AC-556 features?

[xm15e2s]

There are a number of features that some AC-556s have that others dont.
Some people dont know about these slight varaitions. I can only speak about mine. Feel free to add interesting factory info about yours.
Mine is a 191 series produced 1984.

1. AC-556F. Factory papered "F". Its a 13inch blue folder. Some models are papered AC-556F and some AC-556K. Both are correct factory model numbers for the same blue folder. Mine happens to be "F".

2. Mine has factory stamped "1 3 A" selector markings. Many AC-556s dont have these markings. I was told that the selector was marked for EXPORT models but cant confirm that.

3. Reinforced folder. My folder is the factory improved version. You tell this by the amount of metal at the area above the pistol grip. If the stock metal extends to the middle of the plastic pistol grip, its improved version. If the metal ends before the pistol gip, its the other version.

4. Factory shipped with 30rnd mag. Many shipped with a 20rnd mag or a 30rnd mag. It will often say on the rifle box what mag it was shipped with.
Many 30rnd mags shipped in ruger marked plastic bags and not white boxes.

[flgp52]

Ac556 K I believe are the Stainless 13" shorty with side folding stock. It may as well pertain to the full size Stainless as well. My paper work says Kac556. And it is the Stainless shorty with Side folder.

_____________________________________

If she can buy shoes then I can buy guns!!!

[xm15e2s]

These are the known FACTORY models
KAC-556 is a 18inch SS full stock
KAC-556K is a 13inch SS folder
AC-556K is a 13inch blue folder
AC-556F is ALSO a 13inch bule folder
I am not aware of any 18inch folders SS or Blue and when you come across one they are most likely rifles that were shipped full stock and the folder added by owner. (please correct me if I am wrong).

flgp52, form 4s are often wrong for model numbers. when I say factory papered I mean calling the company and getting them to look up yor SN to tell you what the rifle shipped as. What you have is a KAC-556K unless someone cut your rifle down to 13inches and added a folder.

[JasonAC556]

These are the known FACTORY models
KAC-556 is a 18inch SS full stock
KAC-556K is a 13inch SS folder
AC-556K is a 13inch blue folder
AC-556F is ALSO a 13inch bule folder
I am not aware of any 18inch folders SS or Blue and when you come across one they are most likely rifles that were shipped full stock and the folder added by owner. (please correct me if I am wrong).
flgp52, form 4s are often wrong for model numbers. when I say factory papered I mean calling the company and getting them to look up yor SN to tell you what the rifle shipped as. What you have is a KAC-556K unless someone cut your rifle down to 13inches and added a folder.

My dealer has an 18 inch stainless folder that he verified with the factory as having been shipped new with a folder and an 18 inch barrel. He shipped it back to Ruger for repairs after he bought it and wanted to verify that it was indeed a factory configuration.

I was privy to the communication from th factory, so this is first hand info not second hand conjecture.

Ruger did ship 18 inch barrel folders from the factory, not just 13 inch models.

[ateamrob]

yes your right Jason. They did ship 18inch folders from the factory.

My friend has one and its total factory config. Also Ruger shipped the GB 18 inch Mini 14 folders as well.

And that also is a correct statement by XM15E2S regarding the reinforced steel above the pistol grip as well. I posted a lenthy message on this on ac-556.com back a while ago. See pictures of my Mini 14 and AC guns and you will see what I mean.
Up until 1984 Rugers folders (ACs, Minis and GBs) had less steel above the pistol grip and then starting 1984 they changed and added approximately a half inch more steel above and below the pistol grip for reinforcment. See pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/5150rob/DSC01115.jpg

You will see the top and middle pictures of my AC-556K and mini 14 has less steel above the pistol grips. Then in the bottom mini 14 it has the reinforced steel.
Neat little factoid about Rugers factory folders. I have spoken with Ruger on this as well.
Rob