Posted: 7/22/2009 7:18:24 PM EDT
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So I was at the range with my P-556 and decided it was time for a thorough cleaning.
Yes, I cleaned it when I bought it (before I ever fired it), but I did not do a complete field strip at that time, and mainly just cleaned the bolt, bolt carrier, chamber, and barrel to remove the packing grease. I did not clean the gas system at that time, however, because as it was new I did not feel it would need it. Today I did a complete field strip of the entire system to clean every component. Or at least, I should say that I TRIED to do a complete field strip. My P-556 is one of the early ones (serial number under 1K), and it has the flash suppressor with the teeth on it for mounting an AAC suppressor. I have noticed that SIG has now changed this flash suppressor to the more conventional birdcage design, just like an AR-15. According to the manual, the steps for disassembly are: 1. Remove magazine, check action to make sure weapon is clear. 2. Remove take down pins and separate upper receiver assembly from lower receiver assembly. 3. Remove the bolt and bolt carrier and disassemble the bolt to remove the firing pin. 4. Remove the handguards from the upper. 5. Disassemble the gas system. 6. Remove the operating rod. 7. REMOVE THE GAS TUBE BY PULLING IT FORWARD THROUGH THE GAS BLOCK. So let's stop right there. Guess what? THE GAS TUBE DOES NOT CLEAR THE FLASH SUPPRESSOR BECAUSE OF THE AAC MOUNTING TEETH! I tried this for half an hour, trying all different angles. No dice. Obviously I did not want to use any force so as not to screw up the gas block, but all attempts at "gentle persuasion" failed because no matter how you try it, you cannot get the gas tube to any angle where it is going to clear that suppressor. Finally I gave up and backed off, and decided to just clean the gas tube in place by using a shotgun mop attached to a rod, and that worked. However, I intend to drop SIG a line tomorrow. In the meantime, anyone else encounter this? I love this pistol by the way, and I really don't even care because I can clean the gas tube in place like I did tonight, but I am wondering if someone at SIG made a major screw up by choosing this particular flash suppressor design without first validating takedown compatibility. (This was an "AHA!" moment for me, I was like "NOW I know why they changed the design of the flash suppressor!"). Appreciate any input/advice. Thanks. |
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Quoted:
Been there...replaced w/Gemtech mount. Still, it makes one of the best SBR's out there w/that folding stock and all. And once you get to take that gas tube off, you'll be able to clean it in no time. I still love the weapon. It just FLOORS me that SIG's engineers didn't catch this in the developmental stages. I just sent them an e-mail - I'll post their reply when I get it. |
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I'm amazed that you attempted to remove it for such a long time.
I figured it wasn't going anywhere in no time...maybe I gave up quick but its not like its even close. But if that's the only thing to complain about on a weapon...you're doing a lot better then some 'top' AR manufacturers |
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Quoted:
Is there a reason or something that keeps you from threading the flash hider off or are you just saying that it is a hinderance in the field. Good question. Will it come off? Looks very permanently attached to me. ??? ETA: Here's a picture of the "culprit" - those "teeth" (protrusions) running around the circumference of the flash hider at it's base. 
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Quoted:
I'm amazed that you attempted to remove it for such a long time. I figured it wasn't going anywhere in no time...maybe I gave up quick but its not like its even close. But if that's the only thing to complain about on a weapon...you're doing a lot better then some 'top' AR manufacturers I'm stubborn that way  .
Seriously, I figured maybe it was just me. I had a bitch of a time getting the operating rod handle off my M1A rifle because the tolerances on those things are EXTREMELY tight, so I figured maybe this was just a similar situation. (Ask anyone who owns an M1A what I'm talking about and they'll understand). |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Is there a reason or something that keeps you from threading the flash hider off or are you just saying that it is a hinderance in the field. Good question. Will it come off? Looks very permanently attached to me. ??? ETA: Here's a picture of the "culprit" - those "teeth" (protrusions) running around the circumference of the flash hider at it's base. http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/omega62/P556FH.jpg It'll come off. |