Sig 556 - the quest is over

[ejfalvo]

I purchased a Sig 556 in June '09, an SCM (NJ compliant) version, A2 stock, crowned barrel from a local shop. I looked at all the AR-15 platforms and decided I wanted something different.

First trip to the range, 100 yards, iron sights, sandbag rest, first mag (10 rounds Brown Bear 62 gr), nice grouping for a shaky, half-blind old guy. Second mag (same ammo) group spread out to 6 in. Third mag, I couldnt hit an 8 inch paper plate, and 1 round went thru sideways. OK, maybe the ammo was bad or the barrel heated up and ruined the accuracy.

Second trip, same conditions, using SSA 62 grain. Same results - despite the fact I shot each string slooooooooooowly.

Got home, called Sig and before I could fully explain the situation they had a return authorization in my email in-box. Sent it back (pre-paid) and received the rifle back within 10 days - new barrel and bolt carrier (I think they changed out the front sight also).

Third trip to the range, SSA 62 grain, iron sights. HUGE difference. All grouping were tight (5 shots within 2.5 inches).

4th trip, added Nikon 3X9 scope and used Hornaday 75 gr Match ammo. Once I sighted in the scope, 5 shots within an inch. The gun has more potential than I have ability. (and yes, I know there will be people who claim 1/2 in MOA with their AR platform)

I'm finally happy with the rifle, and I compliment Sig's customer service (which included a follow-up call to see if all was ok).

 

[Bill2e]

Just a question. You have $2000 rifle there (Very Nice by the way) What are you putting such cheap ammo through it. There is no way I put steel cased ammo in an AR. Federal $40/100 at wally world. About much cheaper is the bear????

Good Luck to you

 

[ejfalvo]

When I purchased the Sig ($1400) there wasnt any other 556/223 ammo available. I live in a seriously rural area of northern NJ (yes I have deer and bear wandering aimlessly thru my yard). I was able to get the Brown and Silver Bear and SSA on-line. Dealer finally got Hornaday in. I only run the Hornaday and Prvi thru it now (Sig used Prvi when they tested the barrel).

 

[Girodin]

Just a question. You have $2000 rifle there

All the sig 556s I've seen are closer to 1k than 2k.

 

[Uncle Mike]

All the sig 556s I've seen are closer to 1k than 2k.

Not in this neck of the woods... we sell those boys from $1800 and UP!
And sell quite a few...there still new, and they say SIG on them...

 

[Wes Janson]

I can't stand to shoot brass-cased ammo in my Sig because it's a waste of money..and money translates to more ammo I could be shooting, if it were steel-cased instead.

 

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Steel-cased or brass-cased, an $1,800 rifle shouldn't be keyholding 5.56 at 100 yards like that with a 6" group pattern.

 

[ejfalvo]

Keyholeing at 100 yrds - and that is exactly why I sent it back. As I said, once they replaced the barrel the Sig shoots extremely accuratley (given MY level of skill). As far as non-brass caseings and cheap ammo, no problems with excess fouling, damage to the barrel or any other issues. When I can find it I shoot only brass.

 

[blackops]

The 556 is nearly 2k every place I have seen it and honestly I find it hard to believe you can find a Sig 556 for closer to 1k. As for customer service that's great, but makes me speculate. As if the are waiting for calls on the 556. Wonder if they are having a recall issue. Wouldn't expect that from a Sig. Anyways that set aside, the 556 is not only a well built rifle, it’s an eye catcher as well.

 

[Wes Janson]

The 556 is nearly 2k every place I have seen it and honestly I find it hard to believe you can find a Sig 556 for closer to 1k. As for customer service that's great, but makes me speculate. As if the are waiting for calls on the 556. Wonder if they are having a recall issue. Wouldn't expect that from a Sig. Anyways that set aside, the 556 is not only a well built rifle, it’s an eye catcher as well.

Check out Gunbroker. There are tons of 556s for ~$1000-1300 on there right now.

 

[Uncle Mike]

There are tons of 556s for ~$1000-1300 on there right now.

Ghosts...?

 

[charlesb_la]

They start at at $1320 at Bud's

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/36_397

I've been impressed with my 556. I know there has been a lot of negative said about them but mine is a well built soft shooting accurate carbine. I'll probably end up picking up a Classic also.

 

[Wes Janson]

Quote:
There are tons of 556s for ~$1000-1300 on there right now.

Ghosts...?

BIN for $1239:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140679372

BIN for $1249:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140514928

BIN for $1349:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140275718

Plus another seven other auctions with bids under $1300, without any reserve.

 

[t george]

they run between 1200 and 1400 here in Texas.

t george

 

[JimmAr]

I havent looked into these guns other then all the kids playing "counter strike" that saved up to buy them because of their appeal in a game same with the steyr scout..

Are they really worth it over a compact upper for your average ar-15?

 

[usp9]

Did Sig offer any explaination as to what was initially wrong with your rifle?

 

[ejfalvo]

Sig never offered an explanation other than it needed a new barrel. As far as ” is it worth it vs an AR-15", I looked at both and wanted Sig quality and I liked its 2 stage trigger. In hindsight, a piston AR would have met my needs for a HD/plinking gun..

 

[waterhouse]

Glad to hear Sig service took care of it.

What are you putting such cheap ammo through it. There is no way I put steel cased ammo in an AR. Federal $40/100 at wally world. About much cheaper is the bear????

Brown Bear seems to be going for $0.26 a round right now at AIM, so it looks like he is saving $0.14 every time he pulls the trigger. I shoot steel cased ammo all the time, though expensive uppers and somewhat expensive suppressors . . .never had any issues with it.

 

[ny32182]

Sounds like you got a bad barrel or something. A rifle such as the 556 ought to be capable of eating Brown Bear for three meals a day.

Considering how most of the Sig CS stories are going these days, sounds like you got very lucky on that one... But all's well that ends well. I just wish they would release a decent stock for it. If they did that I would give it a serious look.