Sig 556: Experiences and Opinions?

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DFW1911

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All,

I did a search on Sig 556 but no results were returned, so I apologize if this topic has been discussed ad nauseam.

I've been researching the Sig 556 and am interested in picking one up - I think. Before I plunk down the necessary $ I wanted to check w/ THR users for experience with / opinions on the rifle.

Most reviews have been positive, though I did read (in one of the gun rags) that the 556 had such tight tolerances that it would not function well in dust / dirt / sand :scrutiny; there was no data to support this claim and pretty much contradicts Sig's "To Hell and Back Reliability" marketing claim.

My experience with Sig pistols has shown them to be very reliable and well made firearms, but I have no experience with any rifles they produce.

Thanks in advance for your input and thoughts.

Take care,
DFW1911
 

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though I did read (in one of the gun rags) that the 556 had such tight tolerances that it would not function well in dust / dirt / sand :
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Yeah, I'm a bit leery of that claim, too. The SIG 55x series appears to be a mix of AK action/gas system and AR ergonomics.

I, too, have had nothing but good experiences with SIG products and would expect no less that excellence from the 556. So, I'm basically waiting for a good opportunity, too.
 
DFW1911,

I have limited experience with them. I've fired 2 or 3 mags worth of ammo through the Sig.

In short, I still prefer the AR15. It is lighter, which is what I prefer, and has better ergonmics for me.

Sig highlights: very soft shooter due to the heavy front end and gas piston action.
 
I've had mine since Sept. and has been nothing but flawless. Fly320s is right on about it being a soft shooter. It's the first centerfire rifle my son has ever fired and he was a bit leery of it but after just one round he was shooting like a pro. Haven't had a chance to mount any optics on it yet but am seriously considering an aimpoint.
 
Well its not a true Semi SIG 55x which is what I wanted and it isn't the most attractive arm and it doesn't come with proper iron sights like a fighting rifle should but.................................all that being said I LOVE mine. It is uber reliable with anthing, accurate with proper ammo and actually pretty cool once I added an Aimpoint and proper front and rear irons.

The 556 is a great gun but I wouldn't sell a proven AR for one. I do love mine though and have had NO problems.
 
I've been kicking around the idea of trying one out, and was really interested in the new SWAT version. Got the chance to hold one today at my local gun store, and boy was I disappointed.

The thing weighed 10+ lbs and the majority of that was out at the the end of the barrel. It surprised me, seeing how the gun had such a light profile barrel.

Guess, I'm going to pick up one of the AUG clones or wait for Steyr to start producing the AUG here in the USA soon......:D
 
I held one at a gun store today as well, and can't say I was too impressed. It was very front heavy and didn't point very well. This is a personal preference, but I also didn't like the abundance of "plastic" on the gun, and the foregrip and other parts wiggled around more than I'd prefer for a 1200+ dollar gun. I have a friend who owns one and loves it, hopefully I'll get to shoot it sometime but I saw nothing about it that made me want one over an AR, and you can get a heck of an AR for the same cost.
 
Thanks, everyone. I have held one and I agree - I wasn't expecting the balance to be "weight forward", I thought it would have more balance.

It does have enough mounts to add every light / laser / garage-door opener that you own.

I do like the ease of field stripping and the 2-stage gas valve (if that's what it's called), but was pretty disappointed in the lack of any "real" sights. I'm sure someone will be selling flip up sights for it any time.

Take care,
DFW1911
 
I have one, and it seems to have its pluses and minuses like most everything else.

Downsides:
  • It is heavier/bulkier feeling than an M4 or M4gery. Feels more like a full size rifle than a carbine when you handle it.
  • Charging handle is on the wrong side for easy operation by a right handed shooter. This is not really bad until you put an optic on it.
  • Factory BUIS isn't terribly great.
  • It has a good, strong AK style extraction and not only throws brass further than, say, an AR, but it sometimes beats up the cases pretty well, too.
  • Charging handle will not work with some of the Trijicon ACOG flat top bases (if they tighten on the right).

Pluses . . .
  • 1:7 twist barrel standard
  • Extremely good factory trigger.
  • Accuracy is quite good. I've hit out to 600 yards on steel chest plates with a 556 with an EOTech on it.
  • Gas piston does not seem overly sensitive, as far as I've run mine. Zero cleaning for 1000 rounds and it was running fine. I haven't done any low crawling, slinging mud into the action, etc, but I do doubt it's AK robust in that respect, since it deliver much better accuracy than an AK.
  • AR mag compatibility is a plus, but seems to be the industry standard these days for 5.56 rifles, so it's kind of a moot point stacked alongside XCRs, SCARs, Masadas, etc.
 
Extremely good factory trigger.
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I don't like it. It is good for a Sig trigger, meaning it has that Sig-standard take-up with a crisp finish. It almost feels like a double-action trigger, one that has been well tuned, but still too long for my tastes.
 
I'll keep my eyes peeled for a deal on one.

I'm already - and maybe incorrectly - thinking that the Bushmaster ACR and the SCAR will be "must buys", as would be an AUG if they ever really show up for sale.

Thanks again for the information. If I pick one up watch for a posting re: field test.

Take care,
DFW1911
 
I like mine a lot. Very nice shooter. Great trigger and awesome action. Pretty accurate too. The front end is heavy, which I don't like. Other than that, it's tits.
 
The 556 is the best thing going imho. I've had over 2 dozen rifles in various platforms (ar's, ak types, etc.) and prefer the 556 over all as a shooting tool. That front heavy feel can be reduced by swapping to 551 handguards (the drop half a lb. Over the plastic 556 hg's and more from the metal swat hg's). That front heavy balance makes it the fastest thing going for multiple target transitions. Pick it up, hold it and you'll find it decent if cosmetically challenged. Shoot it and you'll really dig it.
 
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