Photo review of the new SIG 522 by Marty of The Shockwave Project:

http://i36.tinypic.com/wb721c.jpg
New in the box. A thing of beauty. First impressions: I own a GSG-5. It is kinda cool. But super cheap. And it basically looks like an Airsoft gun that has been converted to fire .22lr. This SIG 522 is NOTHING LIKE the GSG-5. I've read online where people opine that these SIG rifles are being made by GSG. From what I've seen, that is definitely not the case. This is a rifle––through and through. Where there are many little weird screws to break down the GSG-5 and it breaks down like an Airsoft gun, this rifle breaks down like a SIG 556 rifle––or at least like my SIG 556P. The plastic bits seem to be of firearms-quality. There are many steel pieces (checked with a magnet from front to rear): flash hider, barrel, "gas block," front captive pin, extractor, bolt head, "bolt carrier," ejector, cocking handle (rubber coated), recoil rod, ambi mag release, hammer pin, hammer, hammer spring, trigger pin, trigger, trigger spring, manual bolt catch assembly, ambi selector switch, rear captive pin, rear receiver sling stud, stock folding catch, hardware on stock. Lots and lots of steel. The upper receiver is of aluminum (I imagine it's a machined cast piece). The lower is polymer. I don't know if it'd hold up to .223 (assuming you could figure out the rear captive pin issue). The hammer seems to hit the firing pin when you have the SIG 556 upper "attached."

In short, I know firearms and I know Airsoft crap. I would consider the GSG-5 to be glorified Airsoft crap. This SIG 522 is a firearm. My review continues below.


http://i34.tinypic.com/t8290i.jpg
Nice. Broken case right out of the cardboard box. Guess I'll be calling my supplier in the morning.


http://i36.tinypic.com/9a7k80.jpg
Here she is. Good looking gal. I never owned a SIG 550 or the like. Always wanted one though. This little girl is somewhat reminiscent of the 550. Notice the TOTAL LACK OF SIGHTS. I'm cool with that, as I was ready with a red-dot to slap right on. But others might be turned off by this "feature." Stock is three-position.


http://i35.tinypic.com/mcbsk6.jpg
The right side.


http://i33.tinypic.com/wsp55j.jpg
Mag that came with the rifle. Black Dog Machine mag OEM'd for Sig Sauer.


http://i33.tinypic.com/vqks5s.jpg
Bottom of SIG mag. Definitely Black Dog.


http://i38.tinypic.com/148jacz.jpg
SIG mag and Black Dog-branded mag side-by-side comparison


http://i35.tinypic.com/ajm3r6.jpg
Other side of two mags.


http://i36.tinypic.com/alkh3d.jpg
Bolt assembly. Thank god SIG made the cocking handle normal size.


http://i37.tinypic.com/aong4n.jpg
Inside of polymer lower. Sorry for the blurry pic. Must've forgotten to turn on the macro mode. My bad.


http://i37.tinypic.com/14bjd53.jpg
Comparison of SIG 522 lower (top with ambidextrous mag release) and SIG 556P lower (bottom). One thing I really dig about the 522 lower (aside from the 21st-Century polymer construction) is that it has captive pins front and back. No need to mess with the Colt SP1-like screws found on the SIG 556P.


http://i35.tinypic.com/30i8j03.jpg
Mag feed position in the SIG 556P.


http://i37.tinypic.com/2rm1hj6.jpg
Mag feed position with the SIG 556P upper on the SIG 522 lower. Looks fine. (Note for all the Internet lawyers. I already have my Form 1 back SBRing this particular pistol. I was kinda hoping the lower would bolt right up, as I really need a stock for my SBRd pistol.)


http://i33.tinypic.com/20tpkw9.jpg
SIG 522 upper on SIG 556P lower. Doesn't close any better than this.


http://i36.tinypic.com/2mpk58p.jpg
Lug inside SIG 556P upper doesn't line up with hole in SIG 522 lower. (Note for all the Internet lawyers. I already have my Form 1 back SBRing this particular pistol. I was kinda hoping the lower would bolt right up, as I really need a stock for my SBR'd pistol.) Check out that incredibly intricate welding on the SIG 556P upper. Cool!


http://i38.tinypic.com/30uz620.jpg
Back together with my FakePoint mounted.


http://i36.tinypic.com/o5ro13.jpg
1/2-28 threads and a nice shoulder for my Gemtech Outback suppressor to butt up against.


http://i37.tinypic.com/2eunz38.jpg
Ready for the "range" (read: our back yard).

