I would like to hear results from shooters who actually have some trigger time behind this carbine. What is great about it. How does it compare with other semi auto 223's that you have shot. How many rounds have you put through it and are the internals showing signs of wear. Group sizes at any distance. Did you break in the barrel and if so how...
In your Opinion why is this a superior firearm than the AR
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223 rifles
Hello I am new to the forum , I have been shoting 223/556 for a while I have fire many different weapons and even though I love my ar-15 I belive the sigg 556 will end up being my favorite , I took mine to the range right after I bought it in jan of this year. When picking out ammo I used all new lake city ,I had a large box of the lose 223 ammo i had bought a year ago for 100.00 a 1,000 ,whish i could still get it at that price ,but as you know the lose ammo always has some scatch and dent rounds, so along with the good rounds I took a handfull of the rounds that I did not think would work in my ar-15 , the sig ate each and every one without any problem ,Clean up was easy .I will be listing a couple of more items you may want to read ,
Thank You Terry
Hello I am new to the forum , I have been shoting 223/556 for a while I have fire many different weapons and even though I love my ar-15 I belive the sigg 556 will end up being my favorite , I took mine to the range right after I bought it in jan of this year. When picking out ammo I used all new lake city ,I had a large box of the lose 223 ammo i had bought a year ago for 100.00 a 1,000 ,whish i could still get it at that price ,but as you know the lose ammo always has some scatch and dent rounds, so along with the good rounds I took a handfull of the rounds that I did not think would work in my ar-15 , the sig ate each and every one without any problem ,Clean up was easy .I will be listing a couple of more items you may want to read ,
Thank You Terry
Re: 223 rifles
Thanks for the report.
I've had plenty of trigger time on my AR's too and Like you I can see the 556 becoming a favorite.
What bullet were you using? 55gr or 62-69gr?
Mine seemed to favor the 62gr M855 the most.
And please do post all you want.
Hi,g-43 said:
Thanks for the report.
I've had plenty of trigger time on my AR's too and Like you I can see the 556 becoming a favorite.
What bullet were you using? 55gr or 62-69gr?
Mine seemed to favor the 62gr M855 the most.
And please do post all you want.
Re: 556/ar15
But I expected that to an extent with them being match rounds.
Grouping wasn't a lot different. But I wasn;t really precision shooting.
I tried some of the 69gr Federal gold medal match rounds in it and they shot high fromthe zero I had for the 62's.g-43 said:
But I expected that to an extent with them being match rounds.
Grouping wasn't a lot different. But I wasn;t really precision shooting.
From your other post, I know you're in the market and trying to decide.SunTzu said:
As for being better than my AR I haven't had it long enough for it to prove itself.
I like the gas system, I like it not getting as dirty in the chamber.
All my AR's are very accurate, The 556 is accurate, but right now I'm not as good with it as I am My RRA. Not as used to the trigger, not found the "best" round for it. With ammo prices lately it's tough to go out and just blow through a lot anymore like we used to.
So for right now I'd have to say NO. It has the potetial.
I love the rifle and I think in time it very well could be better.
But that's something only time will show.
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4 Posts
I like the SIG 556 better for use with a suppressor. Also, it come out-of-the-box with a match trigger, better gas system, cleaner gas system and AK type action, bolt and carrier, and a piston upper. Only draw back, if you would call it that, is that it is heavier, approx 7.9lbs.
Shooting the 556, I find it is smoother feeling to shoot than the AR-15 type rifles as well. And with a suppressor, I don't get the blast of gases in the face that I do using a can on an AR-15.
The barrel is Hammer forged and 1 X 7 " twist that will stabilize heavy bullet that are sub-sonic.
I'm very happy with the SIG 556 and will be keeping it as a shooter over my AR-15 rifles.
Don't get me wrong, I do live my 2 M16s and many AR15 semi-autos, but for the kind of shooting I'm doing more of now, with a suppressor always installed, I prefer the SIG 556. :wink:
Shooting the 556, I find it is smoother feeling to shoot than the AR-15 type rifles as well. And with a suppressor, I don't get the blast of gases in the face that I do using a can on an AR-15.
The barrel is Hammer forged and 1 X 7 " twist that will stabilize heavy bullet that are sub-sonic.
I'm very happy with the SIG 556 and will be keeping it as a shooter over my AR-15 rifles.
Don't get me wrong, I do live my 2 M16s and many AR15 semi-autos, but for the kind of shooting I'm doing more of now, with a suppressor always installed, I prefer the SIG 556. :wink:
Joined
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5 Posts
I think AZX5Gunner summed it up quite well.
When comparing the 556 to the AR, I think there are a number of factors to take into account.
The 556 is based upon a highly evolved AK action which I feel offers a longer service life than typical DGI ARs (especially those with a carbine length gas system). Since the action is subjected to super heated gas, the lube is normally cooked off in relatively short order, not to mention the increased stress related to rapid temperature spikes when fired. Carbine length gas systems in the typical AR will also suffer gas port erosion at an accelerated rate as related to the increased gas temperature and pressure levels due to the gas block being closer to the action.
