Unleash Performance: The Ruger AR-556 MPR Chambered in .350 Legend

For discerning shooters and hunters seeking a potent, precise, and highly adaptable rifle, the Ruger AR-556 Multi-Purpose Rifle (MPR) chambered in the versatile .350 Legend cartridge stands as an exceptional choice. This rifle isn't just another firearm; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to meet the demands of modern hunting, target shooting, and recreational plinking, particularly excelling in regions with straight-walled cartridge regulations. If you're wondering "what's the best AR-platform rifle for deer hunting in Ohio?" or "which rifle offers low recoil and effective power for hog hunting?", the Ruger AR-556 MPR in .350 Legend deserves your full attention.

What Makes the Ruger AR-556 MPR .350 Legend an Ideal Choice?

This rifle is specifically engineered to address common challenges faced by hunters and sport shooters. It provides a potent cartridge in a familiar, ergonomic AR-style platform. It's the answer for those who prioritize:

• Compliance in Straight-Walled Cartridge States: Many states, particularly in the Midwest, restrict rifle calibers for deer hunting to straight-walled cartridges. The .350 Legend perfectly fits this niche, offering a modern, high-performance option where traditional bottleneck cartridges are prohibited.
• Effective Medium-Game Hunting Performance: Whether you're targeting whitetail deer, wild hogs, or other medium-sized game, the .350 Legend delivers ample energy and knockdown power within typical hunting ranges.
• Manageable Recoil: Despite its power, the .350 Legend is known for its relatively mild recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods and suitable for a wider range of shooters, including those sensitive to heavy recoil.
• AR-Platform Familiarity and Customization: For anyone accustomed to the AR-15 platform, the AR-556 MPR offers instant familiarity. Its modular design allows for extensive customization with a vast array of aftermarket accessories, from optics and lights to slings and bipods.
• Ruger's Renowned Reliability: Ruger has built a sterling reputation for manufacturing durable, reliable firearms. The AR-556 MPR continues this legacy, offering consistent performance when it matters most.

Key Features and Specifications of the Ruger AR-556 MPR .350 Legend

The Ruger AR-556 MPR is thoughtfully designed with features that enhance accuracy, durability, and user experience. It's more than just a sum of its parts; it's a cohesive system built for performance.

• Chambered in .350 Legend: This straight-walled cartridge offers impressive ballistic performance, typically propelling a 150-grain bullet at over 2,300 feet per second, generating significant muzzle energy. It's optimized for hunting ranges up to 200 yards, providing a flat trajectory and excellent terminal ballistics.
• Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The 18-inch barrel is cold hammer-forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel, ensuring ultra-precise rifling (1:16" right-hand twist) for exceptional accuracy and longevity. This manufacturing process produces a barrel that is incredibly durable and maintains accuracy even after thousands of rounds.
• Medium Contour Barrel with 1/2"-28 Thread: The medium contour provides a balance of rigidity for accuracy and reasonable weight. The threaded muzzle (1/2"-28 thread pitch) is ready to accept a variety of muzzle devices, including flash suppressors, muzzle brakes, or suppressors, offering versatility for noise and recoil reduction.
• Ruger® Elite 452® AR-Trigger: This two-stage trigger offers a smooth, crisp 4.5-pound pull. It contributes significantly to the rifle's overall accuracy potential by minimizing trigger pull errors. The lighter pull weight and clean break allow shooters to maintain better control and achieve tighter groups.
• Free-Float M-LOK® Handguard: The 15-inch free-float handguard is made from aluminum and features M-LOK attachment slots on all four sides. This design prevents barrel deflection from accessories mounted on the handguard, thus enhancing accuracy. The M-LOK system allows for easy and secure attachment of lights, lasers, foregrips, and other accessories.
• Magpul® MOE® SL™ Stock and Grip: These premium components from Magpul enhance ergonomics and user comfort. The MOE SL stock offers a comfortable cheek weld and adjusts for length of pull, while the MOE SL grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even during extended shooting sessions.
• Full-Length Picatinny Rail: An integrated full-length Picatinny rail on the upper receiver provides ample space for mounting optics, such as red dot sights, magnified scopes, or iron sights, allowing shooters to customize their sighting system to their preferences and specific application.
• Forged Upper and Lower Receivers: The rifle features aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forged upper and lower receivers, providing maximum strength and durability. The hard-coat anodized finish resists wear and corrosion, ensuring the rifle stands up to harsh conditions.
• Chrome-Plated Bolt Carrier and Gas Key: The bolt carrier is chrome-plated for improved durability and ease of cleaning. The gas key is properly staked for reliable operation, a critical detail for consistent cycling and performance in a direct impingement AR system.
• Detachable Magazine: Comes standard with a 5-round detachable magazine, meeting common hunting capacity restrictions while still providing ample rounds for ethical hunting.

Why the .350 Legend Cartridge? Understanding its Advantages

The .350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its unique combination of attributes. Developed by Winchester, it was specifically designed to be a high-performance, straight-walled cartridge for hunting.

