SR556 reliability and quality

[JasonH]

So, Ive been seriously looking at AR's and other assault rifles for about a month now. I have even looked at the FN SCAR and Bushmaster ACR. I want a reliable, durable piston platform. Obviously some brands such as LWRC and LMT have very good reputations, but that good rep comes with a hefty price tag. My limit is right about $2000, however I would prefer not to spend every penny!

I was hoping that some folks on the forum have experience with the SR556. I would really like to hear from people that have several thousand rounds through their guns. I know initially there were some carrier tilt issues with the SR556, but I have heard that Ruger "quietly" switched to a different bolt carrier group to fix the problem.

One thing that bothers me is the amount of bad mouthing that the SR556 receives on AR-15 specific forums. It's almost like people regard the Ruger as an AR for people who dont know any better. I have also heard people comment about the Ruger being made of lesser quality materials and just not being rugged enough for "professional' use.

So what say you? Is teh SR556 a really good deal, or is it too good to be true? Any input/ opinions will be appreciated.

 

[bai78]

If the right deal came along for a SR556c, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase.

What kind of "professional" use are they talking about? It's not like they're going into battle with the thing....geez.

Sorry I don't have the type of input you are seeking, but my Sig516 is just as good a system as the competitors out there.

 

[tulsamal]

I like my SR556. Although I don't have thousands of rounds on it yet. Sure is easy to clean compared to M16's in the Army.

I'm still changing parts out to get it the way I like an AR. Don't know how much will still be "Ruger" once I'm done!

Gregg

 

[Geo]

Well, I own an SR-556 and it is just fine. It is 100% Mil-Spec for the lower and the fit and finish are excellent. I realize that it has a gas piston system like an HK, but that should not be a problem. This system, if turned upside down on the barrel, would be essentially like the M-14/M1-A and nobody complains about those. I shot an NM M1-A for years and the gas system was just fine. The SR-556 is made well enough that I am tempted to state that Ruger if after military contract or their civilian equivalent.

I have yet to do extensive accuracy testing with a wide assortment of ammo, but what I have shot, shot very well. A friend has one, too, and has put a lot of ammo through his, very satisfactorily. As far as accurizing goes, it will be a while before there are enough of these in service to make after-market barrels and gas blocks available. Ruger will not sell you a gas block; I checked that out already.

That friend of mine put a fancy-schmancy after-market butt stock on his, but mine suits me just fine as-is. I am currently replacing the trigger with an AR-15 single-stage by Timney.

Go for it!

 

[SteelShooter]

Just had a section on the History channel, where Red Jacket was providing a prototype for the contractor who guards nucelar sites for the US Gov.

They wanted to make a AR-15 that was as reliable as an AK. The switched it over to an aftermarket piston system and away from direct impingment. That should say something about the "battle" qualifications for the Ruger piston system. Plus it comes from a factory that stands behind its products for years and years after you buy them.

Try that with a auto manufacturer LOL

Think it is a good gun and think you best bet would be the SR556CLA, really nice gun if you can find one...

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

Well, I did a search, and the search function worked! noted: this is an old thread. But within the last few months I have recently started doing heavy amounts of AR shooting and drills. Running a tactical class with a private instructor. Started having issues with my SR556E. Seems like it wasnt designed for this amount of heavy use.

One of the issues was related to accuracy degredation over an extended period of time. Thought it was me, thought it was my BUIS/red dot configuration getting knocked loose (they are co-witnessed) Well it was not the sights, and I ran it fine with other rifles. So the continued problem prompted me to dig deeper...

I started looking at the gas/piston system. Well that was working fine. I looked at the bolt. The tolerences seemed real loose, like the bcg rattled in the receiver. I took the rifle apart...

The buffer tube and some of the "lower" were... chewed up, for the lack of a better term. I started researching the subject to determine if I was the only person with this issue. Low and behold, its not just me. Well at least I realised it wasnt anything I did wrong. Small comfort though. So what exactly is the issue I was dealing with?

Well not just Rugers experience it. Sig 516, POF, and yes even LWRC rifles have all had they're share of "CARRIER TILT". This problem has plagued piston ARs since inception. Now granted, many companies have found ways of limiting and even partially eliminating carrier tilt. Adding slide rails and such into the receiver to guide the volt on. Reinforcibg key areas with forged parts. Etc.

Well once I became aware of the issue, my rifle was pretty much trashed by my bolt. I decided to show discretion and post only once I knew exactly what was going on. I have called Ruger and they told me to send them the gun... So i will promptly be sending them my AR. Now I need to get another AR while mine is out of comission. Will keep posted with updates.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

DA_TriggR4Ruger,

Interesting post regarding your issue with carrier tilt.

Do you know more or less what your round count is?

I have been doing some reading on the AR forums also regarding this issue.

I remember that the 6.8 SPC Ruger version was noted for this in early production. I do not recall as hearing about it in the .223 side of the house. I will do some more reading on carrier tilt on the E variation.

Please keep us posted on the progress of repair.

Bill

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

I'm not EXACTLY sure... Maybe the 5K to 7K range... Im hesitant to buy another piston AR platform. The ARs I had before my ruger were DI systems and never had problems. Of course, they didn't approach the range time my Ruger did and I was OCD in my cleaning of them. The AK was designed around it, the Sig 556 was also designed around it. As was the SCAR/ACR. The AR platform was only adapted to accomidate it. Ill be getting back with Ruger shortly and updating on the status soon.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Thanks!

I just disassembled my E model and cleaned and inspected it. I only have 500 round down range with mine so far. I can see no sign of wear in the buffer tube opening anywhere. I will be continuing to inspect that area with great attention to detail in the future.

