The Ruger SR-556 has been updated. The new SR-556C model is 1.75″ shorter thanks to an integrally machined flash suppressor (ATF counts integrally machined flash suppressor as part of the barrel. The barrel is technically only about 14.5″ long). The heavy barrel is now fluted. Ruger say these two changes drop 1/2 pound off front of the rifle.

“Many of our customers appreciate the limited muzzle rise when shooting the original SR-556, which allows them to re-acquire their sight picture more quickly between shots,” said Todd Wilkinson, Ruger’s Chief Engineer for Rifles. “However, some customers requested a shorter, lighter, faster handling gun that can more quickly acquire separate targets. This new SR-556C drops a full half pound off the front end of the gun, which changes its handling dynamics considerably, something our customers are really going to appreciate.”

The SR-556C offers the same great features that made the original SR-556 such a success: it includes the two-stage piston driven operating system with a four position adjustable gas regulator; chrome plated, cold hammer forged barrel; Troy Industries Folding Battlesights, Quad Rail, and rail covers; chrome plated bolt carrier group and operating system, six-position stock, Hogue® Monogrip® and three 30-round MAGPUL PMAG™ magazines.

I shot the Ruger SR-556 at SHOT Show Media Day and really liked it.

UPDATE: Corrected the specs.