Used Ruger SR556, opinions

[Mars5l]

Im seeking an AR, really only plan on only getting one, ARs are not my thing. Id like to get one nice AR, one I'll like thats all ready to go. My local store I frequent has a used Ruger SR556 for $1k. No optics, just 1 mag. Looks in good shape on the exterior. Im not all up on AR and the pros and cons for models and features. No idea if the $1k is too high since it looks like they don't make the SR556 anymore

Another thought is I see Springfield Armory Saints for about $800 new, generally quite common at a few stores for me.

It will only be a range toy, just to have an AR

 

[Blnt4rcetrauma]

1000 Is crazy money for a rifle that was 500 bucks three months ago

 

[Mars5l]

This a piston platform, not a direct gas impingment setup if that matters

 

[Varminterror]

1000 Is crazy money for a rifle that was 500 bucks three months ago

The SR556 wasn’t $500 3 months ago. The AR556 isn’t the SR556.

The SR was Ruger’s attempt at market novelty, they made their first salvo into the AR market with the SR series - piston driven models, which largely floundered due to the high price in a common man’s market.

Personally, the $1,000 (less in fact) would be better spent on a Ruger AR556 MPR, the free floating DI model. There’s nothing WRONG with the SR556, but the extra cost is really in the piston system, so unless you are really wanting a piston rifle, that’s not the rifle for you.

 

[Blnt4rcetrauma]

My mistake. Confused it for the AR556. In that case not a terrible deal

 

[Mars5l]

The SR556 wasn’t $500 3 months ago. The AR556 isn’t the SR556.

The SR was Ruger’s attempt at market novelty, they made their first salvo into the AR market with the SR series - piston driven models, which largely floundered due to the high price in a common man’s market.

Personally, the $1,000 (less in fact) would be better spent on a Ruger AR556 MPR, the free floating DI model. There’s nothing WRONG with the SR556, but the extra cost is really in the piston system, so unless you are really wanting a piston rifle, that’s not the rifle for you.

See I don't know enough about ARs to know how much piston vs DI to say. All I know is the piston is supposed to be cleaner in the chamber but heavier because of it. Beyond that I dont know to what to look for. I've maybe shot 2 or 3 different ARs and dont remember what they were

 

[Varminterror]

@Mars5l - the piston AR fad has largely passed. Guys who want it can get it, but everyone else has realized what most of us have known all along - “cleaner running” is highly exaggerated. A solution pretending a problem existed. Ruger makes what people will buy, and you’ll note they no longer make the piston driven SR models.

For a guy wanting ONE AR-15 and not very knowledgeable on the specifics of these rifles, I would say the piston should be a deterrence, not a selling point. In buying an SR556, you are not buying a better rifle than you would buy in an AR556 MPR, you’re simply paying more.

 

[entropy]

Buy a new AR556, you'll be money ahead; spend that on ammo for it.

 

[WestKentucky]

If you want to swap parts around don’t buy a ruger AR. Mine is nice enough, but they torque the proprietary barrel nuts on to about 300 ft-lbs (not exaggerating). To get mine off required a bench vice with vice blocks, a massive adjustable wrench to support the vice blocks, and a even more massive pipe wrench to turn the barrel nut after it snapped off part of my armorers wrench. If you want a solid rifle that you will never swap parts on, then Ruger is fine.

 

[Skylerbone]

My personal thought on the matter is that buying an AR in the current climate is money wasted, particularly if you have no purpose beyond owning one. I would propose writing down potential uses and coming back to the table for suggestions then shopping once prices and supply stabilize.

Remember to check in to potential changes or pending legislation In your home State that may allow you to hunt if that’s your thing, and possible restrictions.

 

[Armored farmer]

I like my SR556. It was expensive, and has never failed in any way.
Neither have any of the four shop built Anderson rifles that I am familiar with.
If I had it to do over, I would skip the SR556 and buy parts for an Anderson or PSA carbine and accessories for the same $$$

 

[sequins]

I have a Ruger MPR 556 and a Ruger SR556, as well as an SR762.

For "one nice AR" I'd go for the MPR, but the SR556 is a really neat gun. Piston versus DI is a push, which means a win for the entrenched and ubiquitous DI in my opinion.

The SR series are probably the best piston guns that were done. No bolt carrier tilt and really god accuracy for a piston. The adjustible gas block and swappable 300BO barrel make it a very cool suppressed hot swap rig, changing barrels in under a minute easy.

On the other hand, swapping uppers is easy too and the piston design is mated to the barrel, so "free floating" is impossible. The DI gun is a little more accurate for cheaper.

 

[jmr40]

I'll second that the Ruger MPR is a lot of rifle for the money if looking for an AR. The problem right now is that a buyer may have to buy what is available and pay scalpers prices.

