AR vs. SIG 556...How Do They Stack Up??

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I have a buddy that wants to get his first AR, I already have a Colt. He has been looking through all kinds of websites and catalogs and such. He has never owned an AR or shot one. The other day he asked me how the SIG 556 rifles compare to the AR style rifles. I don't know much about the SIG 556 other than having a chance to handle one for a few minutes in my local shop several months ago. It seemed like a really nice rifle and wouldn't mind owning one myself. I don't know if I would rather have the 556 than a nice AR though.

So if you don't mind, can you all tell me about the 556 and how it compares to an AR? Does the 556 have any advantages over the standard AR? If given the choice between the 556 and a nicely equipped AR, which would you pick and why? Hopefully I can get enough info from you guys to be able to advise my buddy on it.

Thanks for the help and your time.

BD

 

[matrem]

I know virtually nothing about the Sig, but the ONE thing I feel safe in assuming? You will have a lot more options & more manufacturer support with the AR.

 

[nwilliams]

The 556 is a fine gun but the AR will give you more options. I have a Sig 556 and I love it but I plan on buying another AR very soon. They are two completely different guns and really all they have in common is that they both use the same mags and caliber.

The 556 has much more in common with an AK than it does with an AR. The big complaint about the 556 is that it doesn't look enough like the other Sig rifles. Also people who have no personal experience with the Sig 556 will tell you that it sucks. Those are the people you should listen to instead of the people who actually own them

Personally I think you can't go wrong with an AR and the Sig 556 is not for everyone. The AR is versatile, reliable, accurate, proven and easy to customize, you really can't go wrong. If you want something a little different then go with the Sig 556. IMHO the Sig is no replacement for an AR, it's just something else to have in the collection to tick off the anti's. Besides that the Sig is very reliable, uses the same operating system as it's older Swiss 55* siblings and does have some customizable features which make it more ergonomic. Like I said the 556 is not an AR they are so different it's really hard to compare them in any way, the Sig 556 is just another EBR in .223 that utilizes a few AR parts.

All said and done the AR is a better value for the money but the Sig 556 is a fine option for those looking for something a little different. Both are great guns but like I said earlier the 556 is not for everyone and you can't go wrong with an AR.

 

[RP88]

The Sig is very accurate and very reliable. The gas-piston reliability is the only thing it really has over the AR in my opinion. The AR is lighter, a bit more accurate, cheaper, and has MUCH better ergonomics and controls.

edit: I own ARs and have handled and shot a Sig 556. As said, it's my opinion on which is better.