A question for Sig 556 owners......

[ATLDave]

There's no question Sig had a very rough patch with QC around this rifle. The design is fundamentally very sound, robust, durable, etc.

Mine started life with a QC issue that took two return trips to Exeter, NH, to fix; Sig always paid shipping both ways, and turned it around promptly, so credit for decent CS. And it was always a little balky (1-in-60 problem rate) with its factory mag. I switched to PMAGs, and those run flawlessly.

I am under the impression that later production runs had QC tightened up, but by then some damage had been done to reputation, and you'll get people saying that the rifles are inherently junk. They aren't. The design is a very strong one, and the major components are very strong. There are just some bad examples extant, along with some very good ones.

FWIW, mine has a strong preference for heavier bullets (62 gr and up, really likes 69gr Sierra Match Kings) for accuracy, though it feeds everything I've ever run through it.

As for why someone might turn the gas plug upside down, some people to that for target shooting, because it lets them cycle the gun manually and save their brass. The extraction/ejection process is hard on brass. I was not a reloader when I got my Sig; now that I am, I would probably choose a different gun.

 

[stubbicatt]

Well, I hope that at least *one* of them squeaked through QC with no issues, above average accuracy, robust small parts, and good karma.

I say this because I expect one to show up at the LGS tomorrow.

Now to start worrying about magazines.

Regards,
Stubb

 

[Averageman]

Buy Blue Locktite,.....lots of Blue Locktite.
I have no doubt that Sig went back to the drawing board and came up with some improvements,..they had to.
Honestly my only gripe with the rifle was that it was poorly assembled, had cheap sights and it took forever for them to listen long enough to take the rifle back and realise they assembled it wrong.
Oh, other than that it was waiting for a replacement and getting another lemon.
Sorry, if you were my best buddy I would do everything I could to talk you out of buying one.
Maybe I just got two in a row that were bad, but then I dont know that to be a fact, what I do know is that Sig got my money once and wont get it again.

 

[stubbicatt]

I appreciate your comments Averageman. Truly I do. I took a risk, and i can hear a wagon drawing up outside. The horse is stomping its foot impatiently and snorting. Whether it is the SIG fanboi wagon replete with banners and cheerleaders, or the wagon of discontent, I cannot yet tell. If the latter, I'm sure I'll be in good company with you in there, and someone, somewhere, someday, will find my SIG rifle wrapped around a tree.

If it be the fanboi wagon, I get the impression that I may well be the only one in there, banging the drum and blowing the horn! LOL!

Thanks for all the advice, and for my own sake I hope that this one works right.

 

[JustinJ]

Well, I hope that at least *one* of them squeaked through QC with no issues, above average accuracy, robust small parts, and good karma.

As i understand the current production models have much better QC. Of course that irks me given i bought one early.

 

[rugerdude]

I've got the new version of the classic with the original sig-style stock and the rotary aperture sights.

Great rifle, very reliable. An ambidextrous safety that doesn't compromise my shooting grip is always a welcome feature. I paid 1150 for mine and I'd say it's worth it. Very attractive piece and it's nice to have something a little different than the standard AR or AK fare while maintaining positive attributes of both.

My receiver is a little discolored from brass hitting it, but after the abuse I put my issued M4A1 through I just don't care about a pristine finish the way I used to.

 

[stubbicatt]

Yay! Mine arrived at the FFL yesterday. I brought it home an fiddled about with it.

I am so accustomed to the "rock in" type of magazine that the AR style magwell is giving me fits. Too, the fit of the magazine to the magazine well is snug... one must get his mag perfectly lined up before attempting to insert.

The upper receiver is the serial numbered part on this one, not like the AR 15.

The trigger is sorta vague, but I haven't cleaned it out just yet, and it may improve with use.

Bought it from Buds Gun Shop online, and while it took them a very long time to ship it, it is certainly a nice rifle.

 

[Ar180shooter]

Congrats, they are fine rifles for the most part. Buy lots of ammo!

 

[K1500]

and magazines are maybe a bit too specialized for my taste. Same for the Mini 14, to hear people speak of it it will not be able to hit the broad side of the barn, magazines are expensive.

Not totally true on a Mini. yes, factory mags are fairly high ($30 a pop), but they are much more robust than most AR mags. Aftermarket exist (mixed reviews), but they are not much more than AR mags.

As far as accuracy, most guys that deride it havent even shot or owned one. While they do not shoot as good as a typical AR, they are not as bad as a typical AK. If you get a Mini, get the new barrel profile (581 and up series). They aren't for everyone, but they are way better than their detractors claim. My guess is they shoot nearly as well as the SIG you want.

P.S. They make a Purple Loctite that is a bit less aggressive than the blue and is marketed for setscrews. Most autoparts stores can get it in next day for no shipping if they do not have it (at least my O'Rielly Auto Parts did).