SIG 551 A1?

When did this rifle come out? What are the reports on it? Accuracy? Reliablity?


And why wasn`t I notified??

I handled one the other day, and it seemed what I was hoping it would be. I personally didn't find anything too much I didn't like. A better rear sight would be nice though, something alittle more like the original. I would say it's OK as it is, and still quite usable, I just like the Swiss ones. I haven't seen anything negative yet from someone who actually has one. Lots of gripes from some who don't(not necessarily on this site) own one, and most of those were from people who hadn't actually seen one in person. Some people don't like the machined lower, but to me personally that's 6 of one, half dozen of the other. No it's not a 100% clone of the original Swiss guns, but it's close enough for me to be happy with it, though I may look for something in the way of a rear sight that is closer to the original, just because I like those. I'm probably going to get one of these rifles eventually(i.e. when I have enough $). I have handled a few original Swiss rifles, a Sig 552 and a Sig 543, hence my interest in this thing. I was not at all disappointed with the 551 A1 I handled.

There is an article in this months guns and ammo about them, and there is a quick video review on the NRAs page from back in June when they first came out.

.Did you see the thread about conversion kits for Sig 556s? Apparently Sig is offering some parts to convert 556s to 551A1 type lowers.

The 551 A1 is a great gun. Accuracy is top notch. Fit & Finish is great. I've fired about 800 rnds so far and runs perfect.

Sounds like its what Sig should`ve put out in the first place. Lets see some pics

So this does better than the supposed greater than 2 MOA of the 556 that some people here have reported? It's more accurate?

I was able to hit red clays at 120 yards consistantly using a MArk AR 1.5x4 X 20 scope all day long standing. Have not shot for groups on paper but hit coke cans and red clays almost every time at 120 yards. My 556 Classic SWAT shoots 1 - 1.5" all day long uusing a 3X9X40 scope and Black Hills 75gr HP

Where are they built?

At SIg like the 556 and 516. They are importing a lot of swiss parts now. The 551A1 I have is tight and accurate. the 551A1's even have the grey finish on the gas block and gas regulator. Mags are getting cheaper to. SIg has them for $37.80 now.

Link for mags?

can the barrel be cut and sbr'ed to look like a real 551?

You could but you'd be going through the expense and hassle of an SBR to end up with a barrel that's only a couple inches below minimum rifle requirements. Seems to me it's not really worth it. Also, you'd probably want to buy a Swiss-style flash hider.

Yup almost makes me regret selling my 556

I keep hearing that the original 550 is the cat's ass of 5.56 rifles. I assume that's because of handfitted parts and Swiss craftsmanship that just isn't going to be replicated in a domestic clone?

The 551-A1 in really sweet.

Can we get some pics!

I want to see with 20 rounders.

For your viewing pleasure...

Beautymus I love mine as well. I just ordered some Swiss handgards for it.

I've been wanting to get the actual Swiss handguards but still haven't managed to pony up the $100. With the holidays being here and a snowboard trip out West in January I'm holding out on cash right now.

They will be there when you get back. Sig is now stocking them.

Forgive my ignorance but besides the fact it takes swiss mags, what is the difference between this rifle and a standard Classic 556?

Swiss folder and Swiss handguards. Lighter weight. 550 style flash hider.

This is definitely a move in the right direction, the 550 style flash hider is still not right, but close.

Is it possible that they went with the longer flash hider in order to keep the OAL >= 26" when the stock is folded?

Just got my A1 and shot 140 rounds with zero issues out of the box.


The owners manual mentions there is a 551A1 Short and SF Short with a 10' barrel, me wanty

If Sig would have built this rifle first they would have gotten a lot less flack. It is what most people wanted.
I for one would have bought a classic. I still might buy one. Took them long enough to catch on.

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