Quoted:
I have owned both (though I had the SR556, not the SR556C) and my choice would be the POF.
It really brings more to the table in terms of design changes/improvements.
The heat sink barrel nut, large handguard etc really do a lot to help heat dissipation.
It also has a better twist rate and I found the POF to be more accurate.
I agree.
And the POF's are Assembled one to one.
So the Gas block is perfectly matched to each barrel.
My POF is the Nicest Rifle I own.
Everyone I know who owns a POF is thoroughly pleased with it.
And regardless of what dumb asses on this site say... if you have a problem... frank will back it up and do whatever it takes to make it right.
I've talked on the phone with frank a few times, he is a good man.
Note: My rifle has operated flawlessly with over several thousands rounds between a cleaning.
I've shot one of their Demo Rifles that had over 50K through it and no cleaning... The Gas plug was seized in place with carbon (I'm sure it could be opened with hand tools... just not by hand at this point)
Ran like a Charm... perfect.