Quick RFI:Ruger AR556 Pistol

[wvincent]

Got offered one at a really good price (new), but wondering if anyone here has any time on one.
I realize it's not KAC or BCM, but is it decent?
It will probably be a place holder, until something I really want comes back in stock. Then I can just strip the optics and light and such, and probably flip it come November.
https://www.ruger.com/products/ar556Pistol/specSheets/8570.html

[BobM]

A coworker bought one with the flag treatment. It seems to run ok but I doubt that he’s run it very hard.

[SeriousStudent]

Double-check the staking on the BCG. If you need a MOACKS, let me know. I am not a huge fan of the 9130 over a Carpenter 159 bolt, but that is the purist in me. Ruger does it to save money, and we have all likely seen a lot worse.

The two Ruger AR's that I checked were a wee bit large on the gas port size for a carbine gas system. I have a set of pin gauges and will check them when I tear one down.

I think the plan to have one and then flip it is not a bad idea, especially if you got it for a really good price. It's honestly a seller's market right now.

If you have a set of chamber gauges, I'd be interested in what those say. It likely does not need one of Ned Christensen's chamber reamers, but you never know.

Does it have the SBA3 brace? That's a nice piece, especially with a LAW folding adapter.

[LittleLebowski]

If it’s a good price, we can make it work if it has problems.

[wvincent]

Double-check the staking on the BCG. If you need a MOACKS, let me know. I am not a huge fan of the 9130 over a Carpenter 159 bolt, but that is the purist in me. Ruger does it to save money, and we have all likely seen a lot worse.

The two Ruger AR's that I checked were a wee bit large on the gas port size for a carbine gas system. I have a set of pin gauges and will check them when I tear one down.

I think the plan to have one and then flip it is not a bad idea, especially if you got it for a really good price. It's honestly a seller's market right now.

If you have a set of chamber gauges, I'd be interested in what those say. It likely does not need one of Ned Christensen's chamber reamers, but you never know.

Does it have the SBA3 brace? That's a nice piece, especially with a LAW folding adapter.

Thanks for the offer of the use of the MOACKS, I surely appreciate it.
It does have the SBA3, and the LAW folder is exactly what I was thinking.

[SeriousStudent]

Thanks for the offer of the use of the MOACKS, I surely appreciate it.
It does have the SBA3, and the LAW folder is exactly what I was thinking.

I have that setup on an 11.5" 5.56 BCM pistol, and am building a 300 BLK with an 8" Wilson Combat barrel I scored off DVOR.

With the shorter 8" barrel I can fold it with the can on, and stuff it into an old non-descript Camelbak backpack. You looking to do the same thing?

[mtnbkr]

If it’s a good price, we can make it work if it has problems.

That was my thought. Just because it's not a top shelf model doesn't mean it'll immediately self-destruct.

Chris

[Elwin]

Some people gave their general thoughts on Ruger ARs in the “Making do with Subpar ARs” thread I started. My standard AR556 has over 3000 rounds with no issues that I didn’t cause myself. I’d agree just based on recoil that the gas port is a tad large, but I’ve also experienced worse (the Stag lower I got rid of). The staking is an issue. I’m going to keep mine and replace the BCG at some point. Based on my sample of one and the fact that you know what you’re getting I don’t see a problem with your plan. My statements in the other thread aside, I wouldn’t turn down an in person sale of an AR in this tier for an attractive price, especially if it can serve a useful purpose until I replace it with something else.

[Casual Friday]

Got offered one at a really good price (new), but wondering if anyone here has any time on one.
I realize it's not KAC or BCM, but is it decent?
It will probably be a place holder, until something I really want comes back in stock. Then I can just strip the optics and light and such, and probably flip it come November.
https://www.ruger.com/products/ar556Pistol/specSheets/8570.html

I take it you don't have an AR pistol at the moment, is that correct? If that's the case, in these uncertain times I would pick it up to get you by until you can source what you're really wanting.

[Navin Johnson]

No one has run Ruger stuff hard but it is automatically second tier or something.

Ruger has a fantastic warranty department and will stand behind their shiz. If the price is right and even if you decide to replace with hipster AR it would still be a great "trunk gun".

