STURM, RUGER INTRODUCES THE SR-556C™ PISTON DRIVEN CARBINE WITH A SHORTER, LIGHTER BARREL

Southport, CT: May 13, 2010 – Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE:RGR) is pleased to announce the introduction of the new Ruger® SR-556C™, a carbine-length derivative of the popular SR-556 two-stage piston driven AR style rifle. The new SR-556C features a heavy contour, fluted barrel that is 1-3/4” shorter and a half-pound lighter than the original SR-556.

The 16.1” barrel on the new SR-556C features an integrally machined flash suppressor, which minimizes the overall length of the barrel while maintaining compliance with ATF regulations for civilian and commercial sales.  The SR-556C maintains the mid-length gas system and the heavy (.850”) barrel contour under the handguard of the original SR-556, however the barrel under the handguard is fluted for weight reduction and to promote barrel cooling.

“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.

For more information on the SR-556C, or any of the other rifles, pistols, or revolvers offered by Ruger, please visit www.Ruger.com , or visit your local firearms retailer.

About Sturm, Ruger
Sturm, Ruger was founded in 1949 and is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market. Sturm, Ruger is headquartered in Southport, CT, with manufacturing facilities located in Newport, NH and Prescott, AZ.