Best Ruger AR-556 Upgrades + Accessories [2024 Update]

Did you know that for years, the Ruger AR-556 you just picked up or have in your safe is consistently one of the Top 3 rifles sold in America? It’s true! Did you also know that Ruger DID NOT think about you specifically, Bob, when designing it? Also true! The point is, you really should consider customizing it to you…Manbearpigs or skinny Elven folk… We’re here to help, now scroll on!

Difference Between an AR-15 and an AR-556?

The name AR-556 is the model designation for Ruger’s AR15 rifles. Just like with Smith & Wesson and their Sport II series or Springfield Armory with the Saint lineup. The Ruger AR-556 is an AR15.

Ruger jumped into the AR-15 game back in 2009 with their SR-556. In typical Ruger fashion, this wasn’t just another AR-15. Instead of the direct impingement gas system that continues to be the default choice in AR designs (as in almost all of them), the SR-556 used a gas piston system that kept things running cool and clean.

Piston systems can get expensive, are usually heavier, and it is an upgrade that many don’t understand since for the most part none of it is standardized, so Ruger eventually introduced the most cost-conscious direct impingement gun, the AR-556.

Is The Ruger AR-556 any Good?

This was a hit when it came out as it provided an entry-level AR-15 with Ruger’s quality. Ruger makes rock-solid guns. That doesn’t mean there are no ways to improve the design. Like many of the larger manufacturers, Ruger makes more than one version of their AR. While I’m focusing on modifications, I’ll refer to the standard configuration, their most economical model, the standard AR-556.

-Made from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forging, the flat top upper receiver features a forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector.

-Made from 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forgings, shot-peened and proof-tested 9310 steel bolt, and 8620 steel bolt carrier. The inside diameter of the carrier and gas key are chrome plated and the key is staked for longevity.

-Equipped with a medium contour, cold hammer-forged alloy barrel with 1:8″ twist rifling that provides exceptional accuracy with bullets from 35 to 77 grains. M4 feed ramps and 5.56 NATO chamber allows the use of both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem. ammunition. The barrel and 1/2″-28 Ruger^® flash suppressor have a matte black oxide finish to reduce glare and provide corrosion resistance.

Ruger.com

Much of this configuration will look like many other standard models. Ruger has chosen a very simple stock. The handguard is a two-piece clamshell design that shields heat nicely.

On the front end, there’s a simple muzzle brake and an A2-themed gas-block front sight. The rifle comes with a Magpul magazine, which is a solid place to start. Beyond that, though, there’s nothing about the standard configuration that really distinguishes this rifle from many other ARs, except for the quality you know will be built into a Ruger.

If you are a more visual person we did cover Ruger AR-556 Upgrades on our YouTube channel.

The Ruger AR-556 w/ M-LOK Handgaurd

If you want to get ahead of your upgrades you could jump the gun and get yourself an already “pre-upgraded” version of the Ruger AR-556. This version of the Ruger AR-556 comes with an 11″ M-LOK free float handguard for more off-the-shelf versatility. Free float handguards help with accuracy at range and the M-LOk slots are extremely useful for accessories.

Ruger AR-556 Accessories

Without getting too in-depth or ahead of ourselves an easy place to start on modifying a Ruger AR-556 would be to add what’s missing. Three things come to mind immediately–an optic, a handguard-mounted accessory (bi-pod or grip), and a sling.

Can You Put a Scope on a Ruger AR-556?

Optics for AR-15s break down into three main categories: red dots, low-powered scopes, and scopes with magnification.

The RD-50 provides the immediacy of a red dot for rapid target acquisition. If you are setting up an AR-15 for close quarters, this is a winner. And if you do want more options, you can add a magnifier in front of the red dot to give you an extra edge.

Magnified red dot optics aren’t as fast as red dots, but they’re usually very close. Not to mention, they’re better for precision at slightly longer ranges. If you already have a red dot optic that you like you can always toss a magnifier behind it!

A good 1-4x or 1-6x scope allows for a modest amount of magnification and can help bridge the gap between the close-quarter’s scenarios and medium-range shots. For a rifle that might be used for hunting, tactical, or defensive applications, the AT3 Red Tail scope will provide everything you need, including the mount.

