Description

California shooters: the Ruger Harrier AR-15 ships in California-compliant configuration for sale through California FFLs. The 5.56 NATO Harrier meets California’s assault weapon restrictions when configured with a fixed stock or featureless configuration as required by your CA FFL at time of transfer. A mid-length gas system, free-float M-LOK handguard, and B5 Systems furniture make this the most capable production AR available for California buyers within the state’s current firearm laws.

The Harrier hits a market segment that’s competitive but still underserved: production ARs in the $800–$1,000 range with genuine upgrades over entry-level guns. The free-float handguard eliminates accuracy-robbing barrel contact. The mid-length gas system reduces bolt carrier velocity compared to carbine-length gas, extending component life and improving the feel under recoil. The flat-face trigger provides a consistent reference point for repeatable shot placement. These aren’t custom upgrades — they’re factory standard on the Harrier.

Ruger Harrier AR-15 Features

• Free-floating M-LOK aluminum handguard — The handguard attaches at the upper receiver only, with no barrel contact. This means barrel harmonics are not affected by how you grip the handguard or attach accessories. At 15 inches, it provides full rail coverage from muzzle device back while keeping weight reasonable. M-LOK attachment points at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions accept any M-LOK compatible accessory. Compare to the Mossberg MVP LR Tactical for a bolt-action precision alternative at a similar price point.
• Mid-length gas system with carbine buffer — Mid-length gas ports are located further from the chamber than carbine-length ports, allowing more barrel time before the bolt is unlocked. The result is a softer, slower cycle that’s easier on components and produces a more pleasant recoil impulse. Standard on premium ARs; increasingly standard on production rifles at this price tier.
• Ruger flat-face trigger — A flat trigger bow rather than a curved one provides a consistent finger placement reference regardless of pull point. The break is clean; the reset is short. For a production trigger, it performs above expectations and doesn’t require an immediate aftermarket upgrade for most shooters.
• B5 Systems SOPMOD buttstock and BRAVO pistol grip — B5 Systems furniture is contract-grade. The SOPMOD stock has a cheekweld shelf, QD sling socket, and six positions. The BRAVO grip has a storage compartment and a 17-degree angle that accommodates a more natural wrist position than an A2 grip. This is better furniture than most production ARs ship with.
• 1:8 twist, 16-inch barrel — 1:8 twist stabilizes the widest range of 5.56/.223 projectile weights, from 55-grain to 77-grain. If you reload, this matters: you’re not locked into light bullets for stability. The 16-inch length qualifies as a rifle (16″+ required), maximizing muzzle velocity while keeping overall length manageable.
• 1913 Picatinny full-length top rail — Co-witness height irons and any optic with a 1913-compatible mount attach directly. No riser required for absolute co-witness. Pairs with our full optics selection for mounting options.

Ruger Harrier AR-15 Specifications

Specifications per Ruger official announcement. Confirm current details at ruger.com.

Ruger Harrier vs AR-556 — What’s Different?

The AR-556 is Ruger’s entry-level AR at ~$649. The Harrier adds approximately $250 for: free-float M-LOK handguard (vs fixed front sight block), flat-face trigger, B5 Systems SOPMOD stock (vs standard M4 stock), and B5 BRAVO grip. If you were planning to upgrade those components on an AR-556 anyway, the Harrier is typically cost-neutral or cheaper than buying and installing each upgrade separately.

Who Should Buy the Ruger Harrier?

The Harrier is the right gun for the shooter who wants an AR that’s ready to run without a parts box full of upgrades. The free-float handguard, quality furniture, and flat-face trigger represent the three upgrades most AR buyers make immediately after purchase — buying them factory-standard at $899 is the efficient path. For precision-oriented bolt-action options, the Ruger American Predator bundle and Gen II Predator in our store offer bolt-action alternatives at comparable pricing.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

• Factory free-float M-LOK handguard eliminates the most common AR upgrade
• B5 Systems furniture is contract-grade — noticeably better than generic M4 stocks
• Mid-length gas system improves reliability and felt recoil over carbine-length
• 1:8 twist handles full projectile weight range from 55gr to 77gr
• Ships with 30-round PMAG included

What Could Be Better

• No optic included at $899 — plan for additional optics budget
• Single magazine included; most shooters want 5+ for range use

FAQ

Is the Ruger Harrier compatible with standard AR-15 accessories?

Yes. The Harrier is a mil-spec AR-15 pattern rifle. Standard buffer tubes, stocks, grips, handguards, triggers, bolts, and upper receiver components are compatible. The M-LOK handguard accepts any M-LOK compatible accessories.

What ammo does the Ruger Harrier shoot?

The Harrier is chambered in 5.56 NATO, which safely fires both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem ammunition. The 1:8 twist rate stabilizes bullet weights from 55 to 77 grains.

Does the Ruger Harrier have a forward assist?

Yes. The Harrier includes a standard forward assist and dust cover, consistent with mil-spec AR-15 specifications.

Can the Ruger Harrier be suppressed?

The Harrier does not come with a threaded muzzle device from the factory — it ships with an A2-style flash hider which is crush-washer mounted. A suppressor adapter or direct-thread suppressor for .223/5.56 would require a muzzle device swap.

Where is the Ruger Harrier made?

Ruger manufactures the Harrier at their Newport, New Hampshire facility. All Ruger firearms are American-made.

New for 2026 — Ships to your FFL dealer. Last updated: February 28, 2026.

California Compliance Notice: This rifle will be configured to comply with California’s assault weapon laws (Penal Code §30510 et seq.) by your California FFL dealer at time of transfer. Confirm CA-compliant configuration details with your FFL before ordering. Standard-capacity magazines above 10 rounds are prohibited for sale in California.