Ruger Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle in 7.62 NATO or .308 Win: First Look

Ruger has announced their new Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle, or SFAR, as a new sporting rifle option. Chambered in 7.62 NATO / .308 Win., Ruger is promoting the SFAR as combining the ballistic advantages of .308 Winchester with the size of a traditional MSR. The smaller of the two initial configurations of the rifle features a 16” barrel model and weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded. Utilizing many mil-spec-compatible components and fitted with the Ruger Elite 452 trigger, the construction and operation of the Ruger SFAR will be familiar to shooters that have already adopted traditional modern sporting rifles. 

“Over the course of this rifle’s development, we fired hundreds of thousands of rounds to assess and enhance real-world performance and wear,” noted Ben Parker, Lead Design Engineer for SFAR. “The proprietary design and material selection of the bolt and barrel extension help deliver a rugged, reliable, and safe rifle that we are proud to call a Ruger.” 

The upper and lower receivers are both CNC-machined from 7075-T6 forgings and feature an oversized magazine well, forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector. Barrels are cold hammer-forged with 5R rifling, a 5/8”-24 muzzle thread and finished with black nitride.

SFAR rifles are fitted with a 4-position regulated gas block to function across a wide range of ammunition available. The included, on-board 3/16” ball-end wrench allows for regulator adjustment, while the 2-port Boomer muzzle brake softens recoil.

The handguard features Magpul M-LOK accessory attachment slots at the 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions, and sockets for QD sling swivels on both sides. Model 5610 features a 16” barrel, a mid-length gas system and a 15” Lite free-float handguard where the top rail has been docked in the middle for improved grip access and lighter weight. Model 5611 has a 20” barrel, a rifle-length gas system and a 15” handguard with a full Picatinny top rail. Both models feature Magpul MOE SL stock, MOE grip and ship with one 20-round Magpul PMAG magazine.

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