in their free-float version. Had issues with build quality, which I corrected. Since then, I've put a few thousand on it and then gifted it to my son as a graduation gift, which he has taken classes with me. Not one failure, and it's accurate as hell. Glad you brought up the Blue Force Gear sling. I have one, and I hate it. Super stiff for no reason. So far, my favorite is the Edgar Sherman Designs sling. Light weight, extremely adjustable and comfortable.
That was kind of the boat with these, I read similar reports of the taper pins walking out from other end users. Once that was corrected zero issues department wide and I agree just stupid accurate. The BFG sling is just not where it's at, I love BFG gear most of the time but this just is not one of them. I have been told before about the Edgar Sherman slings I will have to look into them. I have been very impressed with the @BlueAlphaBelts sling, very comfortable and works well in conjunction with body armor which can sometimes be an issue.
Yours is very interesting for the fact that it's left handed rifle. Oneof which I've never seen before. Didn't know it thevrifle comes in left handed form or did you buy a special left hand lower for it.
I enjoyed my first Ruger 556 so much, I bought a second! Then their 'MPR.' Then their 'Precision.' (I'm beginning to notice a pattern here...) ;-) For an AR platform, you really can't go wrong with this rifle! Affordable, EASILY modified to your needs/desires, and it just works! Can't argue with that, esp. at it's New, out-of-the-box price!
@@unclefreedom213 I got mine in the 6.5 Creedmoor, and have zero complaints, thus far! Matched with a Vortex optic, I'm reaching out to 800 yards with little difficulty, and starting to make good progress at the 1,000 distance, too!
that will work is what i think. but what i question is the lack of aks. im an ak guy and amour and i wonder why the lack of this design. i feel the ergonomics may be slightly superior but the reliability and the 7.62 round is just where the money is at especially when using frang round in.30 cal
GOOD review! I like the fact that it is strait forward no BS . Good info on ammo usage also, would enjoy your review on both rifle and pistol ammo for home defense. I am surprised that as a Police Officer you have time to do these videos. KEEP it up and be safe, both for yourself and your family.
Thank you! I try to film on my off days and release them over my weekend. You should be happy this weekend because i will be releasing videos on my top handgun and rifle defensive ammo as well as some no-go ammo that I would never run in a defensive situation. I do my best to stay safe and I will definitely keep it up, I've been shocked at how well it's taken off. Thanks again!
I have a Daniel Defense carbine with Aimpoint Patrol Rifle optic that has been nothing but a beast. I have tried a few of the popular slings but once I tried the SOE, I ordered SOE slings for all of my slinged rifles.
The Aimpoint PRO is exceptional for sure and DD is well they are top tier for a reason. I have some SOE kit and have met the folks there at Blade show in ATL a few times. All the kit I've gotten from them has been top notch though it can be a little hard to get.
I have a slightly newer model with the m-lok handguard, same sentiments except under sustained fire it gets a bit hot to hold but is easily fixed with a vertical foregrip
Heat us always an issue though with the thicker barrel profile I don't see as much heat induced accuracy effect. The best at heat mitigation were the quad rails but they were heavy. I ran a a buddies ar a while back hard that had a Geissele rail on it and I still needed a glove. Still not as bad as an AK for heat though. I do still love an AK.
I have the same GLx mount, in the same position. Yeah, lower quarter is about right. Can't use back sights with it because of that. I'm thinking it might make a better prism scope mount.
@@unclefreedom213 I'm not using the additional riser either, but I'm running a holosun 503cu on it. I like the mount, it's sturdy and I'm not afraid of losing zero if dropped.
I've got a Ruger AR 556 with a spikes tactical tungsten buffer and damage industries spring and it runs flawlessly - I'd recommend to anyone looking to get a solid AR.
Ruger makes a left handed lower? I’ve never seen a lower like that. I have a couple left handed uppers since I’m left handed but they are just on standard lowers with all the ambi features. I like the aero ambi lower definitely cheapest I’ve found and nice quality. But it’s a standard style lower with a bolt catch on the left and right side.
My friend had a ruger 556 he bought several years ago, only issue was kind of scary though. He was changing the handguard and when he was taking off the barrel nut it was only on hand tight. Otherwise though, it's incredible for the price
I have heard of that but not witnessed it personally. But hearing about it again makes me want to look into it further. I did call.mine a made in Weds. rifle
Why is the dust cover on your rifle on the left side? And why is the writing on your light and your charging handle reversed? (J/K. But really, check your camera's settings.)
Love my Ruger ar-556. Flawless. The cold hammer-forged barrel is extremely accurate. I also upgraded to a rise armament trigger. I use the flat blade ra-140's and 240's (whatever is on sale) in all my guns. Excellent triggers.
I traded my old norinco SKS for my Ruger AR-556. I run pure irons on mine for right now. I want to get an ACOG and also someday get a good thermal scope i can utilize for nighttime hog and coyote engagements as well as potential human threats on our property. I want to upgrade mine with that glorious trigger you have in yours. I also want to get a cryptic coatings dlc bcg for it and a captured buffer system because of the recoil deleting capabilities it has for fast follow up shots on a hog sounder. Or on fleeing coyotes. As for slings, i want to get a Mclean dynamic retention sling. Only other thing i need after that is a radian raptor handle and im in good shape. Should be a sweet recce/do-all duty gun once im done with her.
