The Ruger AC-556 is a variant of the popular Ruger "Mini-14" series semi-automatic carbine, introduced in 1973. The U.S. military made this development possible through a post-World War II initiative that developed the war-winning M1 Garand service rifle that should be replaced. Therefore, the M14 is based on the M1 Garand, and the Mini-14 is based on the M14. This paved the way for Ruger to complete a militarized version of its civilian Mini-14 product, which was eventually designed as the "AC-556".
Mainly used for sale to the military and police market, the AC-556 has found a home in some groups around the world. Production of the rifle (since discontinued) is carried out in-house by Sturm, Ruger & Company, Incorporated, Southport, Connecticut, USA.
The AC-556 retains its pneumatic, semi-automatic character and is loaded with a 5.56x45mm cartridge, fired from a 20-round curved detachable magazine. The system received a receiver-mounted fire selector, allowing traditional single-shot, burst, and semi-automatic fire modes, as well as three-shot burst facilities and fully automatic fire.
A bayonet mount is also provided on the front of the weapon (near the crosshair) and the barrel is released to fire non-lethal riot control rifle grenades. A flash suppressor was added to the workshop end of the barrel, while a perforated fiberglass handguard protected the operator's auxiliary hands from the heat generated by the barrel during firing.
Where possible, the design has been enhanced for the rigors of military service, while retaining many of the previously proven qualities of the Mini-14 - including its very compact form factor.
The original AC-556 production version was sold as a fixed solid wood stock. Later AC-556F and AC-556K models resulted in the use of a folding stock, which folded under the gun to reduce overall length.
Therefore, the latter version was forced to install a full pistol grip under the rear end of the receiver in the usual way. For the AC-556, a magazine with a capacity of 30 rounds appeared for a short time.
- Frontline/Attack
984 mm (38.74 in)
470 mm (18.50 in)
2.89 kg
Front and rear iron
Pneumatic Rotary Bolt; Select Fire
3,400 feet per second (1,036 meters per second)
750 rounds per minute
656 ft (200 m; 219 yd)
AC-556 - Original production model designation; solid wood shaft.
AC-556F - Folding Stock; Pistol Grip
AC-556K - Folding Stock; Pistol Grip