"Range" report. Loaded up the SIG mag and the Black Dog mag. Remington Golden Pack 36-grain bullets in the SIG mag and Federal bulk-pack 36-grain bullets in the Black Dog mag. I loaded 25 rounds in each mag for a total of 50 rounds. (Hey, it's dark as midnight out there at this time of night. Be happy I was up for shooting off THAT many rounds––as I live in the City.) All 50 rounds fired off without a single hitch. Suppressor worked great. Threading on the barrel was perfect––no baffle strikes. I fired about half of the rounds slow fire, and the other half as fast I could pull the trigger. Perfect function. Now to get a new rifle case that doesn't have the hinges cracked off. hahaha

Thanks for the pictures!!  Best I have seen.  Couple of questions,  
What is in the zip lock bag with the white outer label, is it a sling?  
Any chance to get a picture of the front gas block area showing the sight block
I assume the gas system selector is just a dumby plug there for looks.
Thanks again for your review and pictures.

Thank you for the compliments.

Sorry, I should have listed everything included in the box. The zip lock bag contains a longer buttpad for the stock and two unknown pieces of plastic. (I have skimmed the user manual to no avail. I'm sure I'll figure out what they're for before too long.) The cardboard box includes: the rifle case, the rifle, one mag, zip-lock bag with longer buttpad and two mystery plastic pieces, action lock, user manual, warranty card, sample tube of lube, sample lube pamphlet.

EDIT: The two "mystery" plastic pieces aren't mentioned anywhere in the manual that I could find, reading through the manual last night. However, this morning, I figured it out. They are for the sliding stock. It's a pretty slick system. The insert that comes installed from the factory lets you lock the stock in three positions. I'll call them 1 (fully retracted), 2 (midpoint), and 3 (fully deployed). You must depress the stock locking lever to move from any position to another position. If you install the first of the two other inserts, You can pull the stock out from position 1 to position 2 without using the stock locking lever. However, to slide the stock back in to position 1, you have to depress the stock lever. There is no position 3 available with this insert installed. The second of the two other inserts lets you pull the stock from position 1 to position 3 without using the stock locking lever. However, to retract the stock to position 1, you have to depress the stock locking lever. There is no position 2 with this piece installed. I myself am just going to leave the factory-installed piece installed. I don't know if the SIG 556 Classic has this feature or not. For this $429 .22lr rifle, it's pretty slick.

Will post a pic of the "gas block" area in a few mins. Yes, the "gas system" and selector, etc. are all dummy.

Requested pics of "gas block." Note that the ring portion of the "gas block"––the part that retains the handgaurds in the front––is steel.

http://i34.tinypic.com/v3pqh0.jpg
Note that there is no hole for securing the bayo lug. Could be easily drilled.

http://i35.tinypic.com/2i7l6xi.jpg
Note plug where the front sight would dovetail in.


http://i35.tinypic.com/30mn0o2.jpg

Any better pics of bolt hold open?  Does the bolt close when you remove magazine as has been reported?

Thanks

Okay, last pics for the night. I'm turning in.

There are actually two "bolt catches." One is manual. One is automatic. The two aren't connected to one another. The automatic "catch" is simply when the bolt slams against the back of the magazine follower. Not a good design IMO. Also, when you are relying solely on the automatic "catch," when you remove the mag, the bolt closes. I imagine you could disable this "catch" by ramping the rear of the magazine follower.


http://i38.tinypic.com/rhvako.jpg
The other catch is manual. It is a lever on the left side of the upper receiver.  Press the rear portion of the lever and pull the bolt to the rear and release. The bolt will stay locked to the rear. Push the forward portion of the lever to release the bolt. It is a nice and slick design. You can insert and remove the mag without the bolt closing when you employ this manual catch.


http://i34.tinypic.com/qozlep.jpg
From the inside of the upper receiver, you can see where the rear portion of the manual catch protrudes into the receiver and catches the bolt.

