Ruger Harrier – 5.56 NATO, 16.1" Government Barrel, A2 Grip and M4 Stock (28601)

The Harrier is Ruger's completely re-engineered modern sporting rifle line, built at their newly acquired Hebron, Kentucky factory. What matters about it is that Ruger did not build to a price and call it done: the receivers are machined from 7075 forgings to mil-spec dimensions with Type III hardcoat anodizing, the barrel and the entire bolt carrier group are black nitride, the gas key is staked, and the handguard is a 15" free-float M-LOK tube with QD sockets on both sides. This configuration runs a carbine-length gas system with an A2 grip and M4-style collapsible stock. Ruger model 28601, UPC 736676286010.

The Details That Separate a Good AR From a Cheap One

• 7075 forged receivers, machined to mil-spec dimensions, Type III hardcoat anodized — and the lower includes an upper/lower tension screw to take the wobble out of the fit.
• Staked gas key on the bolt carrier — the single most reliable indicator that a manufacturer built the BCG correctly. An unstaked key backs out and the rifle stops working.
• Black nitride bolt, carrier, and gas key, with a chrome-plated firing pin.
• Cold-button-rifled 16.1" Government profile barrel in 1:8" twist, black nitride finish, threaded 1/2"-28 with a removable A2 flash hider.
• 15" free-float slim-profile handguard — M-LOK at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock plus eight intermediate slots at the muzzle end, with QD sling sockets on both sides.
• Flat-top upper with forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector.

Carbine Gas and Classic Furniture

This configuration uses a carbine-length gas system with an A2 pistol grip and an M4-style collapsible stock on a mil-spec carbine buffer tube with a staked castle nut. Ruger also gives it a lighter-profile handguard without a full-length top rail — Picatinny at the front and rear of the 12 o'clock position rather than a continuous rail. If you run a red dot on the upper and don't need rail real estate up front, that's weight you don't have to carry.

Ruger Harrier 28601 Specifications

28601 or 28600? The Real Difference

It is not just the furniture. The two Harrier models differ in gas system length and rail coverage:

Barrel, chamber, twist, receivers, BCG, trigger, buffer system, and magazine are identical between the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot .223 Remington in it?
Yes. Ruger states the Harrier is 5.56 NATO chambered and compatible with both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition.

Does it come with sights?
No. It has a flat-top Picatinny upper for mounting your choice of optic or backup irons.

Carbine gas or mid-length — which should I get?
Mid-length (28600) generally produces a softer, more drawn-out impulse and slightly less port pressure. Carbine gas (this rifle) is the traditional 16" configuration and is completely proven. Either runs; mid-length is the modern preference.

Is the gas key staked?
Yes — Ruger specifies a staked gas key, which is the mark of a properly assembled bolt carrier group.

All firearm purchases must ship to a licensed FFL dealer. Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.