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Posted: 12/26/2017 2:52:50 PM EDT
[#1]
A buddy of mine had an early run 556. I shot it and liked it but I never liked it enough to go away from an AR. Some of the design features just didn’t do it for me.
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Posted: 2/15/2018 7:26:04 AM EDT
[#2]
Well I just bid on one over at GunBroker. Hopefully I didn't bid too high.
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Posted: 2/15/2018 7:54:26 AM EDT
[#3]
Sig Has ADHD.
while maybe not as simple as that, Sig over the past decade has developed a pattern of developing a platform, not supporting such a platform, and dropping support for that platform when sales begin to lag. its happened when the Sig556 became the Sig 556xi and was dropped its happening now with the Sig 716 when they went to the G2 platform, which will eventually be dropped for the 7.62 MCX while i like sig, I am hesitant to jump into another sig platform. |
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Posted: 2/15/2018 12:01:02 PM EDT
[#4]
SIG does "planned obsolescence" very well. Combined with their ability to source low-cost MIM parts from India, it makes for a revenue-generating business model, as long as people think their products are desirable.
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Posted: 2/15/2018 3:03:26 PM EDT
[#5]
They sure burned me. I finally bought in when the classic came out. Looked enough like the rifle I wanted and looked like they were finally on track to make something decent. I liked the rifle a lot. Yeah, it's a touch heavier than the AR but that was not much of a problem to me. My wife actually liked shooting it a bit more too. It's weight reduced the recoil and she was sensitive to that as well as the AR's gas-in-face. I ultimately traded away the other AR-15's and stuck with the 556. Then shortly after SIG did what SIG does. Drops the line and leaves you stranded. Looks like I will need to pick up a used one as a spare parts source if I wan't to keep it and I do want to keep it. It out shot my other AR's and I like the trigger.
I think if SIG had just started with the classic or the xi rather than redesigning the thing 15 times over they could have kept the rifle in the line-up and not pissed half the buyers off with that early abortion of a shit-pile they made. |
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Posted: 2/15/2018 10:04:24 PM EDT
[#6]
Discontinuing the 55X series rifles here in the US was very disappointing. My early 556 is a great shooter. I suspect the real reason for canceling production was a cost issue. I know that the Swiss made rifles were very, very pricey.
Found this in my photo library and thought I would share it. This is Saturday morning and these two young Swiss female soldiers cycling down a country road on their way to target practice. 
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Posted: 2/16/2018 2:43:02 AM EDT
[#7]
I have a Sig 556 SWAT version I bought new back in January of 2008. Mine's a good shooter, and I've had no issues with it.
I ran close to 5000rds before I decided to thoroughly clean it. Never had any feeding, ejecting issues. Gun just runs and runs. So I bought a P556 and SBR's it. Great shooter but a bit loud with the short barrel, but it also just runs again and again. Taken at least 3 rifle classes with the rifle. Get alot of BS about the weight, and other haters comments. But, I watched their cheap AR's go down. Me I just changed mags and shoot. End of class, nobody said shit about my 556. So what does Sig do, drop support, period. No parts, no nothing. I won't but another Sig rifle, ever. I do love their pistols, and own several. At least they support them.......for now. |
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Posted: 2/16/2018 8:54:15 AM EDT
[#8]
I just got into them - as I tripped over one at a good price. A 556 pistol that I have a side folding SB brace with and its surprisingly comfortable.
I will SBR it if I can find a lower with Swiss stock for reasonable - but I love this little gun. Always wanted a 55X series especially the short versions and this is great. Now I want a 556R (Classic style) not XI and finish it in Swiss Gray Cerakote. |
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Posted: 3/16/2018 11:51:50 AM EDT
[#9]
Because Sig hates us. They really just wanted to make a modular rifle, and the 556XI was far from modular, as they claimed it was. I liked it more than the MCX, but the MCX was more along the lines Sig was looking for. Oh well. If they had just ditched the damned rear charging handle for the MCX I'd be able to get behind it more, but that's the AR15's worst feature. Why keep it in a new rifle?