With the 556, (basically a 551 action) you have a reasonable amount of barrel length to allow gas pressure and temperature to drop prior to entering the gas piston tube. Secondly, the piston tube will vent off excess gas to further prevent overheating the BCG. The end result, is an action running cooler, allowing the existing lube to remain longer, reducing the overall maintenance requirement.
On top of those benefits, the 556 bolt itself is obviously AK inspired and lacks the cam pin hole and multi-lugs which have been a common weak link in the AR system. Even the piston ARs don't completely eliminate this issue, albeit they are an incremental improvement.
Finally, we get down to some of the more practical considerations. We've seen a number of AR manufacturers developing their versions of a piston action for the AR. Oddly enough, for less than the cost of most piston uppers, one can usually purchase an entire 556 rifle.
The 556 isn't without it's issues however. The initial release was a bit rushed, and I found some of the initial QC issues to be pretty much inexcusable. However, due to the general excellence in the 55x design, it's overall functionality and well known reliability have gone a long way to show the 556 has what it takes to be a great platform. I honestly think SiGARMS could have taken it a bit more seriously though. As evidenced by their choice of factory accessories among other things.
It seems most of the harsh criticism centers around aesthetics, and the fact that the 556 isn't the genuine Swiss original. The fact is, the 556 has addressed and corrected many of the original complaints leveled against the original 55x guns when compared against the M4. On 10-8 Forums, I recall an article in which numerous users had disdain for the pivoting trigger guard which pivoted when they didn't want it to. Rock'n Lock mags, proprietary mags, non-adjustable LOP stock, Heavy overall weight. Objectively, it seems the 556 addresses all these issues. Most people prefer the 551 handguards (I do too) but folks who have used the 551 extensively, have stated the factory 556 handguards actually give better heat insulation.
I've handled the original Swiss 55x rifles, and I'll freely admit they do have an edge in fit and finish. However even if the Swiss guns were available in the US, they'd likely cost about what Canadians are paying for them now. (around $2500 to $3000) so it seems the small trade-off makes the 556 FAR more marketable in comparison. Most Americans are pretty well served with a typical AR. Only a select few are likely to spring for $3K to go for a 55x. Therefore, the 556 with all the functionality of the Swiss original is a great value for the money.
My body of experience includes ARs from several makers, Steyr AUGs, HK SL8s, and of course (as my screen name would imply ;-) FNCs and FS2000s. IMO, the 556 rates with the best of those.
Handling, the 556 is a bit front heavy, but it does help keep the front sight on target under fire. It's hard to describe, but the action cycles far smoother than an AR does. I suppose it has a lot to due with the BCG being pulled back into battery as opposed to being pushed back . My 556 is more tolerant to sub-par magazines than most ARs I've shot. As mentioned above, the 556 trigger is excellent for a factory stock carbine.
Sorry if my post got a bit long winded. I will say, it's nice to present a positive point of view regarding the 556 without having to undergo a barrage of stereotypical naysayers bent on slandering the 556. Sadly, that appears to be the norm on most other boards, even the one specifically related to SIG products.
When comparing the 556 to the AR, I think there are a number of factors to take into account.
The 556 is based upon a highly evolved AK action which I feel offers a longer service life than typical DGI ARs (especially those with a carbine length gas system). Since the action is subjected to super heated gas, the lube is normally cooked off in relatively short order, not to mention the increased stress related to rapid temperature spikes when fired. Carbine length gas systems in the typical AR will also suffer gas port erosion at an accelerated rate as related to the increased gas temperature and pressure levels due to the gas block being closer to the action.
With the 556, (basically a 551 action) you have a reasonable amount of barrel length to allow gas pressure and temperature to drop prior to entering the gas piston tube. Secondly, the piston tube will vent off excess gas to further prevent overheating the BCG. The end result, is an action running cooler, allowing the existing lube to remain longer, reducing the overall maintenance requirement.
On top of those benefits, the 556 bolt itself is obviously AK inspired and lacks the cam pin hole and multi-lugs which have been a common weak link in the AR system. Even the piston ARs don't completely eliminate this issue, albeit they are an incremental improvement.
Finally, we get down to some of the more practical considerations. We've seen a number of AR manufacturers developing their versions of a piston action for the AR. Oddly enough, for less than the cost of most piston uppers, one can usually purchase an entire 556 rifle.
The 556 isn't without it's issues however. The initial release was a bit rushed, and I found some of the initial QC issues to be pretty much inexcusable. However, due to the general excellence in the 55x design, it's overall functionality and well known reliability have gone a long way to show the 556 has what it takes to be a great platform. I honestly think SiGARMS could have taken it a bit more seriously though. As evidenced by their choice of factory accessories among other things.
