The Ruger 556 is a highly popular semi-automatic rifle among firearms enthusiasts, known for its affordability, versatility, and relative ease of use. Introduced in 2009, Ruger 556 rifles are chambered for the widely used 5.56x45mm cartridge, which allows users to engage in various shooting activities, from range plinking to home defense.
Despite its popularity, the Ruger 556 has had its share of problems and issues that have arisen over the years. In this blog post, we will delve into some of the common problems faced by Ruger 556 owners and provide practical solutions to help you get your rifle back in top working condition.
Problem 1: Failure to Feed (FTF)
A failure to feed (FTF) is when the rifle fails to properly chamber a round from the magazine, resulting in a malfunction or stoppage.
Possible Causes:
- Magazine issues: A damaged or worn-out magazine can cause FTF malfunctions.
- Ammunition issues: Damaged or incorrect ammunition can also lead to FTF issues.
- Gas system problem: A malfunctioning gas system can impact the bolt carrier group’s movement, leading to FTF.
Solutions:
- Inspect and replace your magazine if necessary. Ensure that the magazine is clean and free from debris.
- Use quality factory-loaded ammunition that is compatible with your rifle.
- Inspect and clean your rifle’s gas system, ensuring it is free from debris and functioning correctly.
Problem 2: Failure to Extract (FTE)
A failure to extract (FTE) occurs when the rifle’s bolt fails to remove a spent casing from the chamber after firing, resulting in a stoppage.
Possible Causes:
- Extractor issues: A damaged extractor or extractor spring can cause FTE malfunctions.
- Chamber issues: A dirty or damaged chamber can impede the extraction process.
Solutions:
- Inspect your extractor and extractor spring for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Clean your rifle’s chamber and ensure it is free from debris or fouling.
Problem 3: Failure to Eject (FTEj)
A failure to eject (FTEj) happens when the spent casing is not ejected from the receiver after firing, causing a malfunction.
Possible Causes:
- Ejector issues: A damaged ejector or ejector spring can cause FTEj malfunctions.
- Gas system problem: As mentioned earlier, a malfunctioning gas system can impact the bolt carrier group’s movement, leading to FTEj issues.
Solutions:
- Inspect your ejector and ejector spring for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect and clean your rifle’s gas system, ensuring it is free from debris and functioning correctly.
Problem 4: Short Stroking
Short stroking occurs when the bolt carrier group fails to travel far enough on the recoil cycle, causing the rifle to malfunction.
Possible Causes:
- Gas system problem: A malfunctioning gas system can result in short stroking.
- Buffer and spring issues: An incorrect buffer weight or worn-out buffer spring might also cause short stroking.
- Lubrication issues: Insufficient lubrication can result in increased friction, culminating in short stroking.
Solutions:
- Inspect and clean your rifle’s gas system, ensuring it is free from debris and functioning correctly.
- Check your buffer and spring for wear or damage. Replace them if necessary, and ensure you’re using the correct buffer weight for your rifle.
- Properly lubricate your rifle to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
Problem 5: Light Primer Strikes
A light primer strike occurs when the rifle’s firing pin fails to hit the primer with enough force to ignite the cartridge, resulting in a failure to fire.
Possible Causes:
- Firing pin issues: A damaged or worn-out firing pin can cause light primer strikes.
- Hammer spring issues: A weak hammer spring might not provide enough force to the firing pin.
Solutions:
- Inspect your firing pin for wear, damage, or excessive fouling. Clean or replace it if necessary.
- Check your hammer spring for wear or damage and replace it if needed.
Problem 6: Trigger Issues
Some Ruger 556 owners have reported issues with the rifle’s trigger, such as a gritty feel, excessive take-up, or trigger creep.
Solutions:
- Properly clean and lubricate the trigger mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
- Consider upgrading to a higher-quality aftermarket trigger for improved performance.
Wrap Up
While the Ruger 556 has proven to be a reliable and robust firearm for many shooters, it is not immune to problems and issues like any other mechanical device. By being aware of the potential issues outlined in this blog post and employing the recommended solutions, you can ensure that your Ruger 556 remains a steadfast companion at the range or during critical situations. Remember, proper maintenance and regular inspection are key to the longevity of your firearm and its reliable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruger AR-556 any good?
Yes, the Ruger AR-556 is considered a reliable, accurate, and affordable firearm option for those looking for an entry-level sporting rifle. It is made with high-quality materials and crafted with great attention to detail. While it may not have many of the bells and whistles of some higher-priced alternatives, the AR-556 has garnered positive reviews from users and experts alike for its performance and value.
What is the difference between Ruger AR-556 and AR-15?
The Ruger AR-556 is a specific model of AR-15 style rifle manufactured by Ruger. The term “AR-15” is a general term used to describe a lightweight semi-automatic rifle based on the original design by Eugene Stoner. Many manufacturers produce their own versions of AR-15 rifles and the AR-556 is Ruger’s interpretation of this popular platform. Some features may vary between Ruger’s AR-556 and other AR-15 options, but overall, the core functionalities and design principles remain consistent.
What is the barrel twist rate on a Ruger 556?
The Ruger 556 comes with a barrel twist rate of 1:8 inches. This means that the rifling inside the barrel completes one full revolution for every 8 inches traveled by the bullet. The 1:8 twist rate is considered versatile and allows the rifle to effectively stabilize a wide range of bullet weights and styles.
Where is the Ruger 556 made?
The Ruger 556 is made in the United States, specifically at Ruger’s manufacturing facilities in Mayodan, North Carolina and Newport, New Hampshire. Ruger is known for its commitment to American manufacturing, and the AR-556 is no exception.
What kind of ammunition should I use with my Ruger AR-556?
The Ruger AR-556 is chambered in 5.56 NATO and is also capable of firing .223 Remington ammunition. It is important to use quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers to ensure the best performance and reliability. The 1:8 twist rate in the barrel allows for a variety of bullet weights to be used effectively.
What is the effective range of a Ruger AR-556?
The effective range of the Ruger AR-556, like most AR-15 style rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington, is around 400-600 yards. However, the actual effective range will depend on various factors such as skill level, ammunition type, weather conditions, and accuracy of optics.
Does the Ruger AR-556 come with iron sights?
Yes, the Ruger AR-556 comes with folding iron sights that can be used as a primary aiming solution or as a reliable backup in case the primary optics fail. These sights are adjustable for windage and elevation to ensure accurate shot placement.
Is the Ruger AR-556 compatible with aftermarket accessories?
Yes, the Ruger AR-556 is designed to be compatible with a wide variety of aftermarket accessories designed for AR-15 style rifles. This includes options for stocks, grips, handguards, optics, and other performance-enhancing components. This means that users can customize their AR-556 to suit their individual needs and preferences.
How do I clean and maintain my Ruger AR-556?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of your Ruger AR-556. This involves disassembling the rifle, cleaning the chamber, bolt, and barrel with appropriate solvents and tools, lubricating moving parts, and reassembling the firearm. Always refer to the owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions and safety precautions.
Can I use a suppressor with my Ruger AR-556?
Yes, a suppressor can be used with the Ruger AR-556, provided that the rifle has the necessary muzzle device to attach the suppressor, and local laws permit the use of suppressors. It is important to verify that the suppressor is specifically rated for use with 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington cartridges and ensure proper installation to avoid any issues or malfunctions.