Ruger 556E Question

[MustangGT]

Hi all,

Im new to the forums so Hi!

Im currently interested in getting an AR. I was originally looking at the LMT .308 MWS but after seeing the price started searching for a new gun

The 556E caught my eye and was wondering if anyone has it/had experience with it? Reliable? Any recommendations made would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Droppin Deuces]

You could save a couple hundred and get a DI gun that will perform as good or better than the Ruger. Not that it's a bad rifle - There just isn't anything particularly outstanding about it.

[Cowboy T]

Depends on the type of ammo you want to shoot through it. If either you reload, or you're willing to pony up for quality brass-cased ammo, then the SR-556 is a fine, if expensive, choice.

However, if you want to be able to reliably shoot the inexpensive steel-cased Russian ammo, then I wouldn't suggest the Ruger AR. In my experience, it tends to stovepipe on this ammo. If you want a rifle that will eat anything, I'd suggest a newer-model Mini-14. Like the SR-556, the Mini is also piston-driven, and it's a couple-hundred less than a lot of direct-impingement AR's.

BTW, the reason the SR-556 is so doggoneexpensive is two-fold:

1.) it's piston-drive, not direct-impingement, and
2.) Ruger knows people will pay it, because it's a Ruger.

[cfusionpm]

Mine runs flawless once I figured what setting to put the gas regulator on for different ammo. #1 setting for hotter 5.56 rounds, #2 for most 223, and #3 for lower Wolf or Tula.

Got about 2k rounds through mine and love it. I did spend a good amount on toys and upgrades tho.

[cfusionpm]

I got mine when it was on sale for $1099. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably go DI, but it IS really nice to clean since all the gunk stays up front and out of the BCG

[MustangGT]

This is going to sound extremely n00bish but is DI an abbreviation or the actually company name?

And as far as the type of ammunition, Im not too familiar with the differences between the kind of rounds but if a local firing range allows it, Ill be getting this http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/AMM-2230

@Cowboy T what is the difference between piston-drive and direct-impingement?

I guess I forgot to mention this to, I'm just looking for a nice aesthetically pleasing and good quality AR for basic target practice ( nothing fancy/overly demanding for me )

[Pyromaniac34]

DI = Direct Impingement I.E. the gasses expelled from the cartridge push down the barrel, then some are redirected back to act on the bolt control group to chamber a new round.

[Pyromaniac34]

Where as a piston type weapon the gasses are redirected back, but they operate a piston to operate the BCG. It makes for a cleaner receiver area since the gasses don't come all the way back in. They do tend to be more expensive since they aren't as mainstream or as simple to make as the more standard DI system.

[MustangGT]

Would there be a way to tell if it has a DI or piston type system?

[Droppin Deuces]

Would there be a way to tell if it has a DI or piston type system?

The typical gas piston gun will have a little knob protruding from the front of the gas block like you see on the Ruger, LMT, or Adams Arms guns, for example. Some makers are a little more sneaky about it, like Osprey Defense and LWRC. Best way to tell is just learn about the different brands.

[rogervzv]

Getting back to the OP's original question, after much research I selected the SR556E. It is a fabulous rifle. I've put around 1500 rounds through mine, and the rifle has performed flawlessly. I prefer the piston system as it keeps the rifle action far far cleaner than a DI rifle.

The SR556E is a fine rifle backed by an iconic American gun company. What the heck.

[MustangGT]

OMG that ar looks amazinggggg!!!! lol

Whats the furthest it can reach accuratly/you've tested?

Im thinking about getting myself a bipod and scope and trying out some long range shooting, but I still need to do some research on that since I don't have the slightest clue on what scope to get

[BigRobb]

I should be in this thread as well lol.

I've been looking at the same rifle myself. Used DI's in the Army. They are great and reliable...just keep em clean! Clean them more than you clean yourself! I am just really allured by the overall reliability (so far, as they are still new compared to DI) of a piston system. Also keeping the action ALOT cleaner is what is really making me want to lean towards the Ruger.

[cfusionpm]

OMG that ar looks amazinggggg!!!! lol

Whats the furthest it can reach accuratly/you've tested?

Im thinking about getting myself a bipod and scope and trying out some long range shooting, but I still need to do some research on that since I don't have the slightest clue on what scope to get

I can hit man-sized targets without magnification out to about 300 yards, and about 2-3" groups at 100 yds. I can probably take it farther, but 55gr reloads are only so good. I haven't tried any match ammo, but I have some good stuff in the mail right now. I also just recently bought a 3x flip to side magnifier and haven't had a chance to take it out yet. Spent a buncha money on my toy, but I absolutely love it.

[rogervzv]

I am the wrong guy to talk to about long range shooting of any rifle as so far this year I have only managed to get out and shoot at our local 25 yard range, which of course is nothing for a rifle like the SR556E. The groups at 25 yards are very tiny; limited only by my meager skill and the fact that I mostly shoot 55 grain reloads. Others have reported very good results with the SR556 rifles at match distances. And of course you can trick the rifle out however you want. I have the EOTech 3X flip-to-side magnifier on order for when I can get out and shoot longer distances at an outdoor range.

I used DI M16s in the Army and they are fine, but after being responsible for maintaining DI rifles for a number of years I prefer the piston system. Either DI or piston is OK but I prefer the piston system personally.