Ruger · Carbine

Ruger AC-556

Name: Ruger AC-556
Brand: Ruger

Gas operated short stroke · 5.56x45mm NATO · introduced 1976

Also known as Mini-14 GB select-fire

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About the Ruger AC-556

The Ruger AC-556 is the select-fire military and law-enforcement version of the Ruger Mini-14, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It uses the Mini-14's Garand-derived fixed-piston gas system and rotating bolt in a strengthened, lengthened receiver, with a selector offering safe, semi-automatic, three-round burst and full-automatic fire at around 750 rounds per minute. It was offered with a fixed wood stock (AC-556), a folding stock (AC-556F) and a short-barrelled carbine configuration (AC-556K).

The AC-556 is best known as the signature full-auto rifle of The A-Team television series, where the cast sprayed countless rounds from AC-556 and folding-stock AC-556K carbines yet famously never hit anyone.

Ruger AC-556 specifications

General

Type: Carbine
Action: Gas operated short stroke
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single stage
Calibres: 5.56x45mm NATO
Magazine capacity: 20 rounds
Magazine: Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 470 mm (18.5 in)
Overall length: 984 mm (38.7 in)
Weight (empty): 2.89 kg (6.37 lb)

Barrel

Rifling twist: 1:10 in (254 mm)
Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 6

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 1036 m/s (3399 fps)
Effective range: 200 m

History

Introduced: 1976
Discontinued: 1999
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US
Designer: William B. Ruger

Features

Select fire
Rotating bolt
Bayonet lug
Flash suppressor
Strengthened receiver
Adjustable rear sight

Safety

Manual safety

Standard barrel is 18.5 in (470 mm); the AC-556K uses a 13 in (330 mm) barrel. Dropped from production in 1999. Real-world adoption was small, with the French police being the largest single buyer.