Extar EXP556 5.56 NATO AR Pistol, 8.25 in Threaded Barrel, Short-Stroke Piston, Left-Side Charging, Polymer Receiver, with Magpul BAD Lever
This Extar EXP556 stands out for its lightweight, bufferless design and side-charging layout. It uses a short-stroke gas piston with a proprietary gas block and right-side ejection, paired with a polymer receiver and handguard to keep weight around 48 oz unloaded. The 8.25-inch steel barrel is threaded and fitted with a ported muzzle device. A receiver-length top Picatinny rail and an installed Magpul BAD Lever add practical usability. Made in the USA.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This pistol is in great shape with a few minor scratches and small blemishes from prior handling. The bore has a bright, reflective finish.
What's Included
- Extar EXP556 5.56 NATO AR pistol with installed Magpul BAD Lever bolt-catch extension
- One 30-round Hexmag HX-AR Series 2 polymer AR-15 pattern magazine
The EXP556 uses a semi-automatic, short-stroke gas piston system with a proprietary gas block. It features right-side ejection and omits a forward assist, while retaining familiar AR-pattern controls and a two-position manual safety selector.
The 8.25-inch steel barrel is threaded and equipped with a ported muzzle device. This compact barrel length keeps the pistol maneuverable while maintaining compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines in 5.56 NATO.
A bufferless internal recoil system with a polymer end cap, combined with a polymer receiver and handguard, delivers an extremely lightweight build at approximately 48 oz unloaded. The round, ribbed polymer handguard and polymer pistol grip provide a consistent interface.
The side-charging, left-side charging handle makes operation straightforward, and the pistol provides a receiver-length top Picatinny rail for mounting. The platform is shipped without sights.
This example includes a Magpul BAD Lever installed on the bolt catch, a practical upgrade that complements the AR-pattern control layout.