Nice report my man! I like that one piece upper/rail. The whole package looks damn sweet. Might have to get.

Yes, nice review and pictures!!!  Those of us who are still waiting to get one greatly appreciate the pictures and information.

Is that a sling stud mounted on the front side of the stock by the folding stock switch?
Sure wish my classic had come with sling swivels mounts there.

Thanks again!!!

Excellent write-up and pics, thanks!   I have one on order and was a bit skeptical about quality, but it looks like Sig has done it right.  

How heavy is the barrel?  Is it a light thin barrel like the GSG, or heavier like a Marlin?  I am wondering how accurate it is.

Thanks!

Yep, it is a standard-sized sling swivel stud. I'm telling you, SIG did this little carbine right.

http://i34.tinypic.com/24oyjxy.jpg

OAL when folded is 26.1" (according to the manual and a quick measurement with a tape ruler.)

http://i34.tinypic.com/2lm3nrq.jpg

The barrel is SIGNIFICANTLY HEAVIER than that goofy little screwed-in-place tube that GSG passes off as a barrel. The SIG 522 barrel is roughly the same overall external profile as, say, an HK93. Quite heavy for a little .22lr. It also seems to have a barrel nut at the base. There are four holes in the nut that appear for getting a tool on it and removing it.

That short tube above the barrel is a small storage tube. Just pop off the fake gas switch (which is plastic in this case). Two AA batteries fit perfectly.

There's also storage in the pistol grip––like the SIG 556.

Looks good, thanks for the write up. Hopefully these shoot pretty good and have good reliability.

looks good might have to sell a couple guns so i can get one.

Thank you very much that was incredible.

Not to be an A-hole but could you tell us more, like what the trigger feels like and how accurate it is?

thanks

looks like my local dealer got several of these in stock this week...  going to have to pay them a call if the price is right.

mmmMMMmmmm

the price was right :) ;)


Holo

so, what kind of slings are we talking about for this?

also, where's a GOOD place to get mags?  i have a burning need to order some mags soon ;)


Holo

Nice report, please do an accuracy test.

I have a GSG-5 and it's been totally reliable with all ammo I tried and VERY accurate. I've seen TWO Sig Mosquito's blow up and they only feed a few brands of $$ ammo so lets throw that in the airsoft pile as well. Sig is over priced on everything , especially mags  so I'm glad to see MD mags work so that's a HUGE plus.

If the price is right  and they prove reliable and accurate  I'll probably buy one.

It will be funny to see what they charge for sig marked mags.

Oh yeah!

Got mine.

Got some 2-7x optic on it and sighted in.

Got some range time!

Got me some 550 count federal bulk from wallyland.  Out of 150 rounds, one FTF which one kinda expects from this stuff from time to time - very good strike in the rim (circular pattern!?); failed to fire twice actually (I had to try THIS one time).  Ejects brass with some spunk, it was bouncing off a wall some 20 feet just behind my right.  Hah.

Accuracy: it's more accurate than me.  I really need to work on my skills now that i have a decent feeling gun.

The stock feels a LITTLE wiggly to me when I'm trying for a solid solid cheek weld and lockup...  but maybe that's me.  The GSG felt ... tighter (and I was more accurate on it) but time will tell...

Generally the controls felt good.  Safety, magazine release are ambidextrous.  Fit and finish inside and out is stellar compared to some, solid metal upper, polymer lower and foregrips; I took it down a bit farther than what you'd normally do for cleaning - the barrel is magnifcient.  Field stripping is ridiculously friendly.  Put on safe, release slide, push two captive pins, off comes the lower; move slide back a bit, and pull out, and bolt group just slides out.  Pretty simple looking.  Solid looking inside, SOLID fixed ejector!  ONE spring in the upper?!  Whoa ;) [cough cough]  Simple good times.  SIG did a REALLY good job on this.

