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Considering something different..........looking at the 556 Classic
9/15/2011 6:31:09 PM
After waffling back and forth over another AR style rifle, I am really pondering a SIG 556 Classic rifle to go with my AR-15. I have read the various posts about how good or bad they are, so I wont ask that question. What I would like is to hear from those of you who have bought the rifle then spent the money on the Swiss parts( folder, handguards, diopter sights, etc) to bring it back as close to a SIG 550/551 as you can..........is it worth it, or just get the rifle and be happy with it the way it is? I am seriously considering selling an AK and getting one and going all out to get the parts........your opinions and thoughts appreciated
9/15/2011 8:17:28 PM
In my opinion the only real downside of the 556 is the lack of any really good iron sight options for it. The hooded front sight is nice, but the rotary diopter leaves a lot to be desired. The various AR height replacement front sights just look wrong on the 556, and you can't use an AR rear with the 556 hooded front. SIG "factory" accessories are mostly Chi-Com as best as I can tell, though the rifle its self is solid and reliable. I don't think I would spend the money on a 556 and then buy all the Swiss parts. Perhaps you should look at the 551-A1 SIG is offering right now. The factory Swiss stuff is nice, but super expensive, I just don't think its worth it.
I sold my 556 recently to fund another project (non-gun related), but I could see myself buying another in the future. I'd probably go with the Patrol model this time out, or I might look at the 516 just because it uses AR sights and accessories.
I sold my 556 recently to fund another project (non-gun related), but I could see myself buying another in the future. I'd probably go with the Patrol model this time out, or I might look at the 516 just because it uses AR sights and accessories.
9/15/2011 9:07:29 PM
+1, I'm with Landric here. If you want a Swiss style rifle then look into buying a Swiss made rifle. The Swiss aftermarket parts are quite pricey
Originally Posted By Landric:
In my opinion the only real downside of the 556 is the lack of any really good iron sight options for it. The hooded front sight is nice, but the rotary diopter leaves a lot to be desired. The various AR height replacement front sights just look wrong on the 556, and you can't use an AR rear with the 556 hooded front. SIG "factory" accessories are mostly Chi-Com as best as I can tell, though the rifle its self is solid and reliable. I don't think I would spend the money on a 556 and then buy all the Swiss parts. Perhaps you should look at the 551-A1 SIG is offering right now. The factory Swiss stuff is nice, but super expensive, I just don't think its worth it.
I sold my 556 recently to fund another project (non-gun related), but I could see myself buying another in the future. I'd probably go with the Patrol model this time out, or I might look at the 516 just because it uses AR sights and accessories.
In my opinion the only real downside of the 556 is the lack of any really good iron sight options for it. The hooded front sight is nice, but the rotary diopter leaves a lot to be desired. The various AR height replacement front sights just look wrong on the 556, and you can't use an AR rear with the 556 hooded front. SIG "factory" accessories are mostly Chi-Com as best as I can tell, though the rifle its self is solid and reliable. I don't think I would spend the money on a 556 and then buy all the Swiss parts. Perhaps you should look at the 551-A1 SIG is offering right now. The factory Swiss stuff is nice, but super expensive, I just don't think its worth it.
I sold my 556 recently to fund another project (non-gun related), but I could see myself buying another in the future. I'd probably go with the Patrol model this time out, or I might look at the 516 just because it uses AR sights and accessories.
9/15/2011 9:42:54 PM
Thanks for the replies............I think I will look at the 516 again
9/16/2011 9:36:34 AM
I have both and I really like the 556. I agree that the 556 Patrol or SWAT is better handeling than the Classic but I like it a lot. The 516 could make you like it over every other AR you have. They are great shootersand when you go to the range and fire 300 rnds, come home and open it up and its as clean inside as it was when you left home you'll be hooked. The 556 is also great in that respect and runds cool as well. They are both great gunds and the quality of both the last eight monts is top notch.
9/16/2011 10:06:42 AM
I love my Sig 556 more than I did my M&P-15 or SGL-31, but then again I've only had it 2 days so take that for what its worth 
I don't think it feels awkward or front heavy like a lot of people say, I think it feels perfect.
My only complaint is the safety is inferior to an AR safety and awkward to manipulate, but it's not by any means a deal breaker.
I don't think it feels awkward or front heavy like a lot of people say, I think it feels perfect.
My only complaint is the safety is inferior to an AR safety and awkward to manipulate, but it's not by any means a deal breaker.
9/16/2011 12:06:28 PM
Originally Posted By Landric:
In my opinion the only real downside of the 556 is the lack of any really good iron sight options for it. The hooded front sight is nice, but the rotary diopter leaves a lot to be desired. The various AR height replacement front sights just look wrong on the 556, and you can't use an AR rear with the 556 hooded front. SIG "factory" accessories are mostly Chi-Com as best as I can tell, though the rifle its self is solid and reliable. I don't think I would spend the money on a 556 and then buy all the Swiss parts. Perhaps you should look at the 551-A1 SIG is offering right now. The factory Swiss stuff is nice, but super expensive, I just don't think its worth it.
I sold my 556 recently to fund another project (non-gun related), but I could see myself buying another in the future. I'd probably go with the Patrol model this time out, or I might look at the 516 just because it uses AR sights and accessories.
In my opinion the only real downside of the 556 is the lack of any really good iron sight options for it. The hooded front sight is nice, but the rotary diopter leaves a lot to be desired. The various AR height replacement front sights just look wrong on the 556, and you can't use an AR rear with the 556 hooded front. SIG "factory" accessories are mostly Chi-Com as best as I can tell, though the rifle its self is solid and reliable. I don't think I would spend the money on a 556 and then buy all the Swiss parts. Perhaps you should look at the 551-A1 SIG is offering right now. The factory Swiss stuff is nice, but super expensive, I just don't think its worth it.
I sold my 556 recently to fund another project (non-gun related), but I could see myself buying another in the future. I'd probably go with the Patrol model this time out, or I might look at the 516 just because it uses AR sights and accessories.
yes you did. And I am the lucky new owner! Taking it out to the range tomorrow.
As far as the OP's question, I love the look of the swiss funiture. Sometimes it will pop up in the EE for a reasonable price. For me I like the Sig 556 how it is. As far as iron sights, check these out. http://www.mfiap.com/smallarms/sig556.shtml#mad
I think I will be running those on mine depending on how much space I have left after the Eotech and magnifier are mounted.
9/16/2011 7:32:45 PM
I'm about to get my 8th and 9th sig 556's. The operating system is simple and rugged. I've found them to be super reliable.
9/19/2011 7:46:56 AM
I own a pair of 556 Patrols, and my daughter owns a 522. We've had great luck with them so far and really enjoy shooting them. The biggest mod I made to the Patrols was upgrading to the SAN stock folding mechanism, so I could run standard AR sliding stocks. My primary 556 has a Magpul CTR with cheek riser installed, and it's fantastic 
We've had zero reliability issues with any of ours. The biggest issue I have is not going bankrupt keeping my daughter in ammo
She'd shoot a case of 5.56 every day if I let her-thank God rimfire is still fairly cheap...
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
We've had zero reliability issues with any of ours. The biggest issue I have is not going bankrupt keeping my daughter in ammo
She'd shoot a case of 5.56 every day if I let her-thank God rimfire is still fairly cheap...Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
