What sets the Ruger AR 556 pistols above from most other firearms is the fact that you could just do anything with it. If you want to build a battle rifle, you can, if you want a lightweight pistol, you can, if you want a long-range precision build, you can too. This is one of the reasons why the Ruger AR-556 Pistols dominate the American firearms industry.
We know that searching for the best Ruger AR-556 pistols might not be a walk in the park due to the sheer amount of options available. However, we have done most of the research for you in searching for some of the best Ruger AR-556 pistols on the market.
| Pistols | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Ruger AR-556 Pistol | Most Recommended Option 1. 7075-T6 aluminum forged receiver |
10/10 | Currently unavailable |
 |
PSA 10.5’ Carbine-length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol |
1. Carbine length gas system 2. 4150V chrome moly steel 3. M-Lok handguard |
9.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 |
PSA 10.5′ Carbine-elngth 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 12′ M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol |
1. 1:7 twist rate 2. Low profile 3. Phosphate barrel finish |
9.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 |
PSA 10.5″ Carbine-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Shockwave Pistol |
1. A2 style flash hider 2. Forged 7075 T7 aluminum receiver 3. Full auto bolt carrier profile |
8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
AR 556 Pistol Review – What You Need To Know
Legality
If you don’t know what an AR pistol means, you might want to check its complex legal definition on ATF’s website. The short answer to that is that an AR pistol is basically an AR-15 that was built to be a pistol i.e. it has a barrel shorter than 16 inches and does not come with a stock.
Before making a purchase, you should always double-check your state’s gun laws to prevent getting yourself into any trouble afterward. What the federal law qualifies as a firearm or pistol might be an assault pistol in your state and as such, you wouldn’t want to make such a mistake.
The 4 Best Ruger AR-556 Pistols in 2022 – Reviewed
1. Ruger AR-556 Pistol
Specifications
- Feature: SB Tactical® SBA3® Pistol Stabilizing Brace®
- Handguard: Free-Float with M-LOK® Attachment Slots
- Sights: None
- Barrel Length: 10.50″
- Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
- Type: Pistol
- Twist: 1:8″ RH
- Capacity: 30
- Finish: Type III Hard-Coat Anodized
- Height: 7.20″
- Weight: 6.2 lb.
- Overall Length: 25.30″ – 27.90″
- Grooves: 5
- Available in CA: No
- Available in MA: No
Features
Ruger has been one of the nation’s leading manufacturers for the most rugged and reliable firearms in the commercial sporting market. Their firearms and firearm components are all made in America, most of which are award-winning products that come with a set of features to meet every shooter’s requirements.
The Ruger AR-556 Pistol is constructed from the aerospace-grade 7075-T5 aluminum forging along with a flattop upper receiver that includes a forward assist, dust cover, and a brass deflector. With such a construction, you know your Ruger AR-556 pistol is going to be tough as nails.
Furthermore, the Ruger AR-556 Pistol comes with a cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with an ultra-precise rifling to give you the best accuracy on the field. The Ruger AR-556 Pistol also comes with M4 feed ramps to give you excellent reliability by preventing any jams from occurring.
With a matte black oxide finish on the Ruger AR-556 Pistol’s exterior of the bolt carrier, you can expect your Ruger AR-556 Pistol to have the best corrosion resistance a pistol could have. Now, you won’t have to start looking for shelter as you shoot/hunt outdoors when the weather starts becoming unfavorable.
The Ruger AR-556 Pistol’s handguard is free-floating for improved accuracy. The 9’ handguard features enhanced ergonomics and support along with the Magpul M-Lok accessory attachment slots along the sides and bottom of the handguard. With that, you won’t have any compatibility issues when looking for additional accessories.
Unlike some AR 556 pistols, the Ruger AR-556 Pistol ships together with a 30-round Magpul PMAG and a Ruger flash suppressor so you won’t have to purchase them separately. The ½-28 threaded barrel on this pistol would also allow you to easily mount any muzzle accessories without a gunsmith.
You will like this product if:
You want a reliable product. The Ruger AR-556 Pistol is manufactured by the nation’s leading firearms and award-winning manufacturer – Ruger. Most shooters would be sold by the brand name itself. Should you face any problems with your Ruger AR-556 Pistol, their customer service would be more than happy to sort that out for you.
You might not like this product if:
You want the cheapest Ruger AR-556 Pistol. The Ruger AR-556 Pistol comes at an extremely reasonable price tag, with such features, it’s indeed a good bargain. However, it’s not the cheapest Ruger AR-556 Pistol on the market and if you are looking for that, this might not be your best buy.