I bought the ruger 5.56 with the mlok system 3 years ago for $600 and it's been nothing but amazing. One of the best purchases I've ever made. Have you looked at the ruger sfar?
I have looked into it and would love to test one out. i would like to see how the smaller frame really handles full house full power battle rifle loadings. I currently run a 6mm ARC for a situation where I would need a longer distance option in a small frame package, and it's been just stellar. I have access to ranges of up to 2000 yards with steel, so I'm lucky I get to stretch these rifles and cartridges out.
I’ve had the Ruger 556 for 7 years now and it’s still solid. Great video
Just bought the 16in MPR today
How many rounds have you shot through it?
@@adrianr.2603prob 700-800. Don’t shoot as much as I’d like.
@@ToastyZach Bought the same one at the perfect time in dec of 2019 for $599. It has been great with zero malfunctions except for a bad mag. Surprised at how accurate its too. With my 62gr gold dot hand loads and 1-8x Im getting .5 moa and about 1 moa with just 55gr PMC.
Glad to see my Ruger gettin sum love!
I'll have to watch this another 2-3 times to get all that info. Great video!
Glad you found it helpful I've always liked videos that break down real kit that is really being used by professional end user there is a stark difference between people that varied thier gear everyday vs people that just keep it in a safe and shoot it once or twice a month maybe
I've had a Ruger AR 556 for about 5 years, and I've not had a single malfunction except for a few caused by bunk ammo. I also put a Rise Armament trigger in mine(RA140), and some ergonomics like a stock and such. The rifle is very accurate, and is just an all around workhorse that just keeps going.
I have a RA140 on another rifle it's a clean trigger. I was made a believer by my AR-556 just a total workhorse. I was running BCM, Larue, Aero and Geissele prior to being issued this, I trust it and have no issues trusting my life to it. Just a no frills gun the runs.
I currently have a Ruger AR-556, I don’t have nearly 7300 rounds on mine. I’ve got a 7” BCM Mlok rail and a Magpul fixed carbine stock. Just iron sights (rear is a folding Troy battlesight) a Magpul sling, and a streamlight pro-tac hlx on a cantilever scout mount which is excellent because it pushes the light bezel forward of the front sight base and reduces the shadow caused by the gun… I really like it quite a bit, I’ve had zero malfunctions with many different magazines and ammo types. It just runs everything I put in it.
If you’ve never had a malfunction, are you pushing the weapon/training hard enough?
@Stephen Cooper Who did your can't mount for the light. Always good to hear you've had good luck.
@The SmorgMan I will say I've run the hell out of this hard on the ground in the dirt with high schedules of fire. The only malfunctions I've head were created by an insttuctor(dick stick) or ammo related I did have a mag go down once but I had been having issues and trashed it.
I picked up the mpr a while back and wow! That 18 inch barrel turns a good ar into a great ar. Higher velocity, higher accuracy. Last time at the range i put a silhouette, the size of a raccoon standing on his hind legs, out 200 yards. Got 53 hits outta 60 shots. With iron sites!!! Yes i was army trained on the M-16, but that was 40 years ago. The mpr is special.
Once you learn how to shoot.You don’t unlearn how to shoot 😂
Whoever says that the Ruger 556 is an entry rifle never had experience with AR’s. Those Ruger 556 are awesome and solidly built!!! And very insanely accurate. I own 2 LWRC’s and still prefer the Ruger 556 any day!!!
I prefer the Ruger AR .556 to my M16 A2 service rifle.
@TheOldMan1911 LWRC ? DI or Piston? LWRC is kinda weird - they're quality but they are kind of proprietary and you get the feeling that maybe you could have gotten something better for the price. My buddy had a DI carbine that sucked with cheap ammo -2.5 to 2.75 groups @ 100 yds with lake city 55gr xm193 - his S&W M&P15x had better groups and COST LESS
I get the same when I look at my $1,400 BCM midlength and shoot it in comparison to my PSA " premium" barreled midlength- both are reliable and both shoot 1.5- 2.00 inch groups with xm193 and xm855....
To me ruger ar556 is neck and neck with del ton echo 316s, PSA PA-15s, S&W M&P sport IIs, and Windham weaponry ARs...
I got my 1st AR in June of this year. It is the Ruger AR556 with Magpul furniture. Still can't figure out what optics I want to put on it. I want a red dot tube with a magnifier. But also want a scope. I figured I won't be using it alot at 500+ yards. I'll use it more for home defense. So im thinking a red dot tube with a magnifier, just not sure what one to go with
@TheOldMan1911 it's "good enough" ( would NEVER get a gov't contract) . Compared one to my Colt 6940 and my BCM Haley Jack? The ruger is a entry level AR.
AND ENTRY LEVEL ISNT A BAD WORD
Yes they( Ruger AR 556) work - sadly the Trump shooting showed that all too well, and for a gun owner on a budget ?
They can get a properly manufactured rifle that functions and can be used for small game hunting , shooting sports and yes, self and home defense.
But I can buy BETTER than an " entry level " rifle.....
@@Michael-fh6lw
Different rifles for different roles.
I own a Ruger AR 556 for casual and goofing off use. I also own an FN for serious matters.
