Sig 556 rifles?

[aggie97]

My wife has asked what I might want for Xmas and I mentioned a Sig 556 rifle. Anyone out there have one or have any likes/dislikes about them? Looking at the Classic Swat model. Local store is selling them pretty cheap. I've been wanting a gas piston AR but if the 556 is well liked, I might just go that route for something different.

Thanks!

[Moose242]

I have one. Here are a few points-

The good:
Reliable as hell with 2 gas settings (one for the man who never, ever cleans his guns)
Folding stock
Full length picatinny rail

The Bad:
Heavy as fuck
Comically inaccurate; Seriously, fucking inaccurate with a wandering POI
Long stroke gas piston that isn't connected to the BCG
Optics are hard to mount because they will interfere with the charging handle being pulled back
Reciprocating charging handle
Not a real sig 550 series gun (made here with a shitty aluminum allow upper that really sucks)

[Samhain]

Are they still chewing up the finish around the ejection port?

[Moose242]

Are they still chewing up the finish around the ejection port?

Yes, but most rifles in my experience do this. I don't count this as a negative because it doesn't affect the function in any way. If you are a gear queer though I guess it could be a real deal breaker.

[aggie97]

interesting about the accuracy comment. What I am reading on "gun" oriented forums are that they are dead reliable and VERY accurate. A few complaints about the wobbly folding stock, TONS of complaints about the 7.62 version, but generally good reviews. They use std AR15 mags which I have a ton of and it's mostly going to be a play/range gun so no 20 mile hikes with an 8lbs instead of 7lb gun. Parts availability is a common complaint but they are comparing that to the parts of an AR15 which there are 92.3 million companies selling AR15 parts so yeah, availability is less.

To get the AR15 I want is going to get into the $1700 range and here are these 556 swats at the local store for $1100 with the gas piston setup, 4 sided rail setup like I want and generally good quality and a warranty for defects. If I built an AR or had one put together like I want, It's going to cost more and not have the benefits of being backed by a manufacturer.

Anyway, keep the actual experiences coming.....I do hope SIG figures out the 556R problems as I would love a better 7.62x39 rifle than the worn out SKS I currently have.

[CJ]

I've also found them to be inaccurate. Overpriced for what you get. You can build a very nice Ar15 for the money you plan on spending. Piston and everything.

[YALE]

This thread makes me want an FNC.

[CJ]

This thread makes me want an FNC.

If you don't plan on buying an auto sear get a SCAR, they're cheaper.

[YALE]

If you don't plan on buying an auto sear get a SCAR, they're cheaper.

Thanks!

[Moose242]

This thread makes me want an FNC.

Would recommend. In fact I have one at my desk right now, lol.

[YALE]

While we're at it, do HK93's eat brass like HK91's?

[CJ]

While we're at it, do HK93's eat brass like HK91's?

yes all of them have fluted chambers. An HK93 is a neat gun, but an AR15 is a better gun in just about every area.

[Moose242]

yes all of them have fluted chambers. An HK93 is a neat gun, but an AR15 is a better gun in just about every area.

Sans reliability

[CJ]

Sans reliability

I knew you would be drooling to call me on reliability, but I honestly do not know the answer to that. They might be more reliable than an AR15. I've never shot a few thousand rounds through an HK93 to really verify that. But I'll take lighter, more modular, doesn't destroy brass, more accurate, 4 times cheaper, easier to mount optics, and the larger aftermarket of an AR15. And if we need to swing dingalings, put a piston on your AR and save a few grand

[Moose242]

I knew you would be drooling to call me on reliability, but I honestly do not know the answer to that. They might be more reliable than an AR15. I've never shot a few thousand rounds through an HK93 to really verify that. But I'll take lighter, more modular, doesn't destroy brass, more accurate, 4 times cheaper, easier to mount optics, and the larger aftermarket of an AR15. And if we need to swing dingalings, put a piston on your AR and save a few grand

What if I want my gun to appreciate in value quicker?

And I would wager that the accuracy difference is negligible at 100-300 yards between a 33/93 and a 16 inch carbine AR (the stamped receiver is the Achilles heal of the g3, but .223 obviously produces less receiver flex). Who knows, would make a good test IMO. But yes, the 93/33 series is heavy as fuck. No getting around that. It also is not that modular (was never really adopted or modified) but does have provisions for running optics not limited to a top welded picatinny rail.

That being said if the OP want a long-stroke piston gun I would suggest a .223 Arsenal AK. Atlantic has them for around $1000.