Ruger's M16 Alternative: the Select-Fire AC-556

Published on November 6, 2020
Duration: 15:08

The Ruger AC-556 is a select-fire variant of the Mini-14, designed to compete with the M16 for military and police contracts. It features a three-position selector for semi-auto, 3-round burst, and full-auto fire, with a non-resetting burst mechanism. While it didn't secure major US military contracts, it found use with some police agencies and international clients, and remains a collectible transferable machine gun.

Quick Summary

The Ruger AC-556 is a select-fire variant of the Mini-14, featuring semi-auto, 3-round burst, and full-auto modes. Introduced in 1979, it aimed to compete with the M16 for military and police contracts, offering a less intimidating appearance than the AR platform.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Ruger AC-556 vs M16
  2. 01:00Police Adoption & 'Less Scary' Design
  3. 01:36International Contracts & Mousqueton AMD
  4. 02:35Nomenclature: KAC-556 & Barrel Lengths
  5. 03:56Selector Switch & Burst Mechanism Explained
  6. 05:21Disassembly & Safety Precautions
  7. 07:01Receiver & Stock Differences: AC-556 vs Mini-14
  8. 08:25Fire Control Group Deep Dive
  9. 13:35External Features: Flash Hider & Bayonet Lug
  10. 14:07Production History & Collectible Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ruger AC-556?

The Ruger AC-556 is a select-fire variant of the Ruger Mini-14 rifle, introduced in 1979. It was designed to offer military and police forces a rifle with full-auto and 3-round burst capabilities, aiming to compete with the M16.

What are the fire modes of the Ruger AC-556?

The Ruger AC-556 features a three-position selector switch. It allows for semi-automatic fire (marked '1'), a 3-round burst (marked '3'), and fully automatic fire (marked 'A').

How does the AC-556's burst fire work?

The AC-556 utilizes a non-resetting ratchet system for its 3-round burst. This means if the trigger is released before the full three rounds are fired, the next burst will start from where the previous one left off, potentially firing fewer than three rounds.

Can AC-556 parts be interchanged with a standard Mini-14?

No, the Ruger AC-556 receiver and fire control group are physically different from those of a standard Mini-14 to accommodate select-fire components. Therefore, their parts are not interchangeable.

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