Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has announced the latest addition to its modern sporting rifle lineup, the Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle, or SFAR™.
Chambered in 7.62 NATO / .308 Win., the SFAR combines the ballistic advantages of .308 Winchester with the size of a traditional MSR. The smaller of the two initial configurations of this rifle features a 16-inch barrel model and weighs in at just 6.8 pounds unloaded. By utilizing superior materials and engineering, the SFAR is bigger and stronger where it needs to be and remains smaller and lighter than comparable .308-sized rifles.
Utilizing many mil-spec-compatible components and fitted with the Ruger® Elite 452® trigger, the construction and operation of the Ruger SFAR will be familiar to the millions of Americans who have already adopted traditional modern sporting rifles, according to a Ruger news release. The upper and lower receivers are both CNC-machined from 7075-T6 forgings and feature an oversized magazine well, forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector. Barrels are cold hammer-forged with 5R rifling, a 5/8″-24 muzzle thread, and finished with black nitride for accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning.
CNC-machined from high-strength super alloy steel, the bolt and barrel extension feature tapered lugs that strengthen the breech by adding material in key areas.
“Over the course of this rifle’s development, we fired hundreds of thousands of rounds to assess and enhance real-world performance and wear,” noted Ben Parker, Lead Design Engineer for SFAR. “The proprietary design and material selection of the bolt and barrel extension help deliver a rugged, reliable, and safe rifle that we are proud to call a Ruger.”
SFAR rifles are fitted with a 4-position regulated gas block to achieve ideal function across the wide range of ammunition available in the marketplace today, whether running the rifle dirty or clean, suppressed or unsuppressed. The included, on-board 3/16″ ball-end wrench makes for easy regulator adjustment, while the 2-port Boomer muzzle brake makes the SFAR exceptionally soft shooting.
The handguard features Magpul® M-LOK® accessory attachment slots at the 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions and sockets for QD sling swivels on both sides. Model 5610 features a 16″ barrel, a mid-length gas system and a 15″ Lite free-float handguard whose top rail has been docked in the middle for improved grip access and lighter weight.
Ruger also offers the Model 5611, with a 20-inch barrel, a rifle-length gas system and a 15″ handguard with a full Picatinny top rail. Both models feature Magpul MOE SL® stock, MOE® grip and ship with one, 20-round Magpul PMAG® magazine.
