AR15.Com Archives
 Sig 556 worth buying?
STREETREBEL  [Member]
3/16/2012 10:24:39 PM
I've heard Sig has quality issues.
I can buy a used 556 Quad for $900.
Are they any good?
Wulfmann  [Member]
3/16/2012 9:55:45 PM
IBTMTTTAFSF (In before they move this to the armory forum Sig forum.)

IMO the 556 is a very good carbine. I do not care for the muzzle heaviness nor the fact Sig will not sell spare parts (although they now sell a small parts kit with springs and pins etc) but you can not buy a bolt. They want you to return it to them for warranty service and I like spare parts.

$900.00 is a fair price if it is in very good+ condition

Wulfmann
Bassgasm  [Team Member]
3/16/2012 11:11:57 PM
Hell yes, they're good.

The 55_ series is the perfect fusion of the Stoner and Kalashnikov designs. The 556 is designed to use the same STANAG mags we use in ARs.

It gets the basic concept of the receiver layout from the M16. By that, I mean it's aluminum and it has a separate upper and lower held together by the takedown pins. This gives it a longer sight radius and more solid build than what you see on an AK.

It gets the bolt carrier group from the AK. It has a big piston that keeps a lot of the carbon and whatnot from spraying back into the action, and the bolt lug design is also very simple which means you don't have to deal with that damn star chamber. Basically, what I'm saying here is that it doesn't get dirty nearly as quickly as an AR and it's a lot easier to clean when it does.

Sig 556 vs AK: The AK is cheaper. I think that's the extent of the advantages. The Sig wins everything else.

Sig 556 vs AR: This one's more complicated. The Sig is a hair heavier than your average AR, but it's not really enough to complain about. As a result of the piston, the Sig has more weight up front than an AR, and it doesn't have the AR's big fixed buffer assembly to counter that weight up front. Because of this, a lot of guys feel that the Sig is too front heavy and that the AR is more balanced. In my opinion, the weight isn't really enough to make a difference. Also, because the Sig doesn't have a buffer sticking out of the receiver, it can be equipped with a folding stock. That makes it a lot easier to handle in tight spaces like getting in or out of a vehicle. The controls on the Sig tend to be a bit of a stretch to reach, so the AR wins ergos. It's also generally believed that the AR is a little bit more accurate. The Sig has a more solid design that lends itself to increased reliability, particularly in harsh environments.

My $.02: For target use, I prefer my AR. It's more comfortable, more accurate, and I think it's a bit more fun. In a situation where my ass is on the line, I'm grabbing my Sig. It may not be as accurate as the AR, but it's more than accurate enough, and I trust it more. YMMV
JedYonkers  [Team Member]
3/16/2012 11:14:51 PM
Love mine, very reliable and decent accuracy its not a 1 moa gun I consistently get 2 moa groups with 75 grain handloads. I don't find it to be all that front heavy at all and the trigger is great.
STREETREBEL  [Member]
3/16/2012 11:40:05 PM
I really like this rifle, but read that Sig USA had quality issues.
I think I'll pull the trigger on it anyway!
nf9648  [Team Member]
3/16/2012 11:43:46 PM
Good trigger, standard length is front heavy IMO. Im sure as a factory SBR, its awesome.
Stormhawk  [Member]
3/17/2012 12:27:32 PM
They are great rifles.I got my Patrol for $975 when Buds was running a special on them, $900 for a rifle with the rails is a good buy. Don't worry about QC issues. If they do creep up Sig is excellent about fixing them in a courteous and timely manner, I had to send my rifle back due to a crooked gas block and top rail. They fixed the problem, verified the sights would zero and returned it in less than three weeks. The rifle is a tank, heavier than your typical AR but absolutely unstoppable and just as accurate as an AR with a light weight barrel. More and more companies are coming out with aftermarket upgrades and accessories and I think there are even more to follow. Buy one,you'll love it.
sandblaster  [Team Member]
3/17/2012 12:36:00 PM
Buy an AR, ypu will be happier in the long run.
gixxer_sixxer  [Member]
3/17/2012 12:53:34 PM
IF you don't have an AR, then buy one before a Sig556 ( but since you more than likely have one or several )
I love my 556. I actually carry it more than the AR because I can fold it down smaller. It's not as accurate as some of my AR's but more than accurate enough for defense. It's a perfect blend between the AR and AK where the Daewoo 200 use to be.
backpacker21  [Team Member]
3/17/2012 3:59:01 PM
I love my 556. 5k rounds down the pipe without a single FTF. What I love most is that this rifle eats absolutely everything I throw at it. My AR's are far more ammo specific especially with the Russian surplus. If your looking for a rock sold battle rifle that will go bang every time you pull the trigger if your life depends on it, then buy the SIG. If you want a ninja rifle that you can totally customize, get an AR. When my life depends on it, I'm grabbing my SIG556. I will gladly trade 1 MOA of accuracy for rock solid reliablity.
StonerAR10  [Member]
3/17/2012 11:19:21 PM
Street Rebel

Obama is now the President. Also it's 2012 Don't be fooled by the BS of a few years ago. Yes Sig had some quality issues a few years ago but everything I've seen and read about of late is that Sigs QC has really improved. You don't hear of people who have purchased SIg made in the past two years having problems any more. Get a clue. If you loom at the Ar15 forum there are complaints about every AR manhfacturer all the time. I have 4 of the 556/551 riflers and all are good to go. If the SHTF I'm grabbing my 551 over one of my AR15's
STREETREBEL  [Member]
3/18/2012 12:17:35 AM
I bought it!
I'll let everybody know how it shoots when I get a chance to fire it.
Thanks for all the comments.
Bushmaster1984  [Team Member]
3/18/2012 10:41:40 AM
congrats....I enjoy my 556, bought it during the piston AR hype, mine had a feeding problem, sent it to SIG and in about 3 weeks I got the gun back, runs great!!! you'll be happy with it

they are great rifles.
ClemY  [Member]
3/19/2012 8:44:55 AM
I have a 556 Classic and a Patrol. They both run just fine. I haven't put that many rounds through them, but no failures so far. I am looking to bet a 556R when I can.
StonerAR10  [Member]
3/19/2012 3:17:33 PM
I want a 556Rtoo but they don't seem to be available anywhere. I've been looking at Gunbroker.com amd not one is listed.
halmbarte  [Member]
3/19/2012 10:37:57 PM
I hope they are ok, mine should be delivered on Friday.

From the research I did, it looks like the worst quality issues were right after introduction. There are a lot fewer discussions about problems recently.

I shot a friends 556R and was impressed enough to buy my own.

H
AR-Builder-Upper  [Member]
4/6/2012 9:23:16 PM
Originally Posted By STREETREBEL:
I bought it!
I'll let everybody know how it shoots when I get a chance to fire it.
Thanks for all the comments.




Wellllllll? We're waitingggggg.
gunnut284  [Team Member]
4/11/2012 10:50:28 PM
Both the rifle and SBRed pistol versions I've shot have worked perfectly. Not quite as accurate as most ARs from what I've seen, the 2MOA assessment seems about right. A little on the heavy side but basically a .223 AK with better ergos and accuracy.