The Ruger AR-556 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. It is Ruger’s first entry into the popular AR-15 market. The M&P15 Sport II is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. It is Smith & Wesson’s entry into the popular AR-15 market.
Ruger AR 556 vs M&P 15 Sport II: Which is the Better Rifle?
It really depends on what you are looking for in a rifle. If you are looking for a more accurate rifle, then the Ruger AR 556 is the better choice. If you are looking for a more affordable rifle, then the M&P 15 Sport II is the better choice.
A Side-by-side Comparison of the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II
If you’re in the market for a new AR-style rifle, you might be wondering how the Ruger AR 556 stacks up against the competition. The M&P 15 Sport II is a popular choice for many shooters, so let’s take a look at how these two rifles compare.
When it comes to the overall design, the Ruger AR 556 takes many of its cues from the AR-15 platform. It features a similar layout with a charging handle on the right side and a dust cover over the ejection port. The Ruger also has a forward assist, though it’s located on the left side of the receiver.
The M&P 15 Sport II also has a similar layout, though the charging handle is located on the left side. The dust cover is also located on the left side, and there is no forward assist.
One key difference between the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II is stock. The Ruger AR 556 comes with a fixed A2-style stock, while the M&P 15 Sport II has a collapsible stock.
The pros and cons of the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II
The M&P 15 Sport II is a great entry-level AR-15. It is accurate and reliable. The only downside is that it is not as customizable as the Ruger AR-556.
The Ruger AR-556 is a great choice for someone who wants a more customizable AR-15. It is also more accurate and reliable than the M&P 15 Sport II. The only downside is that it is more expensive.
How do the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II compare in terms of features?
Both rifles have similar features, but there are a few key differences to note. The Ruger AR 556 has a chrome-lined barrel, which means it is more resistant to corrosion and wear. It also has a slightly faster twist rate, which means it can stabilize slightly heavier bullets. The M&P 15 Sport II has a slightly longer barrel, which gives you a little more velocity. However, it is important to note that the extra half inch of barrel length is not going to make a significant difference in terms of performance.
In terms of sights, both rifles come with an A2-style front sight. The rear sight on the Ruger AR 556 is adjustable, while the rear sight on the M&P 15 Sport II is fixed. This means that you can make adjustments to the Ruger AR 556 to ensure that it is more accurate, while the M&P 15 Sport II is going to be slightly less accurate out of the box.
Both rifles have M4-style handguards and come with a 6-position adjustable stock. The Ruger AR 556 is a little bit shorter overall, but both rifles weigh the same.
When it comes down to it, both the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II are great options for an affordable and reliable AR-15. The Ruger AR 556 has a few slightly better features, but the M&P 15 Sport II is also a great choice.
| Feature | Ruger AR 556 | M&P 15 Sport II |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ruger | Smith & Wesson |
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16.1 inches | 16 inches |
| Overall Length | 32.25-35.5″ | 35″ |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Upper Receiver | Forged | Forged |
| Lower Receiver | Forged | Forged |
| Stock | Collapsible | Collapsible |
| Sights | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Price | $700-$800 | $600-$700 |
| Availability | Widely | Widely |
| Accessories | Wide range | Wide range |
Note: Prices and availability may vary depending on location and other factors. This table is intended to give a general comparison between the two rifles.
Which rifle is the better value: Ruger AR 556 or M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 is the better value because it is a more versatile arm. It can be used for hunting, plinking, and home defense. The M&P 15 Sport II is good arms, but it is not as versatile as the Ruger AR 556.
Which rifle is the better choice for you: Ruger AR 556 or M&P 15 Sport II?
There is no single answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors including personal preferences, intended use, and budget. However, we can compare the two rifles in terms of their features and performance to help you make a decision.
The Ruger AR 556 is a semi-automatic rifle that uses a gas-impingement system and is chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. It has a 16″ barrel and a 30-round magazine. The M&P 15 Sport II is also a semi-automatic rifle that uses a gas-impingement system and is chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. It has a 16″ barrel and a 30-round magazine.
In terms of accuracy, the Ruger AR 556 is capable of shooting up to 1 MOA with factory ammunition, while the M&P 15 Sport II is capable of shooting up to 2 MOA with factory ammunition. In terms of reliability, both rifles are considered to be very reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What is the difference between the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 is a semi-automatic rifle that is chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge, while the M&P 15 Sport II is a semi-automatic rifle that is chambered for the .223 Remington cartridge. The Ruger AR 556 has a 16″ barrel, while the M&P 15 Sport II has a 20″ barrel. The Ruger AR 556 has a Magpul MOE stock and grip, while the M&P 15 Sport II has an M4-style stock and an A2-style pistol grip.
Which is better for self-defense, the Ruger AR 556 or the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 is a better choice for self-defense, as it is chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. The 5.56 NATO cartridge is more powerful than the .223 Remington cartridge, and it will penetrate soft body armor. The Ruger AR 556 also has a shorter barrel than the M&P 15 Sport II, which makes it more maneuverable in close quarters.
What are the benefits of the Ruger AR 556 over the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 has a number of benefits over the M&P 15 Sport II. The Ruger AR 556 is chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge, which is more powerful than the .223 Remington cartridge. The Ruger AR 556 also has a shorter barrel than the M&P 15 Sport II, which makes it more maneuverable in close quarters. The Ruger AR 556 also has a Magpul MOE stock and grip, which are superior to the M4-style stock and A2-style pistol grip of the M&P 15 Sport II.
Are there any disadvantages to the Ruger AR 556 compared to the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 does have a few disadvantages when compared to the M&P 15 Sport II. The Ruger AR 556 has a shorter barrel than the M&P 15 Sport II, which means that it is less accurate at long range. The Ruger AR 556 also has a less comfortable stock and grip than the M&P 15 Sport II.
How do the Ruger AR 556 and the M&P 15 Sport II compare in terms of accuracy?
The Ruger AR 556 is more accurate than the M&P 15 Sport II at short range, but the M&P 15 Sport II is more accurate at long range. This is due to the fact that the Ruger AR 556 has a shorter barrel than the M&P 15 Sport II.
Which rifle is more reliable, the Ruger AR 556 or the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 is more reliable than the M&P 15 Sport II. The Ruger AR 556 has a number of design features that make it more reliable, such as a chrome-lined barrel and a forged upper and lower receiver.
Which gun is easier to operate, the Ruger AR 556 or the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 is easier to operate than the M&P 15 Sport II. The Ruger AR 556 has a number of design features that make it easier to operate, such as a shorter barrel and a Magpul MOE stock and grip.
Which rifle is better value for money, the Ruger AR 556 or the M&P 15 Sport II?
The Ruger AR 556 is better value for money than the M&P 15 Sport II. The Ruger AR 556 is a more reliable and more accurate rifle than the M&P 15 Sport II, and it is also easier to operate.
Conclusion
The Ruger AR 556 is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable AR-15. The M&P 15 Sport II is also a great option, and it offers a few more features than the Ruger AR 556. Both are great choices for an AR-15, and it really comes down to personal preference.
