Pictures by the creator except in any other case famous
Ruger has at all times had a spot (or a number of locations) in my gun protected. My very first centerfire revolver was a 7 ½” Blackhawk in .45 Colt, lengthy about 1979. My fondness for R-branded weapons grew, and I’ve owned many handguns and rifles sporting the Ruger emblem over the intervening years. I don’t know what number of 10/22s I’ve had, and the identical goes for MK-series .22 pistols. Heck, I even owned their .45 ACP American pistol – do not forget that?
I’m a relative newcomer to Ruger’s centerfire rifles, having had restricted expertise with them till lately. My pal Ed purchased a pair after I reviewed them… a Ruger SFAR rifle in .308 that he actually likes. He additionally ended up with a Mini-14. That’s one attention-grabbing rifle! As well as, I acquired a Glenfield (Ruger) bolt-action rifle in .308 that could be a jewel, contemplating how cheap it’s. In addition they simply got here out with a brand new American Gen II bolt rifle, the Scout. I’m engaged on getting a pattern to evaluate, in .308. I do know for a indisputable fact that that one is not going to return… I just like the Scout idea. In case you are of a like thoughts, right here is a few extra details about it.
Again to the Harrier. Ruger has been concerned within the 5.56mm AR marketplace for years. Their first entry-level AR was the AR556, launched in 2014. That gun bought effectively and was a good rifle for the cash. It was lately discontinued, changed by the Harrier, which was launched on the final day of 2025. I simply picked one as much as evaluate. It did take a superb whereas to materialize at my buddy Duane’s gun store… they evidently are in demand.
I don’t know the place the mannequin title “Harrier” comes from… I hear that, and my thoughts footage a Marine jet, taking off and touchdown nearly vertically.
Picture: britannica.com
I do know there’s a harrier critter, as effectively… I simply don’t know why Ruger selected that title, not that it issues.
However, I digress…
This AR represents the most recent expertise in entry-level AR rifle building, in response to the Harrier web site. Let’s have a look at the specs and options, then we’ll verify the rifle out.
Specs
Weight: 6.8 lb.
General Size: 35.87″
Size of Pull: 11″ – 14″
Twist: 1:8″ RH
Grooves: 6
Inventory: Magpul MOE-K2
Handguard: Full Picatinny with M-LOK Attachment Slots
Set off: Mil-Spec
End: Kind III Arduous Anodized/Nitrided
Grip: Magpul K2
Sights: None
Barrel Size: 16.10″
Barrel Contour: Authorities
Thread Sample: 1/2″-28
Capability: 30 (one journal included)
Top: 7.5″
Set off Pul Weight: 6 kilos, 5 ounces avg. measured with my Wheeler digital gauge
Recommended Retail: $749.00
Options
The decrease receiver is fitted with a Magpul MOE-K2 grip and a DT Carbine collapsible buttstock on a Mil-Spec buffer tube.
A free-float hand guard with a slim profile gives enhanced ergonomics. Contains a full-length Picatinny rail on prime and QD sling sockets on each side.
Magpul M-LOK accent attachment slots alongside the three:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions with 8 intermediate slots on the muzzle finish.
The threaded barrel incorporates a 1/2″-28 threaded muzzle and is fitted with an A2 flash hider, which could be eliminated to permit for using different muzzle equipment.
Higher and Decrease receivers machined to mil-spec dimensions from 7075 forgings and Kind III laborious coat anodized. The decrease receiver features a rigidity screw to eradicate play between the higher and decrease receiver.
The higher receiver features a ahead help, mud cowl, and brass deflector.
16.1″ Authorities profile barrel options 6-groove 1:8″ twist rifling with a nitrided end.
Suitable with mil-spec parts, the rifle ships with a single-stage GI set off, selector, charging deal with, carbine buffer, and spring for assured reliability.
The nitrided bolt and bolt service group incorporates a staked gasoline key.
Though that is meant to be an entry-level AR, we see that Ruger has availed itself of some fairly spectacular {hardware} to incorporate on this rifle. We now have a Magpul MOE-K2 grip, a DT Carbine collapsible buttstock, and Magpul M-LOK attachment slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock on the hand guard. Additionally, the journal is a Magpul PMAG. Ruger might have simply manufactured comparable elements, however it selected to make use of present gear from different makers… as they are saying, that is their newest evolution in AR-pattern rifles.
This rifle retails for $749, however it can save you $50 by shopping for the opposite Harrier mannequin, #28601. That one has a shorter Picatinny rail and a regular A2 butt inventory. For that piece of inexperienced paper with Grant’s mug on it, I’ll take the full-length rail and the fancier buttstock, thanks.
Coming with Ruger’s customary 7075 forging, the higher and decrease receivers function mil-spec dimensions and Kind-III laborious coat anodizing. There’s a tensioning screw within the decrease to get rid of play between the higher and decrease. The 1/2×28 threaded muzzle options a regular A2 flash hider. I used to be form of hoping for one thing a bit of fancier, however this one will get the job achieved. When you needed to, as they are saying above, you can swap it out for an additional flash hider or brake… I favor a muzzle brake. Brakes are all the fad proper now, even for low-recoiling rifles like this one. Starting shooters recognize that.