My ex's shoe collection taught me that a man can have multiple rifles to fill different roles.
I will admit to a few practical upgrades to the Ruger, such as an ambi safety.
Very informative _ considering the Ruger as it looks solid and dependable... the ammo options discussion was also appreciated.. thanks.
I've been looking into getting an AR for a few years. With all the videos floating around, I had a hard time making a decision. This Ruger kept coming up as really good with what i consider reputable TH-camrs. I finally got one today, this video makes me feel like I made a good choice. Thanks for the in depth review. You got a new subscriber.
Thank you for your service! Nice video!
I bought the Ruger 556 mpr liked it so much I bought a second one. No problems with either rifle alot of bang for your buck.
Damn I wanna get an MPR now these comments have sold me on it
I have owned my Ruger AR556 since 2016 and I love it. Cool video by the way.
Thank you
Hey Unc I just purchased the AR556 yesterday Evening I spent most the night just sitting there looking at it. very first gun and I'm in love. Thanks for the video
Fantastic glad you have your first! Now make it your own and do what works for you
My Ruger AR 556 is my go to workhorse rifle. Not much besides the guts is Ruger anymore though. Only thing I've had to do is swap my gas rings at about 5k (best guess) and firing pin a little later (preemptively). I've held mini competitions between my Zastava M70 AK and ar556 to see who could go the longest without cleaning and not malfunction. So far the Ruger wins by a landslide.
Excellent video. Thanks for posting!
Thank you!
Awesome review. Goes to show you don't need crazy money in a rifle to have a solid build.
So True!! I own cheaper guns that i have run the crap out of and I have had more expensive rifles fail. I watched a new MCX have a safety lock up on the rifle and render the trigger inoperable during a class. That said you did get what you pay for but a lot of times you can and do get more than you pay for.
Thank you for your service! Ignore these trolls brother. God bless you and stay strong. Much love from TX.
Thank you for the support and I do now
Ive got the SR556 and LOVE it! Its one i will never sell! Its the pre "takedown" model. I thought about getting the AR556 back when they first came out, but they had Colts on sale when i came back to buy it... So i walked out with the Colt for $100 more.
those SRs look sweet with the quad rail. I can't say I blame you I have an older LE only colt I picked up back in 11 got it for a song since there were other ars flooding the market. I want to put it together into a block II if I can find a RIS 2 rail I can afford.
@@unclefreedom213 if you ever get a chance to shoot one, do it! The short stroke piston is so soft shooting!! I love the look of the quads myself but really like the feel of it with them removed, which you can do. It was the first time I ever felt a forend without them and the Troy rail is actually really slim without them. This was back before there was an aluminum rail that wasn't quad. At least any that I knew of back in 08', I believe.
I paid $2500 for it back then! I honestly believe that it will be a collectors piece in the future. Being Rugers first AR15. It's one of the few factory short stroke piston operated. They only make them a few years before going to the stupid and pointless "takedown" model and then dropping them altogether for the AR556 for 1/3 the price.
Amazing amount of usable information! The Ruger is a great rifle. Their new SFAR is is rapidly becomming my favorite hog gun.
Thank you and I could see the SFAR excelling in that role for sure.
Great review. Very honest and matter of fact. I appreciate a review like this. Subscribed
Thanks! Thats kind of my goal I guess, if it's bad it's just bad. i also beat up my gear and actually use it all the time and the way I figure it is if it's working great on my end a casual end user should be good to go with it.
“Don’t lump me in with bad cops and I won’t lump you with shitbags.” Best thing I’ve heard all day. Outstanding statement brother! Stay safe man. Ever Vigilant.
Thanks for the break down I have two Rugers. They have been good to me. Enjoyed the ammo break down.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the ammo work up. I have a top 10 ammo video for AR coming up shortly.
love hearing feedback touching on this topic sweet set up... i love running my PSA m4 style carbine vicers sling acog on unity mount FN barrel, knights quad rail with their rail covers, Aero Precision bolt &Bolt carrier also their charging handle,and a protac light def a fan of the ole classic simplicity setup subscribedd
What you think about the Sabre line?
Folks sleep on the FN produced CHF barrels for PSA because they are from PSA. I have a few and they have been damn good decently accurate and tough. I have not had good luck with Aero's BCG I've had 4 or 5 to this point and broke 2 or them. I do like PSA for their BCGs though they are all manufactured by Toolcraft, are they a fail zero or BCM or Sharps, no but they are solid and I have not had one fail yet. I do have some more complicated guns with more gadgets and gizmos but simple will always just work for the most part.
I really want to try one or a couple of the Sabre Line the specs look great on paper and the upgraded parts are items I would buy anyway.
I love my Ruger it is definitely a good budget option for someone
Agreed 100 percent
Very cool, I have had a Ruger for a few years now. One of my best rifles.
👍 super awesome build you have there. If that AR556 disappears, i don’t have it 😬 oh, but wait, i have my very own 🥶 not as fancy as yours, but may be some day. So glad i got it, one hell of a rifle right out of the box. Picked mine up one day I was standing at the counter when a Marine was purchasing his Ruger AR556 and said to me, “this is the real McCoy”. I got the last one they had there. Been so pleased with it. Reliable. Accurate. Functions fantastic. Saving your video to mimic your build as I can afford 👍 Thanks for the upload, God Bless and be safe out there 🙋♂️🇺🇸
Thank you! Best of luck on your journey don't be afraid to try stuff never know what you may really like. That said about 550ish is the add on from light to sight including the trigger.
