We put together of list of the 9 best Ruger AR-556 accessories to significantly improve the rifle's handling, recoil shooting performance, gas block reliability, and aiming capabilities.
We have purchased and frequently used these accessories on Ruger AR 556 rifle for a very long time to only recommend tried and true upgrades that are practical and useful for beginners and experienced users.
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Ruger AR 556 Upgrades [Improves Handling & Control]
Raptor Ambi Charging Handle - Improved Pull Leverage
The Radian Raptor charging handle provides ambidextrous charging capabilities for the Ruger AR 556 rifle, and it makes it very easy to charge the bolt.
The larger latch surface provides more gripping space to allows better pulling leverage, and reduce upper receivers shear
Increased Shear Durability - It's beefed up to handle constant hard charging shear force
High Volume Usage - Reduced friction when charging the bolt against the upper receiver
Better Gripping - It's easier to grip & pull. Serrated latch surface doesn't easily slip for most shooters in most wet or dry conditions (with or without gloves)
Check out more charging handles here
Magpul BAD Lever - Adds Ambi Capability
The battery assist device is one of the must have Ruger 556 accessories for faster reloads and easier one handed bolt lock. The Magpul BAD Lever is easy to install and affordable.
Faster Return To Battery - Cuts down the reload speed by extending the bolt release paddle to the right side of the rifle, allowing the trigger finger to control bolt lock and release from the fire control / ready position.
One Handed Control - No more leaving the firing hand off the grip to perform bolt lock.
Super Lightweight - No noticeable weight added
BCM MCMR Handguard - Mounts Accessories
Upgrade your Ruger AR-556 with a much more rigid accessories rail. Unlike the stock rail, this option offers more room to mount weapon lights, grips, and other tactical accessories. It's an optional upgrade but a great one to consider for better stability and more mounting options.
Rock Solid Receiver Lock - KMR anti rotational mounting system locks the handguard on the receiver and prevents movement under stress, vibration and heat
M LOK Compatible - Mount any MLOK accessories like lights, laser, and grips you want at the 2, 6, and 10 O'clock positions.
Offers Different Lengths - Available for carbine, mid length and full length setup (Requires a new low profile gas block)
Magpul CTR Stock - Enhances Stability
The Magpul CTR stock eliminates the annoying wobble and stabilizes the rifle stock on the shooter's shoulder better.
We highly recommend the Mil-Spec model the Magpul CTR stock or the Magpul ACS for Ruger AR 556.
Low Drag & Snag Free - A high-quality stock transforms the M&P15 into a low drag, snag-free, and fast action sporting rifle
Added Sling Attachment Points - Use any push-button QD sling configuration as you like.
The BCM Gunfighter grip is our favorite for better rifle handling.
Enhanced Grip Handling - It enhances handguard grip ergonomics for driving the muzzle faster to the target, and operate a weapon light at the same time.
Reduced Sway - C clamp the handguard to longer barrel to reduce rifle sway with greater grip leverage
Improved Recoil Control - Reduced horizontal and vertical muzzle shift for faster follow up shots (Helps even more if using a muzzle brake)
Surefire MB556 Muzzle Brake - Mitigates Recoil
Why Add This To The Rifle? The Surefire MB556 muzzle brake will change your Ruger 556 's shooting experience by eliminating recoil and keep the gun and muzzle as flat as possible.
Reducing muzzle flip significantly - Ported muzzle to push the muzzle down when firing rounds to keep the accuracy of the sight on target
Improved Accuracy - Less flinching or muzzle adjustment required to hit target accurately
Compatible With Surefire Suppressor - Superior suppressor can alignment with fast mount and demount capability.
Timney Single Stage Trigger - Smoother Trigger Pull
Improve your trigger split time and smooth out follow-up shots by replacing the stock trigger. Upgrade to a trigger that reduces pull weight to just 3 lbs, giving you a much crisper trigger squeeze and reset.
Tighter Groups - Lighter trigger pull reduces shooter's finger tension on the trigger bow to eliminate as much motion to the rifle as possible
Faster Reset - Trigger reset feels much faster with added forward spring tension
Quick Installation - Drop it in your Ruger AR 556, and just pull back the pins back in and you're done! No gunsmithing or fitting required.
Shoot Faster - Much smoother trigger for competition shooting and faster follow up shooting without tiring your finger strength.
Geissele Super 42 Braided Buffer Spring - Enhanced Reliability
If the user decides to enhance their firearm by installing a new spring, they can anticipate an advancement in their weapon's dependability and performance during cycling. For Ruger AR 556, Geissele's braided spring technology provides a level of performance similar to that of a machine gun.
The design of this technology is distinctive in that it enables the springs to flex individually, which results in the dissipation of any extra energy and the prevention of spring malfunction.
No More Spring Twang Sound - The braided wire spring kills the annoying twang sound and preserves spring harmonics inside the buffer tube.
Increased Spring Service Life - The spring only operates at around ~35% of its maximum stress load compared to a standard spring to extend overall service life.
Improved Reliability - Better and stronger round chambering performance and when dealing with a dirt or steel case ammo.
Holosun 510C - Get On Target Fast
We recommend the Holosun 510C for starters to aim more accurately than shooters with iron sights. This open emitter red dot sight is the most popular product to get started before moving to something more expensive.
Point & Shoot – Parallax-free reticle with unlimited eye relief lets the shooter instantly place the dot on the target with both eyes open
Large Field Of View - Aim with both eyes open and also see around you for situation awareness
Very Long Battery Life - 50K+ battery hours allows the user to just leave the optic on and the reticle is always ready
ShakeAwake Technology - The optic will turn off when the rifle is sitting still in the gun safe to save more battery, and it will reactive the reticle upon movement
Multiple Reticle Settings - Use 2 MOA single dot for precise aiming or also turn on 65 MOA ring for range estimation
Multi-Purpose – Use it on the Ruger AR 556 as well as other rifles you have in your inventory.
See more red dot sights here
FAQ
Safety Consideration
- Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction when installing or adjusting AR15 parts
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper installation and torque specifications to prevent damage to your optic or firearm.
- Regularly check buffer tube tightness to prevent malfunction
- Be aware that changing the height of your optic can shift your original zero and require re-zeroing your firearm.