DIG v. GPS: Are Gas-Piston ARs Worth Their Premium Prices?

New AR-15 shooters—and there are hundreds of thousands of them in the last five years—face a bewildering set of choices when they consider buying a new rifle. Chambering (what's the difference between 223 Rem. and 5.56 NATO, and can the rounds be shot interchangeably?), features (rails, grips, handles, sights), and even color (basic black, sand, olive drab, or multiple color tones) are among the decisions the new buyer must ponder. And, of

Ruger’s SR-556 gas-piston rifle comes with a passel of accessories that may make it the right gun for many prospective AR-15 owners. Three visible here are the HK-style folding front sight, the accessories rail (holding a front grip and laser/flashlight), the 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine, and the telescoping buttstock.