I would have called the rifles ‘Phoenix’ as it’s Anderson rising from the ashes.
Ruger Rings in New Year with Re-Engineered Harrier AR Rifles
alling its new AR-pattern guns a “completely re-engineered line of modern sporting rifles,” Ruger announced the arrival of its Harrier line of AR-pattern guns on New Year’s Eve.
The new 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem AR-15s are manufactured at Ruger’s recently acquired Hebron, Kentucky, factory – i.e., the now-defunct Anderson Manufacturing in disguise. There will be two models on offer to start in 2026.
Model 28600 comes with a mid-length gas system, Magpul MOE-K2 grip, Magpul DT Carbine stock, and a handguard with a full-length STANAG-spec top rail. Model 28601 will offer a carbine-length gas system, classic A2 grip, M4 collapsible stock, and a light-profile handguard, minus the full-length top rail.
“Introducing Harrier rifles marks an important step in advancing the quality and performance of our modern sporting rifle line,” said Todd Seyfert, Ruger’s president and CEO. “Ruger Harrier rifles combine the rugged reliability Ruger is known for with modern adaptability, making them an ideal choice for shooters seeking precision, durability, and customization – and we are excited that this is only the beginning.”
Both Harriers feature free-floated 15-inch handguards with M-LOK slots. They are made with forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers that meet mil-spec standards. The guns are finished with a Type III hard-coat anodizing.
The triggers are a GI single-stage affair with a standard left-side safety selector and flat trigger guard. One unique twist is an integrated tension screw that enables users to fine-tune their upper-to-lower fitment.
Other mil-spec features include the carbine buffer tube with a staked castle nut and a recoil spring with a carbine-weight buffer.
The guns come with 16.1-inch, black-nitride-coated barrels with a 1:8 twist and 1/2×28 TPI threads, topped with an A2 flash hider. The bolt carriers are also finished with black nitride and host a chrome-plated firing pin.
MSRP for the 6.6-pound Model 28601 comes in at $699. The Magpul-furnished 6.8-pound Model 28600 is set at an MSRP of $749.