It seems most of the harsh criticism centers around aesthetics, and the fact that the 556 isn't the genuine Swiss original. The fact is, the 556 has addressed and corrected many of the original complaints leveled against the original 55x guns when compared against the M4. On 10-8 Forums, I recall an article in which numerous users had disdain for the pivoting trigger guard which pivoted when they didn't want it to. Rock'n Lock mags, proprietary mags, non-adjustable LOP stock, Heavy overall weight. Objectively, it seems the 556 addresses all these issues. Most people prefer the 551 handguards (I do too) but folks who have used the 551 extensively, have stated the factory 556 handguards actually give better heat insulation.
I've handled the original Swiss 55x rifles, and I'll freely admit they do have an edge in fit and finish. However even if the Swiss guns were available in the US, they'd likely cost about what Canadians are paying for them now. (around $2500 to $3000) so it seems the small trade-off makes the 556 FAR more marketable in comparison. Most Americans are pretty well served with a typical AR. Only a select few are likely to spring for $3K to go for a 55x. Therefore, the 556 with all the functionality of the Swiss original is a great value for the money.
My body of experience includes ARs from several makers, Steyr AUGs, HK SL8s, and of course (as my screen name would imply ;-) FNCs and FS2000s. IMO, the 556 rates with the best of those.
Handling, the 556 is a bit front heavy, but it does help keep the front sight on target under fire. It's hard to describe, but the action cycles far smoother than an AR does. I suppose it has a lot to due with the BCG being pulled back into battery as opposed to being pushed back . My 556 is more tolerant to sub-par magazines than most ARs I've shot. As mentioned above, the 556 trigger is excellent for a factory stock carbine.
Sorry if my post got a bit long winded. I will say, it's nice to present a positive point of view regarding the 556 without having to undergo a barrage of stereotypical naysayers bent on slandering the 556. Sadly, that appears to be the norm on most other boards, even the one specifically related to SIG products.
Belgian Blue,
Excellent analysis and commentary! This information is exactly what I am looking for.
///Michael
Excellent analysis and commentary! This information is exactly what I am looking for.
I am thinking about waiting to see if HK will ever release the 416 for civilian sales as I've read that it uses a similar, if not same, gas system as the G36/SL8. For you to say that about the 556 makes it an easier decision for me. I'm hoping to continue researching until the new year, then decide on what I want to do (wait for the 416 if it ever comes, buy a 556, etc.); but if I continue to find nuggets of info like yours, then I might end up w/ a 556 before the new year!Belgian Blue said:
///Michael
My experience with semi-auto has been with FAL and AK-clone rifles. I never took a shine to the AR design due to its relatively finicky nature. When I saw the Sig 556, I immediately anticipated great things from the rifle. I held off from purchasing it when I read about the initial quality control issues. But once they seemed to have settled down and I found one for a good price, I bought one in a New York minute.
I have to say, after taking it to the range, that it is the finest-shooting semi-auto rifle that I've ever shot. I have other rifles that have better attention to detail, like my Swiss K-31 and Swedish M96 Mauser, but those are bolt action rifles. My old DSA SA-58 FAL did have a better finish and fit. But none of the semi-autos shoot as well and as finely as this rifle does. The Sig 556 is just slick as snot to shoot, with an incredible trigger and wonderfully subdued recoil. It is a very functional rifle, with the top rail, M4 stock, tri-rail fore end, M16 mag compatibility, and most of all a dependable action.
The fact that the attachments (hand guards, stock, etc.) are not "best in class" doesn't exactly bother me. They are still of good quality and they reliably do the job that they are supposed to do. They aren't there to win beauty contests, they are supposed to function reliably, which they do very well. If I was Sig, I would have included some decent iron sights. Especially since third-party manufacturers were not and are not rapidly filling the need.
After taking this rifle out to shoot, I'm so impressed that I'm thinking about buying a second one and selling one of my three AKs (VEPR, SLR-95 and Tromix .223 Saiga).
I have to say, after taking it to the range, that it is the finest-shooting semi-auto rifle that I've ever shot. I have other rifles that have better attention to detail, like my Swiss K-31 and Swedish M96 Mauser, but those are bolt action rifles. My old DSA SA-58 FAL did have a better finish and fit. But none of the semi-autos shoot as well and as finely as this rifle does. The Sig 556 is just slick as snot to shoot, with an incredible trigger and wonderfully subdued recoil. It is a very functional rifle, with the top rail, M4 stock, tri-rail fore end, M16 mag compatibility, and most of all a dependable action.
The fact that the attachments (hand guards, stock, etc.) are not "best in class" doesn't exactly bother me. They are still of good quality and they reliably do the job that they are supposed to do. They aren't there to win beauty contests, they are supposed to function reliably, which they do very well. If I was Sig, I would have included some decent iron sights. Especially since third-party manufacturers were not and are not rapidly filling the need.
After taking this rifle out to shoot, I'm so impressed that I'm thinking about buying a second one and selling one of my three AKs (VEPR, SLR-95 and Tromix .223 Saiga).
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