SR-556 change?

[chet15]

At some point Ruger quit serial numbering their SR556 in the 590- prefix and begain fresh with a 591- prefix serial number. The highest 590- I have noted is 590-41117 (about December 19, 2012) and the earliest 591- noted is 591-01015 (about August 14, 2012).
It would seem that Ruger made some sort of internal parts change on the SR-556, which in the past has been reason to change the serial number prefix (i.e. 100-, 101- and 102- .44 Carbines).
Does anybody know of an internal parts change between either the 590- or 591- prefix?
How about instruction manuals? Does the front of the manual that came with a 591- SR-556 note "For 591-" prefix SR-556 on the front?
If not, can anybody determine any parts changes between manuals that came with the 590- and 591- rifles?
Chet15

 

[chet15]

Looks like the change from the 590- prefix to a 591- prefix was because of a change in suppliers of the uppers and lowers.
More info to come in the next RENE that I'm working on right now.
Chet15

 

[mattsbox99]

I figured Ruger would be making the lowers, I'm a little surprised they aren't.

 

[chet15]

I figured Ruger would be making the lowers, I'm a little surprised they aren't.

Not enough space in the factory. Besides, somebody already spent the major expense if machinery in turning those out. Might as well have them make them.
Also heard the same people who are doing the uppers and lowers of Ruger's SR556's are making the LCR frames for them as well.
Chet15

 

[huntsman22]

proof?

 

[Jbrown75]

If Ruger isn't making the parts of those guns then some could conjecture that they aren't 100% American made anymore. Now, I am not saying that is the case. Without knowing where they are sourcing parts folks who don't care for Rugers will make that assumption. I can't imagine they would source parts from outside the US personally. Well, other than the mandated locks.

 

[rugerdczr]

I got a E model SR 556 Ser # 590-462xx

 

[mattsbox99]

If Ruger isn't making the parts of those guns then some could conjecture that they aren't 100% American made anymore. Now, I am not saying that is the case. Without knowing where they are sourcing parts folks who don't care for Rugers will make that assumption. I can't imagine they would source parts from outside the US personally. Well, other than the mandated locks.

There are dozens of AR parts manufacturers in this country. I think your supposition would be extremely far fetched, at best.

 

[SteelShooter]

Looks like all AR's are now made in China :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Of course per firearms law, ya'd have to have the manufacturer and importer on the gun I'ma thinkin

 

[Jbrown75]

Yes, jump on me for pointing out something. :roll: Typical of a free to join forum.

 

[mattsbox99]

Welcome to the internet.

 

[dakota1911]

No, and in the Colt world it would not even cause a ripple. If they stamped Colt Commander on the side of an AR it might cause a slight ripple. Very slight.