Tell me about the ac556

[Ghost]

I have been looking at adding a fnc, but after looking and right before buying I have been looking at the 556 also. Parts are the main issue with the fnc and the ac556 would have won me over on that point alone except that ruger seems to be running out of parts for their ac556's. I know that the fnc's are built like tanks and I just dont have enough info about the 556. Why should someone choose the 556 over the fnc...fire away. Thanks G.

 

[dregnery]

I called Ruger a couple of weeks ago and they told me parts were in "limited quantity" but my understanding is that with the exception of the trigger group and receiver mini-14 and AC 556 parts are interchangeable. My AC is my first Class 3, still waiting on my Vector UZI paperwork to get processed. One of the reasons I selected the AC is the simple fact that you can send your AC to Ruger and they will fix it, and as I understand it from this board for "free". Nat a bad deal when your talking about a decent gun investment.

I also really like the way the gun looks, the wood really sets it apart from other transferable mg's. Don't get me wrong, I love the way the UZI looks but it is still made of stamped parts. All in all I'm happy with my choice and get a kick out of guys at th gun club that assume it is a mini-14 until I let it rock. Which is another point, the selective fire feature, 3 rounds burst is nice-ammo last a little longer and also enables you to stay on target better than flat out full auto. Then again full auto is about as much fun as a man can have with his pants on. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[xm15e2s]

I own both FNC and AC-556s.
You could find a AC-556 shooter for around $5500 maybe.
You could find a FNC for about $6500.
So that means the price point is that the FNC is at least $1K more.
If you can only afford one, I would buy the FNC
They are both fine quality full auto fun guns
FNC drawback is very limited spare parts. AC plus point is the .22kit.
you cant go wrong with either, but in the pecking order, I think most would agree that the FNC is rated slightly better than the AC-556

 

[linx310]

I was trying to deiced between the FNC and AC556...

I went AC556 because of the fact that it has a great 22lr kit and new magazines are being produced for the gun.

I was also debating whether or not to go with a AC556 or "upgrade" to a M16.

Honestly it seems every MG shoot I go to I see the plastic fantastic.

The AC556 seems to be the kid that is on the milk carton...never around...and those that own them and a M-16 leave the AC-556 at home.

Generally I prefer more modern weapon systems, but some thing percuilar is calling me to the AC556.

Maybe its the "romance" of it being the last of its kind, a hold over so to speak from a bygone era of "traditional" rifles. The weapon from a more civilized age...

The way I look at it the AC-556 is the Cowboys machine gun....

Plus I think the 13 inch folders look bad ass...

 

[Firecop203]

Here is a ruling on the FNC. I don't own one or know anything about them, but this is discussing something about the sear, which receiver is the "firearm" and creating a new machinegun.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/rules/atf_ruling2008-1.pdf

 

[jr1572]

The AC556 seems to be the kid that is on the milk carton...never around...and those that own them and a M-16 leave the AC-556 at home.

Generally I prefer more modern weapon systems, but some thing percuilar is calling me to the AC556.

Maybe its the "romance" of it being the last of its kind, a hold over so to speak from a bygone era of "traditional" rifles. The weapon from a more civilized age...

The way I look at it the AC-556 is the Cowboys machine gun....

Plus I think the 13 inch folders look bad ass...

My first MG was a M16. The second was an AC556K. They both come to the range everytime I go.

I want an AR-18 or Uzi next.

JR1572

 

[ateamrob]

I was also debating whether or not to go with a AC556 or "upgrade" to a M16.

The FNC's are good guns so that is a good choice for sure as well.

I am going to tell you something right now. The M16 is in no way shape or form and UPGRADE to an AC-556.
I have been an AR15/M16 armorer for the last 7 years at work and while I love the AR/16 platform (I have an M16 in transfer right now because I have always wanted my own) the AC-556 is just as good quality as any M16. Its not a cheapo gun by any means. It runs and burns cleaner than any AR/16 because it has a self cleaning gas system and as long as you feed them good factory mags they DO NOT and WILL NOT malfunction or fail to feed. They are 100% reliable guns and are "the Cadillac of machine guns" just as David Spiwak says.

While the M16 may be more part friendly and versatile as uppers are concerned the Ruger AC-556 is my most favorite machine gun of all time.

simply has its own style and it runs like a champ and its a rugged working weapon. I say go for the AC-556 and get plenty of factory mags.

Rob

 

[garandman]

Just thought I'd say....

 

[v30mongo]

AC556 is OK

I have both M16 and AC556 and both have been good firearms for over 20 years. I have used the AC with a 22 conversion kit installed many times to the point that parts on the conversion kit have worn out. The gas port on the AC was blocked with lead. After the port was drilled out and the rifle given a good cleaning, with the 223 parts installed it still shoots like new. The AC is not as accurate as a good 16 but they are very reliable and robust. With the standard stock installed they don't have that cool factor like an M16 or such but they do work.

 

[ateamrob]

very true and well said.

 

[xm15e2s]

AC-556 prices are very attractive right now!
There is a very nice one on GB right now priced at $5000 with no reserve and has been listed at least three times without a buyer.
I bet a person could grab it or a rifle like it in a side deal for $4900 easy.
FNC is a damn nice rifle and would be my choice if money was no object bewtween the two choices.

