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SIG 556R Questions

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12K views 51 replies 15 participants last post by  migikesagiri 
#1 ·
Thinking of pulling the trigger on the 556R. Before I do I would like to hear from some owners of the rifle.

I have not seen much on them, are the reliable? How accurate are they, what size groups are you guys getting? Will the handle any of the metal case ammo that is still cheap to pick up?

How do you like yours, I'm looking at c model in the serial number, I heard the A & B had issues and the C has worked them out. Has it? Price is in the $1250 range, that about right? Is this the only rifle Sig has in the 7.62X39 round?

So, what have you guys got to say about the 556R? Pros & cons please as I would like to make an informed decision.
 
#2 · (Edited)
#16 ·
Edsel,
You can buy some of the Yugo AK-type mags associated with the PAP rifles. They will hold the bolt open until the mag is released.

But I think it's better just to run it as it's built. BTW, flawless fit and function in the Sig 556R was a design requirement of the new Magpul AK mags. Soo we'll have a lightweight mag superior the AK30 which will facilitate a full loadout given how heavy the 556r is or at least front heavy it FEELS.
 
#3 ·
I have recently bought a 556R made early July 2013 and it has been 100% reliable with the Golden Tiger ammo (the only one I have in stock). Just make sure you clean it well when you receive it and you also lube it thoroughly during the break in phase of the first 200 to 400 rounds. Accuracy wise it is as good or better than my most accurate AK's ( I have over 10 of them) from Arsenal's on down. It's truly a superb gun, and I plan to pick another one up in the next year.
 
#5 ·
I am also an AK owner, is this a good copy of the AK 47? My AKs are the most reliable weapons I own and is the Sig 556R even close to the AK reliability?

I'm trying to justify another AK type rifle of just get a Ruger Mini 30 which will shoot the X39. I have 2 Mini 14s and love them but not to sure about the Mini 30, it's gotten mixed reviews.
 
#6 ·
I will try and answer some of your questions. My 556r is my first MSR so I am not an expert. I think it is very accurate for an AK, I have experienced 1.5" groups at 100yds. Once the barrel heats it becomes less accurate and you'll experience a lot of fly aways. I guess that will be true for all rifles. It has ate everything I have put in it with not one failure of any sort. I really like the rifle a lot, I don't think you will be disappointed with it. The price is about right, that's what I paid for mine, You can get a SWAT version for another 100 bucks of so. I probably would have done that if it was available. It is a heavy rifle, That's the only con I have.
 
#7 ·
Had my 556R for about 3 months..and I love it! It has eaten any ammo I've put through it and I've been trying loads of different types. Wolf, Tula, WPA, Monarch, Poly, steel, brass, SPs, FMJ, etc. Taken every type of ammo, not a single malfunction. Also tried lots of different mags....steel mil surplus or TAPCO seem to work the best. From what I understand, a lot of the mis-feed reports were due to people not putting the gas parts back together correctly on re-assembly after cleaning.

After modifying mine a fair bit, it can shoot just as well as my AR15 (within the limits of the 7.62x39 rnd, i.e. out to 200yds). I love the fact it costs about half as much to shoot as the Ar15s out there too!

It's a great gun, a bit heavy, but totally reliable. I'd recommend getting the 556R SWAT if you can, or get a Troy rail if you get the standard 556R. Oh and get your name down now for a Double Diamond Stock Adapter....

Best gun I own in terms of fun factor, stopping power (in realistic distances) and cost to run.
 
#8 ·
Just got a 556R today for an early birthday present. :) I put about 100 rounds through it and had no problems. It's waaaaay more accurate than my husbands Colt 223. I got 3 dead center and the rest in a 4" spread. As for a sight.. it came with a red dot sight that I bolted on but didn't adjust. With groupings like that, I might just leave it where it is. I purchased a fold away grip which helped me keep it steady. With sight, grip and loaded magazine, it weighs over 8 lbs. I broke it down before I fired and after so I could clean it. It's easy to disassemble. Some guns are easy to break down, but once apart, the pieces make no sense (if that makes sense!). The 556 is logical. I like it.

Have fun with yours!
 
#9 ·
i cannot wait to pick up one of these 556r's. now that they are sorted out reliability wise, this short- to middle-range rifle with cheap(er) ammo will keep me from buying so much 308 for the 716. should be a fun rifle.
 
#10 ·
Well I think I have decided not to get the 556R. I already own 2 AK 47 rifles and 2 Chinese SKS rifles. I really cannot justify the need for an AK 47 copy when I already have 2 of the real thing.

That said I guess I will turn my attention to something in a larger caliber. Maybe .308. The 716 looks nice but the price is a little steep right now since I'm on a budget of everything for $1600 or less. Rifle, scope, rings, base and some ammo.

Thanks for the replies guys, looks like the 556r is a good rifle but I'm gonna have to pass for now.
 
