I think we can agree that Ruger has a long legacy of delivering high-value innovative firearms. However, I am not aware of Ruger ever stepping in and offering a custom-tier class barrel such as those from Proof Research. Ruger initially dabbled in the $2,000+ AR market with its first AR — a $2,000 gas piston rifle in 2009. Later Ruger offered a unique takedown model.
It is very interesting to see Ruger push back into this custom tier of offerings and extremely interesting to see a $1,000 Proof Research barrel riding in a $2,049 MSRP rifle with all these extras. It becomes one of those guns that it is hard to not walk out with.
With the MPR-556 model 8548, Ruger has prescriptively added upgrades where they would matter most. As an example, billet receivers versus quality Mil-Spec upper and lower receivers do not drive accuracy, but the barrel, trigger, premium bolt, and comfortable furniture do, so this is where Ruger focused.
Proof Research .223 Wylde Carbon Fiber Barrel
Proof Research retails its match-grade, stainless, carbon fiber-wrapped barrel for $1,000, but usually has a three-month backorder. I for one believe that the price, and wait, are justified after owning Proof Research barrels on Ruger 10/22, RPRs, and various AR formats — they deliver accuracy that far surpasses the stunning looks.
Ruger chose to use Proof’s .223 Wylde 18-inch barrel. Carbon fiber greatly improves heat dissipation, stiffness, with about a 60% weight reduction. The net effect is an 18-inch barrel that feels like a lightweight 16-inch barrel.
Carbon fiber has a high-thermal conductivity cooling the barrel significantly faster which provides less heat distortion. That trait paired with the stiffer than steel characteristics of carbon fiber all improve accuracy even after many consecutive shots. Proof Research is not just about carbon fiber barrel wrapping, as its 100% stainless barrels also deliver premier tier accuracy.
The match .223 Wylde chambering in this 18-inch 1:8 twist barrel also helps maximize accuracy with both 5.56 and .223 rounds. My personal experience with Proof barrels is that they consistently deliver ¼–½ MOA accuracy, and this Ruger did not disappoint with 77-grain Sierra MatchKing ammunition.
More Than a Carbon Fiber Barrel
There is no doubt the Proof Research barrel will turn heads, but all the extras make this way more than just a barrel swap model for Ruger. Ruger has done a shockingly great job with the Ruger Elite 452. The numbering reflects the 4.5 pound 2-stage trigger pull.
If you think Ruger only ships MPRs with horrible MIL-SPEC triggers then you are in for a treat because this Elite 452 trigger is so good, most will skip the thought of an upgrade. Ruger also did some trickery to assure there were no light hammer strikes with a full-strength hammer spring but an ultralight hammer. The result makes you wonder why Ruger is not including this on all models.
Ruger stepped away from its usual strategy of their own Ruger designed and branded furniture and features a Magpul PRS Lite stock and MOE K2 grip which fit the model intent perfectly. Ruger has done a good job designing a sturdy forend and this 15-inch free-float M-Lok slot equipped handguard is rock solid. What is a custom AR build without a little customer Cerakote. This MPR coated in a gray with red selector and trigger for some style pop. This all adds up to a very sharp looking build.
Specifications: Ruger MPR Model 8548 AR-556
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
Finish: Gray Cerakote
Height: 8 inches
Weight: 7.4 pounds
Overall length: 37.63–39 inches
Length of pull: 13.88–15.25 inches
Grooves: 4
Includes: 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine
Suggested retail: $2,049
Final Thoughts
The question is whether you would pay about $2,000 for a top-tier AR loaded with one of the best barrels on the market, top tier furniture, and a legitimately match-ready trigger plus some Cerakote fun. Personally, it seems like one heck of a deal for a sub ½-MOA factory rifle that you can pull from the box and compete with. While a $2,000 AR may not be in the card for all of us, the Ruger AR-556 MPR is always a great option at a much more affordable price.
Do you own an AR-15? What sized group will it shoot? How does it compare to the Ruger MPR Model 8548 AR-556? Share your answers in the comment section.
Magpul PRS Lite stock is the perfect complement to the overall build. 
The Ruger MPR 8548 is one heck of a deal with a $1,000 Proof Research barrel included. 
Ruger’s 15-inch free float M-LOK handguard is rock solid. 
The Ruger 542 is a spectacular trigger. 
The SIG BDX was a fun optic for the Ruger. The Proof Research barrel is a proven .25–.5 MOA performing barrel.
@Rockit… want some real fun… is if I got tossed an actual to shoot that was a reverse of a right handed version, I’d most likely be checking my butt at the Pearly Ones. A bolt action Stevens in left hand version feels weird… can I shoot it, sure can but I’d probably choke it up actually reaching over to run the bolt. So, yeah, in a way, it’s “right handed” conditioning. Oddly, I have no issue shooting left handed and operating a bolt reaching over the action to do so. Would I want to in a rapid fire or combat. Not a chance. Am I accurate in doing so… as long as the gun is. And that’s a thing that drove my Dad nuts. He couldn’t shoot any long gun right handed if his butt depended on it which is a good thing he was radio repair in ‘Nam. Never mind on that. Stick an AR, M14 now or anything resembling a right handed in his hands… and Jesus H. Pretty sure Dyslexic would come up some some where.
@Rockit
You would think so. Tombstone Tactical in AZ had a DPMS but no longer.
Of course I can’t afford it. .22WMR, .17HMR… good luck with finding a heavy barrel bolt action Marlin 917V.
I have one.