Ruger AR-556 Slings

As far as must have Ruger AR-556 upgrades go, adding a sling to the Ruger AR-556 simply makes the gun more functional. Carrying it is infinitely easier, and the sling–when wrapped around your arm–can be used to brace the rifle for standing shots.

For slings, check out the Magpul Multi-Mission QD sling. A two-point design that uses the strap to connect, like this Magpul MS1, is also a solid choice since it connects to traditional webbing mounts. Another option that finds its way to a lot of our personal rifles is the Magpul MS4 since it is highly adaptable.

Ruger AR-556 Bipod

While slings help with bipedal mobility and transportation, a bipod will stabilize a gun on the bench or on the ground. Check out the choices from UTG. These are easy on the wallet and built to take abuse.

If Magpul is your thing, they make bipods, too.

Ruger AR-556 Trigger

Once you get the itch, you’ll want to fine-tune the rifle. This could be as simple as adding a drop-in quad rail in place of the clam-shell forend to removing pins to replace a trigger–as you might with this Rise Armament Rave 140.

We’ll start simple and build in complexity.

As far as Ruger AR-556 Upgrades go the stock Ruger trigger isn’t bad, but there is always room to improve.

Ruger AR-556 Grips

The grip on an AR is one of the easiest things to replace. It usually involves no more than a large hex bit. The Ruger AR-556 grip is a very generic cookie-cutter hollowed-out straight-faced plastic grip, but there are a wide variety of options. My favorite are the Hogue grips. Their contoured texture is very ergonomic.

Ruger AR-556 Foregrips

Some prefer to dedicate real estate on their rail to a foregrip rather than a bipod. There’s no reason you can’t have both unless weight is a serious concern. For a solid foregrip on a rifle, check out the skeletal designs by Fortis.

For pistols, vertical foregrips are a no-go. You’ll need an angled foregrip. Check out the Magpul AFG.

Ruger AR-556 Handguards or Forends or Quadrails

Handguards come in many, many varieties. The best way to begin to parse them out is to look at how accessories connect to them. Key-mod, MLOK, piccatinny… there are options that will determine the path you take for other add-ons, like lights or grips.

If you want a simple quad rail for the Ruger AR-556, check out the Midwest Industries designs. MI does great work with aluminum, and there’s something simple about the design that keeps it relevant.

If Magpul is your thing, go with MLOK or MOE. The Magpul designs are an excellent upgrade and even provide clearance, on some, for front sight posts–meaning you won’t have to mess with the gas block, which can get messy for beginners.

The Ruger AR-556’s Stock

From its inception, this simple six-position M4 style stock was built for simplicity. Many don’t like the angles on these–they can wrap in slings and hang on clothing. Replacing them, though, is easy.

For speed at close quarters, check out the Magpul fixed stocks. These are minimalist designs that are designed to prevent any snags.

For long range work, nothing beats Magpul’s PRS line.

Once you get into stocks, you may want to consider fine-tuning your buffer system. This is ammo specific, and something to consider if you plan to shoot this gun suppressed. Odin Works makes weighted buffers that will help keep the timing perfect.

Can I Change The Barrel on My Ruger AR-556?

Ruger makes a mean cold-hammer-forged barrel. There’s nothing wrong with the barrels on their AR-15s. But not everyone likes the same length or the same profile. Just keep in mind that changing out a barrel isn’t as easy as changing out a grip. Even on an AR-15, which is the easiest rifle I know of for barrel swaps, you’ll need some specialized tools.

If you want to take the 5.56 further, check out Odin Works. The heavier profile and extra length will add some accuracy at distance. For those who want to work on pistols or SBRs, there are numerous shorter options. Some will require a new gas system, too, which will get you deeper into the DIY. Check out the barrels from Ballistic Advantage.

The Extras

The Ruge AR-556’s magazine options are endless. Brands like Magpul, Hexmag, Lancer, Mission First Tactical, and Duramag offer colors and material options to best suit your needs. There’s nothing wrong with the PMAG it comes with, but you’ll need more. Magazines fail. It isn’t that they’re designed to be expendable, but they are. Buy them in bulk and save.

Ruger AR-556 Upgrades – Make it Your Own!

In the end, there’s no reason the Ruger AR-556 can’t be customized into the perfect rifle for your needs. It will run like a champ out of the box. And everything you add to it will improve either its functionality or its comfort.

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One Last Tip

If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.