I subscribed I have a ruger. I’m glad to see someone else trust it as much as I do
I have that same exact rifle as my nightstand rifle. I picked it up shortly after they came out used for 400 (only had 120 rounds throughit). Kept it stock accept for magpul handguard, forward grip, cheap bushnell red dot, single point sling, and battle latch. I run cheap steel case though it, had problems with fte every 100-150, honed out the chamber with Emory cloth couple times and so far no fte for at least 300. After I burn the rest of my steel case its nothing but brass from now on.
I have not run steel cased through the gun yet my department provides ammo and I'm a reloader. I can say from other guns that brass has always proven to be more reliable. You got a good deal on the gun that's for sure and you're a brave man to run a single point sling.
I have the free float version of the ar556. Bought it over two years ago. No problems with it. Runs all types of ammo and magazines. Pretty good rifle.
I love the mag thing I had a bcm lower that hated gen 2 pmags no clue why something in the finish out of spec after a year it started going fine on them. Hell the ruger even runs hexmags
It was a toss up between the Ruger Ar556 or S&W M&P Sport 2 when I got my AR. I picked the S&W M&P Sport 2. My friend got the Ruger Ar556. Both seem to be solid choices. Thanks for the video.
I definitely agree I have seen good things out of the M&P series they released one last year or so with a 5R rifled barrel
I've got a ruger 556 and changed the foregrip like you did and added sling rings. The little known secret about these rugers is that threaded Delta ring, you dont have to fight it to get it disassembled.
I never thought of it that way though I will agree it is a lot simpler to take the handguards off and you don't have to fight it to do so.
Absolutely love my Ruger.
Great reliability and accuracy right out of the box.
I got the MD-25 from Primary Arms with the ACSS reticle I love it.
Sweet how long have you been running it?
@@unclefreedom213 year and a half, I tried some of the other cheaper dots Romeo 5, Vortex Crossfire, an AT3 RD50. I'm just not a fan of the 2 MOA dot I feel it's too big for anything past 100 yards, which is the minimum I like to target shoot at with the rifle, since I go to BLM land to practice.
@JayDubz91 I agree buggerbdotbus excellent at CQB distance but can be terrible for anything precision work.
Awesome content bro. Nothing like work related knowledge
Thank you
Just ran across your site today and really enjoyed your presentation of this AR platform. Years ago when I was researching for my first AR my choices were the DD, 6920 LE and the Ruger 556. Cost was my final decision and I settled on the Ruger at under $600. I couldn't have made a better choice for an entry level AR platform. I'm some what old school and Prefer a clean look rifle with out all the accessorizes but I recently picked up a Primary Arms MD-25 optic but have yet to try it out. Again thank you for the review-Subscribed !! BTB
Should've went with the Colt that's not an entry but buy once cry once.
You won't be mad at that reddot and if you do have an issue, Primary Arms is solid at fixing them. I will say the the costs to value ratio on the ruger are pretty stellar.
I would agree Colt is not entry especially not now. I will say even against my higher end rifles this Ruger holds its own with a lot of use. There is something to be said for a solid performer that didn't break the bank.
Just bought the Ruger AR-556. Looking forward to setting it up.
I love mine. Got the 556 free float 16 inch. Replaced much of the same. But stock. Trigger. I did put o. A longer hand guard. I run a LPVO. But love the rifle!!
Theirs a ruger at 556 that’s been passed around my friends group at work and it’s a beast, it’s been passed around cuz it’s a good gun and every time one friend gets hard up another buys it off him and so on. Damn good gun.
Man nice rifle. I like the set up. My dad has a Ruger 5.56 rifle too. No issues with it.
Thanks! it's been very impressive to say the least. The few issues that have arisen are out of 10 guns total that are being subjected to more abuse and wear than normal. If I were just a concerned American I would stake my well-being on this rifle no questions asked.
Very informative. I have the same basic AR and I wondered about the Delta ring myself.
Hate to hit you up again, but had to shout out once i saw your a fellow lefty shooter. I always like seeing how other lefty's have their guns and rifles setup, and thank you for your service as well sir!
Sadly not a lefty just a camera flip but u still appreciate the shout out. Next time I'm on range with a fellow instructor of mine we will run down his rifle and he is a lefty with a pretty dope rifle as well.
@@unclefreedom213 lol ok my bad i guess i should have caught that, but yeah that would be definitely be cool to see his setup, thanks
@Chris Walsh I know he's game lol and s he'll of a shooter though I would never admit that to his face..
Ive have around 3500
Rounds through mine, it's about 1 year old and I love it.
So far no issues, still just as it was when it came out of the box.
Looking to change the charging handle but not much else.
I do like the threaded During but that's just my preference.
Keep up the videos and stay safe out there.
Ive had one for a few years and i have it set up similar to yours. I also had the taper pins walk out too but Ruger's awesome customer service took care of me. Thats the only issue ive had. Orher than that its an awesome rifle especially for the money
My AR556 is just 7 month old with maybe 250 rounds through it.
