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Posted: 2/12/2008 2:03:02 PM EDT
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As I posted earlier, Samson has a new 4 rail system for the Sig556. Mr Samson was most generous and gave me one(1) of the two(2) prototypes shown at SHOT '08. Mr. Scott Samson  SHOT '08  After pestering Scott since last SHOT to do a rail system and sights for the 556 I think he gave me the prototype just to get me out of his hair! Before I start my review I just want to say that I am not an employee of Samson-Mfg or stand to gain financially in any way. I have purchased other Samson products and think they make a good product at a fair price. I had previously purchased and installed a Brugger&Thomet 551 (B&T) rail system on my 556. During this review the two systems will be used for comparison purposes. Also keep in mind that this review of the STAR556 (Samson Tactical Accessory Rail) is of a prototype unit and changes will be made to the production unit as a result of input from potential customers. I spoke to Scott on the phone today and told him about the few issues I'd found. He said that this was the reason for this review and to post all. FIRST IMPRESSION The STAR556 appears very well machined and anodized a rich, dark black color, with sharp, clear laser etched rail numbers. The accessory rails are solid, with no lightening cuts through the middle, and the handguard is ventilated top and bottom with Samsons new "S" cuts. These ventilation cut look great in person (I didn't care for them in the website pictures). All 4 rails have a centered threaded insert about every inch to attach sling swivels, etc. The system is basically two piece, an upper half with a one piece top rail that extends from the gas block to beyond the rear of the upper receiver. And a lower half that attaches at the front with a stainless steel (SS) screw through the bayonet lug, and at the rear with a SS lug centered between the receivers held in place by the receiver pivot point screw. STAR556 on my rifle  Complete Unit, STAR556  2 Parts, exterior with hardware  2 Parts, interior  B&T, on rifle  STAR556 and B&T   INSTALLATION Remember this is a prototype unit, there was no box or installation instructions so I had to fumble along and figure it out as I went. It seems that this would be easy enough, it's only 2 pieces and 8 screws right? Well it was easy once I figured out the right order and progression. 1. Assure the weapon is unloaded. 2. Disassemble the upper and lower receivers. 3. Remove the handguard. 4. Remove any front sight you may have installed. 5. Remove the gas system. 6. Remove the Sig accessory rail from the upper receiver. Rifle disassembled  Before reassembly the gas tube needs to be modified. The lug that keeps the upper handguard from moving fore and aft needs to be reshaped into a triangular shape to interface with the STAR556 upper half. This required 15-20 strokes with a flat file on each side. Gas tube lug reshaped (arrow marks the area to be reshaped)   Rail interface with the modified lug  7. Replace gas system. 8. Attach STAR556 upper half to the upper receiver with the 4 Torx screws. 9. Insert the SS screw through the bayonet lug and tighten into the STAR556 lower half. 10. Place the upper receiver into a padded vise just behind the gas block on the STAR556 and gently close until the side screw holes line up and insert screws. This is the part I had to figure out the hard way (more about that later). Rifle in vise  11.Couple the upper and lower receivers and tap the pivot screw into place with a nylon hammer. Insert the other half of the screw. At this point I found that a Swiss takedown pin will not fit. UPDATE: 2/19/08 After another trip to the range and a cleaning I tried to reinsert the Swiss takedown pin, and to my surprise it tapped in easily, although it's still to tight to push in by hand. Swiss pin inserted   Two piece pivot screw and Swiss takedown pin (notice the misaligned lug).   12. Reinstall BUIS, front Samson BUIS would not clear the end of the top rail so I used a file on it. Front BUIS on gasblock (after removing material on base of sight)  The installation was complicated because it was trial and error. The first time I tried it I screwed down the top half and inserted the two side screws. Then I tried to screw in the bayonet lug screw. This was only possible by pushing the top of the STAR556 against the work bench and tapping in the screw with a nylon hammer(%$@*&)=)  . Thankfully Samson put steel inserts into all locations where a screw would be threaded.Notice the Bayonet lug screw and side attachment screw.  