Images by the author unless otherwise noted
Ruger has always had a place (or several places) in my gun safe. My very first centerfire revolver was a 7 ½” Blackhawk in .45 Colt, long about 1979. My fondness for R-branded guns grew, and I have owned many handguns and rifles sporting the Ruger logo over the intervening years. I don’t know how many 10/22s I’ve had, and the same goes for MK-series .22 pistols. Heck, I even owned their .45 ACP American pistol – remember that?
I am a relative newcomer to Ruger’s centerfire rifles, having had limited experience with them until recently. My friend Ed bought a couple after I reviewed them… a Ruger SFAR rifle in .308 that he really likes. He also ended up with a Mini-14. That is one interesting rifle! In addition, I acquired a Glenfield (Ruger) bolt-action rifle in .308 that is a jewel, considering how inexpensive it is. They also just came out with a new American Gen II bolt rifle, the Scout. I am working on getting a sample to review, in .308. I know for a fact that that one will not go back… I like the Scout concept. If you are of a like mind, here is some more information about it.
Back to the Harrier. Ruger has been involved in the 5.56mm AR market for years. Their first entry-level AR was the AR556, introduced in 2014. That gun sold well and was a decent rifle for the money. It was recently discontinued, replaced by the Harrier, which was introduced on the last day of 2025. I just picked one up to review. It did take a good while to materialize at my buddy Duane’s gun shop… they evidently are in demand.
I have no idea where the model name “Harrier” comes from… I hear that, and my mind pictures a Marine jet, taking off and landing almost vertically.
Image: britannica.com
I know there’s a harrier critter, as well… I just don’t know why Ruger chose that name, not that it matters.
But, I digress…
This AR represents the latest technology in entry-level AR rifle construction, according to the Harrier website. Let’s look at the specifications and features, then we’ll check the rifle out.
Specifications
- Weight: 6.8 lb.
- Overall Length: 35.87″
- Length of Pull: 11″ – 14″
- Twist: 1:8″ RH
- Grooves: 6
- Stock: Magpul MOE-K2
- Handguard: Full Picatinny with M-LOK Attachment Slots
- Trigger: Mil-Spec
- Finish: Type III Hard Anodized/Nitrided
- Grip: Magpul K2
- Sights: None
- Barrel Length: 16.10″
- Barrel Contour: Government
- Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
- Capacity: 30 (one magazine included)
- Height: 7.5″
- Trigger Pul Weight: 6 pounds, 5 ounces avg. measured with my Wheeler digital gauge
- Suggested Retail: $749.00
Features
- The lower 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 provides enhanced ergonomics. Features a full-length Picatinny rail on top and QD sling sockets on both sides.
- Magpul M-LOK accessory attachment slots along the 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions with 8 intermediate slots on the muzzle end.
- The threaded barrel features a 1/2″-28 threaded muzzle and is fitted with an A2 flash hider, which can be removed to allow for the use of other muzzle accessories.
- Upper and Lower receivers machined to mil-spec dimensions from 7075 forgings and Type III hard coat anodized. The lower receiver includes a tension screw to eliminate play between the upper and lower receiver.
- The upper receiver includes a forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector.
- 16.1″ Government profile barrel features 6-groove 1:8″ twist rifling with a nitrided finish.
- Compatible with mil-spec components, the rifle ships with a single-stage GI trigger, selector, charging handle, carbine buffer, and spring for confident reliability.
- The nitrided bolt and bolt carrier group features a staked gas key.
Even though this is meant to be an entry-level AR, we see that Ruger has availed itself of some pretty impressive hardware to include on this rifle. We 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. Also, the magazine is a Magpul PMAG. Ruger could have easily manufactured similar parts, but it chose to use existing equipment from other makers… as they say, this is their latest evolution in AR-pattern rifles.
This rifle retails for $749, but you can save $50 by buying the other Harrier model, #28601. That one has a shorter Picatinny rail and a standard A2 butt stock. For that piece of green paper with Grant’s mug on it, I’ll take the full-length rail and the fancier buttstock, thank you.
Coming with Ruger’s standard 7075 forging, the upper and lower receivers feature mil-spec dimensions and Type-III hard coat anodizing. There is a tensioning screw in the lower to do away with play between the upper and lower. The 1/2×28 threaded muzzle features a standard A2 flash hider. I was kind of hoping for something a little fancier, but this one gets the job done. If you wanted to, as they say above, you could swap it out for another flash hider or brake… I favor a muzzle brake. Brakes are all the rage right now, even for low-recoiling rifles like this one. Beginning shooters appreciate that.