 

[Paul556]

I guess I will be the dissenting voice and say that I believe AC's are a weak platform. I have owned two and both disappointed me. My first one was a jam-o-matic and my second broke the extractor after just one or two k's of ammo. Even if you discount my bad luck consider the magazine lock-up. Sure it is technically a simple thing, but after a while you will notice it does take a bit of rocking to get a positive lock-up. I like the FNC and M16 much better. Just stuff it in the hole and slam it in. As far as AC vs. FNC vs. M16 I would rank the AC last, FNC next and M16 on the top. They provide smiles every time, and fixing them is breeze. I just really dig the flexibility of the system.

 

[Paul556]

By the way, I chose my handle Paul556 because of my first AC-556. The .22 kit was a hoot, but may have caused some of my problems. If you use a .22 kit get a 5.56 reamer to really clean out your chamber if it starts to jam bad. Mine would stick cases after about 3 or 4 mags. Unsticking them required a steel rod and a ball peen hammer.

 

[Z06]

RE: the .22 kits in the AC... Just run some 5.56 through it after 300 to 400 rounds of .22 and you'll have no leading trouble. I sold my 13" Ruger MG

as I already had an M16 with a better .22 (Keuhl) kit for small bore full-auto fun.

 

[ateamrob]

My first one was a jam-o-matic and my second broke the extractor after just one or two k's of ammo.

I am sorry to hear that you are soured on the ACs Paul but I suppose I can understand based on the experience you had with yours.

Remember though...... if you were using anything other than factory Ruger 20 or 30rd mags you will have jam problems. Factory rugers are the ONLY ones that work 100% reliable unless you get lucky once in a while with some aftermarket ones which occasionally does happen. As far as the extractor, that is too bad. But you are right.... the FNC and the M16 are outstanding choices for sure. That is why I have an M16 as well.

I guess I have just always been a Ruger fan.

Rob

 

[Paul556]

I am sorry to hear that you are soured on the ACs Paul but I suppose I can understand based on the experience you had with yours.

Remember though...... if you were using anything other than factory Ruger 20 or 30rd mags you will have jam problems. Factory rugers are the ONLY ones that work 100% reliable unless you get lucky once in a while with some aftermarket ones which occasionally does happen. As far as the extractor, that is too bad. But you are right.... the FNC and the M16 are outstanding choices for sure. That is why I have an M16 as well.

I guess I have just always been a Ruger fan.

Rob

Rob, I'm with you on all you say. After watching the A-Team as a kid I just had to have an AC-556 once I learned about NFA. I had some aftermarket mags and some factory mags with my first one. With the second one they were all factor mags. My problems were with extraction, not feeding though. After my confidence was broken I just didn't have the patience to deal with it any more. I just found myself picking up the AC last when I went to the range, so when I needed to raise some cash it was first to go.

 

[ateamrob]

I hear what you are saying. When you have problems with a gun like that its hard to find the motivation to take it to the range and enjoy it. Most of the Rugers I have shot and the one I own have been good, reliable weapons. But there is always a few bad apples out there for sure.

Rob

 

[garandman]

Paul556 -

I guess I'm a little different.

To me, when something of mine doesn't work, it bugs the crap outta me till its fixed. I even get all cranky and unpleasant to be around - just ask my wife

Truthfully, if I could afford an M16, I'd prolly sell the AC - I've got no special love for Ruger. Generally their guns bore me, and I'm still chapped at Bill Ruger's anti citizen attitude - may he rest in peace.

The one thing I do like alot about my Ruger is shooting it off the bipod, kinda like a saw. Shooting full auto offhand at distance is a waste. But off the bipod, I can put multiple hits on 2'x3' steel at 200 yards. Now THAT is fun!

 

[TNZ71]

I love my AC556 . I had a FNC Semi, thought about buying a sear, researched on installation, burst kits and finding parts. Gave up bought the AC and started having fun. I always wanted an M16 but for the 1/3 the money I got a fresh back from Ruger (new barrel, bolt, trigger pack, etc.) Stainless KAC-556. I looked at several RR AR15's but wasn't confident spending $10K. Some may be good guns but I knew the Ruger was built like a tank. The only downside was not being pistol caliber compatible. So, traded the FNC for a 9mm M10. If money wasn't an object yea I probably buy an M16. But the Ruger is a great gun, wouldn't trade it even for a RR AR15. At first I had an inferiority complex when shooting with others who had M16's but after dropping it into a SCAR stock the comments I got cured that. This baby will eat anything. My only wish is that Ruger would sell me the new 16" barrel or would install one. I talked to a Ruger trained LEO Armorer who stated the barrels are a bugger to time and bolt must be fitted.

 

[piratesover40]

Back in '82 I had a real nice Ruger Ranch in blue rifle. I came real close to pulling the trigger and having it converted. The thing was flawless and a dream to shoot. I lived in New Mexico at the time. My C3 was Tommy Gatewood Jr. of Tay Nin Depot. I ended up converting a Chinese Poly Tech I bought from Tommy. I was another real nice shooter. At 750 ROF it was great. But I still kick myself for not doing the Ruger also.:spank