I went to the range and noticed the gas block pins backing out. I drove them back in when I got home I noticed the block was canted way to the left.
I called ruger and I needed to ship the gun to Ruger using an FFL and that cost me $60. I live in NJ and can't ship direct.
I just got it back after 2 weeks and they replaced the barrel assembly. What's very strange is that the gas block taper pins are driven in Left to Right which seems to be the wrong way.
The pins stick way out on the left side and barely reach the other side of the block (the hole are clearly bigger on the right than the left.). The user manual also shows them entering right-left. I tried to drive them out and they are in extremely tight'
I wonder if they did that deliberately because they can't keep the pins in the blocks they use and just jammed them in'.
Accidentally putting the pins in backwards in a AR-15 factory would seem unlikely.
It will cost me another $60 and repackaging and 2 trips to the FFL to send it back.
I have a Ruger AR 15 and it is really a good rifle. dependable as they get. Wouldn't change it for another brand. I bought my sling straight from Ruger.
Glad to hear you're having good results
I totally agreed with you about the shitty proprietary plastic delta ring. Mine is back at Ruger as I'm watching this video to be replaced. It cracked in half and wouldn't keep my hand guard on.
Great presentation
Thank you
I had one of these a few years ago. Really solid AR. From one small gun tube channel to another, have a subscription. ;)
Thank you my friend.
Great information. Sure appreciate you LE guys. Stay safe.
Thank you my friend.
the only issue ive ever had with the ruger is that out of the box, the trigger pins werent in properly so when i fired it, it jammed. after i set them in properly, i havent had an issue since in 5 years. so if you get one, just make sure the trigger is seating properly, then youre golden. It probably isnt the best rifle you can get, BUT it certainly punches above its weight class.
The first AR style rifle I purchased was a Ruger and I have nothing negative to say about it. I put an optic and a sling on it and then just used the crap out of it. No issues.
Excellent video. I come from the M16A1-2 age. When i finally bought my first AR15 it was a Ruger 556. Bare bones and unstoppable. Never a hiccup or problem (except that damn ring!).
You've given me some ideas for it now.
A Bushmaster (original) and a PSA AR have joined my Ruger now. And for a bit more power and distance, my Adams Arms AR10 Patrol Battle Rifle fills out the group.
My biggest problem is finding a way to carry them all at the same time!!
Im a retired LEO and the only long gun we had was the venerable Remington 870. Or my 6 inch S&W 686 that rode on my hip.
Thanks for your service.
Thanks for stopping by we still also run shotguns one with buckshot and slugs and dedicated less lethal with bean bags
Great video! Love my Ruger 556 MPR. With 55gr Blitzking it's a tack driver, it does well with Berger 77gr OTM hand loads too.
Those MPR look pretty sweet does it have the same thick barrel contour like the standard 556. Also what powder are you running for the 77gr otmtac. I have not been able to get them to shoot very well.
@@unclefreedom213 It's a straight contour .750 gas block. I've been using AR-Comp to get velocity with the 77gr and get 1 MOA groups sometimes better ( .6" ). For factory ammo that ADI 55gr blitzking is awesome and a decent price, not worth reloading blitzking bullets at the price. Well packaged for long term storage too.
My first AR which I still own is the Ruger 556 MPR. It is a must buy! Super smooth trigger, almost no recoil with a full length gas tube, 18 inch barrel and an utter tac driver. I've shot about 3,500 through mine without failures. I have the romeo 5 red dot on it, although I literally just added a 3x magnifier yesterday.
Absolutely, I have a Ruger MPR that is just fun to shoot. It don't care for a lot of dirty steel case ammo, but runs like butter with brass case.
I love the look of those with the full quad rail on it. Good call on the romeo 5 I have one that is creeping up on 15k rounds never a loss of zero or any issues. Did you get the juliet magnifier?
My MPR is my go to. The only pew I own that I didn't change the trigger.
@Uncle Freedom Yeah I can't believe how solid the gun has been. I was thinking of getting the romeo and juliet combo, but got a $100 sight mark 3x which has been functioning well. It had very good reviews online and it was in front of me in the gun store so I just picked it.
@@readyalready4697 Right so smooth!
I damn near spilled my coffee when you said it. The local sheriff's department is still running around with mini 14s around here.
Folks think I'm kidding I have seen M16a1 come through the academy fun switch and all. we were qualing them and I walked up behind him and started playing Fortunate Son on my phone.
Good gun, had no issues with mine and the upper/lower fit is better than some rifles with 5x price tag.
First time viewer and like your points on the tricked out rifle
Thank you!
I have the same model of streamlight, and really like the Arisaka offset mount. It lets me mount the light directly into the M-lok slot, and holds it closer to the handguard at the 9 o'clock position. Feels to me like a genuine improvement without being too expensive.
Good idea I'm gonna look into those when I get off shift. I hate stacking the tolerance of the mlok pic rail sections I would rather it be a direct fit to the mlok. I feel like it would be a slimmer profile too, which would be nice with as chonky as the light is
Assuming the Streamlight HLX is like the Protac, you would be able to just use a button top 18650. That's the only issue I've had with mine, all my 18650s are flat tops.
