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Old January 8, 2013, 10:16 AM   #1
Skans
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Looking for review of Sig 556R in 7.62x39

I am intrigued by the SIG 556 R in 7.62x39. I like the round better than 5.56 and I like the "look and feel" of the Sig 556. How do they function? How do they hold up? I am not looking for an AR-15 or another AK. I was wondering if anyone who has one of these, or has fired one (or even the 5.56 version) could provide me with information I can't get from the manufacturer.
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Old January 8, 2013, 11:00 AM   #2
slim9300
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Subscribed.

I'm guessing it takes a unique magazine?


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Old January 8, 2013, 11:06 AM   #3
Wisewolfhowling
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Check out warriortalk.com. And search the sig556R. Gabe has a few reviews for you to look at.
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Old January 8, 2013, 11:18 AM   #4
Skans
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From what I understand, the 556R uses standard AK magazines.
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Old January 8, 2013, 12:50 PM   #5
slim9300
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From what I understand, the 556R uses standard AK magazines.
Wow. That's really what I have been looking for now that RRA is almost certainly dumping the LAR-47 build. I had no idea Sig made such a weapon. Now the insanely difficult challenge of finding one before the SHTF...


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Old January 8, 2013, 12:59 PM   #6
halfcocked
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Early ones had reports of reliability problems and the steel AK mags were tearing up the aluminum receivers. I have "heard" the newer ones have been corrected. You may want to research more before you buy. I have a 556 in .223 and am happy with it.
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Old January 8, 2013, 01:13 PM   #7
tulsamal
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Check out warriortalk.com. And search the sig556R. Gabe has a few reviews for you to look at.
That's what I was going to suggest as well. He's become a big fan and written about it extensively.

http://www.warriortalknews.com/2012/...auer-556r.html

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Old January 8, 2013, 01:39 PM   #8
slim9300
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Early ones had reports of reliability problems and the steel AK mags were tearing up the aluminum receivers. I have "heard" the newer ones have been corrected. You may want to research more before you buy. I have a 556 in .223 and am happy with it.
I will be using polymer mags but thanks for the heads up! I will be doing some research. I don't need anymore 5.56 ARs.


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Old January 8, 2013, 02:20 PM   #9
seanc
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http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...highlight=556r

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrObcZb_CCI
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Old January 8, 2013, 04:22 PM   #10
slim9300
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I just spent an hour reading about the two similar options out there... Both the XCR in 7.62 and the 556R have way to many bad reviews if you ask me. I think there is a reason Robinson isn't listing the 762 anymore on their website.

The 556R will not shoot Wolf ammo nor will it accept a steel mag without doing obvious damage to the weapon over a short period. I did read the one review from Warrior Talk that stated it would shoot anything in terms of ammo, but I have read many noting failures. Plus, Sig says they will void your warranty to shoot steel casing. I think I will stick with my ARs for now. I really wanted a fighting rifle in 7.62x39 that would run steel casings if necessary, but that doesn't appear to be a possibility at this time.


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Old January 8, 2013, 05:32 PM   #11
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The 556R will not shoot Wolf ammo nor will it accept a steel mag without doing obvious damage to the weapon over a short period. I did read the one review from Warrior Talk that stated it would shoot anything in terms of ammo, but I have read many noting failures. Plus, Sig says they will void your warranty to shoot steel casing.
That's the "gen one" rifles. The new ones have a steel insert to protect the receiver from wear by the magazines. And SIG says you can shoot any 7.62x39 in the new one.

I know, if you do a google search you find lots of critical reviews and lots of problems. But look at dates. I don't actually own one so I'm just telling you what I've observed online. The newer ones are worth owning. I would take one anytime. Maybe I'll get the chance someday if the chaos ever goes away!

Gregg
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Old January 8, 2013, 05:40 PM   #12
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That's the "gen one" rifles. The new ones have a steel insert to protect the receiver from wear by the magazines. And SIG says you can shoot any 7.62x39 in the new one.

I know, if you do a google search you find lots of critical reviews and lots of problems. But look at dates. I don't actually own one so I'm just telling you what I've observed online. The newer ones are worth owning. I would take one anytime. Maybe I'll get the chance someday if the chaos ever goes away!

Gregg
Good to know.


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Old January 8, 2013, 06:15 PM   #13
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tulsamal - thanks for providing that information. Boy, am I glad I asked about this! Some really good information here.
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Old January 8, 2013, 07:54 PM   #14
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tulsamal - thanks for providing that information. Boy, am I glad I asked about this! Some really good information here.
Imagine buying a used 1st generation without knowing. That would be upsetting.


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Old January 8, 2013, 08:13 PM   #15
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Slim, my understanding is that SIG will update your rifle to Gen 2 at no cost.

If you are in doubt, look into the forward part of the magazine well where the front of the magazine would go. Do you see a steel "horseshoe" shaped insert in there? Then you are good to go.
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Old January 8, 2013, 08:13 PM   #16
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I've shot two 556Rs---both were properly maintained (my buddy and his dad have them and take care of their guns) and both were unreliable and had various issues. I would stay far, far away from them; especially when there are so many quality AKs that are proven and priced similarly or less (maybe not these days ).
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Old January 8, 2013, 08:25 PM   #17
AJD21
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I have heard nothing good about this rifle but have no first hand experience.
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Old January 8, 2013, 09:23 PM   #18
slim9300
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Originally Posted by plouffedaddy View Post
I've shot two 556Rs---both were properly maintained (my buddy and his dad have them and take care of their guns) and both were unreliable and had various issues. I would stay far, far away from them; especially when there are so many quality AKs that are proven and priced similarly or less (maybe not these days ).
Did they have the generation 2 "updates"? How long ago did you shoot them?


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Old January 10, 2013, 12:29 PM   #19
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Slim9300,

I've got one, a 2nd generation. I've put about 350 rounds through mine, and I really like it. No problems at all with the carbine itself, though I had some minor feeding issues with a Tapco magazine. I've used steel AK mags in it (Hungarian 20 round). Worked fine.

I hope you can find one for a reasonable price.
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Old January 10, 2013, 01:17 PM   #20
slim9300
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Slim9300,

I've got one, a 2nd generation. I've put about 350 rounds through mine, and I really like it. No problems at all with the carbine itself, though I had some minor feeding issues with a Tapco magazine. I've used steel AK mags in it (Hungarian 20 round). Worked fine.

I hope you can find one for a reasonable price.
Thank you! I can only hope.


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Old January 10, 2013, 02:34 PM   #21
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Did they have the generation 2 "updates"? How long ago did you shoot them?
Honestly I don't know. I know both have been back to SIG at least 1x each and still have problems.

Shot within the last 6-8 months.
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Old January 10, 2013, 04:25 PM   #22
en-frame
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slim9300,

Here's a couple of reviews off of ARF.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_45/37..._run_____.html

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_45/38...ge_report.html

FWIW. Good luck with your search and research.

en-frame
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Old January 10, 2013, 07:18 PM   #23
slim9300
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slim9300,

Here's a couple of reviews off of ARF.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_45/37..._run_____.html

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_45/38...ge_report.html

FWIW. Good luck with your search and research.

en-frame
Thank you. This is making me feel better about the weapon. I feel confident it would be a good thing to have.


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