I have since removed and installed the STAR556 several times with no real installation problems. This system locks up tight with no wiggle or slop. The B&T rail was loose as was the stock Sig handguard when compared to the STAR556. COMPARISON DATA STAR556 Weight - 1.25 lbs. Length - 18 15/16" top rail, 11.0" bottom rail Height - 2.842" Width - 2.185"  B&T Weight - 1.20 lbs. Length - 10 1/8" top rail, 11 5/8" bottom rail Height - 2.725" Width - 2.212"  In general I would say the STAR556 is the superior system. It locks up tight, has a one piece top rail from the gas block to beyond the rear of the upper receiver, weighs only slightly more and is narrower. The only advantage the B&T has is easier installation requiring no modification to any part of the rifle. Another issue for the B&T is the lug on the right hand side rear to hold closed the 551 side folding stock. On a 556 it is just a snagging point. USE/TESTING I was able to take the rifle to the local range last week and shoot almost 500 rounds with the STAR556 and various optics/accessories attached to the rail. It was solid with all, and maintained zero with the different optics used. TriPower  Aimpoint  Eotech  ACOG  Leupold  The Tripower is in an ARMS mount. This is my favorite optic on the Sig, easy to use and I trust it will always be illuminated. The Aimpoint is in a GG&G mount and works fine also. Both of theses are mounted a little lower and give a better cheekweld with the 556. The Eotech is taller, better suited for an AR, same as the ACOG. But I found with the STAR556 you could mount the Eotech forward on the one piece rail and clear the charging handle and not worry about the handguard wiggling. Another positive with this system is that it extends beyond the rear of the upper receiver giving a better mounting position for the rear buis, and since the top rail is thicker than the Sig part Samson recessed the attachment screws deeper and they don't interfere with optic mounting.  One problem I found was that to install a forward grip on the bottom rail it has to be put on prior to bolting the rail system together. This is because the bayonet lug/mounting screw won't allow enough clearance.  Another item that should be mentioned, my rifle is an early version with the four screw upper receiver. My rifle also had the canted rail and was sent back to SigArms for repair. Their idea for a fix was to machine a new rail with a bevel to match the canted upper receiver. Mickey Mouse at best. The STAR556 alleviates this problem as it is one piece from the gas block beyond the rear of the upper receiver. Therefore the BUIS will always be in alignment. Today I was able to go out and play in the snow in the yard.     CONCLUSION You can tell I'm pretty happy with the new STAR556. It has some minor problems that Scott tells me will be addressed in the production version. The installation can be made easier, although the systems has very tight tolerances to maintain rigidity. This was done on advice from the SigSauer Tactics guys. They wanted a very solid platform for durability and accuracy and felt that a free floating system was not really neded. Scott also told me that the production versions (4 screw upper rail for early version, 3 screw upper rail for the new version) will be lighter and the bevel at the front of the top rail will be increased to clear front sight bases. All of the stainless parts on the prototype will also be blackened or oxided. Another possible fix could be at the front of the bottom rail. A few of the rail cuts could be eliminated to allow clearance to install a forward grip without removing the lower rail half. Samson-Mfg is looking for input. They are going to put this rail system into production and would like to please their customers. Contact Scott at [email protected] and let him know what you think. Proposed MSRP for the production STAR556 is $329, not bad considering I paid $379 for the B&T from DSArms (for a deal on the B&T IM me). One last thing. They're working on a set of diopter style sights for the 556, maybe if I harass Scott enough I'll get a set.  |
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Thanks a million for the detailed information on the new Samson rail. However, I have some question's. 1) Once the gas tube is modified for the rail, will it work without play using the original handguard's? 2) A lot of owner's, myself included, are using the push pin at the front of the trigger housing to make disassembly faster, and without using coin's/srewdriver's. Is there any way to have the lower rail designed for use with both a push pin and screw? For owner's who have push pin's can use them, or for other's can use their existing SIG screw. Does it have to be proprietary to this rail? Could Samson copy the B&T rail in this regard, assuming of course the B&T can use either a push pin, or the stock SIG screw? 