You know that's a good point I have some button tops at home that I use in my Fenix lights (PD35tac and tk20R). Gonna have to check that this weekend. I know in my PROTAC 2LX they do not work and you have to run the circuit protected Streamlight brand but have never tried the button top in the HLX.
I have to apologize. Mine is in fact the Ruger SR-556. A little bit more price wise I believe than the AR556. Both are “Ruger” tho! I did want to tell you about my flash hider I swapped out. Designed and mfr’d by an x-army friend of mine. He found himself having troubles with muzzle break flash in low light situations, mostly early to late evenings shooting, and being blinded by the flash. After trying many aftermarket products he wasn’t finding any of help. So…. you can find him on TH-cam… STDs he calls them. Short for Simple Threaded Device. They really are incredible. Not only does it greatly reduce muzzle flash, in his and my opinion, they help reduce muzzle rise with each shot. Keeping the recoil forced more straight back into your shoulder verses the barrel jumping upward. And the flash, no more than a Bic lighter flick. Which, if you think about it, conceals your location for the most part. You have to see the design and you will appreciate the concept. Anyways, just thought I’d share. Sharing is caring. Plus, everybody needs an STD 🥶🙋♂️🇺🇸
I will check them out. Everybody needs an STD is the best marketing line LOL.
So, I was not able to locate his videos or even his Amazon ad where he was selling them. They were relatively inexpensive, I’ll try and find out what happened or where you may be able to find one.
I enjoy hearing from an educated person and who is also law enforcement keep up the great content. Any chance of seeing your zero groups?
I have a target somewhere if not I can always reshoot and post on ig @UncleFreedom213
Some great info in this video. I wonder if the taper pins walking out is due to the different front sight / gas bock design that Ruger uses compared to most other ARs with a fixed front sight...? FWIW I have had a Spikes Tactical carbine with a fixed front sight in my truck for almost 4 years now and not had that issue, but I can see it happening on a gun that spends most of its time in a vehicle.
The front sight is different as well on the Ruger. It pins in the top of the barrel vs the bottom like a standard A2. That could indeed be the issue, I also think thier drilled holes arw a touch larger. Spikes makes some pretty good stuff from what I've seen.
I’ll have to check those slings out. I started with running vickers blue force gear slings but damn they are like using a web belt for a sling they are so thick and heavy duty. In the last couple years I switched to ferro concept slingsters. I really like the ferro but they are really thin. However, they are comfortable and seem to slide a little better than the vickers.
Definitely worth the go and yeah no clue why the BFG sling is so damn stiff
Great, no bs, presentation of useful information. I sub'd. Looking forward to what's next.
Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback, I'm having fun with and am looking forward to what's next as well. Be going into some good and bad pistol and rifle ammos this week. All of which I have personally tested and fired through barriers and gel.
Love my Ruger.
All I’ve done to mine is install a ALG ACT trigger.
Great reliable, accurate rifle for under $500.
Those ALG triggers are amazing for what they are no doubt.
I had an SR556 for a little while, she was a heavy girl lol. I haven’t shot the D.I. version but It sounds solid, I’m glad your department lets you modify it 🤘
Those are solid rifles
That they are no doubt. It has definitely earned my respect and trust.
Yep. Choice of ammo is everything when the safety of others is at stake. Bravo
Thanks and 💯
so cool, Thank you…from California
I know some solid guys from Cali it sucks yall have to Sharkfin your gear. I wish you guys were a free state the hiking there is amazing
My 1st patrol rifle was a colt 6920le, it was set up almost exactly the same way.
It's kind of a timeless setup. It really made me want to do a 6920 and set it up like my initial block 1 with the CCO comp M2 and broom handle forward grip just so I can be nostalgic about when I used to be cool in the early 2000s
Hey hey! The content I’ve been looking for! Subscribed.
Thank you! Glad I could help.
@@unclefreedom213 I actually have a question. I came back to look at the different loads you mentioned, and was wondering how your ammo selection for duty works. Does your department specify a list of ammo that is allowed? Do they specify that it just can’t be fmj? Does it work the same with handgun rounds?
@Conro Man after my own heart great question. I am the person within our department that specifies what ammo can be carried. I will be uploading a video today talking about top 10 handgun, rifle rounds and top 10 nogo for the same. I have put a lot of dirt time into ballistics testing through barriers and gel.
Typically a department will designate an ammo that has been proven as a performer. That said I have seen a lot of departments running aubpar ammo for budget reason or because 15 years ago someone said it was good. Ammo advancements have come a long way. I am the only person running a long distance ammo as that is a part of my job. Duty ammo is Hornady TAP urban and is issued by the department anything outside of that you clear it with me and pay for yourself. If it's really good stuff like the Tap patrol we will order it in for everyone. Handgun is solely issued by the department as that is the primary weapon for all officers. I switched our ammo to Hornady Critical Duty 175gr for the .40cal. We have one officer that runs his personal pistol in 9mm which we provide with 135+p critical duty. All off duty firearms both rifle and concealed carry handguns are issued the same duty ammo you carry at work.
@@unclefreedom213 thank you so much for your really detailed response! I look forward to the video.
They don’t use lining for their barrels. Either nitride or chrome lining. Takes them out of the running for a service rifle.
Subbed in cuse.I've watched few vids nd I like the philosophy brother !
