SIG 556 Patrol conversion to SBR?

[MasterSergeantA]

The Kid's looks like an old Thermold from where I sit...but could be something else. I know SIG made a magazine as well of similar design specifically for the 556.

Good luck with the 556R. I thought about it, but will wait until; SIG appears to have worked the bugs out. Not everyone is happy with their new toy. http://www.sig556r.com/topic/9-556r/

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

MSG - Thanks for the heads up on the 556R! Mine is still on order from the factory, but when I get it I will definitely post my impressions for you. Happy Holidays!

 

[9teenEleven]

Just a friendly reminder, but shooting into the ground at a shallow angle like that it is very likely that you are going to skip some bullets up into the sky.

 

[kimberkid]

P.S. KimberKid -- What's the make of that magazine you've got in your rifle? And do you like it? I've found that PMAGs work like a champ with mine.

Actually its an Orlite ... Over the last 25 or so years I've accumulated 50 or so 30round GI mags, a bunch of 20rounders and a bunch of these Orlites as well as some 5 rounders and other oddball NATO mags.

I like Magpul products and have several of thier stocks & grips ... I've been tempeted to pick up a pmag or two but the desire hasn't been great enough.

 

[o Unforgiven o]

That is what I always use. Photobucket comes and goes, lots of broken links there in older threads found by searching.

Not true. When you see a broken link or photos that don't show it is because the person has removed them from whatever hosting site they use. So whatever that person had linked to them or posted will no longer be there because that URL leads to a photo on the hosting site that is no longer there.

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

Thanks - I took that into account before I did it. My back yard is more of a swamp than anything else and the ground is incredibly soft. If I thought there was a chance of skipping bullets, I would have found another solution.

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

So I just checked out SIG's website last night, and it seems they are now marketing (by popular demand, no doubt) factory SBR editions of all their main battle rifles (except the 556R). My project seems somewhat diminished now...

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

Just got the tax stamp back. Upper is at the gunsmith's now. Pictures to follow...

 

[Swing]

Ah, nice.

 

[RAINS]

Ah very cool! Welcome to the club! For blasting ammo my 556sbr loves Remmy 55g stuff. I don't like that darn federal xm193. Seems like most of the powder com-busts out the front end of the barrel.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

Just got the tax stamp back. Upper is at the gunsmith's now. Pictures to follow...

Excellent! I look forward to seeing the photos.

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

Finally done! The gunsmithing cost $160. The guy said he didn't have any problems re-threading the barrel and (as far as I can tell) he didn't have to remove the barrel from the receiver, he just clamped the receiver and cut the barrel that way. Here's the finished product:

Without Sight


With Sight


Barrel w/Thread Protector


Barrel w/out Thread Protector


Close Up of Barrel Crown


My thanks to everyone who gave me advice on this project! I'm not sure what I'll start on next, but when I do, I'll start a new thread.

~ CPT A.

P.S. Here's a cost breakdown for those of you who are curious:

$1,100 - 556 Patrol, NEW
$200 - Tax Stamp
$160 - Barrel cut, crown, & re-thread
-------
$1,460 - TOTAL (minus sight)

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

FYI - Earlier, someone had posted concerns regarding cycling after the barrel had been cut down. I am happy to report that I have had exactly - ZERO - problems with the weapon before or after the barrel was cut down. However, I will post an update if anything comes up.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

Day-um, Cap! That turned out sweet. Can't believe I missed you posting the pictures a whole month ago.

The threaded muzzle is just asking for my three-lug adapter and can. What is the optic?

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

LOL, no worries -- I kinda ninja-ed it on there. The optic is a Trijicon Reflex 42mm with 6.5 MOA (pretty sure it's 6.5 at least...) dual-illuminated dot (fiber optic + tritium). Ran me $460 on Amazon -- MSRP is $650, so I consider that a win.

 

[MrM4]

If he just chucked the receiver in the lathe instead of turning between centers how do you know if the threads are concentric?

 

[HauptmannAmerika]

Well, I didn't check it with a micrometer, but it looks pretty concentric to me. Or am I misunderstanding your question?