Ruger Debuts Harrier Series AR-15 Rifles for 2026

As the industry heads toward SHOT Show 2026, new firearm announcements are starting to surface—and Ruger is refreshing its AR-15 lineup in a notable way. For 2026, Ruger is officially retiring the AR-556 name and replacing it with a new family of rifles known as the Harrier series, bringing subtle but meaningful updates to the platform.

At launch, the Harrier line consists of two 16-inch models, both built around free-floated M-LOK handguards and modernized components. The base configuration ships with traditional A2-style furniture, including an A2 grip and M4-style waffle stock, and carries an MSRP of $699. A second variant upgrades the furniture to Magpul components—specifically the MOE-K2 grip and DT Carbine stock—and is priced at $749. That Magpul-equipped model also adds a full-length Picatinny rail along the 12 o’clock position of the handguard for expanded optic and accessory mounting.

Both rifles feature nitrided barrels and bolt carrier groups, a finish choice aimed at improving corrosion resistance and service life under regular use.

One detail that has drawn attention is a watermark on Ruger’s product imagery reading “Proudly Made in Hebron, KY.” Longtime AR enthusiasts will recognize Hebron as the former home of Anderson Manufacturing. Ruger acquired Anderson’s facilities and assets after the company ceased operations, and the Harrier rifles appear to be among the first visible results of that acquisition. Anderson had notably refined its AR offerings toward the end of its run, making it especially interesting to see how that legacy influences Ruger’s newest rifles.

Manufacturer Specifications

• Lower receiver equipped with Magpul MOE-K2 grip and DT Carbine collapsible buttstock mounted on a Mil-Spec buffer tube

• Free-float handguard with slim profile for improved ergonomics; includes full-length Picatinny top rail and QD sling sockets on both sides

• Magpul M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, plus eight intermediate slots near the muzzle end

• Threaded barrel with 1/2"-28 threads, fitted with a removable A2 flash hider for compatibility with other muzzle devices

• Upper and lower receivers machined to mil-spec dimensions from 7075 aluminum forgings with Type III hard coat anodizing

• Lower receiver includes a tension screw to reduce play between upper and lower assemblies

• Upper receiver features forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector

• 16.1" government-profile barrel with 6-groove 1:8" twist rifling and a nitrided finish

• Compatible with mil-spec components; ships with single-stage GI trigger, selector, charging handle, carbine buffer, and spring

• Nitrided bolt and bolt carrier group with properly staked gas key

• Includes one 30-round Magpul PMAG

With the Harrier series, Ruger appears to be signaling a fresh chapter for its AR-15 offerings—one that blends established manufacturing infrastructure with updated features and competitive pricing as the 2026 model year approaches.