SIG-SAUER 556R 7,62 x 39 – First Impressions
For those unfamiliar with the SIG 556R, it is a SIG 556 platform rifle chambered in 7,62×39, therefore the “R” designation is for RUSSIAN.
I have had 2 opportunities now to shoot he SIG 556R and I have some preliminary impressions.
There are lots of reviews and opinions on this rifle, with most of them relating to the pre mid 2012 model. The reviews on the pre mid 2012 model are mostly negative and it seems that the majority opinion is that the rifle was released by Sig- Sauer as a “beta” version and before being thoroughly tested by Sig-Sauer, they were released to the gun buying public in the USA.
Some of the problems and/or gripes in respect of the 1st Gen SIG 556R rifles were :
- Non Swisscentric stock
- Feeding problems with steel cased ammo (not a good thing)
- Erratic extraction
- Mag compatibility issues
- The aluminum magazine block wore quickly when steel magazines were inserted
etc.
Gabe Suarez seems to have gotten on to the “New Generation” 556R when he fell out of sync with the custom AK crowd, it seems, and investigated and tested the New Gen 556R with surprising results and positive feedback. Reports can be found on Warrior Talk News.
The important changes made to the 556R for the New Gen rifle is reported by Suarez from info obtained via people at Sig-Sauer (and slightly enhanced by me where appropriate in regards to my experience with the rifle so far), namely:
1. The recoil spring is stronger and has 4 more pounds of pressure than the 1st gen rifles.
2. The magazine well has been widened to accept all manner of variations of steel AK magazines and polymer mags although they may need some fitting mods.
3. The extractor is wider than on previous guns and the extractor spring has been beefed up.
4. The extractor spring is 30% stronger than on an AK-47.
5. Chamber dimensions have been opened up 5 thousands to accommodate variations in “medium quality ammunition” and steel cased ammo.
6. The internal magazine catch shelf in the forward portion of the receiver is now made of hardened steel instead of aluminium.
Specs and data can be found on the net but here are some basics:
The Sig-Sauer 556R is built on the basic design of the Swiss Sig 55X series of rifles and operates exactly the same way. Operating system is AK style long stroke piston attached to the bolt carrier.
The setup of the piston to bolt carrier and removal is the same as with the Sig55X series and detail of how it works can be had from my review of the Sig 553.
The barrel is a 16” light-ish profile barrel with nitride coated chamber and bore and fitted with an A2 type flash hider and USA 308 thread of 5/8×3-24. This is a neat feature because standard 308 flash hiders, comps and muzzle devices can be fitted of which there are many, albeit in the USA.
The lower receiver is manufactured from aluminium instead of steel like on the Sig 55X series and it features the smallish but functional Sig 55X pistol grip.
The stock is the same as the Swiss stock.
The hand guard is similar to the Swiss hand guard but not made of the same polymer (more “placstic” feeling) and looser fitting than found on Swiss rifles.
The Bolt carrier and bolt are very nicely finished but lack the perfection of the Swiss parts. This not an issue – I am just saying…
The lower receiver features a bolt hold open device but it does not function automatically or by default when the last round in the mag is fired because the AK mags do not allow for this.
Trigger group is very similar to the Swiss set-up and is fairly light and exact.
The rifle is fitted with a fold up back rear sight blade similar to the one on the 553 but not the same height or interchangeable. No front sight is provided but Sig-Sauer includes a Sig-Sauer made in china Aimpoint Micro replica. So far it has held up very well, but I will ultimately fit an Aimpoint Micro.
Rifle weight is around 7lb and very reasonable in my opinion for what it is.
Range time with the 556R has been extremely enjoyable.
The rifle functioned 100% reliably out of the box and still does – I have sent about 250 round down range so far with mixed Norinco steel cased, Hornady steel cased and Fiochi brass cased ammo.
The rifle is easy to shoot, mild recoiling and fast handling.
I have not cleaned the bolt carrier group since the start of using the rifle and it is stil very clean. I predict the bolt carrier guide is not going see much attention except for lubing it with Slip2000 EWG now and again.
Steel AK mags fit perfectly and lock in easily and effortlessly. Most polymer mags need to be modified somewhat to make them fit and I have experienced this with the new Bulgarian Circle 10 mags I use. After some Dremel attention on the poly mags they fit very nicely and work flawlessly. The Bulgy Circle 10 mags are excellent quality and quite a bit lighter in weight than the traditional AK steel mags.
This rifle is a keeper in my opinion.
Article by Khumba, GunSite SA Forum Moderator and Member.
Many thanks from the GunSite SA Team for this continbution.
Comments
Category: Guns & Gear
Today I went into a local gun shop to view this rifle.
One thing I noted was that there was a slight bit of play between the upper and lower receiver, when grabbing the upper, and twisting from the pistol grip….I told the salesman, “In my view there should be NO play”
Is there any play in your gun?