Ruger has announced the newest addition to its popular AR-556 MPR family, the Model 8548 with a .223 Wylde chamber which accommodates both the .223 Remington and 5.56mm NATO round, according to a company release.
Designed with an 18-inch PROOF Research carbon fiber wrapped barrel, the new rifle features a Magpul PRS Lite stock, free floating handguard with Magpul M-LOK slots, a rifle length gas system and a Ruger Elite 452 two-stage trigger that comes factory set at 4.5 pounds.
The barrel is cut with 1:8 rifling with a right-hand twist and it is threaded to accept accessories. Length-of-pull is 13.88 inches to 15.25 inches, thanks to the adjustable buttstock. It hits the scale empty at 7.4 pounds.
Ruger delivers this new model with a single 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine, and the finish is gray Cerakote.
The flat top upper is made from an aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forging and includes a forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector. The bolt is mil-spec 9310 and is machined, shot peened and proof tested, according to Ruger specs, published on its website.
The rifle comes without sights, and is set up for a scope or electronic sight.
