After extensively testing various products and scouring online discussions and customer reviews, I have compiled a list of the best upgrades for the Ruger 556.

This article will provide in-depth reviews, including specifications, features, pros and cons, and real-world experiences for each product.

Top Upgrades

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Barrels & Parts⁠

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Receivers & Parts⁠

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Triggers & Parts⁠

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Stocks & Parts⁠

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Handguards & Parts⁠

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Bolts & Bolt Carrier Groups⁠

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Bolt Parts⁠

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Build Kits⁠

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Caliber Conversion Kits⁠

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Charging Handle Parts⁠

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Gas System Parts⁠

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Grips⁠

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Lower & Upper Parts Kits⁠

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Magazine Parts⁠

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Muzzle Devices⁠

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Recoil Parts⁠

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Safeties & Parts⁠

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Sights & Parts⁠

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Magazines⁠

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Top 6 Best Upgrades For Ruger AR-556 in 2024

Magpul MBUS Pro Front and Rear Sights

Specifications

Material: Steel

Deployment: Spring-loaded

Mounting: Standard Picatinny rail

Adjustability: Tool-less windage and elevation adjustments

Weight: 1.80 ounces (rear), 1.50 ounces (front)

Best Features

Durability: Constructed from steel, these sights are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh conditions.

Low Profile: The sights have a slim design that reduces bulk and snag potential.

Adjustability: Tool-less adjustments for windage and elevation make zeroing the sights quick and easy.

Pros

Robust construction

Easy to deploy and adjust

Low-profile design

Cons

Slightly heavier than polymer alternatives

Higher price point

Experience

Using the Magpul MBUS Pro sights on the Ruger 556 is a game-changer. Their sturdy steel construction gives me confidence that they will hold up under tough conditions. The spring-loaded deployment is smooth and reliable, ensuring quick target acquisition. Adjustments are intuitive, allowing for precise zeroing without tools.

Online Customer Comments

Many users on forums and review sites praise the MBUS Pro sights for their durability and ease of use. Some mention that the steel construction is worth the extra weight for the added durability.

Why It Fits This Gun

The Ruger 556, while reliable, benefits greatly from a durable and easy-to-use sight system. The MBUS Pro sights are perfect for this rifle, providing robust performance and quick adjustments, making them an ideal upgrade.

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Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) Trigger

Specifications

Type: Two-stage trigger

Pull Weight: First stage: 2.3 lbs, Second stage: 1.2 lbs (Total: 3.5 lbs)

Material: Tool steel

Finish: Black oxide

Best Features

Smooth Pull: The two-stage design offers a smooth and crisp pull, enhancing accuracy.

Durability: Made from tool steel with a black oxide finish, ensuring longevity.

Ease of Installation: Drop-in design makes installation straightforward.

Pros

Excellent trigger feel and pull weight

Enhances accuracy and control

Durable construction

Cons

Premium price

May require some adjustment for personal preference

Experience

Switching to the Geissele SSA-E trigger was transformative. The trigger pull is incredibly smooth and crisp, significantly improving my accuracy and control. Installation was a breeze, and the enhanced performance was immediately noticeable on the range.

Online Customer Comments

Geissele triggers are highly regarded in the shooting community, with many users highlighting the smooth pull and increased accuracy. Some note the higher price but agree that the performance gains are worth the investment.

Why It Fits This Gun

The Ruger 556 can greatly benefit from a high-quality trigger. The Geissele SSA-E enhances the rifle's performance, making it a must-have upgrade for anyone looking to improve their shooting experience.

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Magpul MOE SL Stock

Specifications

Material: Polymer

Length of Pull: 10.45” to 13.25”

Weight: 9.6 ounces

Compatibility: Mil-spec carbine receiver extensions

Best Features

Ergonomic Design: The slimline design provides improved ergonomics and handling.

Durability: Constructed from high-strength polymer for enhanced durability.

Adjustability: Offers a range of length-of-pull adjustments for a personalized fit.

Pros

Lightweight and durable

Comfortable and ergonomic

Easy to install

Cons

Limited cheek weld area

Some users may prefer a more traditional stock design

Experience

The Magpul MOE SL Stock is a significant improvement over the standard stock. Its ergonomic design makes handling more comfortable, and the adjustability ensures a perfect fit. The installation was straightforward, and the stock feels sturdy and reliable.

Online Customer Comments

Many users appreciate the MOE SL Stock for its comfort and durability. Some mention the limited cheek weld area but generally agree that it’s a minor trade-off for the overall improvement in handling and ergonomics.

Why It Fits This Gun

The Ruger 556's performance and comfort can be greatly enhanced with the Magpul MOE SL Stock. Its ergonomic design and durability make it an ideal upgrade for improving the rifle's overall handling and user experience.

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Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Riflescope

Specifications

Magnification: 1-6x

Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

Eye Relief: 3.5 inches

Field of View: 116.5-19.2 feet/100 yards

Weight: 17.6 ounces

Best Features

Versatile Magnification: The 1-6x magnification range makes it suitable for close to mid-range shooting.

Illuminated Reticle: The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions.

Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction ensures reliable performance.

Pros

Wide magnification range

Clear and bright optics

Durable and reliable

Cons

Slightly heavier than red dot sights

Higher price point

Experience

The Vortex Strike Eagle is an outstanding optic for the Ruger 556. Its versatile magnification range is perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, and the illuminated reticle is a great feature for low-light conditions. The scope is robust and holds zero well, even after extensive use.

