Ruger's New SR-556VT Varmint Target

[usbp379]

My dealer called this morning to tell me my new SR-556VT had arrived. I managed to pick it up at lunch. Of course I haven't had the chance to shoot the rifle yet but I wanted to get some pictures up for those of us who've been waiting for these to ship.

The gun is a bit of a departure from the earlier Ruger piston driven rifles in that it is a 1x8 barrel twist rather than the 1x9 twist used on other models. Whether or not this means the other models in the SR line will get the 8" twist I cannot say. But I think this is a move in the right direction and I certainly hope we'll see the faster twist in future rifles.

Otherwise, the gun uses different furniture. The rifle ships with an A2 stock and recoil system as well as a Magpul MOE pistol grip. The black zippered bag is gone and the rifle ships in a white cardboard box. Included is the usual manual and other paperwork, some small sections of screw-on panels/covers for the handguard and a couple of C-Products chopped magazines.

The barrel, as mentioned above, is 1x8 twist. It is stainless steel in the heavy profile and is not threaded for a flash hider or muzzle brake. It is twenty inches in length. The handguard in the same as used on the "E" and "CLA" models and feels great on the new "VT."

Possibly most interesting of all is the new trigger. This is a two-stage match trigger and appears to be of similar design to those of LMT, RRA and others. The parts appear to have been produced from castings so I assume that Ruger is making these in-house. The trigger is light but does have a tiny glitch about halfway through. Regardless, the let-off is crisp and should help print some tiny groups with good ammo.

We can hope a .204 Ruger chambering will be along shortly.


An overall look at the rifle:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020093_zps33900cfb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020093_zps33900cfb.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020075_zps733a4506.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020075_zps733a4506.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020076_zps8123bb61.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020076_zps8123bb61.jpg.html)

Gas block and related parts assembled:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020077_zps657e8a08.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020077_zps657e8a08.jpg.html)

Parts appear to be of the now-familiar shape and style:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020081_zps73debd6a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020081_zps73debd6a.jpg.html)

The new gas regulator is marked with "VT." I don't know yet what's different about this gas regulator as opposed to those used in the other Rugers.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020082_zpsd9e96155.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020082_zpsd9e96155.jpg.html)

The rifle uses a lengthened "tactical" charging handle to clear a scope or other optic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020080_zps522ddb57.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020080_zps522ddb57.jpg.html)

Barrel markings:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020079_zps287c1dd6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020079_zps287c1dd6.jpg.html)

Bolt and carrier:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020083_zpsb1f14e99.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020083_zpsb1f14e99.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020085_zps49b9c264.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020085_zps49b9c264.jpg.html)

Standard A2 recoil parts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020086_zpse4261677.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020086_zpse4261677.jpg.html)

The new trigger:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020090_zps11f99cd6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020090_zps11f99cd6.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020088_zps87dbbe8d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020088_zps87dbbe8d.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020087_zpsf5787cf4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1020087_zpsf5787cf4.jpg.html)

[usbp379]

I have an ADM scope mount ordered as well as one of the new Battle Zone 3-9x42mm Redfield scopes. I'm not necessarily a big fan of import "bargain" optics but I've had good results with the Redfield Rebel binoculars. Plus l can't afford to put premium glass on everything...

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

[Jerry R]

Very nice looking rifle.

I don't know a lot about the Ruger SR-556 product line, but ..............

IF the "standard" SR-556 offerings use a Mid-Length Gas System, the VT version MAY use a Rifle Length Gas System. If that is the case, that could possibly explain the fact that the knob is marked "VT" - different port sizing maybe.

Thanks for sharing - looking forward to the range report with groupings.

[usbp379]

I need to confirm and take some measurements but it appears to me that the three gas ports in the VT regulator are slightly smaller than the ports used in the other models. The VT has a 20" barrel but the gas system and forend are still mid length.

The ADM mount and Redfield scope have arrived. Unfortunately, one of the threaded holes on the mount is stripped. I have sent an e-mail to ADM asking about a replacement.

Otherwise, I guess the Redfield scope looks okay. It is a $200 scope made in the Philippines and is probably made in the same plant as the Nikon AR scopes. That's my guess...

More soon, hopefully.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

[usbp379]

Well, I'm getting closer. I swear I'll shoot this rifle one of these days.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/KIMG0008_zps38fd578b.jpg

[usbp379]

Finally finally finally!

I shot close to forty rounds through the VT today. The first few groups were at 25 yards with 55gr FMJ to get the windage and elevation worked out before moving back to 100 yards and a bench.

While I'm pleased to note the rifle ran perfectly on the #2 setting, I had a frustrating time with accuracy.

I initially tried the rifle with some 68gr Hornady BTHP loaded with AA2520. Best group with this stuff was about an inch and a half. I am not a huge fan of the Hornady 68, having had mixed results and mediocre accuracy with this bullet in other rifles.

Undeterred, I switched to factory Silver State 77gr ammo loaded with Sierra bullets. I shot nearly a box of this stuff and spent too much time chasing a zero and messing with the scope before I decided the Silver State stuff might not shoot too well either.

I finished off the day with just a few rounds of Fiocchi 77gr factory ammo loaded with Sierra Match Kings. The Fiocchi stuff seemed to shoot okay with groups hovering around an inch. By this point I was hot, thirsty and frustrated so I figured I had better call it a day.

