About the Ruger Harrier 28600 AR-15 5.56 NATO Semi-Auto Rifle — 16.1" Barrel

Ruger Harrier 28600 AR-15 — New for 2026

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has re-entered the AR-15 market with a completely re-engineered platform: the Harrier. Built at Ruger's newly acquired Hebron, Kentucky facility — formerly the Anderson Manufacturing plant — the Harrier represents a ground-up evolution of Ruger's modern sporting rifle line. The Model 28600 is the feature-loaded variant, equipped with a Magpul furniture package and a full-length Picatinny rail handguard for serious shooters who want versatile mounting options out of the box.

The Harrier's engineering philosophy is built on three pillars: mil-spec construction, user-adjustable fit, and field-proven reliability. Every component is selected to meet or exceed military specification, from the forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers to the Type III hard-coat anodized finish to the staked castle nut on the carbine buffer tube. This is not a budget rifle that merely references mil-spec — it is built to it.

The Magpul Package

Model 28600 ships with Magpul's MOE-K2 grip and DT Carbine stock as standard equipment. The MOE-K2 grip features an aggressive texture and near-vertical angle that works well for both standing and supported shooting positions. The DT Carbine stock rides on a mil-spec carbine buffer tube and provides six positions of length-of-pull adjustment, covering shooters from compact to large frame without requiring any tools. Together, these components deliver a factory ergonomics package that previously required aftermarket investment.

Free-Floated 15-Inch Handguard with Full Picatinny Rail

The 28600's rigid, free-floated 15-inch handguard features M-Lok accessory slots along all four sides plus a full-length Picatinny top rail. Free-floating the barrel eliminates the accuracy penalty introduced when a sling or bipod exerts pressure on the handguard, since no force is transmitted to the barrel. The full-length top rail enables continuous optic and accessory mounting without gaps. M-Lok slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions accept any M-Lok-compatible accessories — lights, foregrips, bipod mounts, and more — without requiring dedicated Picatinny rail sections for most common additions.

Mil-Spec Barrel and BCG

The 16.1-inch barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO (accepting both 5.56 and .223 Remington) with a 1:8-inch twist rate that stabilizes bullets from 55 grains through 77 grains, covering the full range of commonly available 5.56 ammunition. The barrel is finished with black-nitride treatment for corrosion resistance. Muzzle threads are cut at 1/2-28 TPI and capped with a classic A2 flash hider. The 28600 uses a mid-length gas system, which runs at lower pressure than carbine-length systems and delivers softer perceived recoil.

Within the bolt carrier group, the bolt, carrier, and gas key all receive black-nitride finish. The firing pin is chrome-plated and the gas key is staked — both indicators that Ruger is building to field-service, not just paper specification. A mil-spec charging handle and flat-top upper with Picatinny rail slots complete the package.

Lower Receiver Details

The lower receiver includes a GI single-stage trigger, safety selector, and trigger guard. Notably, Ruger includes an integrated tension screw that allows users to fine-tune the fit between the upper and lower receivers — eliminating the rattle that plagues many factory AR-15s without requiring a gunsmith. The mil-spec carbine buffer tube, staked castle nut, standard recoil spring, and carbine-weight buffer complete the lower assembly.

Full Specifications

Shipping, returns and FFL transfer

• Firearms ship only to a licensed FFL dealer you choose at checkout, never to a home address. You pick it up there with photo ID after the ATF Form 4473 and background check. The dealer charges their own transfer fee.
• Shipping is $29.99 per order, free on orders over $999. Orders usually leave within 1–3 business days after payment clears and we have your dealer’s license.
• A firearm can be returned before transfer; once transferred it cannot be returned for a refund, but the maker’s warranty still applies.

Full terms: shipping and FFL transfers · returns and refunds · FAQ · contact us.

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