I wouldn't want it any other way. Indeed, there should be a clear area at the end of the rail to slide on accessories without the annoying, and burdensome hassle of removing the lower rail just to do so. If these two design element's could be incorporated within the current offering when it goes into production, it will then be a great rail. I will definitely buy one should these improvement's be made. But I would also like to know about the modified tube, if it poses a problem when reinstalling original handguard's. I wouldn't think so, but doesn't hurt to ask. I appreciate the fact that you have tested this new rail, posted complete and accurate information, and I think were just about there for us SIG556 owner's. They are great rifle's, deserving only the best quality hardware. I look forward to any further information that follows. PLEASE keep us updated on this! ETA: One last thing;
Would it be better not to screw the top rail down completely, install the lower rail, insert the trigger housing screw, lug screw, and the two side screws, and then tighten them all up? I'm somewhat puzzled by this. You say you had to bend the upper down, by pushing the top of the rail against your workbench. It sounds as if the alignment was off, due to the upper already bolted into position. Or is it because the bayonet screw is tight fitting?
That's the ONLY way to do it right IMHO, and I'm pleased that Samson has done this. GREAT PICS BTW!! |
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What type of file was required for the gas tube lug reshaping? How much effort was required for the 15 - 20 strokes? Any pics or drawings of before and after shape of the gas tube lug? I couldn't quite tell from the pics and I can't play with my rifle until Saturday to eyeball the gas tube. Do you think this reshaping requirement will carry over into the production model of the Samson rails? Oh yeah, this information was OUTSTANDING! Thanks for the effort firedog55! |
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1. I tried assembly in all possible methods (I think) and the way I posted seemed best to me. If you inserted the upper rail screws first and then forced the two halves together to could possibly bend the rail where it becomes thin at the upper receiver/barrel area. The alignment is not off with any of the parts, the tolerances are just very tight. 2. The stock handguard and B&T rail will still work fine with the modified gas tube. 3. The Swiss takedown pin would not insert because it would have to be tapped into place also, and by it's design this is not possible (the small button needs to be pushed in to retract the locking pieces). The tolerances are very tight at the pivot points and at the lug on the STAR556. I would rather have it tight and use the screwdrivers. There is no play in this rail system whatsoever. 4. I used a bastard file and it was a simple operation, just take a few strokes at a time while staying centered, and test for fit as you go. I asked Scott about this and his reply was that if they made the cut long enough to accommodate the standard lug the rail would be to thin in that area. The way the rail is designed you could completely remove that lug with no problems for mounting or rigidity. 5. The B&T rail is not the same as the rail on the 556 Swat, very similar, but not the same, different ventilation cuts and markings. Everyone with comments or questions thinking about buying a STAR556 rail should e-mail www.samson-mfg.com and give them your input. They're ready to go into production on this rail system. I will try to update this post when new info becomes available. Right now I'm waiting for Scott to send me his new offset light and laser mount for review. When the production rail is available I'm sending back the prototype and will change over to the production version. Thanks to all for your kind compliments. firedog55 |
Perhaps I misunderstood. I thought you fastened the top handguard, and had issues with mounting the lower rail, hence my though the alignment could have been off when the upper was already fastened down.
The gas block also need's modification, or just the tube itself?