Online Customer Comments

Users frequently highlight the Strike Eagle's versatility and optical clarity. Some mention the weight as a minor drawback but agree that the performance and features outweigh this concern.

Why It Fits This Gun

The Ruger 556 benefits greatly from the Vortex Strike Eagle's versatility and clarity. It's an excellent upgrade for shooters looking to enhance their accuracy and performance across different ranges.

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Midwest Industries Free Float Handguard

Specifications

Material: 6061 Aluminum

Length: 12 inches (various lengths available)

Weight: 9.6 ounces (12-inch model)

Mounting: M-LOK compatible

Finish: Type 3 hard coat anodized

Best Features

Free Float Design: Enhances accuracy by reducing barrel contact.

Lightweight: Made from 6061 aluminum, providing strength without adding significant weight.

Modularity: M-LOK compatible for easy attachment of accessories.

Pros

Improves accuracy

Lightweight and durable

Modular and customizable

Cons

Requires installation tools and some gunsmithing knowledge

Higher cost compared to standard handguards

Experience

Upgrading to the Midwest Industries Free Float Handguard significantly improved the accuracy of my Ruger 556. The handguard's lightweight design didn't add much weight to the rifle, and the M-LOK compatibility allowed me to easily attach various accessories. Installation was a bit more involved but well worth the effort.

Online Customer Comments

Many users commend the handguard for its accuracy improvements and lightweight construction. Some note that installation can be challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the initial setup difficulty.

Why It Fits This Gun

The Ruger 556 sees a notable performance boost with the Midwest Industries Free Float Handguard. Its accuracy enhancements and modularity make it a top-tier upgrade for this rifle.

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Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3

Specifications

Material: Polymer

Angle: Reduced angle for improved ergonomics

Storage: Internal storage compartment

Weight: 2.4 ounces

Best Features

Ergonomic Design: Reduced grip angle for better control and comfort.

Durability: High-quality polymer construction ensures longevity.

Storage: Internal compartment for storing small items or tools.

Pros

Improved grip and control

Durable and lightweight

Convenient storage compartment

Cons

May not fit all hand sizes perfectly

Some users prefer traditional grip angles

Experience

The BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 is a fantastic upgrade for the Ruger 556. Its ergonomic design provided a much more comfortable and controlled shooting experience. The internal storage compartment is a handy feature for keeping small tools or batteries.

Online Customer Comments

Many users praise the Gunfighter Grip for its ergonomic design and durability. Some mention that it may not fit all hand sizes perfectly, but overall, it's well-received for its improvements in handling and control.

Why It Fits This Gun

The Ruger 556 benefits greatly from the improved ergonomics and control provided by the BCM Gunfighter Grip. It's a simple yet effective upgrade that enhances the overall shooting experience.

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FAQs

1. **Do these upgrades affect

the warranty of my Ruger 556?**

Generally, installing aftermarket parts can void the warranty on your firearm. It's always best to check with Ruger's warranty policy and consider the impact before making modifications.

2. Can I install these upgrades myself, or do I need a gunsmith?

Many of these upgrades, like the Magpul sights and BCM Grip, can be installed by yourself with basic tools and knowledge. However, items like the Midwest Industries Free Float Handguard might require some gunsmithing skills or professional installation.

3. Will these upgrades significantly increase the weight of my rifle?

Most of the recommended upgrades are designed to be lightweight. For example, the Midwest Industries Handguard and Magpul MOE SL Stock are both light and durable. While there will be some increase in weight, it should not be significant enough to affect handling negatively.

4. Are these upgrades suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters?

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ChatGPT

Absolutely! These upgrades cater to a wide range of skill levels. Beginners will find that improvements like the Geissele SSA-E trigger and Magpul MOE SL Stock enhance their shooting experience, while experienced shooters can appreciate the performance gains and modularity of the products.

5. How do I know which upgrades are best for my shooting style?

The best upgrades for your Ruger 556 depend on your shooting style and preferences. For example, if you primarily engage in target shooting, you might prioritize a high-quality scope like the Vortex Strike Eagle. If you’re more into tactical shooting, consider accessories that enhance ergonomics and control, such as the BCM Gunfighter Grip or Magpul sights.

6. Can I return or exchange these upgrades if I don't like them?

Most retailers have a return or exchange policy, but it's essential to check the specific terms before making a purchase. Ensure the products are in their original packaging and unused if you plan to return them.

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Conclusion

Upgrading your Ruger AR-556 can significantly enhance its performance, usability, and comfort. Each product reviewed in this article has its unique benefits and features, catering to different preferences and shooting styles.

From the rugged durability of the Magpul MBUS Pro sights to the precision of the Geissele SSA-E trigger, every upgrade serves to make your shooting experience better. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting, investing in quality upgrades will undoubtedly lead to improved performance and satisfaction with your Ruger 556.

As always, I encourage you to evaluate your specific needs and shooting style before making any upgrades. By doing so, you can ensure that your Ruger 556 remains a reliable and enjoyable rifle for years to come. Happy shooting!

Top Upgrades

Top 6 Best Upgrades For Ruger AR-556 in 2024

Magpul MBUS Pro Front and Rear Sights

Online Customer Comments

Why It Fits This Gun

Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) Trigger

Specifications