2. PSA 10.5″ Carbine-length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3
Specifications
- Gas System: Carbine-length
- Barrel Profile: A2
- Barrel Steel: 4150V Chrome Moly Steel
- Barrel Finish: Nitride
- Chrome Lining: None
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
- Chamber: 5.56 NATO
- Twist Rate: 1 in 7″
- Barrel Extension: M4
- Diameter at Gas Block: 750″
- Gas Block Type: Low-profile
- Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
- Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Receiver Type: A3
- Handguard Type: PSA 9″ Lightweight M-Lok
- Bolt Carrier Group Included: Yes
- Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158
- Bolt Carrier Profile: Full-auto
- Charging Handle Included: Yes
- Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized Black
- Fire Control Group: Single-Stage, Enhanced Polished Trigger
- Grip: Magpul MOE Grip, Black
- Buffer Tube: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Adjustment: Fixed
- Pistol Brace: SB Tactical SBA3 Adjustable Pistol Brace, Black
- Magazine: 30 Round Aluminum
Features
If you didn’t know, PSA (Palmetto State Armory) has been well known for being one of the best platforms for purchasing firearms and firearm components online whilst offering great quality firearms and firearm components at an extremely affordable price. Their great products are largely attributable to the sheer amount of data in relation to every shooter’s needs.
The PSA 10.5’ Carbine-length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol features a 4150V chrome-moly steel barrel that’s nitride treated. With that, you know your pistol is going to last you for a long time even if you are a rough user.
With a 1:7 twist rate, M4 barrel extension, and a carbine-length gas system, the PSA 10.5’ Carbine-length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol would be able to unleash the full potential of the 5.56mm NATO rounds in terms of accuracy, range, penetration power, and reliability.
Featuring a PSA 9’ lightweight M-Lok free float rail, you can expect nothing but sheer convenience when shopping and mounting any additional accessories. Unlike other AR 556 pistols, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues when it comes to accessories with an M-Lok free-float rail.
The pistol’s upper receiver is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum with hard coat anodization. These uppers were made for shooters in America, and made by shooters in America. The lower receiver for this pistol is also forged from the same aluminum and marked ‘multi’ for caliber, this means that you could even switch your upper receiver and barrel out to chamber another round.
This pistol features a PSA 9’ lightweight M-Lok rail so you won’t have any compatibility issues when looking for additional accessories to mount on your handguard. The barrel is also threaded so you won’t have to visit the gunsmith to mount any suppressors or muzzle brakes on.
You will like this product if:
You want a customized fit. The PSA 10.5’ Carbine-length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol comes with an SB Tactical SBA3 adjustable pistol brace so you won’t have any fitting issues. Having a proper fit would significantly enhance your shooting experience.
You might not like this product if:
You want a longer barrel. Pistols have relatively short barrels compared to rifle barrels. If you don’t want to compromise some accuracy for maneuverability, this AR 556 pistol might not be your best buy.
3. PSA 10.5″ Carbine-length 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 12′ M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol
Specifications
- Gas System: Carbine-length
- Barrel Profile: A2
- Barrel Steel: 4150V Chrome Moly Steel
- Barrel Finish: Phosphate
- Chrome Lining: None
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28
- Chamber: 5.56 NATO
- Twist Rate: 1 in 7″
- Barrel Extension: M4
- Diameter at Gas Block: .750″
- Gas Block Type: Low-profile
- Muzzle Device: Fluted Flash Can
- Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Receiver Type: A3
- Handguard Type: PSA 12″ Slant End Lightweight M-Lok
- Bolt Carrier Group Included: Yes
- Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158
- Bolt Carrier Profile: Full-auto
- Charging Handle Included: Yes
- Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized Black
- Fire Control Group: Single-Stage, Enhanced Polished Trigger
- Grip: Magpul MOE Grip, Black
- Buffer Tube: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Adjustment: Fixed
- Pistol Brace: SB Tactical SBA3 Adjustable Pistol Brace, Black
- Magazine: 30 Round
Features
If you didn’t know, PSA (Palmetto State Armory) has been well known for being one of the best platforms for purchasing firearms and firearm components online whilst offering great quality firearms and firearm components at an extremely affordable price. Their great products are largely attributable to the sheer amount of data in relation to every shooter’s needs.
The PSA 10.5′ Carbine-length 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 12′ M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol comes with a full-auto profile bolt carrier group. As such, you won’t have to worry about your AR 556 pistol malfunctioning from high rates of fire in extended shooting sessions outdoors.
One of the most notable feedback mentioned by shooters was about the PSA 10.5′ Carbine-length 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 12′ M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol’s single-stage, enhanced polished trigger. Most shooters noted that they were really impressed with the trigger’s weight, as it’s not too heavy nor light.
