Review: Sig 556R - Not what I expected - Page 3

Katophract · March 28, 2011, 09:07 AM

If the Sig 556r doesn't use steel mags or fire the most common ammo, I have no need for it and Sig really dropped the ball.

Sturmgewehre · March 28, 2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

CRAP AMMO! Try running them through the Sig a second time. Also, just because a magazine works in one gun doesn't mean it will in another one. Buy some good Bulgarian waffle magazines. You have a $1500 rifle and $10 gunshow special magazines loaded with Berdan primed steel cased ammo. You don't put 87octane in a Porsche and take it to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. Garbage In Garbage Out.

First, Wolf isn't "crap ammo". Every 7.62x39 rifle made accept the Sig 556R fires it just fine in my experience. Wolf is the most commonly used 7.62x39 in the US and has been for decades.

Secondly, pre-ban Polytech steel magazines aren't cheap AK mags. The rifle came with a Bulgarian commercial magazine, and it didn't work nor did the high quality Polytech magazine, or any of my Bulgarian steel mags or polymer mags.

The Sig 556R isn't the "Porsche" (it's more like the Kia) of the gun world and they don't cost $1500 unless you're used to over paying for firearms. It's an $1100 gun.

As for the notion Silver Bear is superior quality ammo, zinc plating compared to lacquer or polymer is inferior. It's "cool" to many because it looks high quality due to the flashy nature of untarnished zinc. Leave it exposed to the elements for a couple of days and this is what you get:

It doesn't do anything better than lacquer or polymer coatings other than looking pretty for a while. Lacquer and polymer are military grade coatings, there's a reason the Russians don't zinc plate their military ammo.

Nitesites · March 28, 2011, 05:10 PM

New user first post

I purchased a 556 Russian about 1 week ago. It refuses to run through a full mag without some type of malf. I jumped in without checking the water and got burned big time. Used a different steel cased ammo so this isn't about the ammo for the most part because I've read brass is ok. Not happy at all.

Nitesites · March 28, 2011, 05:13 PM

Oh and common steel mags will prematurely wear the mag's locking shelf. Man, I didn't do my homework on this buy. Really not happy with myself or SIG.

Nitesites · March 28, 2011, 05:21 PM

What is needed here is a RECALL.

essohbe · March 28, 2011, 10:59 PM

Putting zinc on the ammo casings was just a cheap attempt to galvanize it for storage. I won't buy silverbear/zinc crap it unless it's going to get used right away.

Nitesites · March 28, 2011, 11:23 PM

Does anyone know if SIG has officially addressed these issues about the 556 Russian?

Nitesites · March 28, 2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

You have a $1500 rifle and $10 gunshow special magazines loaded with Berdan primed steel cased ammo. You don't put 87octane in a Porsche and take it to Jiffy Lube for an oil change

I strongly disagree with this concerning the 556R. This is EXACTLY why I purchased the rifle in the first place. I purchased this rifle so I CAN shoot cheap, steel cased 7.62x39 ammo with steel AK mags. A bunch of it for the fact of the matter. I paid over $1100.00 for it. I paid that much to have an updated AK for the 21st century with the SIG name stamped on it. I'm pretty sure most that bought one had this in mind as well.

Kimio · March 29, 2011, 12:36 AM

I'm no expert, but if you pay to have something that you believe is High Quality, it should be able to everything you expect it to do, and more. All this argument over "You use crap ammo, that's why it fails" is just stupid IMO. Using the car analogy, you buy a Ferrari and you put cheap gas in it, sure it won't run at its full potential, but it will still run. The same thing applies here, we expect a certain standard of quality when you are investing a rather large sum of money in a companies product.

The fact that the SIG556R cannot accept what even entry level AK47 pattern rifles can is simply ridiculous, what we expect from a product such as this, is that it can do everything it's less than prestigious counterparts can do and beyond.

Sadly this apparently is not the case, and SIG just did not care what the end product was and slapped a price tag on it and advertised that it was something that it is clearly not.

Great video as usual Sturm, I look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future.

Nitesites · March 29, 2011, 12:18 PM

The issue about the unprotected mag locking shelf is gnawing at me (beyond the multiple malfs lol).

Willie Lowman · March 29, 2011, 01:09 PM

I am not one bit surprised.

As much as I want to like the Sig 556 series, all my experience with them is bad.

RadiationRemediator · August 17, 2011, 11:19 AM

Pun Intended. I just purchased a Sig Sauer 556R... unfortunately before your outstanding review. You did an outstanding job of considering external causes and eliminating them. I am very disappointed that Sig Sauer still produces this model with this problem 4 1/2 years after you brought the failure to fire issue to the public's attention. My rifle shot maybe... 15 rounds... before it stopped firing. My gunsmith is trying to resolve the issue and suspects a spring defect.

My YouTube response suggests that Sig Sauer should do the proper thing and issue a recall to address the failure to fire issue. This is a potentially life threatening condition, because rounds also stick in the barrel. The good folks at Gander Mountain in Tyler were surprised the barrel did not explode. Hopefully Sig Sauer is not waiting for an injury or death to seriously assess and address the failure to fire and stuck cartridge issues.

