First Look: Ruger AR-556 MPR Rifle

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posted on September 17, 2017
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Ruger announced the launch of its latest rifle offering, expanding its AR-15 lineup with the new Ruger AR-556 Multi-Purpose Rifle.

"We are very excited to add this model to our modern sporting rifle lineup," Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy said. "Our talented team of engineers worked carefully to develop the ideal custom package for the AR-556 platform that does it all, right out of the box. From plinking to competition shooting, the MPR is the perfect rifle for just about anything."

The Ruger AR-556 Multi-Purpose Rifle expands on the AR-556 lineup by adding a number of new features not previously seen in Ruger's AR-style rifles. The new rifle is constructed with an 18-inch barrel machined from a cold hammer-forged steel alloy and features a rifle-length gas system for optimum performance and felt-recoil reduction.

The barrel features accuracy-improving 5R rifling that reduces fouling and minimizes bullet deformation as it travels down the bore of the gun. A salt-bath nitride finish is applied to each barrel in order to improve corrosion resistance and lengthen the life of the firearm. A 0.75-inch gas-block journal is compatible with many aftermarket options, and Ruger builds each gun with a low-profile gas block that allows for clearance with many AR-15 aftermarket handguards, should users choose to customize their rifles in any way.

However, the Ruger AR-556 Multi-Purpose Rifle ships with the company's custom free-float handguard, which measures 15 inches in overall length and is compatible with the widely used M-Lok accessory-attachment system available at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions around the circumference of the rail. The handguard measures just 1.5 inches in diameter, making it slim and controllable. A Picatinny top rail allows for optics and other accessory attachments at any point on the top surface of the gun.

Ruger also equips its new AR-556 MPR with its Elite 452 two-stage trigger, which features a clean break at 4.5 pounds. Each rifle also comes equipped with Magpul MOE pistol grips and MOE SL stocks, as well as the industry-standard dust cover, brass deflector and forward assist.

The suggested retail price on the new Ruger AR-556 Multi-Purpose Rifle is $899.

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