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Posted: 3/16/2018 12:02:21 PM EDT
[#10]
My first rifle was a sig 522, I wish I picked up a sig 556 but alas I guess it will be soon featured on Forgotten weapons probably
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Posted: 3/20/2018 10:43:58 AM EDT
[#11]
The buttpad started to disintegrate while sitting in my safe. I've never seen anything like this happen to any other firearm... With that said, where can I get the replacement "short" pads?
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Posted: 3/21/2018 12:30:56 AM EDT
[#12]
a lot of the Remington super squishy pads seem to melt if in contact with something hard, particularly in the heat.
You may want to call these guys up and ask, you may have a really hard time finding a part. Your best shot may be finding someone who is using the long pad and willing to sell the short. https://www.gatewoodsupplyco.com/ |
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Posted: 3/21/2018 4:22:57 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
SIG does "planned obsolescence" very well. Combined with their ability to source low-cost MIM parts from India, it makes for a revenue-generating business model, as long as people think their products are desirable. Here's a link on a sig 716 ambi mag release, look at the country of origin mfg. http://www.krollcorp.com/5C0B81F1-5570-42D1-8998-EF391ED8F9A0 |
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Posted: 3/21/2018 8:17:56 AM EDT
[#14]
Indo-MIM (in India) has been one of SIG Sauer's major parts suppliers since CEO Cohen directed efforts away from much of their cast construction starting in 2005
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Posted: 3/21/2018 8:55:09 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Indo-MIM (in India) has been one of SIG Sauer's major parts suppliers since CEO Cohen directed efforts away from much of their cast construction starting in 2005 Cohen has done a lot for Sig USA.....but maintaining quality across the board definitely isn't one of them. |
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Posted: 3/21/2018 12:06:13 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Cohen has done a lot for Sig USA.....but maintaining quality across the board definitely isn't one of them. |
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Posted: 4/5/2018 11:50:17 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I just got into them - as I tripped over one at a good price. A 556 pistol that I have a side folding SB brace with and its surprisingly comfortable. I will SBR it if I can find a lower with Swiss stock for reasonable - but I love this little gun. Always wanted a 55X series especially the short versions and this is great. Now I want a 556R (Classic style) not XI and finish it in Swiss Gray Cerakote. |
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Posted: 4/6/2018 12:39:48 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The buttpad started to disintegrate while sitting in my safe. I've never seen anything like this happen to any other firearm... With that said, where can I get the replacement "short" pads? |
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Posted: 4/6/2018 1:20:54 AM EDT
[#19]
I too have a 556 and a 551-A1 that I've never fired.
Maybe someday I'll have a go with them. |
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Posted: 4/6/2018 6:24:06 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I too have a 556 and a 551-A1 that I've never fired. Maybe someday I'll have a go with them. |
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Posted: 4/7/2018 10:36:55 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can you steer me to the 556 folding SB brace source? |
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Posted: 4/7/2018 11:53:50 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No comprendo. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: I too have a 556 and a 551-A1 that I've never fired. Maybe someday I'll have a go with them. |
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Posted: 4/7/2018 12:12:33 PM EDT
[#23]
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Posted: 4/7/2018 12:42:27 PM EDT
[#24]
If I could source a spare bolt and barrel, I'd start shooting my 556R SBR a lot more.
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Posted: 4/7/2018 12:48:21 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've fired my 551 a lot. 
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/13082/C5657913-C32C-42B5-9684-53D2FBA85261-507484.JPG 
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Posted: 4/7/2018 2:41:09 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've fired my 551 a lot.
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/13082/C5657913-C32C-42B5-9684-53D2FBA85261-507484.JPG |
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Posted: 4/11/2018 4:00:59 AM EDT
[#27]
As close as I'll get to the real thing. Managed to accumulate about 40 mags pre Sandy Hook. 20 and 30 rounders.
Recently took it to a familiarization fire at a course for students to get behind. Don't see many in the wild.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/14/2018 7:55:35 PM EDT
[#28]
I was bummed when they killed the 556 in favor of the Xwhatever but thought the idea of caliber kits and everything was cool. Then they killed those.
I bought a 556 SBR but now wish I would have just held out for the MCX. Hopefully they won’t kill those too soon. |
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Posted: 4/14/2018 8:20:53 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No comprendo. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: I too have a 556 and a 551-A1 that I've never fired. Maybe someday I'll have a go with them.
