AR-platform rifles chambered in 308 Win are excellent for a broad number of applications, but they can be on the bulky side. The Ruger SFAR (Small Frame Autoloading Rifle) is designed to solve that issue. The SFAR is a 308 Win designed in a more compact form so it’s similar in size to a traditional AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO. And, of course, the gun is made to Ruger’s exacting standards.
Ruger provides details of the rifle:
While nearly identical in size to a traditional 5.56mm caliber modern sporting rifle, the SFAR is chambered in 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester. This allows the SFAR to combine the advantages of the larger .308 Winchester caliber with the size of a traditional AR-15 pattern rifle. The SFAR is initially offered in two models, one with a 16.1 inch barrel, and one with a 20 inch barrel.
The bolt and barrel extensions are CNC-machined from high-strength super alloy steel that outperforms traditional C158 bolts. The tapered lug geometry further strengthens the breech in order to support larger short-action cartridges.The bolt includes dual ejectors and an optimized extractor to ensure positive extraction and ejection of the spent case through the enlarged ejection port. The rifle-length gas system features a .75 inch 4-position rotary-regulator gas block for functionality across the wide range of ammunition available in the marketplace. There are venting holes in the upper receiver, barrel extension, and bolt carrier to ensure that excess gas is directed safely away from the user.
The gun maker goes on to say:
The upper receiver is made from a 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forging and has a brass deflector, forward assist, and full-length Picatinny rail. The lower receiver features a generous flare on the magazine well for easy magazine insertion. There is also a Ruger Elite 452 trigger for a smooth, crisp 4.5-pound 2-stage trigger pull. A full-strength hammer spring and lightweight hammer ensure fast lock times and consistent primer ignition. The SFAR is also compatible with mil-spec MSR trigger groups, receiver end plates, charging handles, pistol grips, and adjustable stocks. The rifle ships with one, 20-round Magpul PMAG magazine and is compatible with SR25/AR-10-pattern .308 Win/7.62 NATO magazines.
Model Number 5610 Specifications
- Stock: Magpul MOE SL
- Handguard: Lite Free-Float with M-Lok Attachment Slots
- Sights: None
- Grip: Magpul MOE
- Capacity: 20
- Finish: Type III Hard-Coat Anodized
- Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
- Barrel Twist: 1:10-inch RH
- Grooves: 5
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24
- Height: 7.20 inches
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Length of Pull: 11 to 14.25 inches
- Overall Length: 34 to 37.25 inches
Model Number 5611 Specifications
- Stock: Magpul MOE SL
- Handguard: Lite Free-Float with M-Lok Attachment Slots
- Sights: None
- Grip: Magpul MOE
- Capacity: 20
- Finish: Type III Hard-Coat Anodized
- Barrel Length: 20 inches
- Barrel Twist: 1:10-inch RH
- Grooves: 5
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24
- Height: 7.20 inches
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Length of Pull: 11 to 14.25 inches
- Overall Length: 38 to 41.25 inches
MSRP for either model of the Ruger SFAR is set at $1,229.