Sig 556R Update

I was able to get out over the weekend and get the 556R w/ ACOG sighted in.

Fired about 75 rounds during the outing, the rifle made it through 75 cycles of operation (feeding, chambering, locking, firing, unlocking extracting, ejecting, cocking without issue. Spent casings were flying out of the gun.

I mentioned some dislikes about the gun in the previous posting, the safety lever is definitely too small. A Krebs aftermarket lever will be added later. I am unsure if I will be replacing the grip at this time or not, but a slimmer grip option would be nice.

The lack of iron sights on this rifle is baffling, I don't know what Sig was / is thinking. Sure we all like optics and that is probably the first thing most people add to a rifle/carbine these days, but sending out a $1K+ rifle without usable sights is just stupid.

The trigger is heavier, but pretty smooth. The stock will be getting changed out eventually to give me a better length of pull, it's a little short as is for me.

Accuracy-wise, I'm pretty happy with it and the Wolf Military Classic 124gr FMJ I was shooting. 3 shots touching @ 100yds with a 3X ACOG near the end of my trip and my eyes were getting fatigued. I need to explore a different optic that will allow my cross-dominant self to shoot with both eyes open, by the end of the outing my right eye felt majorly fatigued. Nothing stellar, but it will do the job.

1st Look : Sig 556R 7.62X39 w/ ACOG TA33R-13

If you've been following here for  a while you'll know that I was looking heavily at ARs in .308, as much as I want one I just don't have much use for a .308 AR.

A 7.62X39 Carbine on the other hand, that I can use.

There's been a gap in the stable of a 7.62X39 platform in the safe and I just wasn't too keen on some things about the AK, while the 556R has some shortcomings, I think it will suit be better than an AK and I was able to acquire one in much more suitable timeline than a comparable AK, I was looking at a Krebs but there's a 6+ month wait on one.

As luck would have it right when the itch was flaring up One Source Tactical got a small batch of 556R Swat (quad rail) models in.

Sig 556R, Trijicon TA33R-13, KAC Rail Covers and VFG 

556R Folded

The rifle is a little front heavy with the rail and polymer swiss stock and I'm not too crazy about the "Saw" grip but the rifle is pretty clean and appears well made. Sig has done some work on this rifle since they were first released so I'm hoping for an issue free product from Sig...then again the P238 was supposed to have been fixed before I purchased my HD and that ended up getting replaced. Sig is 0-1 so lets see if the "R" can get a little love back in the Sig camp. Take down is a little awkward and the placement of the some of the stuff on the rails is...problematic. The bayonet lug mounting point makes it hard to slide rail covers on from the front, and from the back there's not enough room for a longer cover section. The folding stock covers some of the right rear rail and Sig at least supplied some ladder covers and I covered those unused sections with the ladder section.

Bayonet Mounting Point Prevents Rails From Being Inserted From the Front.

This "Tooth" Keeps the Stock Captive While Folded

The Rail Cover Won't Fit Here w/ Stock in Folded Position, but the Supplied Ladder Cover Works Well. 

The gun has an A2 style bird-cage compensator, but the threading is 5/8 X24 and you can replace as needed. As front heavy as the SWAT is, I doubt you'll need much recoil reduction.

The rifle has several mounting points for a sling:

Rear Sling Mounting Point

Front Sing Mounting Point.

There's also a hole in the stock where a sling can be attached. I'll be posting some slings later, a CrossTac Ambi sling with HK hooks and the IRENE Sling with MASH hook and tie-down.

The rear sling mount pictured above can be changed to the right or left and as pictured on the left side of the rifle is too close to my nose so for now I've moved it to the other side. I'll either add to the butt-pad of the rifle or eventually add an AR stock tube and Magpul CTR so that I can add a riser and extended butt pad, but for now I'll probably just play around with a slip on butt pad.

I'll be stripping the gun this weekend, cleaning out the grease and hopefully will get the ACOG TA33R-13 sighted in.


More to follow...

DiamondBack Police Supply Refuses to Sell Mark Kelly "His" Rifle

From their Facebook page

"Statement of Douglas MacKinlay, Owner/President, Diamondback Police Supply Co., Inc.

“While I support and respect Mark Kelly’s 2nd Amendment rights to purchase, possess, and use firearms in a safe and responsible manner, his recent statements to the media made it clear that his intent in purchasing the Sig Sauer M400 5.56mm rifle from us was for reasons other then for his personal use. In light of this fact, I determined that it was in my company’s best interest to terminate this transaction prior to his returning to my store to complete the Federal From 4473 and NICS background check required of Mr. Kelly before he could take possession this firearm. A full refund was sent to Mr. Kelly, via express mail, on Thursday of last week.
The Sig Sauer rifle will be donated to the Arizona Tactical Officers Association where it will be raffled off to generate funds the association can use to purchase much needed tactical equipment for the organization’s members. The A.T.O. A. represents the SWAT and Special Response officers of the state’s law enforcement community who regularly place their lives on the line to protect the residents of this state.
Additionally, Diamondback Police Supply will make a $1295.00 contribution (the selling price of the M400 rifle) to the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program that teaches children, in pre-K through 3rd grade, four important steps to take if they find a gun. The emphasis of the program is on child safety, something that is important to all of us and at the core of the current debate on gun control,” stated Douglas MacKinlay, Owner/President, Diamondback Police Supply Co., Inc."

