Ruger has historically been well known as a high-quality brand with superb durability, but until recently, the words “carbon fiber” were not used referring to this 1949 brand. The new Ruger MPR-556 model 8548 with Proof Research barrel is a big step for Ruger into a premier-tier AR platform, with a $2,049 MSRP and high value for customers.

Most customers know Ruger’s MPR line as $600-$1,300 MSRP guns, however, Ruger’s first AR platform in 2009 was a $2,000 high-tier gas piston rifle. After more than 14 years of offering everything from entry-price point to mid-tier options, it is interesting that Ruger has circled back to an impressive custom-tier offering that is more than just a fancy carbon fiber barrel.

Ruger has obviously been up to a few things in the last decade with new manufacturing capabilities and designs that have embodied the term “modern.” Ruger put the money where it mattered with the Proof Research barrel MPR-556, with match-grade two-stage trigger, free-float M-LOK handguard, and Magpul PRS Lite stock, for a rifle that should match or beat the accuracy of high-tier custom 3-gun rifles right out of the box. Considering that Proof Research sells their match-grade carbon fiber-wrapped barrel for $1,000 with about a three-month waitlist, the MPR-556 already starts to look like a great deal, but with the other components, it becomes a high value model customers should be seeking out.

 

Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrel

As a long-time Proof Research barrel owner, on everything from Ruger RPRs to 10/22s and AR formats, I will note my experience is that Proof Research offers impeccably finished barrels delivering premier-tier accuracy. As with all Proof Research AR-format barrels, this 18-inch barrel is chambered in .223 Wylde with a stainless steel barrel wrapped in carbon fiber for significantly improved heat dissipation, stiffness and weight reduction.

The carbon fiber is not just for looks or weight reduction, although it does look amazing and is about 60% lighter than a similar profile all-metal barrel. This model feels shockingly light for an 18-inch barrel. Proof Research uses a high-thermal conductivity type of carbon fiber that acts as a heat-wicking heat-sink, effectively cooling the barrel much faster and delivering a cooler-running barrel. The cooling effect delivers less barrel heat distortion and improved accuracy. Carbon fiber is also substantially stiffer than steel, which greatly improves stiffness and accuracy. The net effect is that Proof Research barrels tend to have less head drift of groups as with consecutive shots and ultimately tighter groups.

Though most dealers should be familiar with the .223 Wylde chambering, it is worth noting this has become the preferred chamber for accuracy-focused customers. The .223 Wylde chamber on this Proof Research barrel is a precision match chamber version of the .223 and 5.56 chambers developed by Bill Wylde which optimizes accuracy for either .223 or 5.56 Nato rounds. The 18-inch barrel is 1:8 twist, threaded ½-28 and tipped with a radial ported muzzle brake designed to reduce recoil and muzzle rise. The barrel is matched with an internally chrome-lined 9310 shot-peened and MPI-tested carrier with a staked gas key.

AR-format Proof Research barrels have a legacy of delivering exceptionally consistent ¼- to ½-MOA accuracy with 77-grain Sierra MatchKing or similar factory match ammunition. Another trait of Proof Research barrels seems to be a less picky nature and less point-of-impact shift between different but similar bullet weight rounds. It was good to see this Ruger model delivered similar expected results with a Sig Sauer optic attached and 75-grain Hornady BTHP Match rounds.

 

Ruger Elite 452 AR-Trigger

The Proof Research barrel may be the headline, but the trigger is really pretty amazing. The Ruger Elite 452 numbering should be easy to decode with a 4.5-pound two-stage trigger pull —hence, 452. Though Ruger’s first triggers were very standard mil-spec-feeling triggers that screamed for immediate replacement, Ruger has the capabilities today to offer something far better, and they did with the Elite 452 AR-Trigger, which is exceptionally smooth and crisp. The two-stage takeup range feels similar to a Geissele and has a very nice, crisp break. The trigger is so good that most customers will note it is more than good enough and never think about upgrading. Ruger wanted to prevent light hammer strikes often experienced with light competition match triggers and took an interesting design route with a full-strength hammer spring for consistent primer ignition and a lightweight hammer that enables a faster lock time for improved accuracy.

 

Furniture Upgrades & Cerakote

Ruger has always done a great job with their furniture, but this model has a few extras. With the accuracy potential, Ruger has included the very appropriate Magpul PRS Lite stock and matching MOE K2 grip. Ruger included its own 15-inch free-float M-LOK-slot-equipped handguard.

Ruger saved customers cost by choosing to include their standard mil-spec upper and lower receiver, charging handle, selector and take-down pins and instead dressed the build up with a classy end-to-end gray Cerakote accented with a red trigger and selector. I do wish they would have gone a little further with the red accents, but the look is tastefully styled as-is.

 

Final Thoughts

Ruger has packed a lot of great features that matter into the Ruger model 8548 Proof Research barreled MPR-556. This model pushes Ruger into the premier price tier of rifles with proven out-of-the-box ½-MOA accuracy that should easily exceed other $2,000+ competitive offerings. With investment focused on a premier barrel, excellent trigger, solid proven supporting components and furniture, the new Proof Research MPR-556 is a highly attractive option for customers that want performance without overspending on superfluous upgrades. Ruger has also done a great job dressing up an otherwise mil-spec upper and lower receiver without adding cost where there is no real benefit. This should be a hot selling model for Ruger in the upcoming year.

 

Spec Sheet

Stock: Magpul PRS Lite

Handguard: Free-Float With Magpul® M-LOK® Slots

Sights: None

Barrel Length: 18 inches

Thread Pattern: 1/2”-28

Twist: 1:8” RH

Capacity: 30

Finish: Gray Cerakote®

Height: 8 inches

Weight: 7.4 pounds

Overall Length: 37.63 to 39 inches

Length of Pull: 13.88 to 15.25 inches

Grooves: Four

Includes: 30-round Magpul PMAG® magazine.

Suggested Retail: $2,049