The new .300BLK Ruger uses an 11-inch free-floated aluminum with M-LOK slots slathered on at the 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 positions with additional slots on the angled faces near the muzzle (Photos: Ruger)
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Connecticut-based Ruger is adding to their AR556 series rifles with the introduction this week of a model chambered for the popular .300 AAC Blackout cartridge.
While Ruger’s AR556 rifle has only previously been offered in .223/5.56-caliber models, and in the AR556 MPR line in .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster, the Blackout variant is new. Featuring a 16.10-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1-in-7 twist, the new offering has a pistol-length gas system “to reliably function with both the lightest supersonic hunting rounds and heavy, subsonic rounds.”
The rifle also comes standard with an 11-inch aluminum free-float handguard with Magpul M-LOK accessory slots. Suppressor ready, the rifle has 5/8-24TPI muzzle threads capped with a thread protector. In the interest of keeping the user in the right ammo state of mind, both the dustcover and the magazine are marked with the caliber.
The overall length is 33-inches with the six-position M4 style stock fully collapsed and 36.25 with it fully extended. Weight is 6.4-pounds.
For those curious about materials, the barrel is 4140 chrome-moly steel while the receivers are made from 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forgings. The 9310 steel bolt is shot-peened and proof-tested inside of an 8620 steel bolt carrier. The inside diameter of the carrier and gas key are chrome plated and the key is staked.
MSRP is $819 but you can expect lower than that when in stock.
For those wanting a bolt-action .300BLK for less scratch, Ruger also markets the American Ranch model in that popular chambering in no less than two models for around $400 smackers.
But What About a Pistol Version?
Looking for something more compact?
The company earlier this year introduced a .300BLK-chambered AR556 pistol. Using an adjustable SB Tactical SBA3 pistol stabilizing brace and a 10.5-inch barrel, the overall length on the 5.8-pound handgun is 27.6-inches. Equipped with a 9-inch aluminum free-float handguard complete with Magpul M-LOK slots, users can install accessories at the 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions. With an MSRP of $949, we currently price it out at closer to $715, in stock.
SEE RUGER AR556 MODELS IN STOCK
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