H/T to JD (No relation)  for posting this. Awesome is all I have to say.

Mr. Kelly, excuse my language but would you like a nice cup of STHU with your humble pie?

I've Decided on the .308

Over the last year + I've been shopping around for a .308 / 7.62X51 rifle, I really really wanted an AR10 built in similar fashion to my Noveske is set up, but by lo and behold after putting together my final build sheet of parts / features etc. I was up to around $1800 to re-equip a DPMS or Armalite AR10A. $3500 if I wanted someone to build the gun from scratch with a better barrel and trigger group. After seeing the writing on the wall I'm just going to start the ball rolling on acquiring a SCAR-17S, the few items I'll want to add I can do over time.

Update: Semi-Auto, AR-Like .308s

In an update to THIS post, there are two more options that I've been looking at over the last couple of days.

The DPMS "Recon" .308

And the Armalite AR10A

Difference between the Armalite AR10 and 10A is that the 10A will accept PMags etc.

Between the two guns, I like how the "Recon" comes equipped from the factory, but it only carries a 3 year warranty while the Armalite has a Limited Lifetime warranty. Guess which warranty I favor?

I'm wondering what kind of deal I can snag one of the Armalites, if I can find a dealer willing to order me one for cost, I think I'll get one and just outfit as desired.


Another rifle that hit the market this year that I was looking at with a sideways glance was the Bushmaster .308 MOE, but that's a ONE year...and 10 day...thanks guys, that's just super considerate of you warranty...I've been kind of sour with Bushmaster over their mishandling of the ACR.


Looking at all the variables, I'll probably be spending my money with Armalite as I just can't justify the cost of a LWRC, LMT, etc. If I was looking to attend a carbine class or get into 3-gun with this rifle it might be a different story, but for some occasional plinking, maybe a hog hunt here and there in the future, I think the Armalite 16" with some upgrades will do just fine.

If Colt would get off their arse and get some SP901s out that might still be a contender, but it's been well over a year since they were released @ the 2011 Shot Show and no one's getting them yet. There are AR10As and DPMS "Recon" models all ready in the hands of users. Colt, I'd really like to buy one, but a gun in the hand beats one on order.

 The FN Scar 17S is still of interest as well. The only draw back is the proprietary magazine.

Economy? Recession? Who Cares?

Just caught another video on the XCR-M, yet another rifle priced over $2K ($2300-$2400 @ 2:10). What the heck is wrong with these companies?

And to add insult to injury, between last year and now, Sig raised MSRP on their 716 series. 2012 MSRP $2132. I want to say that last year they were listed around $1800, just too bad they weren't available then...

Maybe DPMS isn't such a bad choice after all...

Semi-Auto, AR-Like .308s?

So I've been interested in picking up an ARish rifle in .308 and was previously looking at the Sig 716, Colt SP901, DPMS Mk12 and offerings from LMT and LWRC as well as the FN SCAR-17S. There's been a couple others poking their heads up such as the OBR and the Les Baer SWAT....

But here's the thing, I don't want to drop $3K on a rifle that I'm not going to shoot that much. Short of a little 'yote shooting and possibly some hog hunts, this rifle is not going to get shot much. Before the SP901 was revealed @ the 2011 SHOT Show, I was pretty much decided on the 716 but have been getting kind of turned off my Sig in the last year regarding some of the issues they've been having related to quality etc. So I was looking at the Colt and the Mark 12. DPMS is not on the top end of AR manufacturers and the Colt is still not available and in the mean time I saw this video from the Military Arms Channel (if you like youtube videos, check out their other vids, really good stuff)

And have to say that I am slightly intrigued by this rifle. Now there are some issues regarding the owners sensibilities or lack there of, but I'm all about the guns. With the shorter rail and light profile barrel I can stay under 9lbs, something that most of the above listed guns can not do AND use PMAGS (I need to verify this but saw some video if the gun firing and it appeared to be using them) which is what I prefer as for some reason I have half a dozen 7.62X51 PMAGs in my basement.

For once, I am even thinking about not getting a black rifle as the tan looks pretty cool.

XCR-M "Mini" with 16" "Heavy Profile Barrel"

XCR-M "Mini" with 16" "Heavy Profile Barrel"

So...still waiting for pricing on the SP901 to come out and need to do some research on the Robinson Arms and see how the weight changes with barrel profile, would rather have the heavy barrel, what the price looks like, and of course if it takes a readily available magazine.

The Gun Bug....