Now, to figure out a strap, locate more magazines, and practice!  This thing is a lifetime KEEPER.


Holo

Keep the reports coming.

Well, if you insist...

522 ***BROKE*** today.  Just got it zeroed and perfect for 50 yds.  Many fun magazine changes later, went to clean it, and SPROING, the insides come out.  Seems a retaining clip broke off.  Gone.  Somewhere.

SIG wants the rifle back to examine, so indeed, they will get it.

Really made gun, except for the thin recoil spring rod and odd choice of retention mechanism.  What do I know though? ;)  Sigh.

The really suckful part is the time spent with it already, zeroing it in to perfection, loving it, and now ... gone on vacation for a couple weeks.  I'll have a stack of BDMs sitting around loaded for it.  Waiting.  Heh Heh Heh.  Then some more quality time starting from scratch again with the optics.

Don't let this stop you from buying one.  Seem to be a great gun otherwise :)  Get a low coveted serial number ;)


Holo

So you lost the recoil spring?  Or was it the parts in the lower?

Broken and now missing retaining clips in bolt assembly, which then released the spring, and SPROING goes the bits when the gun is opened for cleaning.

What should be one assembly is now many parts in a zip lock bag.

Ordinarily, when you open the upper/lower, nothing should pop out, in fact, the bolt assembly should not slide out without first removing the charging handle.

So, I have the spring, the guide rod, the buffer piece; just not the clips.  It's not clear to me if there is anything else damaged or missing, so I'm not going to attempt to patch it up myself.

SIG wants it back, they get it back - they're paying for shipping.  Design flaw?  Too early to say.  They get to fix it though.  I have confidence they will.


Holo

It's to bad the 22 cal. upper will not fit the 223 cal. lower, I would have liked to have  just bought an upper unit.

My SIG522 pics...

http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/nfafan/SIG_522/

This is a keeper!

nice pics

here you go making it hot

http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/nfafan/SIG_522/

The same thing happened to me when I first went to clean mine. I looked at the breakdown in the manual and went back to the store I bought it at and looked at another one. The weak point is the e-clip on the end at the bolt. That clip is .0145" thick...it just folded and popped off. It's a standard 1/8" e-clip, they are available at Home Depot for $0.38 for 2. Put on 2 clips, instead of just the one at that end. It's a lot stronger this way and will probably hold up fine.
I did call Sig on Friday, 2 days ago. I was told they'd never heard of this...first, they just released them...which I pointed out, and you had contacted them with the same issue. They're sending me 2 replacement e-clips, I asked for a washer, too, since I can't find extras for that.

Well, they might not have heard about it YET, as they probably only just GOT mine and haven't dug into it...  So, i'd cut them some slack for a week or two ;)  They're going to get a LOT of calls I'd guess.  I'll have to call them Monda and see what the score is.

Now, I'd gather that in cases where the e-clip is mere for retention of a component, NOT in line with force, everything is fine.  They're just not designed to be used in line, in a case where something could pop them off with ease.  Want to use them say on a rod used as a hinge?  Sure thing - the force would rotate about the rod, not pulled in line.

Simple solution: replace the rod with something that has a fixed cap/head for the bolt (the end opposite the buffer), and then the bit that goes through the buffer has a flat blade with a pin through the buffer (or friend suggests: use a collet).  nothing falls off.  Minimum solution involving minimum parts, and they could ship that out to all current users.  Well, something like that.  NO CLIPS, NO SCREWS - solid metal!  If it can fall off, it will.  Oh yes.  *sadness*

I'd worry about two e-clips in series causing an alignment issue (too short a stroke?)  Not sure about the tolereances in there.  Be curious to see if it holds up.

Also, if the e-clips do come off [again] you've now got a piece of hardened steel potentially bumping in the works, and with bad luck, it could go into the barrel, or get crunched further by the bolt, or ... badness.