Since the lower half is bolted to both sides at the front (Screw on each side), and the addition of the bayonet screw, I would think it would be a non-issue as far as tightness of the lower rail, to utilize the push pin. Perhaps' Samson could add two additional screw mounting point's at the rear of the lower to accommodate this? |
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LIONHEART I think most of the confusion comes from my poor literary skills. The gasblock does not have to be modified, only the gas tube. The bottom line is that the STAR556 is the best rail available for the 556 and I'm sure Samson-Mfg will address these few issues in the production version. Contact them with your input, they want it. |
Nah, not that bad! I'm sure I can contest to all those who are quite thankful for your review, and the photo's you provided. I too believe that this will be the best rail on the market for our SIG's. I would just like to see Samson make a few changes to bring a good design to even a better one. I did email them this morning with my input, and I've noticed that this thread as been commented on another forum, with the same issues that I have raised. Thanks again. I wonder if Samson is going to introduce a different front sight assembly to match their upcoming diopter, or if it will work with their existing front sight. I'm sure we'll learn more about those in the upcoming months. |
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LIONHART- My understanding is that the new sights will be lower, to address the cheekweld issue when using AR height BUIS. This makes since from a marketing standpoint. Why would you make another set of AR height BUIS for the 556 when the market is already saturated? I have been told that the production STAR556 will be out in "several weeks", I can hardly wait, I hope to be 1st on the list. Then I will update the post with new info. |
 Is there any way to get rid of the unevenly spaced humps on the rear of the rail? Maybe use shorter screws or something? Those suck for fixed width mounts like the Trijicon TA51 and even the scopes in the pictures above. One crossbolt fits into a notch, doh the other is over a hump. Or vice versa. No big deal for the red dots, but for non-adjustable scopes that require a specific eye relief distance it's a deal breaker. |
| That's a design problem created by Sig on the 556, older rifles have 4 "humps", newer rifles have 3 "humps". The only way to get around that would be to raise the height of the rail and counter sink the attachment screw deeper. Then you would really have a high cheek weld. |
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I'm not a big fan of B&T rail handguards, the Benelli M1 Super 90 handguard I have sucked. Took a long time to install because it refused to go on the weapon without a dremel removing some material, once installed, the rails are on the outer spectrum of the Pic rail tolerance, rail covers had to be hammered down the rails. My experience with other B&T products (mounts, specifically) have been spotty too. I'd avoid buying a B&T rail handguard at all cost. I'd buy the US made and designed Samson any day. |
When you mentioned diopter, I thought Samson may be doing a repo of the SIG 55X sight's. I'll be getting the Aurora rear sight when it become's available. In any event, I'm looking forward to the production rail when it become's available.  |
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Lionhart, The proposed Samson sights will be similar to 55x sights. I've watched with interest the Aurora sights development, but he is such a small operation I wonder about when and if they'll ever be available, and based on the cost of his front sight (for what it is) that the rear will be very expensive. I spoke to Scott today and he said he thought the review of the prototype STAR556 was fair, and he appreciates the e-mail input he's received regarding the production version. The bottom rail will definitely be changed to allow easy installation of a VFG, and they're going to look at the use of the Swiss pushpin and gas tube mod. |
I've watched that thread for a year now as well, and I agree, I think it will be priced kinda high. I don't have his front sight, only because I was waiting on the set. But I'll wait and see what Samson come's up with. Good news about everyone's input, and I hope that Samson will be able to offer the rail with the few improvement's that were mentioned. I can't wait to get mine! 
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Since the attaching bolt goes through the bayonet mount for the lower rail, one wouldn't be able to install the bayonet adapter. However, that is not to say the rail bolt couldn't be manufactured to accept a bayonet. |
| There was one slight thing that I overlooked. Samson should really incorporate the folding stock lug at the rear of the LH like the B&T rail. Rumor has it that folder's will be available (And one that look's like the classic 55X model too), and IF that is true, there wouldn't be a way to lock the stock into place once folded. I'll email Samson about this too. Might as well get everything covered. |
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Lionhart- That would be an easy mod, simply machine a part and screw it on like the B&T rail has. But I would rather not have it as it sticks out and catches on stuff. Those rumors of a Swiss side folder are just hot air. I've got a friend at SigSauer, a district sales manager, that told me that Sig looked at producing a Swiss style folder and Diopter rear sight. He said management deemed them "too over engineered and costly to produce". We saw evidence of that at SHOT '08 when they displayed that Mickey mouse tapco plastic looking side folder for the 556. Hopefully someone in the after market will produce one, I saw a post over on sigforum about a side folder that looked a lot like the 55x folder, it looked a little crude though. I think that ACE side folder and hinge looks cobbled up though. I'm happy with the collapsible stock on mine. |