No, not Back Up Gun...the bug that bites you and starts the gears turning about that next purchase. I've got it bad. There's four guns on my want list right now. I've been shopping around for an AR in .308 for a while and have pretty much settled on the Colt SP901 once it's available (barring any serious issues with the gun of course), but I've been wanting to add a single action revolver, preferably a .45LC/45ACP Ruger Blackhawk Convertible to my collection for use in NRA classes, but then there's the deal I found on a Les Baer SRP that's honestly too good to pass up, and of course there's the HK P30S /LS that I've been wanting for about two years...

So...what's the gun bug got you going after?



On a side note, I've started clearing out the holster crate and have raised almost $300 to go to my next gun purchase. That's pretty close to the price of the Ruger .45 I saw over the weekend and almost half way to the HK, but not quite 1/4 of the Colt or the Baer. Gotta' give it more time I guess.

Most likely going with Sig for the new rifle.

While the Colt SP901 is pretty temping, so is a gas piston AR 10 made by Sig.

From Sig's Facebook Page

All ready has the ACS stock I want and may be a little lighter than the Colt sans the monolithic upper. How did I miss this at SHOT?

There's also a "Precision Marksman" version with a longer rail and 20" barrel, specs show less than two pounds of difference, 9.3 vs 10.6 lbs. But I'd have to buy the ACS stock anyway and eBay the PRS from the Marksman model. The ACS is less clunky with no funky wheels and stuff, has a cleaner look and a better spot  (a'hem "cheek") weld than most of the other stocks I've felt. I wonder if an extra 4" of barrel and longer rail is worth the weight, it's not like I'm going to he hiking in Afghanistan with the thing and some moderate range coyote hunting may be in my near future.

Guess we'll wait and see how the pricing between the Cotl SP901 versions the Sigs compare.

The Noveske After Upgrades.

As mentioned previously I had plans to turn this

Noveske N4 Light Recce 16"

Into this.

And here's the finished gun.

It's shown with a 20rd PMAG as that will fit in the case while a 30rd won't.

I've yet to get to run it as weather and life keep occurring and I haven't been able to attend a rifle match with it yet. I'm eager to play with the Millet DMS and see how I like the set up. On a side note I purchased a Trijicon Reflex for the Bushmaster and I'm not too thrilled with it, I'm thinking that an EOTech XPS is in order.

The Enhancements Begin!

As previously mentioned, I plan on upgrading my ARs with some odds and ends. The first two items for the Noveske have been purchased. I received my BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle yesterday (as well as some replacement gas rings...I had an oops while cleaning my bolt) and my American Defense Recon-X mount was ordered today.

We're going to have a short rifle side match after our monthly IDPA shoot and it will be interesting to see how I like the Millet DMS.

The AR Wishlist.

I've had my Bushmaster since Sep of '03 and my Noveske for about a year. I think I've finally decided on what I want to do with them.

My Noveske is a 16" mid-length and I think this is going to be the route I take with it.

American Defense RECON X (Extended) Scope Mount with 30mm rings: My current optic choice is a Millet DMS, if I like the set up I'll probably go with a Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4X, the main reason for these choices in optics is that I am horribly left eye dominant and unless I start shooting lefty I can never get a clean sight picture with a red dot without closing my left eye. If I'm going to shoot with one eye, I might as well have the option of magnification and I really don't want both a red dot and a magnifier mounted, I want a simple set up not some Swiss Army Black Rifle Mutation.

BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle: Both the Bushmaster and Noveske will be getting these, actually I think I might go ahead and order one handle today...I always hated the tiny handle and these look much more sturdy than the current enhanced latches that I have on both guns.

Magpul ACS: I just like the lines of this stock better than the EMOD etc. It still looks like it will give a comfortable spot weld and still allow LOP adjustment.  

Daniel Defense Omega Rail 9 Mid Length : While I don't want to mount a corkscrew, GPS unit, stapler and chainsaw bayonet to my gun, a quad rail may come in handy for a light or bipod etc. and I don't want to mess with having to alter the rifle. The Omega rail should just drop right on.

Magpul AFG (Angle Forward Grip): I love this thing and about jumped for joy when I saw it's release. I am not fond of vertical foregrips and this looks like just the ticket.

Both guns will probably get the MIAD grip kit as well.

For the Bushmaster which is an older ban model with an A2 receiver I'm going to take simpler approach, as previously stated, the charging handle and the grip are going to get changed out, but other than that the rifle is probably going to stay as is and I'm most likely just going to outfit it with a Trijicon Reflex with the handle mount and 6.5" MOA dot.

If anything it will make for a fun shopping experience and the Noveske shouldn't look overloaded with crap either, the rifle has a very sleek appearance and I'd hate to take away from that.

When all is done it should look close to this:

 

Thanks to http://pimpmygun.doctornoob.com

The Let Down of the Century.

Bushmaster ACR

After seeing this vid, I don't think there's anything else to add other than I love my Noveske.

Language advisory: It get's pretty rough.