#13 ·
For around 1200 you can get a PTR 91 with welded on scope rail. If you take that advice, I'm betting big, you WILL be glad you did. There is NO other 7.62 NATO battle rifle in this price range. They have match barrels, and mags are around 10-15$ for geniuine HK mags. These guns and mags are proven battle rifles and will last a lifetime, and then some. DSA/FN/FAL's are nice too, but more pricy and generally NOT as accurate as a PTR. Mine shoots a hair over 1" at 100 with mil ball, but with match ammo, it goes a little under an inch. With a better shooter I think it would go near 1/2". Make sure you get 1 WITH welded scope rail. The clamp on mounts suck. Check CDNN/Atlantic arms.
 
#11 ·
:(
 
#20 ·
It's a "best bang for your buck" rifle with so much more finesse.

Much like the Kalashnikovs.

If you're obsessive - compulsive about cleaning and lubrication, this rifle's a dream to use.

And it has such clean lines, if you select the right model. Not grotesquely over - railed.

I wasn't really factoring in ammunition costs when I bought this rifle, and realized the benefits later.
 
#21 ·
I've been soo curious about the seemingly boom of interest in this rifle that I think I'm going to add it to my list for next year. Hopefully they wont increase in price. I have a few pieces that are higher priorities right now so it will have to wait it's turn but I am intrigued..very intrigued.

Maybe I'm wrong and it's not all 'warriortalk' propaganda.. I own a couple of Arsenals and got them as a no compromise "if you can only have one" (does not explain why I have two admittedly) but feel like I should experience what the hub-bub is about regarding the 556R..

Why dont I hear the same regarding the 556? I think I hear more excitement over the 556-pistol than I do the 556-patrol.. Hmm..
 
#22 ·
This weapon shoots like an AR want 700 yds? watch this!

TAIPAN Magazine - Video of the SIG 556R from 400 to 700 Yards

He is using the ONLY Premium ammo made for 7.62x39 Lapua!

THIS weapon is a GAME CHANGER! I refer to it as the "Mercedes Bens" of AKs, It is more like a hybrid AR-AK. I have NEVER put steel cased ammo through it, I firmly believe that accuracy is skewed in the AK/SKS class by the ammo, 95% of all AK ammo is C R A P. I bought a $94.00 LEE classic turret press and I learned to hand load in no time flat, u can use your brass 4-5 times over. I have only shot 150gr boat tails out of mine so far but I have over 100 experimental rounds loaded. Fastest burning is VV 105, all the way down to a long range round with Alliant Power Pro 2000. (with a heavy crimp) I believe that VV-N530, AA2495, or AR-COMP (which is temp insensitive RL-15 that has a burn rate closer to Varget) will be the long range powder. I used some USMC KUNG-FU and stripped my bore with Kroil (to remove all factory oil/grease etc.) I then heated it with a hair dryer to open up the pores in the metal, I then used a Remington bore squeegee ( which applies 5 coats per pass) 12 passes + 60 coats of Lyman 1.5 micron moly bore cream, I also moly coat my bullets (properly) Load data for AA1680 at max 22.5 gr is supposed to yield 1947 fps, I'm consistently getting 2187 fps over a chrono. I was discussing load data with a company called cutting edge bullets they are sending me samples to mark data.

Cost .6 powder .3 primer .22 boat tail bullet brass .25/5 reloads =.5 total is .36 cents for premium round w FMJBT bullet !

I am on a quest to find ALL "HOLY GRAIL" loads for this weapon.

PS best scopes: Hi-Lux Homepage

4x32 BROWE Combat Optic - 7.62x39mm Chevron Reticle - One Source Exclusive!!!

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=0311
 
#23 ·
Try gun broker I got a SIG 556R SWAT for $1224 from Osage guns in MO. I have seen them go for a low as $1,190.00 PS if you don't get SWAT W/ rails SIG tells me they do not sell them and if you want too add them later you have to mail rifle to them and they charge $300.00 parts/labor to install them!
 
#28 ·
let me know how your custom barrel search turns out. you mean a 308 win chamber, or just 308 bore diameter?

as a soldier with mucho respect for marines, lead the way my friend.
 
#27 ·
I put cheap-*** steel ammo through mine and it still out-shoots most ARs firing brass. Try Monarch ammo...steel, cheap, but the 556R seems to love it!
I don't have time to reload, but this rifle just eats whatever I put through it, zero malfunctions.
Easily my favourite rifle now. Love the ergonomics and the solid, weighty feel to it. All my friends who have fired it have been blown away (excuse the pun), by the accuracy, ruggedness and ease of use. Buy one!
 
#29 ·
Sig 556R on CTD for $1099

When I started collecting weapons I started with the 'usual' ones. AR, AK, 1911..etc.
10 years later I am finally at a point where I am upgrading the platforms. I have a Norinco AK with a Galil Tapco furniture set. I have put thousands of rounds through it. It has been an excellent example of an AK. Accurate enough but with the ability to eat "any" ammo...I mean any. Inexpensive (then) and has scads of upgrades available inexpensively. It never crossed my mind to look for a better AK. I knew the milled receivers were more accurate and solid but with Arsenal's price...all I could see was an AK that cost as much as a Colt.