Parts can be upgraded.

Would buy that long before a Taurus AR. (Full disclosure I have never owned a taurus but peeps I know have had problems with warranty with them YMMV).

It is only a good value if it doesn't need a bunch of coin to make it how you want it. If that is the case then building is more efficient.

[SeriousStudent]

Some people gave their general thoughts on Ruger ARs in the “Making do with Subpar ARs” thread I started. My standard AR556 has over 3000 rounds with no issues that I didn’t cause myself. I’d agree just based on recoil that the gas port is a tad large, but I’ve also experienced worse (the Stag lower I got rid of). The staking is an issue. I’m going to keep mine and replace the BCG at some point. Based on my sample of one and the fact that you know what you’re getting I don’t see a problem with your plan. My statements in the other thread aside, I wouldn’t turn down an in person sale of an AR in this tier for an attractive price, especially if it can serve a useful purpose until I replace it with something else.

Yup, and if it does not have the correct Grade 8 fasteners on the carrier key, that's easy to remediate as well. Robb Jensen taught me how years ago. A lot of people use the cheaper YFS fasteners ( which should stand for You F**king Suck). They are cheaper steel which is not as resistant to the corrosive effects of hot gas, and lack the small teeth at the bottom of the fastener that grip the material on the top of the carrier.

Just remember the spec is inch-pounds of torque, not foot-pounds.

If you need some fasteners, just let me know, I'll mail you some of the correct ones.

[SeriousStudent]

No one has run Ruger stuff hard but it is automatically second tier or something.

Ruger has a fantastic warranty department and will stand behind their shiz. If the price is right and even if you decide to replace with hipster AR it would still be a great "trunk gun".

Parts can be upgraded.

Would buy that long before a Taurus AR. (Full disclosure I have never owned a taurus but peeps I know have had problems with warranty with them YMMV).

It is only a good value if it doesn't need a bunch of coin to make it how you want it. If that is the case then building is more efficient.


Yup, I saw that bit on the Taurus AR's. That's going to be fun to watch.

And with the right set of tools, a few parts and knowledge, it's not hard to fix most issues. An aluminum gas block can be replaced, and you might be able to use an adjustable gas block to get around excessive port size.

Honestly, I'd just shoot the pee of out the barrel until it wears out, then replace it with a known good unit. We did that on a buddy's Shrubmaster. He shot a lot of steel Wolf range chow, and I got him a good deal on a used Colt 6720 barrel that he's still using. I'd replace the gas tube at the same time, it's less than 10 bucks.

[Beat Trash]

I take it you don't have an AR pistol at the moment, is that correct? If that's the case, in these uncertain times I would pick it up to get you by until you can source what you're really wanting.

This is my thought as well. If you need an AR pistol due to the uncertain times, you have to make due with what's available. Will this Ruger hold up to a large round count? Who knows. But in these uncertain times, can you even source enough ammunition to put a gun through a large round count?

I'd get the Ruger if it's a deal and if it's actually available. Go over the gun and do any preemptive tweaking that you may feel the need to do. Set it up to your liking and test fire it. Down the road if and when things return to normal you can set up something more to your liking. But I'd rather have that Ruger in my hand now than wait for a BCM to become available a year from now.

[Casual Friday]

This is my thought as well. If you need an AR pistol due to the uncertain times, you have to make due with what's available. Will this Ruger hold up to a large round count? Who knows. But in these uncertain times, can you even source enough ammunition to put a gun through a large round count?

I'd get the Ruger if it's a deal and if it's actually available. Go over the gun and do any preemptive tweaking that you may feel the need to do. Set it up to your liking and test fire it. Down the road if and when things return to normal you can set up something more to your liking. But I'd rather have that Ruger in my hand now than wait for a BCM to become available a year from now.

"A Ruger in the hand beats a BCM in the bush - Abraham Lincoln (probably)

[wvincent]

I take it you don't have an AR pistol at the moment, is that correct? If that's the case, in these uncertain times I would pick it up to get you by until you can source what you're really wanting.


This is my thought as well. If you need an AR pistol due to the uncertain times, you have to make due with what's available. Will this Ruger hold up to a large round count? Who knows. But in these uncertain times, can you even source enough ammunition to put a gun through a large round count?

I'd get the Ruger if it's a deal and if it's actually available. Go over the gun and do any preemptive tweaking that you may feel the need to do. Set it up to your liking and test fire it. Down the road if and when things return to normal you can set up something more to your liking. But I'd rather have that Ruger in my hand now than wait for a BCM to become available a year from now.

Yep , that's where I'm at. I was pretty convinced I didn't need one, so I was holding out for my heart of hearts, the PSA5. However, they keep dragging their feet on the release, and the times keep getting stranger by the minute.
Not so worried about at home, but I have a shit ton of traveling to do between now and the rest of the year.

If it's still in the rack this afternoon. I'm just gonna grab it. If it ain't, I'm probably going to play canary in the coal mine and grab something from Veritas, https://veritastactical.com/vt15-duty-ready-75p/

[wvincent]

I have that setup on an 11.5" 5.56 BCM pistol, and am building a 300 BLK with an 8" Wilson Combat barrel I scored off DVOR.

With the shorter 8" barrel I can fold it with the can on, and stuff it into an old non-descript Camelbak backpack. You looking to do the same thing?

Yep, you and I seem to have pretty much the same project going, except your'e waaay ahead of me.
That's what I get for waiting.

[Casual Friday]

Yep , that's where I'm at. I was pretty convinced I didn't need one, so I was holding out for my heart of hearts, the PSA5. However, they keep dragging their feet on the release, and the times keep getting stranger by the minute.
Not so worried about at home, but I have a shit ton of traveling to do between now and the rest of the year.

If it's still in the rack this afternoon. I'm just gonna grab it. If it ain't, I'm probably going to play canary in the coal mine and grab something from Veritas, https://veritastactical.com/vt15-duty-ready-75p/

Here's where I'll advise you to pump the brakes a bit. Ruger isn't known for their ARs, but they're a well known company with a good warranty, hence the recommendation to go ahead and pick it up.

I've never even heard of Veritas Tactical.

[wvincent]

Here's where I'll advise you to pump the brakes a bit. Ruger isn't known for their ARs, but they're a well known company with a good warranty, hence the recommendation to go ahead and pick it up.

I've never even heard of Veritas Tactical.

Yeah, Recoil magazine did a write up on there 4.5" PDW, but, again, Recoil magazine.
Ruger is tops on my list, cause I can go paws on right now, I think. I haven't been able to sneak out of here yet.
Maybe I just need to take a deep breath and engage my brain.

Nice job on the avatar pic, love the "WeFest" theme.

[Norville]

Here's where I'll advise you to pump the brakes a bit. Ruger isn't known for their ARs, but they're a well known company with a good warranty, hence the recommendation to go ahead and pick it up.

I've never even heard of Veritas Tactical.


I have, but no personal experience. Also a member here.

Veritas

Posted some test results on short barrel 5.56 in the giant PDW thread:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?41496-Let-s-talk-PDW-s&p=1025781&viewfull=1#post1025781

[RevolverRob]

If the goal is a back-pack gun for the short-term to be replaced in the long-term by something higher quality. I think you'd do a lot worse than the Ruger. It has to get through however many rounds it takes for you to sight it in and familiarize yourself with it + the number of rounds you're carrying with you. /End

Presumably, you aren't going to run out and take a carbine course with this gun or plan to hammer through 6-cases of green tip...so I suspect you'll be okay, overall.

[wvincent]

If the goal is a back-pack gun for the short-term to be replaced in the long-term by something higher quality. I think you'd do a lot worse than the Ruger. It has to get through however many rounds it takes for you to sight it in and familiarize yourself with it + the number of rounds you're carrying with you. /End

Presumably, you aren't going to run out and take a carbine course with this gun or plan to hammer through 6-cases of green tip...so I suspect you'll be okay, overall.

Yeah, I'm seeing a lot higher confidence on the forum for the Ruger than my other plan B (Veritas)
It's all my own fault, waiting for something to be released (Come on PSA, unfuck yourselves!!)

