STG-556, 16" or 20" bbl?

[ShootAndHunt]

I finally decide to go with a STG-556 after a long time hesitate. The best price I could get from a store is about $1500+Tax. Is this reasonable?

I could get either 16" or 20" barrel version, it is really hard for me to decide. For a bullup even a 20" barrel is not that long, and you get more velocity from the extral 4" barrel length. However, 16" barrel seems more nimble in confined place (such as home). So I would like to hear about you guys' opinion to help me decide on this. What I care most is very good handling characteristics (well balance, easy to sway, neither front nor bottom heavy when loaded), reasonable accuracy (I understand that this is not a varmint hunter, but want something close to the AR accuracy level).

I understand that I could always buy an extra barrel, but a barrel itself is about $400 - $500, I would rather to get the one most suitable for me first.

There is another one hard to decide, do I go with an integral scope or a flat top? I understand flat top might give you more optics choices, but an integral scope is not that bad, after all, you will mount something on it. The thing gets my concern is the scope quality, it seems the glass on that scope is not the first rate, but I heard that they improved a lot later, is this true?

Thanks,

 

[Z-Michigan]

First, I assume you're talking about the MSAR clone of the Steyr AUG. I think there are a few unrelated guns with basically the same name "STG556".

If it's the original version that takes special mags, be aware that they are discontinued and that CDNN Sports was selling the 16" version, black only, rail only, for $999 a week ago. They may still have some. I wouldn't buy at $1500.

If it's the newer version that takes AR-15 mags, the price may be more reasonable.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

Yes, I am talking about the MSAR STG-556, a AUG clone.

 

[highorder]

I handled one a week ago and was pleasantly surprised by how well it shouldered and handled. I like the idea of the 16" model.

 

[Z-Michigan]

This price was only good through 11/19, but you might call CDNN to see if they're still offering it:

MSAR
MicroTec STG-556 · 223 · 16" Barrel · Black · 9" Rail · 1-10rd Mag
NO OPTIC · New · $400 BELOW COST!
#MSAR2001RRH16 $999.99 + FREE SHIPPING!

I would consider resale value before spending $1500 on the same gun, if you're looking at the same item. The version with a 1.5x optic runs more, I believe. I was really tempted to jump on this deal but after some quick research found that the original run had a fair number of problems, and that magazines were very expensive. If you can get essentially the same gun except taking AR-15 magazines, I think that would be the way to go:

http://www.msarinc.com/STGE4.html

In any event, I personally would get the 20" barrel, because a 31" rifle is still extremely compact, the extra velocity always helps, and it will also take the muzzle blast 4" farther from your face.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

Thanks, take the muzzle blast 4" more away really make some sense.

There is another one hard to decide, do I go with an integral scope or a flat top? I understand flat top might give you more optics choices, but an integral scope is not that bad, after all, you will mount something on it. The thing gets my concern is the scope quality, it seems the glass on that scope is not the first rate, but I heard that they improved a lot later, is this true?

 

[Avenger29]

Go with the flattop. Mount either an Aimpoint or a low power ACOG, depending on the role of the gun. Get a LaRue mount for whichever way you go.

The AUG's scope approach is way outdated, IMHO. Better optics today than that.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Go with the flattop. Mount either an Aimpoint or a low power ACOG, depending on the role of the gun. Get a LaRue mount for whichever way you go.

Same view here. I would also consider EOTech and Trijicon reflex-sight options.

 

[Wahoo95]

My vote is for the 16" Flattop with an Aimpoint Micro!

 

[nwilliams]

Funny I asked almost this same exact question not too long ago and didn't really get much of a response. At lest now I have some more opinions to add to mine.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=487477

I ended up buying the 16in barrel so I have both the 20in and the 16in and I'll probably just keep both. I paid $1350 for my MSAR and it was the version that came with the optical sight instead of the rail. $1500 seems pretty steep for an MSAR with just the rail, most places are selling them for around $1250 right now.

GET THE OPTIC VERSION!!! And here's why....

Currently the rail version of the MSAR is a bout $100 cheaper than the version with the optic sight. You can buy the rail alone for less than $150 most places, the optic sight alone usually sells for several hundred if you are lucky enough to even find one. I've seen MSAR optical sights sell on gunbroker for $400 or more!

So even if you don't like the optic that comes on the MSAR it's only a matter of removing a few screws to remove it and add the rail. You can then sell the optic on gunbroker (and it will sell for sure) for a couple hundred bucks and you can use the profit to buy a rail and Aimpoint.

The same logic can be applied to the PS90. The PS90 with the rail is the same price most places as the optical version. The optical sight that comes on the PS90 is about a $700 sight, the rail costs about $130.

 

[Avenger29]

Currently the rail version of the MSAR is a bout $100 cheaper than the version with the optic sight. You can but the rail alone for less than $150 most places, the optic sight alone usually sells for several hundred if you are lucky enough to even find one. I've seen MSAR optical sights sell on gunbroker for $400 or more!

So even if you don't like the optic that comes on the MSAR it's only a matter of removing a few screws to remove it and add the rail. You can then sell the optic on gunbroker (and it will sell for sure) for a couple hundred bucks and you can use the profit to buy a rail and Aimpoint.

Interesting. People are actually paying good money for outdated optics?