What actually drove me to re-examine an upgrade path was upgrading from my DPMS AR to an HK91. OMG....night and day. So I did the same with some pistol platforms. Only my AK and SKS weren't put on the block (see paragraph above). Then I saw Gabe Suarez shooting the 556R at 400-700 yards and getting solid hits....with AK ammo. Yeah, it's that mildly expensive Lapua ammo...but still. I looked at several alternates, such as Robinson XCR762, Arsenal, Veper, and Sig (which was a late entry). I held off because, as everyone knows, the V1 wasn't ready for prime time. With the release of V2 it seems like they have the bugs worked out...but I still waited for a few months so everyone could post video's and review it.

So, ordered it from Cheaper than dirt ($1099) which was cheaper than anyone else quoted (they also have cheap shipping...no $30-$50 shipping charges). Now I sit here eagerly waiting for it to hit my LGS. I also ordered about 360 rounds in several commercial brass loads (I reload)...and got another 1000 rounds of Russky Steel. One of them, Tula 154gr PSP, looks to be a hammer round (most are 120-ish grains) and I can't wait to see what I chrono it.

Once it comes in I plan on trying the several brands/bullet weights to see how it does. I also have about 10 steel mags and about 15 plastic mags for my AK to play with for fit and function.

Anyone know if the Chicom 75 round drum works? Heard 'no' from 2 but those 2 are 'internet gunners' and actually shoot very little...:huh:

Jay

And so you know I'm not just an internet shooter..here's some gun porn from my YT channel...:p
Me and my Kriss

First attempt with 20 round drum on Saiga 12
 
#30 ·
#31 · (Edited)
USMC FURY...

I am asking this because EVERYONE has an opinion on how/what should be used to clean your <insert weapon of choice>...

I have been using good ol' Hoppes #9 since I started shooting in the early 80's.

Like you, I'm former military (Navy Submariner) and we used Hoppes on the boat to clean our weapons. Which means that what I keep using...

I will admit that most of my jags and brushes are only used for deep-deep cleaning and I use one of the bore-snakes in the correct caliber.

I have found some guns just need a pull-through and others (Mosin) have to be cleaned with a jag wrapped in copper wool....I had picked up 440 rounds of BRASS cased mil surp (Yugo?) from the 1950's and it was VERY nasty and corrosive. That's one of the few guns I have to IMMEDIATELY clean or it will gunk and turn in the barrel (talking as SOON as you get back from range).

For lubrication I have different viscosity and weights....some guns run wet....some run dry. I use good ol' Remington Oil for most. I do use a light coat of Hoppes Lubricant on my guns that like to run dry. I also use Slide-Glide (Brian Enos) in either summer or winter viscosity. I've noticed this really made a difference in the winter when the gun gets hot.



I used to use CLP but I've noticed hauling them around from home to range in different seasons that it can go bad...gets milky and stinky. (which is why I use the Remmy stuff).

Jay



Shooting any ammo I highly recommend stripping barrel with this:

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7471

Heat barrel with a hair dryer for 3 mins, then applying this:

https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/10453/inline/1

With this:

Amazon.com: Rem Squeeg-E Pull-Through Bore Cleaner: Sports & Outdoors

Less wear, more velocity, and cleans with one pass of a bore snake!
 
#38 · (Edited)
My Sig 556r came in...

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Mines in...picked it up on the way home. I was going to play hooky for a day at the range but tomorrow is our 48th anniversary at my company...and I gotta be there.
<hack><cough>...but I think Wednesday is going to be a bad day <snifff> feel a chill coming on...:rolleyes:

Quick observation?
I hate hate hate the forearm. The holes are rough and large...Hell...the bottom of the foregrip is waaay big. I'm much happier with the size of the top half of the fore grip. Of course, lot's of guns are 'fate in the waist'...my beloved G91 and my R1A1...(sigh)...guess I like big girls :wub:

OH...and mine had a Tapco mag...not bulgarian.

I know it's supposed to be trash but reaaaaallllllyyy like the scope... :unsure:

and here's the gun porn...:cool:
[/url]
sig556r by plastic-guru, on Flickr[/IMG]
oh...and one of my Norinco (I love this Galil style furniture...feels really good)..
[/url]
norinco by plastic-guru, on Flickr[/IMG]
and yes, thats a tie wrap on the forearm. I 3D printed a custom top picatiny rail but I had to hold it still for glue to dry.
;)
 
#39 ·
#42 ·
Does it rattle and shake? etc, etc..
Foregrip rattles...we knew that...it's 'supposed' to be loose so you can pop it off :rolleyes: Sig's not the only one who does that engineering shortcut.

Heck...I expect a Highpoint rifle to rattle and have soft-joins for parts...but a $1100+ Sig Sauer Rifle?? I expect a family of midgets living in the rifle. Assisting in targeting and hold things nice and tight inside...

Jay
 
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