I hope they realize the error, and fix it with exceptional speed.

JN16184 - if you get the time and have a camera for such, it would be great if you could photograph the bits we're talking about for the others - I'd do it myself, but don't have the 522 right now.  Would have done it before shipping off, but I had a time limit for that shipping window.  Next time ;)  Thanks.

actually these three photos by mac1045/nfafan are not bad at all, but more closeup/macro would be super:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/nfafan/SIG_522/IMG_3338.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/nfafan/SIG_522/IMG_3348.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/nfafan/SIG_522/IMG_3337.jpg



Holo

I'll see what I can shoot for a picture. With the room in the receiver, I'm not too worried about the possibility of a clip falling off in there. It'd just drop into the trigger assembly around the springs. I'm interested to hear what Sig tells you tomorrow, the call waiting time was about 20-25 minutes when I called, so good luck. I agree with you on the correct use of these clips; it's a shame when the rest of the rifle appears so well designed and thought out, especially when compared to a lot of the others on the market.

Well, it MIGHT drop into the trigger assembly, mine didn't.  No idea where it went.  Oops.

I've called SIG a few times about other matters.  I guess it depends on the time of day, often I get right through, or sometimes am 3-4 calls back.

My understanding is that unless they have questions, they'll just ship the the gun back "fixed" in a week or two.  I intend to call them, mostly to verify they got the gun - I've never had to return one, so I'm just being pro-actively careful :)

I don't expect magical solutions, but I do hope they don't just replace the e-clips with another one.  Two reported failures in a week?  Eek.


Holo

I hate it say it,but without a redesign on this part, they're going to see a lot more failures.

Aside from those two damn clips and rod, the rest of it is elegantly simple and has MARVELOUS potential.  I've already sketched out a couple solutions...  and i MIGHT even go so far as to buy a spare assembly and have a machine shop do the work if SIG doesn't.

The last 1-10% is the hardest.


Holo

Detail of the e-clip and bolt end of the rod. You should be able to see that I've installed 2 clips here...

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/JohnNachman/Sig522bolt1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/JohnNachman/Sig522bolt2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/JohnNachman/Sig522bolt3.jpg

cool!  thanks.

UPS tracking shows that SIG got my 522 Friday...  but they haven't processed it yet.  so, no news.


Holo

Gunkings has a sale on BDM mags. $25 w/ free shipping.

Anyone know yet if Sig 556 handguards will fit on the 522?

BDM has their mags on sale.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=328&t=180658

I'll bet the new 50 round BDM drum would also work in the SIG.

So, has the double E clip done the job?

I am this close (imagine me holding my finger real close) to buying one off gunbroker.

I don't want issues, but if it is as simple at that....I can handle it. Hell, I can even machine a replacement.

What does the opposite end of the recoil spring guide rod look like?

Thanks......

that's pretty spiffy :)

http://blackdogmachinellc.net/drum-ar15-22-50rd.aspx

http://blackdogmachinellc.net/images/products/detail/DSC01377.jpg


Holo

the opposite end is practically the same as also has e-clip holding the D shaped buffer block (metal) on.

it would've been best for the non-buffer end to have a mushroom/head as part of the guide...  and the buffer end to have almost anything else, but an e-clip to keep the buffer locked on (like a captive pin or something).

my 522 is still waiting to be looked at.  wait wait wait.  i really have zero patience on thing like this.  perhaps i'll go buy an SR-22 or a drop forged bull-barrel 10/22.  i need to practice distance before Winter (outdoors).  this is cramping my style ;)


Holo

Thank you for the info....

I would think about machining a steel rod with a machined in head on one side (like you say) and either a cross hole for a pin...and a washer on the other end, or maybe (depending on the size) a short threaded portion with a threaded bushing (round nut) secured with lock-tite on the other end.

This kind of stuff is fun for me.....no, it shouldn't need to be done on a new gun, but if I can fix it myself....BONUS.

