Ruger SR-556...

[frontier737]

On the website The Ruger SR-556 Features it says the SR-556 has a 4 position gas regulator. What is it and do all AR's have it?

[I_Like_Pie]

It is unlike previous generations of AR type rifles in that the Ruger uses a gas piston to cycle the action of the gun. The regulator adjusts the amount of gas that is allowed to vent and thus giving the ability to increase or decrease the force of the cycling action. This is needed when one is using lower powered handloads, high powered loads, or if the action gets so dirty that the additional power is needed to overcome gunk in the action of the gun.

This isn't exclusive to the Ruger. Most manufacturers have similar offerings as well as conversion kits to retrofit an earlier gun.

It is said that a gas piston design is more reliable. The verdict is still somewhat grey on practical advantages of such a system over the conventional one.

[Capbyrd]

The ruger is system (from my understanding) is however unique in that it can close off the gas system completely to allow single shot firing. Check out gunblast.com's review or the downrange.tv review for some good information on it.

[frontier737]

Two great answers in about 30 minutes! Thanks.

[Kegger]

As said earlier, it allows for lighter and hotter loads, and single fire without the action cycling.

But also works great for suppressors so they don't get so hot.

[Guest Ggun]

As said earlier, it allows for lighter and hotter loads, and single fire without the action cycling.

But also works great for suppressors so they don't get so hot.

Curiously, though, Ruger doesn't support the concept of suppressors on this rirle.

[Kegger]

That's what aftermarket support is for.

But I agree, it is a crazy notion.

[I_Like_Pie]

Silenced supersonic projectiles are somewhat of an oxymoron anyways

[Kegger]

They only make a light crack, which you can't tell direction by.

Or if your good the BG never hears...

[Guest JustMyLuck]

If I have the right understanding :

ON the Ruger SR556.....

1 position is for suppresors

1 position is for regular firing

1 position is for firing when rifle is dirty..(basically more gas to piston)

1 position is for turning off the gas piston turning the rifle single shot.

Gas pistons are suppose to run cooler and cleaner than standard AR style rifles.

hope that helped

JML

[Smith]

It is unlike previous generations of AR type rifles in that the Ruger uses a gas piston to cycle the action of the gun. The regulator adjusts the amount of gas that is allowed to vent and thus giving the ability to increase or decrease the force of the cycling action. This is needed when one is using lower powered handloads, high powered loads, or if the action gets so dirty that the additional power is needed to overcome gunk in the action of the gun.

This isn't exclusive to the Ruger. Most manufacturers have similar offerings as well as conversion kits to retrofit an earlier gun.

It is said that a gas piston design is more reliable. The verdict is still somewhat grey on practical advantages of such a system over the conventional one.

Not really. The verdict has been out since about 1947. It was titled the AK.

AR guys, like glockers, just have a hard time admitting shortcomings.

[I_Like_Pie]

Not really. The verdict has been out since about 1947. It was titled the AK.

AR guys, like glockers, just have a hard time admitting shortcomings.

Touche!

one should never mingle with the GI Joe crowds....the guns themselves are quite nice

Edited October 3, 2009 by I_Like_Pie

[R1100R]

South Korean Army has been using the K2 rifle for over 20 years. A cross between the M16 with the AK long stroke piston.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daewoo_K-2

Edited October 3, 2009 by R1100R

[Mr. Brooks]

South Korean Army has been using the K2 rifle for over 20 years. A cross between the M16 with the AK long stroke piston.Daewoo K2 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Those are some nice rifles. They don't all use them though. The ROKA I work with regularly still carry the M16A1. I even saw one of the officers carrying an old 1911 the other day.

[seez52]

Reloaders Bench has one in stock, looks pretty nice. A little heavier than I expected, but a nice piece $1700 or there abouts.