B.L. Hall
Single-Sixer
why should I pick the Ruger? what makes is better?
in the market for an AR
- Thread starter B.L. Hall
- Start date
Better than what?
The AR556 is a good entry level AR, it offers a forward assist and dust cover which the S&W Sport does not (also a good entry level AR), if that's important to you.
The Ruger has a couple of proprietary parts which can get in the way of certain changes/upgrades, if that's important to you.
The AR556 is a good entry level AR, it offers a forward assist and dust cover which the S&W Sport does not (also a good entry level AR), if that's important to you.
The Ruger has a couple of proprietary parts which can get in the way of certain changes/upgrades, if that's important to you.
OP
B.L. Hall
Single-Sixer
I carried an M4 a lot. I never was interested in getting an AR, but recently I have missed it, so I am going to get one... I just don't know much about what is out there or even what it is I want to do to it after I get it. simple is always best...
Busterswoodshop
Hunter
All the ones I have ever had were Colts.
I have never had a problem with any of them.
I have never had a problem with any of them.
I've owned/still own ARs from Colt, Bushmaster, Rock River, S&W, and Armalite... never had a problem with any of them.
These days I shoot a pair of S&Ws the most, both Sport models, and they perform well for me. The Ruger is a good little rifle, but their gas-block front sight and barrel are pinned on the opposite side from Mil-spec so if you wanted to change to a low profile block and free floated fore end, that becomes an issue.
Likewise their delta ring is threaded instead of the spring loaded mil-spec style, which can be an issue if you want to add a slim free float fore-end that clamps to the barrel nut.
If you think you'll buy it and shoot it as is, or are willing to deal with its quirks later on, it's a good choice.
Right now, AR prices are lower than ever, so it's a good time to buy.
These days I shoot a pair of S&Ws the most, both Sport models, and they perform well for me. The Ruger is a good little rifle, but their gas-block front sight and barrel are pinned on the opposite side from Mil-spec so if you wanted to change to a low profile block and free floated fore end, that becomes an issue.
Likewise their delta ring is threaded instead of the spring loaded mil-spec style, which can be an issue if you want to add a slim free float fore-end that clamps to the barrel nut.
If you think you'll buy it and shoot it as is, or are willing to deal with its quirks later on, it's a good choice.
Right now, AR prices are lower than ever, so it's a good time to buy.
pisgah
Buckeye
I've had AR's from DPMS, Olympic, Bushmaster, and Palmetto State Armory. Cover up the logos and you couldn't tell one from the other.
gunman42782
Hunter
I got to agree. It boils down to what you want on it, what you want it to do. I have built 4 of them, all where different lowers, with Del-Ton's build kits. All worked just fine.pisgah said:
I have 2 Colts, a Ruger AR556, and a DPMS. The DPMS easily has been shot the most, and we have never had a burble from any of them. I did change out the fore arm and buttstock on the Ruger as the fore arm had no heat shield and I just like the MagPul equipment. I still had only $640 in it after I did that. I like them all, and for the $$$ the Ruger is a fine little rifle.
dakota1911
Buckeye
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2009
- Messages
- 1,021
I got one last fall when they first came out for $599 on a sale. If you are not a "black AR guru" they are fine. I was going to get a Colt 6920 "someday" and they were down to $900 at the time. Not sure I ever would have bought into the AR 556/223 platform except for this guy. Actually the "black AR guru" types who build them in Mums basement should thank Ruger (and S&W) for cheap rifles from well known makers that get people into the AR platform and hands on with it. Here is mine next to my SR-762. I think the only Barbie, er AR dress up I will do is a scope on the AR-556.
Bearcat
Blackhawk
pisgah said:
And, as an analogy, they are a lot like 1911 pistols. The basic ones all work fine and are about the same. However, if you want to get rid of $3,000 of extra cash, you can add all kinds of stuff. About the only upgrade that I think is worthwhile is dropping in a good, match trigger group.
Otherwise, just about any $700 rifle works fine. I own Colt, DPMS, Bushmaster and one built up from an Axis Arms lower with a heavy target barrel.
pisgah
Buckeye
Bearcat said:
Amen to that! And there is no need to spend big bucks on a decent trigger, either. The $150-and-up adjustables are fine if you want a pure target or itty-bitty-varmints rifle, but for general purpose use you can hardly do better than the Rock River Arms 2-stage match trigger, which can be had for $79 and installs easily in 5 minutes. Extremely durable and consistent, it works wonderfully well and never goes out of whack. HUGE improvement over even the best standard-issue trigger.
RSIno1
Hunter
99.9% of ARs are built to the mil spec so they all work the same and the parts will interchange. They aren't hard or expensive to assemble from parts. I wanted to do something different last time so I machined my own lower from a forging that only had the magazine well finished. I'm thinking of doing a 308 one next but I'll use one of the lowers that are already 80% finished and buy a preassembled upper.
pisgah
Buckeye
One thing to be aware of if you want to buy an AR and want to modify it -- my understanding is that the delta ring and barrel nut of the Ruger are not mil spec, and this may create problems if you want something like a free-float handguard.
I like Colt!
tazbigdog said:I like Colt!
Nice Kit! The Colt 6920 has always been the go to M4gery. Recently they introduced the OEM 1&2 series which comes without furniture and trigger guard. Gets you the good 6920 guts without all of the stuff you throw out or sell when you customize it. If you watch for deals you can find one for under $700. Then aside from an extra 1.5" of barrel and the lack of a fun switch you have as close to a government issue M4 as you need. Nevermind the bayonet situation... :oops:
Otherwise I personally would vote for building my own. For many reasons one of which being that you will learn the platform through and through. When it comes time to maintain, repair, customize, etc...you will already know it. That and you are automatically saving the federal tax which equals more of your own money in hand for ammo and mags. :D
I like Ruger guns in general but the coolest thing about the AR556 is the rollmark. Ive read the triggers aren't the greatest by even milspec standards, I'm not a fan of carbine gas systems in general, the proprietary FSB and Delta Ring bothers my OCD, commercial BCG, NON-chrome lined barrel, etc. You can build a better gun for less money and have full parts interchangeability with every other M4gery on the market. I will buy a AR556 but only for the Ruger fanboi rollmark on the lower. Almost every other part except the stripped upper receiver [maybe] will be sold off and replaced with proper non proprietary milspec or better hardware. The AR556 may be a great rifle for casual plinking/hunting/customizing but I would not considered it for a go to, one gun slung scenario. Just my .02 and not trying to bash any AR556 owners. Its simply a crowded market with some stiff competition.
Ravenn
Bearcat
I bought the AR-556 when it first came to KyGunCo. Its all I expected...don't see any need for me to mod it...
