txshurricane

Rumored back in January on some blogs and forums, the piston operated SIG 551-A1 rifle will be available this summer, according to Sig Sauer.



Chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm NATO, the 551-A1 is basically a SIG 556 upper receiver mounted on a new, aluminum lower in the style of a classic SIG 551. The only real difference between this model and the civilian 556 is the magazine type (Swiss-style polymer mags) and lack of extended magwell.



There is no official Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) announced yet, but at least one Texas retailer has supposedly set their shelf price at $1,800. Since this is a pre-ship estimate, I personally expect the price to settle down around $1,200 with an MSRP of $1,600 - similarly to the 556.



If you'd like to see it in action, NRA's American Rifleman shot some video while they took it for a spin: