SR-556 vs SR556E

[Kenneth L. Walters]

I'm going to buy one of these. As near as I can tell the increased cost of the SR-556 is because of "features" that I would probably never use. Am I missing something here?

 

[rugerjunkie]

I've been looking also and as far as I can tell , that pretty much sums it up.

I'm not a big fan of quad rail forearms and think they are uncomfortable. If you were ever wanting to add something later on you could still do it wih the E model. But like you , I'd more than likely never want to. I also think I read somewhere that the E model either came without sights or maybe it was a lesser quality set vs the standard model.

Some other questions I have to add if you dont mind Kenneth...

Does the Ruger take milspec buttstocks?
And can you use a different forearm like a Magpul with the ruger?
I have a Sig with the Magpul stocks and like them a lot.

Prices are back to the point where they are looking more attractive to add one to the stable...

 

[Sugar River]

I believe the E bore is not chromed. That's a deal killer for me.

 

[rugerjunkie]

I believe the E bore is not chromed. That's a deal killer for me.

I ws digging around on the Ruger website and couldn't find any info on the barrels except for the varmint model being stainless.

Im an admitted newbie to ar's....does the chrome lined barrel make that much of a difference on the new piston actions since they run cleaner anyway?

 

[mishtub]

My e-model buffer is mil-spec size and the forearm is pinned in place.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

The old chromoly vs chrome lined debate... Its a long runnimg debate, with plenty of strong proponents on each side. Basically, it boils down to:
Chromoly: accuracy, match grade, found on target rifles
Chrome lined: not as mechanically accurate, runs crrosive ammo better, found on combat rifles.

The type of barrel you have on your gun should match your needs. I havent heard of any issues with the non chrome lined barrel of the sr556e

All of rugers ar15 type rifles use the mil spec buffer tubes. When purchasing a stock, get a mil spec size stock for your ruger.

 

[Richbaker]

I believe the E bore is not chromed. That's a deal killer for me.

I ws digging around on the Ruger website and couldn't find any info on the barrels except for the varmint model being stainless.

Im an admitted newbie to ar's....does the chrome lined barrel make that much of a difference on the new piston actions since they run cleaner anyway?

Don't use corrosive (Russian) ammo, and you don't need to worry about it..... The only reason to use a chrome-lined barrel is corrosive ammo. Unlined barrels are more accurate, besides.

 

[SteelShooter]

The other reason for chrome in the chamber/barrel is for high rate of fire, and to control erosion of the chamber/throat and 1st part of barrel under those conditions. The plating is not always totally concentric with the chamber, and that causes some of the accuracy issues. When talking accuracy we are talking 0.5 MOA guns.

It does detract from accuracy somewhat, and that is why the target barrels are chrome-moly or stainless, have the tight chamber (Wylde), and are not hard chromed.