Featuring a 4150V chrome-moly steel barrel that’s phosphate coated, you won’t have to worry about hiding your AR 556 pistols anymore as you shoot/hunt outdoors when the weather starts turning unfavorable.
Coming with a 1:7 twist rate, an M4 barrel extension, and a carbine length gas system, you will love shooting this pistol due to its incredible accuracy and recoil. This pistol would be a joy to shoot even if you are new to shooting thanks to its great recoil control and trigger weight. Couple that with PSA’s unbeatable price tag, it’ll be tough to find a better deal than this.
You will like this product if:
You are shopping on a tight budget. The PSA 10.5′ Carbine-length 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 12′ M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol is perhaps one of the most affordable AR 556 pistols on the market. Couple that with the incredible set of features and specifications, it will make a great first AR 556 pistol for amateurs.
You might not like this product if:
You want a premium product. Although the PSA 10.5′ Carbine-length 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 12′ M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol is extremely reliable and durable, it isn’t exactly a premium firearm. If you are more into that, maybe our Ruger AR-556 pistol would suit you better,
4. PSA 10.5″ Carbine-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Shockwave
Specifications
- Barrel Length: 10.5″
- Gas System: Carbine Length
- Barrel Profile: A2
- Barrel Steel: 4150V Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel
- Barrel Finish: Nitride
- Chrome Lining: None
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
- Chamber: 5.56 NATO
- Twist Rate: 1 in 7″
- Barrel Extension: M4
- Diameter at Gas Block: .750″
- Gas Block Type: Low-profile
- Muzzle Device: A2 Style Flash Hider
- Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6
- Receiver Type: A3
- Handguard Type: Lightweight M-lok 9″ Free Float Rail
- Bolt Carrier Group Included: Yes
- Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158
- Bolt Carrier Profile: Full-auto
- Charging Handle Included: Yes
- Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized
- Fire Control Group: Single-Stage, Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT)
- Grip: Classic MOE Grip, Black
- Buffer Tube: 7075 T6 Aluminum Pistol Buffer Tube
- Adjustment: Fixed
- Pistol Brace: KAK Industries Shockwave Blade, Black
- Magazine: 30 Round Aluminum (Where allowed by law)
Features
If you didn’t know, PSA (Palmetto State Armory) has been well known for being one of the best platforms for purchasing firearms and firearm components online whilst offering great quality firearms and firearm components at an extremely affordable price. Their great products are largely attributable to the sheer amount of data in relation to every shooter’s needs.
Featuring upper and lower receivers forged from 7075-T6 aluminum, they easily meet the mil-spec requirements. The upper receiver comes with a forward assist and dust cover whereas the lower receiver is marked ‘multi’ for caliber so you could use it for other calibers as well.
Coming with a full-auto profile bolt carrier group, you won’t have any issues as you shoot at high rates of fire even in extended shooting sessions outdoors. The bolt is shot-peened and is constructed from mil-spec carpenter No.158 steel.
Coming with a 4140V chrome-moly steel barrel, you won’t have any issues in taking your AR 556 pistol out even during unfavorable weather conditions. In addition, its 1:7 twist rate and carbine length gas system would fully unleash the 5.56 NATO’s potential in terms of accuracy, penetration power, and range.
You will like this product if:
You want great value. The PSA 10.5″ Carbine-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Shockwave Pistol has all the features you need for hunting and/or shooting competitions. With such an affordable price tag, you won’t find a better bargain than this.
You might not like this product if:
You want all the bells and whistles. The PSA 10.5″ Carbine-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Shockwave Pistol isn’t exactly a premium AR-556 pistol-like some you would find on the market, therefore don’t expect it to come with all the bells and whistles.
Conclusion
The bottom line is Ruger AR has successfully establish a durable, reliable and affordable image for themselves. Hence, it is inevitable that Ruger would expand into manufacturing and introducing the AR-556 Pistol which has the traits and features of the Ruger AR 556 rifle line but of course, it is much more compact, accessible and easy to maneuver. The SB Tactical discussed above which is commonly attached to the end of the buffer tube would ensure highest accuracy, stability and efficiency. The impressive barrel equipped with has a carbine-length gas block and has a flash suppressor is compatible with mostly many muzzle devices to ensure ease of attachment. The lower receiver is incredibly durable as stated above and the upper receiver is certainly no exception with comes along side with the Picatinny rail for an effortless attachment of accessories. The reasons to get your hands on a AR 556 pistol are endless hence, this is certainly a pistol for you to consider.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.