Unfortunetly everyone doesn't own a little metal turning lathe

Is anyone finding any other "issues" yet?

if you can machine the appropriate parst, and it works WELL, send one to me, and one to SIG ;)


Holo

I need to get to the range to find out. Too much yardwork this week. The opposite end does use the same e-clip, but it's captured in a slot on the rod with a tight fit, then it goes into a hole in the buffer that captures it. It can't jump out like the other end. At the bolt end, the rod has an area of reduced diameter, probably about .25"; this leaves lots of wobble room for the clip.

Welllll, looks like mine has been worked on, and it flying home next week sometime.

According to the notes, it went something like this: "Inspected/cleaned rifle, replaced missing parts, test fired, done"  I wonder if they use the frangibles at their special range, and how that compares to shoot real bullets of various types for recoil tests.

I won't be surprised to find a nice new shiny e-clip on there, or even two or three ;)  All I care about is that it works, consistently and well.

As well, I have a nice stack of SIG branded BDMs I got for a song waiting...  Might as well start loading them up while watching TV, mmm?

Gunna test the 522 real good (again) soon.

Pictures if they did anything unexpected :)


Holo

One way or another, sooner or later, the product will be supported and done right.  It's not great that the user base gets to beta test, but there we are.

Who knows, could've been fluke, and there's 2000 people using 1000 rounds a week each without cleaning it 24/7 and there won't be more issues.

I'd rather have been shooting for the last two weeks outside though.  Winter is nearly here.  Can't do 100yds indoors.


Holo

I agree 100%....and I don't even mind doing a few user end tweeks.

A couple questions...sorry if they have already been addressed:

1. Does the stock lock in the extended position pretty solidly? I am talking side to side wiggle at the hinge, not the stock body on the arm....hope that makes sense.

2. When the stock is extended, does it run in a perfectly straight line with the rest of the gun, or if you look down the side is there a minor bend at all where the stock folds?

3. Does your upper look nice and black, or does it have brown/purple color to it.....anodizing? I am sure this will vary from gun to gun.

4. Some gun plastic is great and some seems cheap......your thoughts on the furniture plastic quality.

5. I think the answer is yes, but do we know for sure that it WILL use the other BDM (and CMMG) mags for the ciener/CMMG/Spikes AR conversions?

Thanks!

The complete lack of included sights is bothersome, but $50-100 fixes that with a wide range of choices.  I can understand that SIG chose to not include their $200-250 sweet sweet iron sights, but even plastic clones would've been NICE.  Seriously :)  The S&W MP15-22 has iron sights included (I wonder how much THOSE will cost standalone?  Use them on the SIG?), so does the GSG line, and the Colt; the Ruger SR-22 doesn't iirc, but it's already up there in price.  A holographic optic would be pretty fun, for a variable 2-7 or so is nice for the distance this gun can do.  Should be very good for varmints and such.  It's ready to go for a suppressor as well iirc.

I wouldn't be surprised to see aftermarket bolt carrier group sets within a year, maybe faster...  

$450 average price?  Yeah, these will sell well.

The BDMs are really high quality, as is most of the gun and esp the barrell.

Definitely perfect for kids or folx getting used to a rifle - adjustable stock is good for that.  I'll probably install the included stock buffer at some point as i could do with the reach. This is going to be popular.

Personally would like an option to buy a fixed solid stock, and it wouldn't hurt to have beefier or different foregrip options, but what's there doesn't feel cheap.  Haven't seen them yet, but there's going to be kits to bolt on more rails and accessories.

Still looking for a sling.  Thoughts anyone?


Holo

ALSO, I forgot ...

http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/su22.htm
http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/plr22.htm

If I'm reading that right, they also use the BDM type magazines that the SIG522 uses.  MMM.  Be kinda fun to have a KelTec too (either/or/both) ;)

KelTec is being all kinds of innovative too...  '''Kel-Tec's New .22WMR Handgun, the PMR-30'''

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/blog/

http://olegvolk.net/gallery/technology/arms/keltec/ - lots and LOTS of KelTec Porn

http://olegvolk.net/gallery/d/32893-2/smile_su22_3615.jpg

Yar!


Holo