Many Americans are looking into purchasing a self-defense rifle for the first time. The Ruger AR-556 is one of the most reliable rifles made in America today.

During a visit to my local gunbroker, I found myself talking to a potential new gun owner who was on the hunt for a self-defense rifle. Like so many seasoned gun owners, the repeatedly mentioned feature they were looking for was reliability. After all, no matter which style of gun you prefer for the defense of your home, you need peace of mind in reliability.

If I’m in fear for my life, there needs to be zero question that my rifle is reliable. Enter, the Ruger AR-556.

The Standard Ruger AR-556 price is what may appeal to new rifle buyers at first glance. The 556 is very affordable. The MSRP $799 price is a great deal on a self-defense AR-15 rifle. Especially when compared to some of the other best rifles on the market. Let’s take a look at what Ruger has built, and why, that makes the difference in this reliable AR.

By the book, the AR-556 is a mil-spec direct gas impingement rifle. Built, in keeping with what a rifle seeker should expect, with a 1:8 twist 16” barrel. The overall length is between an approximate 32”-36,” thanks to a versatile adjustable buttstock. Not too heavy, the weight of the 556 is 6.5 lb. empty. Just over a sack of flour, don’t forget to consider the added weight of the 30 round ammo capacity and any accessories you may want to add to your AR-15.

Ruger has provided some quality features on the AR-556. All built with reliability in mind.

Adjustable front post sights are paired with Ruger’s patented Rapid Deploy rear sights. The folding sights at the back are quite handy and make it easy to adjust windage for increased accuracy. The serrated gas block face provides a low-glare surface and the flash suppressor works to do the same for an easier time with follow-up firing.

The Ruger AR-556 is capable of use with either 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem. ammunition. Incredibly accurate with either, the ability to use a wider range of ammo is becoming increasingly more important with recent availability concerns. Accuracy is also assisted with the easy-to-grip handling of the 556. A heat-resistant handguard is paired with a pistol grip designed with its extended trigger reach. An accompanying enlarged trigger guard allows shooters to wear heavy gloves. When I’m enjoying my AR-556 deer hunting, being able to stay warm is huge.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many reliable rifles on the market, but Ruger has one more trick up their sleeves with the reliable AR-556. For affordability’s sake, the barrel is left-uncoated and the single-stage trigger is serviceable and un-fancy. For reliability’s sake, Ruger put their money where it counts. The steel bolt and carrier. After all, you are looking for the best self-defense AR-15 you can afford. You need to be 100 percent sure that feed and fire will always happen. Ruger has given us the hardware to ensure that, no matter what is going on, the AR-556 will never fail.

So back to my favorite gunbroker, and our eager new shooter. Our discussion about whether the Ruger AR 55 is any good was quite enjoyable. Like many AR-15’s it has plenty of uses in other ways, like hunting big game or sport shooting. Just don’t forget, when it comes to self-defense, the Ruger AR-556 is reliable as the day is long. That, my friends, is exactly what every gun-owning defender in America needs.

Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense, and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller, and other publications.

Image: Wikipedia.