Just bought a Ruger 566 nov 2022 👍 great reliable rifle! I still have my old mini-14😀🦅🇺🇸
Hey I still have one too also grabbed a mini 30. There is nothing that bumps like a 14
@@unclefreedom213 hi, great vid! have heard from you, some of your commenters, as well as other forums, about the front fixed site pins falling out or coming undone. im a complete newb, is there any type of preventive tightening i could do to keep mine from coming undone, or just keep an eye on it, if front sight doesnt have any wiggle then dont worry about it ?
thanks,
mike
In your discussing Duty ammo selection, it brings to mind why the AR15 overtook roles that were filled by the HK MP5. It wasn’t from lack of effectiveness on the MP5’s part… it was overpenetration.
The AR15 offered ammunition tailored to the job that though careful selection limited collateral damage in both thin walled apartments, and Nuclear power stations.
The one thing that physics plays hell with is 7-11.5” 5.56 guns, is the absolutely rude blast and flash, especially inside buildings compared to the MP5, MP7, FN P90. You can chop a AK or AR to SMG proportions, but like a snub nose revolver- it makes it great to carry, but more difficult to actually shoot.
Everything is a compromise.
I carried the Ar556 as a duty rifle at a jewish kids camp for years on end. Thousands upon thousands of rounds through it during training, never had a complaint. Still own the rifle, now rides in the back of my Dad SUV kitted the same exact way and i trust it to save me and my families life. Fantastic rifle that id recommend to anyone,
Im glad your department actually makes you shoot with your irons. It's a pet pieve of mine when ppl buy irons and throw a dot on it. Either they don't zero the irons or they kinda move their irons and get a rough zero by moving it to the red dot AFTER they zeroed their optic but never really learn how to shoot with irons.
Even better news us we make the whole state pretty much all but 3 agencies learn to shoot and qual on irons. Batteries and optics do fail and some agencies still don't allow dots.
I have one of these it’s amazing added a Daniel defense quad rail with a tango down broom stick with same light as yours and a EO tech 512 holo sight. I also bought the MPR version it’s even nicer they added a 2 stage trigger in it and it’s amazing love ruger products definitely a trusted name. Also did you not try to reach out to vortex on their warranty I have several scopes and red dots by them the only thing I don’t like about their red dots is the flicker but other than that great optics. 0:12
I do really like their 2 stage triggers I have a couple they aren't a Larue but they are damn close. Vortex took great care of me and I agree I do like their optics not a huge fan of their LPVOs but from the Sparc to the UH to their excellent milling scopes. I carry their monocular with milling reticle on duty in my bag.
@@unclefreedom213 yea I made the mistake of buying a strike eagle 1-6x lpvo which is not awful but I don’t like the second focal plane. It’s a learning curve for me to get my holds right at different magnifications at 100 yards and in. I’m thinking about just piggyback a red dot and leave on full power. Thanks for feedback nice to hear other peoples opinions especially law enforcement or military who use there gear everyday im just a weekend range guy lol
@@jonathonking5985
I just fitted a 1-8 strike eagle to my FN. But i went with a ffp moa dot. Its exactly what i wanted.
I agree that it might be infuriating in a second focal plane configuration.
Thoughts on the front sight post vs full rail with mbus sights and a red dot? I like the look of what you have done. I have a couple of options for my first AR, IWI, PSA and a Ruger. This is making me want a Ruger. I am sure I will be watching this video a few times and taking a lot of notes. Great video.
Between the ones you mentioned I would take the IWI. I love the fixed front sight but if I had to choose I would take a full free float rail. Better ergonomics, free float, and back up irons, reddots are so good now there's no reason for a fixed front unless you're after the look or nostalgic like me. You can also do a block 2 rail which is free float with more rail space and they look really cool
So, I have an AR-556 in their free-float version. Had issues with build quality, which I corrected. Since then, I've put a few thousand on it and then gifted it to my son as a graduation gift, which he has taken classes with me. Not one failure, and it's accurate as hell.
Glad you brought up the Blue Force Gear sling. I have one, and I hate it. Super stiff for no reason. So far, my favorite is the Edgar Sherman Designs sling. Light weight, extremely adjustable and comfortable.
That was kind of the boat with these, I read similar reports of the taper pins walking out from other end users. Once that was corrected zero issues department wide and I agree just stupid accurate. The BFG sling is just not where it's at, I love BFG gear most of the time but this just is not one of them. I have been told before about the Edgar Sherman slings I will have to look into them. I have been very impressed with the @BlueAlphaBelts sling, very comfortable and works well in conjunction with body armor which can sometimes be an issue.
@Uncle Freedom I'll h have to check out blue alpha belts.
Yours is very interesting for the fact that it's left handed rifle. Oneof which I've never seen before. Didn't know it thevrifle comes in left handed form or did you buy a special left hand lower for it.
The 75gr speer soft point is a nasty little pill as well...very hard to find in stock though.
I enjoyed my first Ruger 556 so much, I bought a second! Then their 'MPR.' Then their 'Precision.' (I'm beginning to notice a pattern here...) ;-)
For an AR platform, you really can't go wrong with this rifle! Affordable, EASILY modified to your needs/desires, and it just works! Can't argue with that, esp. at it's New, out-of-the-box price!
the RPR is amazing for sure I have one in 6.5 though I wish I could pick another up and may in 6.5 prc
@@unclefreedom213
I got mine in the 6.5 Creedmoor, and have zero complaints, thus far!