RC20 · August 17, 2011, 11:35 AM

My take is if you want an AK, get an AK or an XCR.

Yep, RA has issues, but the gun is a true inheritor of the AK traction that's truly modernized, but keeps the simplicity of the gun.

I own both, XCR is as solid as the AK with far better layout as well as controls that are world class (no one has matched them yet, some have picked off one feature or the other).

MythBuster · August 17, 2011, 12:35 PM

Posted by StrongSideArms.

"Second, I change the trigger system to a national match two stage trigger, I like Bushmasters set up."

You are way off there. The Bushmaster two stage was the weakest hammer spring you can find in a NM 3 stage trigger. That damn sure is not going to help your problem with misfires.

colostomyclown · August 17, 2011, 01:44 PM

steel cased ammo/cheap ammo, whatever. for the price of this thing it had better feed and fire reliably anything you feed it. period.

I won't buy any new Sig products, as much as I love their 220/226/229. They're both overpriced and overhyped. I'll buy old used West German guns and give my retail business on new guns to a company more deserving of it.

RadiationRemediator · November 7, 2011, 03:09 PM

Sig Sauer honored its warranty and replaced the rifle. I have to give the company credit.

dvdcrr · June 23, 2013, 02:20 PM

Sturmgewehre
I am wondering since Sig Sauer did a rework of this rifle model if you are going to take another look. And also what do you think about polyformance 7.62x39 ammo.

velocette · June 25, 2013, 08:36 AM

I am a range officer at a large public range in south Florida.
I see all sorts of AR problems. Usually with new rifles, rifles dry of lubricant, rifles with el cheapo magazines, rifles using weak gun show reloads AND rifles using steel cased ammo.
What I have seen is that if an AR will work with steel cased ammo, it will work with anything.
The usual problem is failure to extract, case stuck in the chamber. Generally after a few rounds have been fired allowing the rounds coating to stick to the chamber walls.
a thorough cleaning and then polishing the chamber with Flitz does help a lot to solve the case sticking problem.
As far as Sig rifles being a problem, no more than any other brand, no better no worse.

Roger

stubbicatt · June 25, 2013, 10:14 AM

Wow. Necro-thread.

chadio · June 25, 2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

The main problem is there aren't enough non-AK 7.62x39 rifles on the market.

SKS?

I love mine (non- modified Norinco Para)

Yes, I would also like to see more "non - AK" rifles that shoot this round. Shame to hear that the SIG Sauer is such a disappointment... Always wondered about the Rock River LAR-47....

VTRich · June 25, 2013, 06:06 PM

I have one of the newer generation 556R's and it has been flawless. The red dot sight they give you is crap, but the rifle itself has been totally reliable. I have only shot Silver Bear through it. Look for a gun that was made in July, 2012, or later and you should be fine.

Ignition Override · June 27, 2013, 11:35 PM

Sturmgewehre: I've enjoyed watching a bunch of your videos, and only watch about five Youtube Channels (all guns) on a regular basis.

Maybe you are fortunate that you either got your money back, or have credit towards another purchase at the store (?).

Having seen your major problems with the Century Tantal AK-74 (shooting 5.45 thorough a 5.56 bore...which Century certainly Knew about when they were sold...) and very lucky 'service' with Century, hope you did ok when this Sig was returned.

March 28, 2011, 09:07 AM	#51
Katophract Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2010 Location: Vernal, UT Posts: 209	If the Sig 556r doesn't use steel mags or fire the most common ammo, I have no need for it and Sig really dropped the ball. __________________ It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.

March 28, 2011, 05:10 PM	#53
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	SIG 556 Russian Malfs New user first post I purchased a 556 Russian about 1 week ago. It refuses to run through a full mag without some type of malf. I jumped in without checking the water and got burned big time. Used a different steel cased ammo so this isn't about the ammo for the most part because I've read brass is ok. Not happy at all.

March 29, 2011, 12:36 AM	#59
Kimio Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,171	I'm no expert, but if you pay to have something that you believe is High Quality, it should be able to everything you expect it to do, and more. All this argument over "You use crap ammo, that's why it fails" is just stupid IMO. Using the car analogy, you buy a Ferrari and you put cheap gas in it, sure it won't run at its full potential, but it will still run. The same thing applies here, we expect a certain standard of quality when you are investing a rather large sum of money in a companies product. The fact that the SIG556R cannot accept what even entry level AK47 pattern rifles can is simply ridiculous, what we expect from a product such as this, is that it can do everything it's less than prestigious counterparts can do and beyond. Sadly this apparently is not the case, and SIG just did not care what the end product was and slapped a price tag on it and advertised that it was something that it is clearly not. Great video as usual Sturm, I look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future. Last edited by Kimio; March 29, 2011 at 01:16 AM.

