Ruger has just announced that they’ve expanded their piston AR line to include a 8.6 lbs. 7.62  battle rifle called the SR-762.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce the new Ruger® SR-762™, bringing the .308 Win./7.62 NATO cartridge to the popular SR-556® family of rifles. The SR-762™ offers the downrange authority of the .308 cartridge in a two-stage, piston-driven rifle that runs cooler and cleaner than traditional gas-driven AR-style rifles.

The SR-762™ is an ideal rifle for those who appreciate the familiar and ergonomic AR-style platform. The .308 Win./7.62 NATO cartridge is perfect for hunting medium and most large-sized game and enhances the capability of the AR-style platform in defensive or tactical roles.

The SR-762™ retains the features of the original SR-556® that make it a solid performer among AR-style rifles. The patent-pending, two-stage piston delivers a smooth power stroke to the one-piece bolt carrier, which reduces felt recoil and improves the rifle’s durability. The four-position gas regulator allows the shooter to tune the rifle to function reliably with a broad variety of ammunition and in varying environmental conditions.

A heavy contour, 16.12″ chrome-lined, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1:10″ twist features exterior fluting to minimize weight, yet provides outstanding accuracy. With the Ruger® Lightweight Adaptable handguard in place, the SR-762™ weighs 8.6 pounds and balances comfortably.

Three 20-round MAGPUL® PMAG® magazines are provided with the SR-762™. Folding backup iron sights, a Hogue® Monogrip®, Picatinny rail sections and rail covers add considerable value to the package, as does the six-position stock, sight adjustment tool, and a soft-sided carry case.

The Ruger® SR-762™ has a suggested retail price of $2,195.

I’ve had a little experience with the SR-762’s older sibling (the SR-556FB), so I’m sure the rifle will offer acceptable accuracy, be very reliable, and run cool.

What I’m less certain of is where it fits in the market.

Thoughts?