| I know that SIG won't be offering the classic folder, and I did see the one's they had displayed at SHOT. Very disappointing. However, there are at least three individuals working on such a folder that will be compatible with the SIG556. One folder alternative is said to replace the trigger housing entirely and still accept AR mag's. I emailed Samson about this last night, after I posted here, and he said that they will indeed work the lug into this design. |
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Firedog, Thanks for the review, and thank you everyone who has emailed and or posted here. It is really great to know what everyone is looking for. I broke the news to Kenny in the shop today that we had to add the ability to bolt on the bracket for the side folder. It is just a few tapped holes and consider it done. The first few parts with the relief on the bottom to be able to remove the vertical grips are done. This works out really well. The guys at SIG sent out a new rifle with the Three hole top. We now have both three and four hole for Form Fit and Function. We are opening up the clearance on the top rail to eliminate the need to file anything. Some new cuts are being made and should bring us down on the weight. Maybe we should look at a aftermarket Folder? Scott Samson |
Wow, that's all great news! One question, anything about the pin issue on the LH? An aftermarket folder??....That would be fantastic !! |
OK.. that does it... I am Definitely in! Scott, I was afraid you'd have no interest in doing this, as the rail will NOT be compatible with a "real" 551, due to the receiver studs not being present on the 551 receiver. Making this mod is a GREAT statement about your dedication to your customer base!! All DIY 551 clone builders will be interested in your rail, if for no other reason, to help with 922 compliance! The addition of the folder locking stud will "seal the deal"! As for building a folder.... If you need to borrow a SAN SG551 Lower w/Folder to get measurements, I'll be happy to lend you one... Of course, I'd welcome any advantage this would afford when the rails became available, eh?? :) I think your final rail would look great on this project gun of mine. I'd gladly provide any/all info about your rail on MY 551/556 Website, as well.   |
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I spoke to Scott Samson today and was told the STAR556 rails are in production. The CNC machines are cranking them out, then they go to the anodizer and laser engraver, and back for packaging and shipping. If you want one get your name on the list as there is a lot of interest already. The production rails have the following improvements over the prototype I reviewed: -Assembly will require no modification to the gas tube. -Relief cut on the bottom rail to mount VFGs, etc, with out removing the lower half. -Larger bevel cut at the front of the top rail to clear the front sight. -A screw on lug to keep the Swiss 55x folding stock secured in the folded position. -Less weight. Scott said he'll send me a production version and I'll do a new review and post it here.
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Scott, That is a great idea and it will sell like crazy. Some suggestions... Make it integrate into the existing 556 lower with some sort of folding mechanism that includes a 'receiver plug' that threads into the 556 receiver and then bolts onto the polymer portion of the 551-style stock body. Please consider making the folding mechanism/ interface between receiver and stock body tall so that there is no gap under the portion that threads into the upper receiver. That way it'd mimic the lines of the original. You may want to consider doing a hybrid that is something of a cross between the classic 551 style stock and the more adjustable style offerings on new rifles like the SCAR and ACR/ Masada, depending on how ambitious you're feeling. Thanks for helping out the 556 crowd! |
| I like to see a bushing on the Left Hand side that accept's a QD swivel (Like the MAPGUL stock's). It would have to be stationary, and not part of the actual synthetic stock. That way, once the stock is folded, a suitable sling point would be there, without getting all tangled up. |
Outstanding! How does one get on the list...contact Sampson directly? I need a front sight and a rail handguard set for my 556. |
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Moose-Knuckle, Just call Samson-Mfg. and ask to be put on the order list. To all who have read the original post; In the review I had some trouble using the Swiss takedown pin to reassemble my rifle with the prototype STAR556. Last night after a trip to the range, and the required cleaning ( I'm anal about my weapons cleanliness) I tried again to use the takedown pin. And to my surprise it tapped right in. Still too tight to just push in with your hand, but usable.
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Hmmm. I wonder then if the hole could be opened up slightly for a custom fit for one's push pin then? Exc. news Firedog! The more I look at your PICS, the more I want one of these rail's!
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With this rail on (I have one early version 4 screws) will one be able to remove gas tube from the front without having to dissasemble the entire rail? If not, no big deal, but I don't plan on taking it off a heck of a lot once I get that thing on. I also attempted once to turn one of those screws on the top rail seeing if I couldn't get it sunk down any further, and they don't move! Any tricks to getting them off without stripping them? |
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dogbert4-1 Try pouring a little carb or brake cleaner on the screws to soften the lock tite that Sig used. If that doesn't work use a heat gun to soften the lock tite. I don't know if you will be able to remove the gas tube without taking off the upper half of the production handguard. I'll find out when I get one. |
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