Photographs
Right here’s what it seems to be like up shut.
I put a Burris Fullfield 3-12×42 scope on the rifle to make use of for this evaluate. It is a nice optic – very clear, with sufficient magnification for my capturing wants.
Proven with the included 30-round journal:
Vary Time
Black Hills provides ammo for my opinions, for which I’m actually grateful. I used to be additionally lately despatched an assortment pack of varied 5.56 bullet weight masses from Raven Rocks Precision. We grabbed a few bins of 5.56mm ammo, in numerous bullet weights, and went to my brand-new, hand-made capturing bench in my yard. Considered one of our sons has a father-in-law who not solely is a superb woodworker – he’s made bed room suites, amongst different issues – however likes to shoot. He made himself a few benches, off which he shoots his HM Protection .50BMG. (You may learn that evaluate right here.)
So, we set some targets up (as soon as we had the gun and the optic speaking with one another) at about 60 yards, which is so far as I can get to my 100-yard goal. It appears I’ve two storm-blown timber between the bench and the goal, so we make do till they are often eliminated.
Anyway, listed here are a few consultant targets, and the ammo used for every. I shot after a record-setting snowfall, with a few foot on the bottom and single-digit temps, so my capturing was hurried a bit. Below higher circumstances, this rifle must be at the least an M.O.A. candidate. I actually preferred the way in which it dealt with, and the set off was a bonus… it broke very cleanly with little or no take-up and no creep.
62-grain
77-grain
What about reloading for the .223/5.56mm? I’ve reloaded for this caliber since I owned a T/C Contender in that caliber again within the Eighties. It’s not notably tough; it’s like reloading another rifle caliber. Simply take note of particulars.
When this nasty climate breaks, I look ahead to grabbing some bullets from Raven Rocks Precision and powders from Hodgdon. I had simply acquired the twelfth Version Hornady Loading Guide, which saved a number of time researching masses. Keep in mind that the handbook exhibits three totally different units of loading information for the .223… customary masses with lighter bullets, masses for service rifles, and NATO masses. Utilizing Winchester Sta-Ball Match powder for a reference, there’s a two-grain distinction between the very best (NATO) and the bottom (customary) costs, so listen.
Search for a reloading article on the .223/5.56 as quickly as I can get it achieved. I’m particularly interested by subsonic masses to make use of with my HM Protection Stealth MS5 suppressed AR. Once more, keep tuned for each a evaluate of that rifle and a reloading article.
How Does The Harrier Stack Up?
The firearms market is awash in ARs in any respect worth factors. I’ve seen them on the market at simply over $300, all the way in which as much as… effectively, so much. Add a zero. This Harrier is towards the underside of the pack by way of worth… three digits, not 4… however how does it price?
When it comes to options like the kind of metal used, building, match, end, properly-staked gasoline key, and accuracy, I’d say it does very effectively. It even features a 30-round journal, one thing that not all AR producers put within the field. General, I give it good marks; it’s a handsome rifle with a number of aftermarket touches that ought to final you your lifetime, plus your child’s, should you handle it.
Is there room for enchancment? In fact. The set off might use a bit of work – what lesser-expensive AR set off doesn’t want that – and there aren’t any sights in any respect, iron or in any other case. I feel Ruger ought to at the least stick some flip-ups on it. I discussed the flash hider… I feel the day of the just-plain flash hider has gone. Muzzle brakes are all the fad now. Ruger advertises this as the most recent evolution in ARs… possibly a brake may make extra sense. Or, on this no-NFA-$200-tax period after the brand new 12 months, you can add a suppressor.
However I nit-pick. When it comes to a serviceable, sensible, fundamental AR with some high quality touches, the Harrier will do properly. Seeing as how its road worth will almost certainly be at the least $100 off the advised listing, I feel Ruger has a winner. When you stability value in opposition to options/accuracy/reliability, it seems to be like a fairly good purchase. Search for Ruger to promote a boatload of those.
Right here’s a begin in case you are on the lookout for equipment on your new Harrier or different AR.
Hyperlinks To Gadgets Used In This Overview
Birchwood Casey Taking pictures Luggage Crammed, $40
Birchwood Casey Eze-Scorer 8 Inch Bull’s-Eye Goal, 26 Targets, $9
Birchwood Casey Vary Cleansing Equipment, $60
Black Hills Ammunition
Caldwell 66% AR500 Metal Silhouette Goal, $127
Caldwell Final Goal Stand, $33
GPS Medium Vary Bag, $150
Walker Sport Ear Firemax Energetic Listening to Safety, $160
Wheeler Set off Pull Gauge, $88
Wheeler Pink Laser Bore Sighter, $193 (accessible in inexperienced, additionally)
