Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle Puts .308 into AR-15-Frame

Big news out of Ruger today, as the company introduces yet another new rifle, the second in as many weeks. On the heels of the LC Carbine, Ruger goes small again, this time packing .308 punch into a true AR-15-sized MSR frame. The new Ruger SFAR, or Small-Frame Autloading Rifle, packs .30-caliber punch into a compact, small-frame AR-15-sized platform.

Ruger SFAR Details

The SFAR comprises a solid AR package, comparable to many mid-level options on the market today. It comes with a four-position regulated gas block to help run reliably across a wide spectrum of .308 Win. ammo. Ruger even took into account running the SFAR with a suppressor, as well. An included, on-board, 3/16-inch ball-end wrench enables shooters to perform quick, easy adjustment in the field. Meanwhile, a two-port Boomer muzzle brake helps tame the forces of recoil.

The SFAR’s handguards come equipped with what has become the industry standard, M-LOK accessory slots. They come a 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions on the SFAR. The rifle also includes sockets for QD sling swivels on both sides.

The rifle comes in two different options, sporting either a 16- or 20-inch barrel. The Model 5610 features a 16-inch barrel and mid-length gas system. A 15-inch Lite free-float handguard features an enhanced mid-section for grip access and lighter weight. Meanwhile, the Model 5611 comes with a 20-inch barrel and rifle-length gas system. It includes a 15-inch handguard and full Picatinny top rail. Both rifles include a Magpul MOE SL stock, MOE grip and ship with one 20-round Magpul PMAG magazine.

Small-Frame AR Design Features

But the story of the SFAR centers on the smaller frame design. The rifles utilize superior materials and engineering, building it bigger and stronger only where it needs to be, according to Ruger. That design enabled Ruger to go smaller and lighter where forces and pressures dictated it safe to do so.

Both upper and lower receivers still come CNC-machined from 7075-T6 forgings. The rifle sports an oversized magazine well, forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector. Ruger cold hammer-forges the barrels with 5R rifling. The get a black nitride coating for accuracy and longevity, and it comes finished with a 5/8″-24 muzzle thread for accessories. The bolt and barrel extension, CNC-machined from high-strength super alloy steel, get beefed up on the SFAR. They feature tapered lugs that strengthen the breech by adding material in key areas, according to Ruger.

“Over the course of this rifle’s development, we fired hundreds of thousands of rounds to assess and enhance real-world performance and wear,” noted Ben Parker, Lead Design Engineer for SFAR. “The proprietary design and material selection of the bolt and barrel extension help deliver a rugged, reliable, and safe rifle that we are proud to call a Ruger.”

The new Ruger SFAR retails for $1,229. For even more info, visit Ruger.com.

Ruger SFAR Rifle Features

• Caliber: 7.62 NATO/.308 Win.
• Overall Capacity: 20
• Barrel Length: 16.10 or 20 inches
• Handguard: Lite Free-Float with M-LOK attachment slots
• Stock: Magpul MOE SL
• MSRP: $1,229

Editor’s Take:

We went Ballistic, pun intended, over another small-frame AR in .308 once before. In 2018, the POF Revolution proved worthy of its name. That rifle really did it. The late, great Frank DeSomma went back to the drawing board, and the Revolution successfully put .308 firepower into a rifle that felt like your standard AR-15. And the recoil wasn’t much different as well. We threw every award we could at the Revolution, and it deserved them all.

So as far as we’re concerned, POF set the bar. But if any company can replicate what POF did so successfully, it would likely be Ruger. The company rarely brings anything to market unless they’ve fully vetted it in every detail. We know, we’ve seen and talked about projects the firearms world has never seen. Ruger gets it right before it goes to market, or it never goes. So we’re beyond stoked and excited to get our hands on this one. Look for a full review of the Ruger SFAR real soon.

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