It's like 0130 at the club, and I better start making nice to the clean but rather plain girl next to me, rather than wait for the super-hot lingerie model who hasn't come back to talk to me since she left for the ladies room, like 3 frigging hours ago.
Cause if I don't, I'll be walking out the door alone, softly humming Pink's "U and Ur Hand Tonite".

[SeriousStudent]

Yeah, sometimes it pays to go ugly early.

[RevolverRob]

It's like 0130 at the club, and I better start making nice to the clean but rather plain girl next to me, rather than wait for the super-hot lingerie model who hasn't come back to talk to me since she left for the ladies room, like 3 frigging hours ago.
Cause if I don't, I'll be walking out the door alone, softly humming Pink's "U and Ur Hand Tonite".

Dude has Duke taught you nothing?

The plain, clean, girl (M&P) will do all the nasty things the lingerie model (STI) will do and more, AND without the additional cost (compare cost of M&P mags to 2011 mags) and hassle of maintaining a girl with daddy issues (always breaking down and going back home).

Sure she's not as hot and at first your buddies won't be jealous...at first...but when their lingerie models are gone and their left humming Pink, there you'll be - enjoying the plain girl.

[Wonder9]

M16 Manufacturers
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Daewoo Precision Industries
FN Herstal
Bushmaster
H&R Firearms
General Motors Hydramatic Division
Elisco
U.S. Ordnance

M4 Carbine Manufacturers
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Colt Canada
Lewis Machine and Tool Company
Bushmaster Firearms International
U.S. Ordnance, US
Remington Arms Company
Daniel Defense
Forjas Taurus
FN Herstal
SME Ordnance
Sarsilmaz
Caracal International

Y'all really need to layoff the industry marketing crack pipe. I can't tell you how many brands of LPKs that are "100% OEM FACTORY PARTS by ________________" that are all Schmidt Tool & MFG parts in different packaging. I would argue it's pretty hard to buy a bad COTS AR-15 in 2020 and many just need to shoot their "hobby guns" instead of listening to paid ex-soldiers tell you how your AR sucks because it's not BRAND _________.

[Caballoflaco]

M16 Manufacturers
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Daewoo Precision Industries
FN Herstal
Bushmaster
H&R Firearms
General Motors Hydramatic Division
Elisco
U.S. Ordnance

M4 Carbine Manufacturers
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Colt Canada
Lewis Machine and Tool Company
Bushmaster Firearms International
U.S. Ordnance, US
Remington Arms Company
Daniel Defense
Forjas Taurus
FN Herstal
SME Ordnance
Sarsilmaz
Caracal International

Y'all really need to layoff the industry marketing crack pipe. I can't tell you how many brands of LPKs that are "100% OEM FACTORY PARTS by ________________" that are all Schmidt Tool & MFG parts in different packaging. I would argue it's pretty hard to buy a bad COTS AR-15 in 2020 and many just need to shoot their "hobby guns" instead of listening to paid ex-soldiers tell you how your AR sucks because it's not BRAND _________.

Parts is parts amirite.

[HCM]

M16 Manufacturers
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Daewoo Precision Industries
FN Herstal
Bushmaster
H&R Firearms
General Motors Hydramatic Division
Elisco
U.S. Ordnance

M4 Carbine Manufacturers
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Colt Canada
Lewis Machine and Tool Company
Bushmaster Firearms International
U.S. Ordnance, US
Remington Arms Company
Daniel Defense
Forjas Taurus
FN Herstal
SME Ordnance
Sarsilmaz
Caracal International

Y'all really need to layoff the industry marketing crack pipe. I can't tell you how many brands of LPKs that are "100% OEM FACTORY PARTS by ________________" that are all Schmidt Tool & MFG parts in different packaging. I would argue it's pretty hard to buy a bad COTS AR-15 in 2020 and many just need to shoot their "hobby guns" instead of listening to paid ex-soldiers tell you how your AR sucks because it's not BRAND _________.

*Schmid Tool & Engineering

[SWAT Lt.]

I have fired two of them (friend's guns) for a total of about 340 rounds. Both ran just fine, shot well and were fun to shoot. Long term, your guess is as good as mine. I liked them and think it's probably a decent gun for the money.