Photos
Here’s what it looks like up close.
I put a Burris Fullfield 3-12×42 scope on the rifle to use for this review. This is a great optic – very clear, with enough magnification for my shooting needs.
Shown with the included 30-round magazine:
Range Time
Black Hills supplies ammo for my reviews, for which I am truly grateful. I was also recently sent an assortment pack of various 5.56 bullet weight loads from Raven Rocks Precision. We grabbed a couple of boxes of 5.56mm ammo, in different bullet weights, and went to my brand-new, hand-made shooting bench in my backyard. One of our sons has a father-in-law who not only is a great woodworker – he’s made bedroom suites, among other things – but loves to shoot. He made himself a couple of benches, off which he shoots his HM Defense .50BMG. (You can read that review here.)
So, we set some targets up (once we had the gun and the optic communicating with each other) at about 60 yards, which is as far as I can get to my 100-yard target. It seems I have two storm-blown trees between the bench and the target, so we make do until they can be removed.
Anyway, here are a couple of representative targets, and the ammo used for each. I shot after a record-setting snowfall, with about a foot on the ground and single-digit temps, so my shooting was hurried a bit. Under better conditions, this rifle should be at least an M.O.A. candidate. I really liked the way it handled, and the trigger was a bonus… it broke very cleanly with very little take-up and no creep.
62-grain
77-grain
What about reloading for the .223/5.56mm? I have reloaded for this caliber since I owned a T/C Contender in that caliber back in the 1980s. It’s not particularly difficult; it’s like reloading any other rifle caliber. Just pay attention to details.
When this nasty weather breaks, I look forward to grabbing some bullets from Raven Rocks Precision and powders from Hodgdon. I had just acquired the 12th Edition Hornady Loading Manual, which saved a lot of time researching loads. Bear in mind that the manual shows three different sets of loading data for the .223… standard loads with lighter bullets, loads for service rifles, and NATO loads. Using Winchester Sta-Ball Match powder for a reference, there is a two-grain difference between the highest (NATO) and the lowest (standard) charges, so pay attention.
Look for a reloading article on the .223/5.56 as soon as I can get it done. I am especially interested in subsonic loads to use with my HM Defense Stealth MS5 suppressed AR. Again, stay tuned for both a review of that rifle and a reloading article.
How Does The Harrier Stack Up?
The firearms market is awash in ARs at all price points. I’ve seen them for sale at just over $300, all the way up to… well, a lot. Add a zero. This Harrier is toward the bottom of the pack in terms of price… three digits, not four… but how does it rate?
In terms of features like the type of steel used, construction, fit, finish, properly-staked gas key, and accuracy, I’d say it does very well. It even includes a 30-round magazine, something that not all AR manufacturers put in the box. Overall, I give it good marks; it’s a good-looking rifle with a lot of aftermarket touches that should last you your lifetime, plus your kid’s, if you take care of it.
Is there room for improvement? Of course. The trigger could use a little work – what lesser-expensive AR trigger doesn’t need that – and there are no sights at all, iron or otherwise. I think Ruger should at least stick some flip-ups on it. I mentioned the flash hider… I think the day of the just-plain flash hider has gone. Muzzle brakes are all the rage now. Ruger advertises this as the latest evolution in ARs… maybe a brake might make more sense. Or, in this no-NFA-$200-tax era after the new year, you could add a suppressor.
But I nit-pick. In terms of a serviceable, practical, basic AR with some quality touches, the Harrier will do nicely. Seeing as how its street price will most likely be at least $100 off the suggested list, I think Ruger has a winner. If you balance cost against features/accuracy/reliability, it looks like a pretty good buy. Look for Ruger to sell a boatload of these.
Here’s a start if you are looking for accessories for your new Harrier or other AR.
Links To Items Used In This Review
- Birchwood Casey Shooting Bags Filled, $40
- Birchwood Casey Eze-Scorer 8 Inch Bull’s-Eye Target, 26 Targets, $9
- Birchwood Casey Range Cleaning Kit, $60
- Black Hills Ammunition
- Caldwell 66% AR500 Steel Silhouette Target, $127
- Caldwell Ultimate Target Stand, $33
- GPS Medium Range Bag, $150
- Walker Game Ear Firemax Active Hearing Protection, $160
- Wheeler Trigger Pull Gauge, $88
- Wheeler Red Laser Bore Sighter, $193 (available in green, also)
Read the full article here