I like this rifle and it shoots very well. During my reading, I did come across this buffer tube designed for piston rifles of all manufactures.

http://heavybuffers.com/antitilt.html

Bill

 

[dingode]

556cla few hundred rounds through it and no problems at all.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

dingode,

I hear what you are saying but you and I have very low round counts.

It would be a good idea to keep an eye on the buffer tube and keep a small amount on grease right there at the opening where the buffer enters the tube.

I have yet to have a single malfunction with my rifle.

Bill

 

[mishtub]

DA_TriggR4Ruger, I would be interested in what ser.# range your E model is and if you might be able to post a picture of the wear you have encountered. My E model is in the 591-15XXX range and I heard/read somewhere the early ones had a carrier-tilt problem, but the newer ones had a design fix. Not sure what # the fix started.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

My rifle was purchased in the last 4 months and the serial number is much lower than yours.

590-516XX

Lower receiver production dates and upper receiver production dates will not be the same or traceable due to no SN on uppers.

I believe the the E models have come along fairly recently.

This document shows all of the Ruger AR's and features.

http://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/compareModels-SR556.pdf

DA_TriggR4Ruger has had his rifle long enough to put 5K to 7K rounds down range and it is an E model.

Interesting.....

 

[chefrob1]

i thought the "fix" was a different BCG with a rounded edge.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Rounded edges on the rear of the carrier is the approach that Ruger and other manufactures took to correct the problem.

This buffer takes it to the next level.

http://heavybuffers.com/antitilt.html

 

[WAYNO]

So, Ive been seriously looking at AR's and other assault rifles for about a month now. I have even looked at the FN SCAR and Bushmaster ACR. I want a reliable, durable piston platform. Obviously some brands such as LWRC and LMT have very good reputations, but that good rep comes with a hefty price tag. My limit is right about $2000, however I would prefer not to spend every penny!

I was hoping that some folks on the forum have experience with the SR556. I would really like to hear from people that have several thousand rounds through their guns. I know initially there were some carrier tilt issues with the SR556, but I have heard that Ruger "quietly" switched to a different bolt carrier group to fix the problem.

One thing that bothers me is the amount of bad mouthing that the SR556 receives on AR-15 specific forums. It's almost like people regard the Ruger as an AR for people who dont know any better. I have also heard people comment about the Ruger being made of lesser quality materials and just not being rugged enough for "professional' use.

So what say you? Is teh SR556 a really good deal, or is it too good to be true? Any input/ opinions will be appreciated.

I know I'll disappoint the bashers, but I do have a SR556. I've shot it a lot. I don't count my rounds but it's a bunch. It's functioned absolutely perfectly from the beginning, it stays clean, and is remarkably accurate.

I did not realize how long ago the SR556 was introduced, but I just looked at the original invoice on mine, and it's dated July 2009.

WAYNO.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

Been busy lately. I havent had time to mess with it much. I hear tge fixes started when Ruger went to the same chromed bcg the standard models had. They were no longer black. Mine had a black BCG.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

DA_TriggR4Ruger,

http://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/compareModels-SR556.pdf

This Ruger document shows all the SR556 models.

All have chromed BCG's.

Started having issues with my SR556E. Seems like it wasnt designed for this amount of heavy use.

Been busy lately. I havent had time to mess with it much. I hear tge fixes started when Ruger went to the same chromed bcg the standard models had. They were no longer black. Mine had a black BCG.

Wonder why your BCG is black when they were only offered in Chrome plated per the Ruger Document?

Would enjoy seeing a picture of the damaged receiver extension / buffer tube and BCG if you have the time.
http://www.ruger.com/news/2011-04-29.html
The "E" has been around since April 29, 2011.

Bil

 

[gerryb158]

Interesting. I have a "new" SR556E and the BCG is black. I doubt this matters very much but definitely not chrome plated. I hope not to encounter any of the problems listed, function has been flawless but only about 100 rounds so far.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

gerryb158,

That is interesting. This is what my BCG looks like.

http://www.tactical-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ruger-sr-556-c.jpg

It is also an E model and I have had it for about 4 months now.

Do you want to share all but the last two numbers of your SN?

Does your carrier have the larger portion at the end that is first to enter the buffer tube area?

Looks like Ruger has made some changes to their product. I can not find anything at the Ruger site in the "Specification" that updates the "E" variation.

Post a picture if your have time.

Bill

 

[mishtub]

MY BCG looks just like yours, Bill.

 

[gerryb158]

My apology to you folks. I think old age slips one in on me now and then. The BCG in my SR556 is indeed not black but sort of a mild grey finish. I guess that's chrome. Sorry about that. I had disassembled my son's Olympic AR last week and perhaps that's what mixed me up. Can't do photos right now. Serial number is 591-163XX which I think must be fairly recent as the shop I bought from does a pretty high volume business. Sorry about the mix up. Gerry

 

[Buckeye Bill]

gerryb158,

Well heck, no big deal!

We all make little mistakes and this is a very little one.

I think I will go out and shoot my SR556 and see if I can turn my BCG black. :lol:

Bill

 

[MMichaelAK]

Bill,
the BCG in mine is hard chromed as well, Had it a little over 2 years and it's also a 591 prefix.
No wear and no malfs. I'll keep an eye on it and is I see something weird, I'll let people know.
Wayno,
my only complaint is that it's heavy like an FAL, without the benefit of being an FAL.
Good thing I love the FAL! :D

 

[WAYNO]

Wayno,
my only complaint is that it's heavy like an FAL, without the benefit of being an FAL.
Good thing I love the FAL! :D

Yep, it shore is heavy. Sure makes it shoot good. :mrgreen:


WAYNO.