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Posted: 4/14/2018 11:08:48 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I was bummed when they killed the 556 in favor of the Xwhatever but thought the idea of caliber kits and everything was cool. Then they killed those. I bought a 556 SBR but now wish I would have just held out for the MCX. Hopefully they won’t kill those too soon. |
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Posted: 4/30/2018 1:25:10 AM EDT
[#31]
I spoke with a SIG rep at a demo today... As I was checking out the MPX and MCX table he approached me and asked if I wanted to shoot them. I said I was overly cautious because I didn't want to get hooked and "need" to buy one - only to be left out in the cold when the parts kits dry up. Then I told him about my two 556s and the lack of parts...
He told me he's in the same boat. Apparently they can source random bits from somewhere, but the parts kits are looonnnnggg gone and won't be coming back. So, for 556 owners that have shot them enough to wear stuff out - what have you needed to replace? I might need to call Exeter. |
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Posted: 4/30/2018 11:24:24 AM EDT
[#32]
I wouldn't hate Sig so much if they hadn't have put the AR15 "T" charging handle on the MCX. That's the AR15's worst feature on a rifle with generally good ergonomics. Why keep the thing most people hate the most? Side charge is love, side charge is life.
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Posted: 4/30/2018 11:57:27 AM EDT
[#33]
Inexpensive, easily modified, parts everywhere, AR15 type rifles killed the Sig; The Sig 556 is still a great rifle!
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Posted: 5/1/2018 2:45:47 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can you steer me to the 556 folding SB brace source? It's expensive, but it's the real SAN one, and will probably outlive the rifle. Edit: Forgot to mention that the SB Tactical SOB brace almost exactly duplicates the LOP and height of the original Swiss stock. |
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Posted: 5/3/2018 9:44:50 PM EDT
[#35]
I like the Sig 556 a lot, have several and parts. Always buying parts. Its accurate, takes AR mags, robust and dependable. Always the fat chick of a gathering(Shes heavy) but damn Im addicted. Sig screwed everyone on this platform. Made us like it and then dumped support. Screw Sig.
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Posted: 5/8/2018 5:26:12 AM EDT
[#36]
I too have a 551A1. I bought it summer of 2012. I have shot it, but not much as I didnt have much 5.56 ammo at the time. That was the most expensive gun I have ever bought at the time, my CZ bren outdid it by $20. I got one of the experimental 550 bayonets from robertrtg.com. Sadly, it doesn't fit.
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Posted: 5/18/2018 10:41:20 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I SBRed my 556 Pistol and still have it. I have two complaints: 1) It's heavy for an SBR. (Minor) 2) SIG stopped supporting it. (More important) Outside of that, it's incredibly reliable and one of the softest shooting guns I own. I really like it a lot. Put a Samson front end on it, diopter sights, folding stock and a red dot. I own two guns that are now unsupported platforms. The 556 and an MSAR E4. I really like both, but have also learned a valuable lesson from each. They will never be considered SHTF worthy for the obvious reason that spares don't exist. That said, they're by no means my only guns so that isn't a big factor at all. Both are excellent guns. |
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Posted: 5/18/2018 11:16:47 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I got one of the experimental 550 bayonets from robertrtg.com. Sadly, it doesn't fit. |
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Posted: 5/21/2018 2:00:46 PM EDT
[#39]
Quoted:
Seems like they were all the rage several years ago, then they dropped off the face of the earth? I handled a friend's and shot it, liked it very much. What happened to make Sig quit making them? 
