Ruger AC-556
Sturm, Ruger & Company · Carbine · Discontinued · 1976
Also known as: Mini-14 GB select-fire
Overview
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).
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2890 g (101.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 984 mm (38.74") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1036 m/s (3399 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic, Burst 3
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Select Fire, Rotating Bolt, Bayonet Lug, Flash Suppressor, Strengthened Receiver, Adjustable Rear Sight
Variants
- Ruger AC-556F — Folding Stock
- Ruger AC-556K — Short Barrel
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French National Police
- United States Department of State
- Bermuda Regiment
Production
Production years: 1976-1999
No total figure published; documented institutional sales include ~2,500 to French police and ~500 each to the US State Department and Bermuda Regiment
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William B. Ruger
Discontinued: 1999
Notes
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.
Background
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.