Matched with a Vortex optic, I'm reaching out to 800 yards with little difficulty, and starting to make good progress at the 1,000 distance, too!
that will work is what i think. but what i question is the lack of aks. im an ak guy and amour and i wonder why the lack of this design. i feel the ergonomics may be slightly superior but the reliability and the 7.62 round is just where the money is at especially when using frang round in.30 cal
Nice setup 👍
GOOD review! I like the fact that it is strait forward no BS . Good info on ammo usage also, would enjoy your review on both rifle and pistol ammo for home defense. I am surprised that as a Police Officer you have time to do these videos. KEEP it up and be safe, both for yourself and your family.
Thank you! I try to film on my off days and release them over my weekend. You should be happy this weekend because i will be releasing videos on my top handgun and rifle defensive ammo as well as some no-go ammo that I would never run in a defensive situation. I do my best to stay safe and I will definitely keep it up, I've been shocked at how well it's taken off. Thanks again!
I have a Daniel Defense carbine with Aimpoint Patrol Rifle optic that has been nothing but a beast. I have tried a few of the popular slings but once I tried the SOE, I ordered SOE slings for all of my slinged rifles.
The Aimpoint PRO is exceptional for sure and DD is well they are top tier for a reason. I have some SOE kit and have met the folks there at Blade show in ATL a few times. All the kit I've gotten from them has been top notch though it can be a little hard to get.
@@unclefreedom213 - Long lead time for sure, and not cheap. I have several pieces of their gear with no issues, quality built.
I went to the nickle boron BCG because I like to run a little dryer.
Good rifle..
I have a slightly newer model with the m-lok handguard, same sentiments except under sustained fire it gets a bit hot to hold but is easily fixed with a vertical foregrip
Heat us always an issue though with the thicker barrel profile I don't see as much heat induced accuracy effect. The best at heat mitigation were the quad rails but they were heavy. I ran a a buddies ar a while back hard that had a Geissele rail on it and I still needed a glove. Still not as bad as an AK for heat though. I do still love an AK.
I have the same GLx mount, in the same position. Yeah, lower quarter is about right. Can't use back sights with it because of that. I'm thinking it might make a better prism scope mount.
I don't use that little additional riser on mine but I really do like the mount
@@unclefreedom213 I'm not using the additional riser either, but I'm running a holosun 503cu on it. I like the mount, it's sturdy and I'm not afraid of losing zero if dropped.
Own one,workhorse,zero issues.
It's always amazing when for once we get more than we pay for.
Is assume the reason for the the rifle being completely switched left to right is that the video is mirrored?
Great content! Thank you
I've got a Ruger AR 556 with a spikes tactical tungsten buffer and damage industries spring and it runs flawlessly - I'd recommend to anyone looking to get a solid AR.
Where are you a Leo at? Arkansas here great information
Nebraska and thank you.
Ruger makes a left handed lower? I’ve never seen a lower like that. I have a couple left handed uppers since I’m left handed but they are just on standard lowers with all the ambi features. I like the aero ambi lower definitely cheapest I’ve found and nice quality. But it’s a standard style lower with a bolt catch on the left and right side.
My friend had a ruger 556 he bought several years ago, only issue was kind of scary though. He was changing the handguard and when he was taking off the barrel nut it was only on hand tight. Otherwise though, it's incredible for the price
I have heard of that but not witnessed it personally. But hearing about it again makes me want to look into it further. I did call.mine a made in Weds. rifle
That’s good your department lets you swap triggers. I know some of them won’t let you touch it.
Very true, my department is cool with it, but you gotta stay in 4.5 mark for liability sake.
Why is the dust cover on your rifle on the left side? And why is the writing on your light and your charging handle reversed? (J/K. But really, check your camera's settings.)
Love my Ruger ar-556. Flawless. The cold hammer-forged barrel is extremely accurate. I also upgraded to a rise armament trigger. I use the flat blade ra-140's and 240's (whatever is on sale) in all my guns. Excellent triggers.
Agreed excellent triggers
I traded my old norinco SKS for my Ruger AR-556. I run pure irons on mine for right now. I want to get an ACOG and also someday get a good thermal scope i can utilize for nighttime hog and coyote engagements as well as potential human threats on our property. I want to upgrade mine with that glorious trigger you have in yours. I also want to get a cryptic coatings dlc bcg for it and a captured buffer system because of the recoil deleting capabilities it has for fast follow up shots on a hog sounder. Or on fleeing coyotes. As for slings, i want to get a Mclean dynamic retention sling. Only other thing i need after that is a radian raptor handle and im in good shape. Should be a sweet recce/do-all duty gun once im done with her.
I bought the ruger 5.56 with the mlok system 3 years ago for $600 and it's been nothing but amazing. One of the best purchases I've ever made. Have you looked at the ruger sfar?
I have looked into it and would love to test one out. i would like to see how the smaller frame really handles full house full power battle rifle loadings. I currently run a 6mm ARC for a situation where I would need a longer distance option in a small frame package, and it's been just stellar. I have access to ranges of up to 2000 yards with steel, so I'm lucky I get to stretch these rifles and cartridges out.