The rifle is soft shooting and, as noted, runs fine. I'll have to give it another go if I can find some more ammo. I normally have a bit of match-type stuff laying around but the gun craze has taken a toll on my usual little stash.



Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

[usbp379]

I was fortunate enough to find a small gunshop with some Winchester factory stuff loaded with the 69gr SMK. I shot a group with this stuff and it shoots much better than the 77gr stuff I had tried previously.

I'll continue to hunt for this rifle's favorite load. In the meantime, here is my best group so far.

Five rounds of Winchester 69gr Match fired from 100 yards off the bench:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1030369_zps37ea8e8a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1030369_zps37ea8e8a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/tokarev/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1030370_zpse90ad48c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/tokarev/media/Ruger%20SR-556VT/P1030370_zpse90ad48c.jpg.html)

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

[KevinBLC]

Is it just me or am I the only one that can't see the pictures?

[Jerry R]

No, me either. Something has happened to his photobucket account.

[usbp379]

Is it just me or am I the only one that can't see the pictures?

Sorry, guys. I've exceeded my bandwidth allotment for the month. It should be reset in a day or two.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

[KevinBLC]

Sorry, guys. I've exceeded my bandwidth allotment for the month. It should be reset in a day or two.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

LOL It does say you are a popular dude.

[Jerry R]

Sorry, guys. I've exceeded my bandwidth allotment for the month.

I was having a similar problem, so I upgraded to their Pro Account (now Plus20). Pretty cheap at twenty something dollars a year and it gives 20GB of storage and (supposedly) unlimited bandwidth. Probably true as I have not had a problem since.

[usbp379]

Alright. Bandwidth has been reset...

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk 2

[JumpMarine]

Any updates? I just got my hands on a VT and am starting to work up different handloads for it.

[usbp379]

Any updates? I just got my hands on a VT and am starting to work up different handloads for it.

You're probably going to be way ahead of me with regard to accuracy. I haven't been able to find a good supply of factory match ammo. I'd try loading for the VT but I am not having much luck with finding suitable bullets.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk

[JumpMarine]

I have a few things to try while dialing in the rifle. Powders: Varget, Benchmark, 8208 XBR and 4064 and Bullets: Berger-52g FB, Hornady- 50g VMAX, Nosler- 55g Vamageddon and 60g Partition, Sierra-77g HPBT, 65g SBT, 55g HPBT, 52g HP BT. I had quite a bit of American Eagle 5.56 62g greentip FMJ that while it cycled perfectly was very erratic on accuracy. I got decent accuracy with the AE ammo at 100y with my old S&W M&P-15, 16" 1 in 8" twist but not the Ruger. I was a bit dissapointed at first, but then I tried a few handloads last week with Varget and the 50g VMAX, 52g and 55g Sierras. The VMAX stood out with 3/4" groups. For what this rifle cost and it's specs/build it should be doing better than that at 100y and I have other rifles on hand that will that were much cheaper. My little Savage .17 will keyhole 3 shot groups at 100yds so the Ruger should as well at 5 times the cost I would hope. I will post all of my results as I go.

[usbp379]

Hopefully you will find a load the gun really likes.

I have a "varmint" AR that was put together by Adco some years back. It shoots well but it is a little picky. It shoots Federal Gold Medal 69gr extremely well but the Hornady 68gr stuff it just doesn't care for. I played with hand loading and had some good success with 52gr Noslers. I never could get anything to shoot like the Gold Medal though. If I had any left I'd give it a try in the Ruger.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk

[usbp379]

How is the trigger on your VT? Mine is actually pretty light but has the slightest hint of creep in the second stage. It isn't anything that a guy would notice on a tactical carbine or a run-n-gun rifle. I might replace it with a Geissele and put the factory Ruger in something else like my new SR-762.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk

[JumpMarine]

New SR762??? LOL, been looking at that and the Sig. As far as the trigger, it has a very minimal amount of creep. In fact I really have to concentrate on feeling for it because it is so slight. It had a hint of roughness the first time out with it, but that has all but disappeared with a few hundred rounds through it. The Vmax 50g load is still the best of the bunch consistently shooting 1/2" to 3/4" groups from 100yds. Grabbed some H335 power yesterday to try out.

[usbp379]

I'd be happy with those groups and if you and that load are getting nicely under an inch consistently I think you're on to something.

FWIW I had some really good groups with my standard SR-556 and the V-MAX bullet. I don't recall the load off the top of my head but I think I used 2015BR.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk

[JumpMarine]

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/FarmerJarhead/IMG_0527.jpg

I'm sure that there are many that can shoot better, but I'm happy with the grouping.

100y, Leupold VX2 6-18x40
Berger 52g Match Flat Bottom Varmint
24g H322
OAL 2.23

[usbp379]

Very good. Is that a consistently accurate load in this rifle?

I see Redfield is now selling a 6-18x44 scope in their Battle Zone line. I have been using the 3-9x42 and think I will try the new higher magnification optic.

Sent from my Torque using Tapatalk

[usbp379]

Good morning, JM. Do you have any further updates? How is the rifle working for you?

I haven't really done anything with mine in several months (probably five or six) but was thinking I should take it out again and see what it'll do now that .223 match ammo seems to be turning up again.

I have also been wondering about "tacticooling" the gun up a bit. Maybe have the barrel chopped to 18" and then have it threaded. I may also ditch the A2 stock in favor of a VLTOR A5 buffer tube and one of their buttstocks.

Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 4