The good news, most any AR, even the budget models are perfectly adequate for most casual users.

Good luck.

 

[Boattale]

My personal thought on the matter is that buying an AR in the current climate is money wasted, particularly if you have no purpose beyond owning one. I would propose writing down potential uses and coming back to the table for suggestions then shopping once prices and supply stabilize.

Remember to check in to potential changes or pending legislation In your home State that may allow you to hunt if that’s your thing, and possible restrictions.

When is that going to be?

 

[GBExpat]

My local store I frequent has a used Ruger SR556 for $1k. No optics, just 1 mag.

 

[sequins]

$1,000 for an SR556 is a good price btw. Gun broker has em from 1100 - 2000.

 

[Mars5l]

Yea pickings are getting slim and I am worried I won't be able to get one later on. I really have no intention of builidng one or really modifying one for the most part. I am already way deep down the firearm rabbit hole im not all the keen in falling into the AR building rabbit hole. I do just want a nice one that has all the good internals a simple fun optic setup and just go shoot it

 

[GBExpat]

$1,000 for an SR556 is a good price btw. Gun broker has em from 1100 - 2000.

Brings to my mind the old saw about fools and their money.


EDIT: My apologies! I was confusing the Ruger AR556 with the Ruger SR556.

My cousin bought an AR556 a couple of years ago and bought it over so that I could educate him of the working of an AR-15. That is what I thought was under discussion in this Thread. I think that the AR556 is a well-made AR-15, but certainly not worth $1000 in used condition.

Until (late in this) Thread I was totally unaware of the existence of a piston-version of the Ruger rifle so I have no idea of what price they currently command versus what price they should currently command.

Sorry!

 

[Skylerbone]

When is that going to be?

If I could accurately time market cycles I’d be focused on my portfolio and not much worry about firearm prices. It may be soon, it may not; my WAG would be that concern over current saturation and an election cycle that pits a banner against a guy who leaves the market sluggish means manufacturers will go full tilt till October and keep inventory limited until results are in.

You might see a small decline pre-election or a huge fluctuation after. Again, the latest round of glory days is over for now.

 

[sequins]

Yea pickings are getting slim and I am worried I won't be able to get one later on. I really have no intention of builidng one or really modifying one for the most part. I am already way deep down the firearm rabbit hole im not all the keen in falling into the AR building rabbit hole. I do just want a nice one that has all the good internals a simple fun optic setup and just go shoot it

The piston AR design is supremely easy to clean, the chrome bolt and piston are allergic to carbon. 2-4 MOA should be expected with the SR556 if you go that route.

 

[Buzznrose]

I had an SR556 and sold it for a Daniels Defense AR.

That Ruger is a good gun. $1000 is a decent price, especially today, if it’s in good shape. Lots to like about that gun...chrome BCG, CHF barrel, tough as nails.

I am the “I have a few AR’s” guy who just wanted them to be more interchangeable, so mine are all DI guns.

 

[Buzznrose]

The piston AR design is supremely easy to clean, the chrome bolt and piston are allergic to carbon. 2-4 MOA should be expected with the SR556 if you go that route.

Only thing I’d maybe debate is the 2-4 MOA...

I think ANY decent AR will get you 2-4 MOA with decent ammo

The SR55 is likely a sub 2 MOA gun with good Hornady or Federal match ammo...I’ve seen a couple of them really shoot well.

Mine shot under 2” with Federal Fusion

 

[Boattale]

If I could accurately time market cycles I’d be focused on my portfolio and not much worry about firearm prices. It may be soon, it may not; my WAG would be that concern over current saturation and an election cycle that pits a banner against a guy who leaves the market sluggish means manufacturers will go full tilt till October and keep inventory limited until results are in.

You might see a small decline pre-election or a huge fluctuation after. Again, the latest round of glory days is over for now.

My point exactly. Nobody knows and if a guy wants a gun now it costs what it costs.

 

[Mars5l]

Well I changed gears. Went to pick up my P365 and they had an M&P AR and a Sig M400. I ended up putting the Sig in layaway. The M&P was $100 cheaper and at least has iron sights but I prefer the cleaner looks of the Sig and preferred the handguard as well. So I'll just have settle on some sorta optic setup by the time I decide to pay it off. M&P was $100 cheaper but decided it be a wash by the time I decided on different handguard setup. The Ruger SR556 was still sitting there today so I guess its just waiting for the right buyer

 

[captain awesome]

Glad you found what you are looking for. I have an SR556. Mine is chambered in 6.8 SPC, and it does indeed stay very clean and runs like a swiss watch. It Deposits my brass in a nice neat little pile to the right of my gun. I shoot reloads and get an average of 1 MOA. Its a terrific rifle though a bit heavy. I think it's a shame Ruger quit making them. Who ever buys that one is getting something special.