@rockit
Okay, so I don’t like Canadians. Doesn’t mean I like French folk or Louisiana. 😆
SGT. DAVIS, you can no longer find any of that stuff you are looking for, because now everyone just wants Left-Handed AR stuff. LOL. Actually I went on line and found everything you have listed there, with the exception of the Hanchett brothers, as they may have gone to pound sand or toss rocks too. Sarg, you just have to try harder on your searches, be more creative, or talk to your supply person. Seriously it is all out there, but you may not like some of the prices. FYI: There is actually a polymer DPMS out there, including with a pencil barrel, it even comes with a giggle switch (pretty sure you know what that is), does not have the carry handle though, and they will deliver it right to your front door. It comes in 4.5mm, and what a hoot to shoot. Can be found for under $200, and kids love it. :-). 6,000 rounds (literally) of 4.5mm ammo for around $10, then just add gas. Have a good day.
@rockit
So what about JMT polymer lowers? Washington State shut them down. Sad that the Hanchett brothers dropped off the map because of it. Regardless of the fact they followed the letter of the Federal law. Sorta like DPMS uppers with pencil barrels chambered in 5.56mm or C Products Defense 30 round stainless mags. Can’t find any of that stuff anymore or an aluminum upper carry handle.
Guess it doesn’t matter. Pound sand or toss rocks. 😆
@rockit
I get it. Really, I do. Not like I can do much about it. I’m right eye dominate… sorta but I use the left eye if needed. It’s weird.
You’re welcome.
Sgt Davis, no I do not want to fight you, as I think we are on the same side, just maybe not the same team. Thank you for your service by the way. All I was saying is if a manufacture expects me to pay $2,000 for an AR, then it should accommodate my wishes to some degree. In other words before I would spend $2,000 for a right hand only AR with a plastic coated barrel, I would instead spend less for say a Sig, or a WLRC, both offering Ambidextrous controls as standard, both under $2,000, and in my view, the WLRC would make an excellent update to be THE STANDARD, for the base line AR. Also, I am glad I didn’t get the memo, as ALL of my stuff is either correct handed configuration, or even better, 100% ambidextrous. Being correct handed, and stump broke on an M-16 (without brass kicker, and bolt assist), I will never own a right hand only AR. I am sure you understand that statement. By the way, thanks to a right-hand only mentality school system, I am also 100% ambidextrous, just left-eye dominant. Have a good day Sargent.
@rockit
Not arguing one bit. Wanna fight about it? Fine, let’s drop the kid gloves. Unfortunate that it’s a right handed world and you have to adapt. Of course it’s not pleasant. Doesn’t matter if it’s left or right or if it has optics. AR or AK… who cares? Yes, as a former Master Sergeant it should matter, except it doesn’t.
SGT. DAVIS, and that is why the AR doesn’t make it out of the Right hand ONLY Stone Age design it is, because correct handed people accept it, instead of encouraging improvement. With Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerically Controlled machines (CNC), even a mirror version of an AR shouldn’t be that big of a deal. As a Sgt, you should know that in modern day tactical training, it isn’t so much about correct-handed, but rather exercises in forced ambidextrous positions, and that is the reason for demanding ambidextrous controls, which should be standard on any tactical weapon, especially a $2,000 AR, which is twice what the “unaffordable” Henry cost by the way. The market is saturated with Right-hand only AR’s, so if a company wants to pick up an extra 10-30% (depending what stats you read) of the market, they could make that percentage of AL-15’s (Armalite Lefty), and you still wouldn’t be able to find one in a store, because they sell out that fast. Check out RedXarms, they cannot keep their AL uppers in stock.
@rockit
Yeah… Henry…. but who can afford it? Sure, I’d love to have a Henry brass reciever chambered in .30-40 Krag… s*** in one and wish in the other and see what happens first. Why .30 Gov? Why not? But I’ll take my Winchester USAR with no optic in .30/30.
@rockit
Yup, I get it, most of us correct handed folks learned to be an ambidextrous at an early age. Stick a “special” pair of left handed scissors in my hand and watch the fun, why? Because everything is geared to other handed folk. Using a left hand pair of scissors I’d honestly look like the kid on the short bus. Not to offend anyone with that comment. 🙄🤦🏼♂️
Sadly, you must adapt and over come.
Not a rifle for the masses as many will not load or purchase the ammo needed to achieve the accuracy potential of the rifle. Also, they lack the skills to do so. I have a couple of rifles that will shoot better than me. Many I see at our range just shoot to burn gunpowder, that’s OK as it keeps the ammo market flowing.
I do want accuracy in a rifle and enjoy shooting a good group. Practical accuracy for hunting or self-defense is usually more generous. In the latter, the need is for proficiency under stress and dependability of the firearm.
Ruger makes good firearms; I am sure they will improve on their design to appeal to a larger market.
Cheers,
Jet Vet
I’ll take my black rain ordnance over a ruger any day
How does this rifle compare to the SR-556 other than the $1,000 carbon Fiber barrel?
I am a Ruger fan, and a correct-handed person, but if it is an AR that cost $2,000, and doesn’t at least include ambidextrous controls? It is just another useless paper weight to me. Ruger put an expensive barrel on a, Right-hand only, tired ancient old design, and customers are supposed to be excited? Hint: To increase AR market share, take note: Henry Arms introduced it’s first Semi-Auto rifle, it is 100% ambidextrous, right out of the box, and it also kept some nostalgia by retaining a wooden stock. That means Henry wants to cater to 100% of that market. Now that is exciting! If Henry desires to enter the AR market, with that same mindset, it could be very interesting, and competitive.