1. Compliance: Its straight-walled design is the primary reason for its existence, opening up hunting opportunities in states with specific firearm regulations.
2. Ballistics: It offers superior ballistics compared to many traditional straight-walled cartridges like the .45-70 Government or .44 Magnum, providing a flatter trajectory and less bullet drop within typical hunting ranges.
3. Recoil: Compared to other powerful hunting cartridges, the .350 Legend has significantly reduced recoil, making it more pleasant to shoot and allowing for faster follow-up shots. This is a huge benefit for new shooters, youth hunters, or anyone wanting a less punishing shooting experience.
4. Affordability: Ammunition for the .350 Legend is generally more affordable and widely available than many niche hunting cartridges.
5. Versatility: While primarily designed for hunting deer and hogs, its mild recoil and AR-platform compatibility make it an excellent choice for target shooting, pest control, and even home defense.

Optimal Use Cases for Your Ruger AR-556 MPR .350 Legend

This rifle is a versatile tool, but it truly shines in specific scenarios. Consider how it can elevate your shooting experience:

• Deer Hunting in Restricted States: This is arguably the primary purpose of the .350 Legend. Its compliance, power, and accuracy make it an unbeatable choice for pursuing whitetails in areas like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania where straight-walled cartridges are mandated.
• Hog Hunting: With its rapid follow-up shot capability and ample terminal energy, the AR-556 MPR in .350 Legend is highly effective for controlling wild hog populations, especially in dense brush where quick engagement is necessary.
• Sport Shooting and Plinking: The managed recoil and accuracy make it enjoyable for extended range sessions. It’s a great option for challenging steel targets or honing your marksmanship skills.
• Introducing New Shooters: The lower recoil impulse of the .350 Legend, combined with the adjustable Magpul stock, makes this rifle an excellent platform for introducing new shooters to the world of hunting and AR-style firearms.

Getting Started: Essential Accessories and Setup Tips

To maximize the potential of your Ruger AR-556 MPR .350 Legend, consider these additions and setup recommendations:

• Optics: A quality optic is paramount. For hunting, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) like a 1-6x or 2-7x scope offers versatility. A red dot sight can be excellent for close-range hog hunting or rapid target acquisition. For precision target shooting, a higher magnification scope might be preferred.
• Ammunition: Experiment with different bullet weights and brands of .350 Legend ammunition to find what performs best in your rifle. Pay attention to bullet construction for hunting (e.g., Winchester Deer Season XP, Hornady Custom, Federal Power-Shok).
• Bipod/Rest: For stable shots in the field or at the range, a bipod or shooting rest will significantly improve accuracy. The M-LOK handguard provides convenient attachment points.
• Sling: A comfortable two-point sling is essential for carrying the rifle in the field and for improving shooting stability.
• Cleaning Kit: Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preserving accuracy and ensuring reliability. A dedicated AR-15 cleaning kit will simplify this process.
• Extra Magazines: While it comes with a 5-round magazine, having additional magazines is always beneficial for range sessions or extended hunts.

Maintaining Your Ruger AR-556 MPR for Peak Performance

Like any precision instrument, the Ruger AR-556 MPR benefits from proper care. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure its longevity and continued accuracy.

1. Disassembly: Follow the owner's manual for proper field stripping. This typically involves separating the upper and lower receivers, removing the bolt carrier group (BCG), and the charging handle.
2. Cleaning the Barrel: Use a bore snake or cleaning rod with patches and a quality bore cleaner to remove copper and carbon fouling from the barrel. Clean from the chamber to the muzzle.
3. Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group: This is the heart of the AR-15 system. Pay close attention to the bolt, bolt carrier, and firing pin. Carbon buildup here can lead to malfunctions. Use a carbon-dissolving solvent and a brush.
4. Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of quality gun lubricant to all friction points on the bolt carrier group (rails, cam pin, bolt rings) and the charging handle. Do not over-lubricate, but ensure adequate coverage.
5. Reassembly and Function Check: Reassemble the rifle, ensuring all parts are correctly seated. Perform a function check to verify the safety, trigger, and cycling mechanisms are working properly.

This commitment to maintenance will ensure your Ruger AR-556 MPR in .350 Legend continues to deliver exceptional performance for years to come, making every shot count whether you're at the range or in the field. This dependable firearm is available at DEGuns, ensuring you receive a quality product backed by excellent service.

Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Detail
Caliber	.350 Legend
Capacity	5 Rounds
Barrel Length	18 Inches
Overall Length	35 - 38.25 Inches
Weight	6.7 Pounds
Stock	Magpul® MOE® SL™ Adjustable
Handguard	15" Free-Float M-LOK®
Trigger	Ruger® Elite 452® AR Trigger (4.5 lb)
Barrel Material	4140 Chrome-Moly Steel, Cold Hammer-Forged
Barrel Twist	1:16" RH
Muzzle Thread	1/2"-28
Receiver Material	Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Finish	Hard-Coat Anodized
UPC	736676906949