that sucked. |
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Posted: 5/21/2018 2:32:24 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sig Has ADHD. while maybe not as simple as that, Sig over the past decade has developed a pattern of developing a platform, not supporting such a platform, and dropping support for that platform when sales begin to lag. its happened when the Sig556 became the Sig 556xi and was dropped its happening now with the Sig 716 when they went to the G2 platform, which will eventually be dropped for the 7.62 MCX while i like sig, I am hesitant to jump into another sig platform. |
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Posted: 5/21/2018 2:36:04 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's true parts are made in India, I can't believe they still slap " manufactured in the United States" stickers on boxes and cases. Sig Sauer will be like Remington in 20 years. Sigs reputation will go down the gutter like Remington. They must be taking ques from Remington, Cutting corners on quality just to increase bottom line profit margin. Keep it up and they will be bankrupt. Here's a link on a sig 716 ambi mag release, look at the country of origin mfg. http://www.krollcorp.com/5C0B81F1-5570-42D1-8998-EF391ED8F9A0 Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
SIG does "planned obsolescence" very well. Combined with their ability to source low-cost MIM parts from India, it makes for a revenue-generating business model, as long as people think their products are desirable. Here's a link on a sig 716 ambi mag release, look at the country of origin mfg. http://www.krollcorp.com/5C0B81F1-5570-42D1-8998-EF391ED8F9A0 |
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Posted: 5/21/2018 2:47:05 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The quality thay went into them sucked. It was the same quality that went into my 522, which AS a .22LR is fine. But for a 5.56mm rifle.... https://i.imgur.com/dnGKXfT.jpg that sucked. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Seems like they were all the rage several years ago, then they dropped off the face of the earth? I handled a friend's and shot it, liked it very much. What happened to make Sig quit making them? https://i.imgur.com/dnGKXfT.jpg that sucked. |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 10:27:48 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If I could source a spare bolt and barrel, I'd start shooting my 556R SBR a lot more. http://i59.tinypic.com/11wfwog.jpg |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 5:21:55 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The quality thay went into them sucked. It was the same quality that went into my 522, which AS a .22LR is fine. But for a 5.56mm rifle.... https://i.imgur.com/dnGKXfT.jpg that sucked. The furniture is about all that seemed like shitty quality to me. The stuff that matters appears to be well made. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 5:31:02 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I thought it was supposed to be a semi-auto-only 550/551 with a lower redesigned to take AR mags. I guess the changes were more substantial than that? It also lacked the overall look of the 55x series, looking like the bastard child of a 55x and AR. And it was a heavy SOB for what it was. Good shooting gun though. Front heavy. |
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Posted: 6/14/2018 11:06:08 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have a Sig 556 SWAT version I bought new back in January of 2008. Mine's a good shooter, and I've had no issues with it. I ran close to 5000rds before I decided to thoroughly clean it. Never had any feeding, ejecting issues. Gun just runs and runs. So I bought a P556 and SBR's it. Great shooter but a bit loud with the short barrel, but it also just runs again and again. Taken at least 3 rifle classes with the rifle. Get alot of BS about the weight, and other haters comments. But, I watched their cheap AR's go down. Me I just changed mags and shoot. End of class, nobody said shit about my 556. So what does Sig do, drop support, period. No parts, no nothing. I won't but another Sig rifle, ever. I do love their pistols, and own several. At least they support them.......for now. The company promised to move production of the pistols and spare parts to the US but they went back on their word leaving me with "orphan" pistols that cost thousands of dollars each. I don't trust SIG to offer long term product support which is why I'm damned glad I didn't pick up the 556xi I wanted since they walked away from it. Although every SIG I've owned has been truly exemplary I'm hesitant to buy any more of them. |
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Posted: 6/15/2018 11:03:59 AM EDT
[#47]
Man, I want a 551A1 so bad. OMB guns (before they got in trouble) were blowing them out for $800. I should have bought a ton, but money was tight as I was EASing.
Then one popped up for sale somewhat locally, but I couldn't squeeze the cash at the time. I have a thing for the "dead ends" of weapon evolution. 
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Posted: 6/19/2018 10:59:47 AM EDT
[#48]
They nailed the P556 and 556 SBR...I have one...have had many Sig 556 rifles...they never failed on me.
I am keeping my P556 with a brace forever...believe it or not...optics planet had some spare parts that I picked up for it. The barrels were actually made very well for these guns...both the CHF and the Nitrided versions. But ultimately it faield because the AR market was at its peak with all the tactical ninja mods you can have....I bet the Sig 556 now would do much better in sales because everyone is so tired of ARs. |
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Posted: 6/19/2018 11:54:51 AM EDT
[#49]
Everyone says they're so tired of ARs, but statistically ARs sell the best by far. It was the same when the SIG 556 first came out.
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Posted: 6/19/2018 12:17:12 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Everyone says they're so tired of ARs, but statistically ARs sell the best by far. It was the same when the SIG 556 first came out. |
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