March 29, 2011, 01:09 PM	#61
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	I am not one bit surprised. As much as I want to like the Sig 556 series, all my experience with them is bad. __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

August 17, 2011, 11:19 AM	#62
RadiationRemediator Junior Member Join Date: August 17, 2011 Posts: 2	Great Troubleshooting Pun Intended. I just purchased a Sig Sauer 556R... unfortunately before your outstanding review. You did an outstanding job of considering external causes and eliminating them. I am very disappointed that Sig Sauer still produces this model with this problem 4 1/2 years after you brought the failure to fire issue to the public's attention. My rifle shot maybe... 15 rounds... before it stopped firing. My gunsmith is trying to resolve the issue and suspects a spring defect. My YouTube response suggests that Sig Sauer should do the proper thing and issue a recall to address the failure to fire issue. This is a potentially life threatening condition, because rounds also stick in the barrel. The good folks at Gander Mountain in Tyler were surprised the barrel did not explode. Hopefully Sig Sauer is not waiting for an injury or death to seriously assess and address the failure to fire and stuck cartridge issues.

March 28, 2011, 05:13 PM	#54
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	Oh and common steel mags will prematurely wear the mag's locking shelf. Man, I didn't do my homework on this buy. Really not happy with myself or SIG.

March 28, 2011, 05:21 PM	#55
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	What is needed here is a RECALL.

March 28, 2011, 10:59 PM	#56
essohbe Junior member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 817	Putting zinc on the ammo casings was just a cheap attempt to galvanize it for storage. I won't buy silverbear/zinc crap it unless it's going to get used right away.

March 28, 2011, 11:23 PM	#57
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	Does anyone know if SIG has officially addressed these issues about the 556 Russian?

March 29, 2011, 12:18 PM	#60
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	The issue about the unprotected mag locking shelf is gnawing at me (beyond the multiple malfs lol).

August 17, 2011, 11:35 AM	#63
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	My take is if you want an AK, get an AK or an XCR. Yep, RA has issues, but the gun is a true inheritor of the AK traction that's truly modernized, but keeps the simplicity of the gun. I own both, XCR is as solid as the AK with far better layout as well as controls that are world class (no one has matched them yet, some have picked off one feature or the other).

August 17, 2011, 12:35 PM	#64
MythBuster Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2007 Posts: 629	Posted by StrongSideArms. "Second, I change the trigger system to a national match two stage trigger, I like Bushmasters set up." You are way off there. The Bushmaster two stage was the weakest hammer spring you can find in a NM 3 stage trigger. That damn sure is not going to help your problem with misfires.

August 17, 2011, 01:44 PM	#65
colostomyclown Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Posts: 613	steel cased ammo/cheap ammo, whatever. for the price of this thing it had better feed and fire reliably anything you feed it. period. I won't buy any new Sig products, as much as I love their 220/226/229. They're both overpriced and overhyped. I'll buy old used West German guns and give my retail business on new guns to a company more deserving of it.

November 7, 2011, 03:09 PM	#66
RadiationRemediator Junior Member Join Date: August 17, 2011 Posts: 2	Warranty Honored Sig Sauer honored its warranty and replaced the rifle. I have to give the company credit.

June 23, 2013, 02:20 PM	#67
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	Sturmgewehre I am wondering since Sig Sauer did a rework of this rifle model if you are going to take another look. And also what do you think about polyformance 7.62x39 ammo.

June 25, 2013, 08:36 AM	#68
velocette Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 924	I am a range officer at a large public range in south Florida. I see all sorts of AR problems. Usually with new rifles, rifles dry of lubricant, rifles with el cheapo magazines, rifles using weak gun show reloads AND rifles using steel cased ammo. What I have seen is that if an AR will work with steel cased ammo, it will work with anything. The usual problem is failure to extract, case stuck in the chamber. Generally after a few rounds have been fired allowing the rounds coating to stick to the chamber walls. a thorough cleaning and then polishing the chamber with Flitz does help a lot to solve the case sticking problem. As far as Sig rifles being a problem, no more than any other brand, no better no worse. Roger __________________ Trigger control + Breath control + Sight alignment = Gun Control. http://www.hrpclub.info/ NRA Smallbore Prone Master, High Power Master

June 25, 2013, 10:14 AM	#69
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Wow. Necro-thread.

June 25, 2013, 06:06 PM	#71
VTRich Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 288	I have one of the newer generation 556R's and it has been flawless. The red dot sight they give you is crap, but the rifle itself has been totally reliable. I have only shot Silver Bear through it. Look for a gun that was made in July, 2012, or later and you should be fine.

June 27, 2013, 11:35 PM	#72
Ignition Override Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Location: About 20 nm from the Big Muddy Posts: 2,887	Sturmgewehre: I've enjoyed watching a bunch of your videos, and only watch about five Youtube Channels (all guns) on a regular basis. Maybe you are fortunate that you either got your money back, or have credit towards another purchase at the store (?). Having seen your major problems with the Century Tantal AK-74 (shooting 5.45 thorough a 5.56 bore...which Century certainly Knew about when they were sold...) and very lucky 'service' with Century, hope you did ok when this Sig was returned.