Ruger AR-556 (Model 8502, State-Compliant)

The Ruger AR-556 Model 8502 is the retail-shelf default for buyers in New Jersey, Colorado, and Hawaii who want a current-production AR-15 without any aftermarket gunsmithing. Ruger ships the 8502 with three deliberate configuration choices that clear feature-test and magazine-cap regulations in those states: a fixed M4-style synthetic stock with a mil-spec buffer tube, a non-threaded 16.1-inch muzzle with no flash hider or compensator, and a 10-round metal magazine in the box.

Mechanically the rifle matches the rest of the AR-556 line. The cold hammer-forged 16.1-inch barrel runs a 1:8 twist that stabilizes everything from 55-grain training loads to 77-grain match ammo. The receiver is forged 7075-T6 with Type III hard-coat anodizing, and the M-LOK free-float handguard provides a modern accessory mounting interface. Ruger Rapid Deploy folding sights ship from the factory, which is rare at this price point and a quiet quality-of-life win for new buyers who do not want to budget for irons on day one.

The trade-off vs the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport III NJ-compliant variant is 0.6 lb of extra weight (7.1 vs 6.5 lb) and a slightly smaller aftermarket footprint than the M&P15 lineage. For buyers who want a factory-built compliant AR from a name brand stocked at every major US firearm retailer, the 8502 is the easiest path to a New Jersey-legal 5.56 carbine.