-Shakes head...

 

[nwilliams]

Interesting. People are actually paying good money for outdated optics?

Yup....
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=143231508

same seller as above different buyer...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=143277460

I wouldn't say that the sight isn't useful to some degree. It may not be a modern optic but it's basically the same as the optic on the original Steyr and that rifle saw military use for many decades with that scope. One nice feature is that it has BUIS built into it and it saves you from having to run out and spend more money right away on optics for your MSAR. I would consider it a temporary solution while you save up for some sort of quality optic later on. Or like I said earlier, sell it and use the money to buy an Aimpoint or something even sooner.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I just ordered a 20" with optic for the reasons stated above (less muzzle blast, higher velocity, etc).

Plus, in all honesty, it looks more "retro" cool that way. I also eschewed the black as too much like every other gun. Trying to get the tan if they get it in this week, otherwise will be happy with the green.

Ratworx is having a sale with $950 for railed and $1050 for optics for the STG version. It's $300 more for the E4 version that takes STANAG mags. Personally, since the rifle comes with (5) AUG mags, I don't plan to ever have more than 10 mags total, and they're supposedly more reliable than all but the best AR mags (and even then pretty close), I feel fine getting the AUG-mag version.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

I contacted my local gun store, and they are not sure whether it is legal in Connecticut to order the STG-556. The problem is: It comes with the Flash Hider, then it is importantwhether it has a pistol grip or just a intergral part of the stock. The STG-556 with muzzle brake is currently almost none-existent, so I am really stuck here after so many search

Could any one, especially in my "great state" Connecticut, to help me on this?

Thanks!

 

[N003k]

@ShootAndHunt

Try Newington Gun Exchange or Hoffmans, they tend to have a few in at any given time.

As for the legality, bright side, until a ruling is handed down its safe to assume that it's not a 'pistol grip that protrudes conspicously beneath.." yada yada yada...and, if it's ruled it is, you can easily get rid of the barrel. Heck, if you really want to be safe, I bet MSAR would help you out getting a barrel with a muzzle break rather then a flash hider.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

Thanks N003K! I will check these two stores.

 

[mp510]

I contacted my local gun store, and they are not sure whether it is legal in Connecticut to order the STG-556. The problem is: It comes with the Flash Hider, then it is importantwhether it has a pistol grip or just a intergral part of the stock. The STG-556 with muzzle brake is currently almost none-existent, so I am really stuck here after so many search

Could any one, especially in my "great state" Connecticut, to help me on this?

Thanks!

I have seen the MSAR's at various CT gunshows before. I'm not sure if they were modified or not for CT legality. There is definetely some hope for you out there.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

Is the Earlier Model of MSAR STG-556 really very bad?

I found one in a gunstore, but it is a previous model with the forward-assist. The gunstore said they cannot find any recent model without the FA. I heard that the previous model with the FA has some problem, what kind of problem is it? Is it very bad?

I just want a AUG clone, but never realized it is so hard to get in my state.

Thanks,

 

[nwilliams]

I found one in a gunstore, but it is a previous model with the forward-assist. The gunstore said they cannot find any recent model without the FA. I heard that the previous model with the FA has some problem, what kind of problem is it? Is it very bad?

I just want a AUG clone, but never realized it is so hard to get in my state.

Thanks,

I never heard anything bad about them. I know a lot of people didn't like the fact that they put a FA on the early ones. However I don't think that lasted very long, an MSAR with a FA is something you don't see very often. The folks at MSAR make a fine firearm and if you buy one and have a problem with it I've heard pretty good things about their CS.

 

[wally]

an MSAR with a FA is something

The only real knock on the FA models is they do not accept the AUG mags, only the MSAR mags will work. I've heard the AUG mags can be modified to work but ....

CDNN had AUG mags pretty cheap before MSAR dropped the FA and made it take the AUG mags. I got the mags before I got the gun.

Fearing a ban I got my non-FA MSAR in Nov '08, since it didn't have the big price jumps of the AR and AK at the time. I'd have preferred to wait for the then rumored STANAG model but I didn't want to take the chance. On balance, I'm glad I lost -- so far. Three more years is a long time, let's hope the 2010 mid terms can send a message, like the jump in guns and ammo sales sure did!

--wally.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

Aren't there people complaining about the jamming, misfire about the earlier model? I heard MSAR got these feedback and corrected the problem with their latest model (w/o forward assist).

 

[iamkris]

The lastest products from MSAR are top notch...the teething problems they had with early products are taken care of. Any product issues they have seem to be taken care of very quickly. I had a minor issue and it was resolved very fast plus they sent me a lot of free stuff to keep me happy.

Also, I did an audio podcast review of my MSAR E4

http://gunreviewpodcast.com/category/long-gun/rifles/


On the original topic, here's the response I gave nwilliams

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's a view of a 16" MSAR E4 next to several other 16" conventionally configured rifles



As you can see, at 16", the AUG is MUCH shorter than the "regular" rifles. If you put a 20" barrel on it, it would be just about the same length as the shorter barrelled traditional rifles.



It is really up to what you are trying to do.

Get more velocity in a package similar to a carbine length rifle? Go 20"
Have an ultra-compact package? Go 16"
Can't decide? Get both.

I wanted an ultra compact rifle.