AC556 Upgrades and Accessories

[misterglock]

Recently, I spoke with someone at Accuracy Systems, Inc. They were able to offer a package deal for a number of upgrades and accessories to make the AC556 more controllable, durable and accurate. Is it worth spending the money on upgrades and accessories for the AC556 (I do plan of keeping it), or saving up for another MG? Again, any help is very much appreciated.

 

[parrthed]

For me my AC556 is what it is. It’s unique details and shortcomings (compared to modern tactical weapons) are what set it apart from my other MGs and I enjoy it because of them.

 

[Offmarksman]

If you are going to have accuracy systems do the work, be prepared for an absurdly long wait. They do good work, but it takes a long time. They had mine for over 8 months to do a barrel swap.

 

[misterglock]

Thanks guys for the responses. They did tell me the wait would be 4-6 months, but I would expect longer. Offmarksman, did you go with one of their custom barrel packages? If so, was it worth the money and wait?

 

[Offmarksman]

If I had it to do over, I would have gone local. I got a nitrided barrel with a slightly larger diameter barrel out the front (with a shoulder to keep the gas block from moving forward. It was nice, but the only problem was that it was an inch longer than the original. After all that time, I didn’t want to deal with them any more, so I am just enjoying it. I still have the original barrel which is in really good shape, in case I want to put it back original.

 

[MG34_Dan]

The smart move for an AC would be to keep it all original and appreciate it for what it is. It is simply a law enforcement and security weapon. It is neither a combat weapon nor a target weapon. Spend your money on getting the factory correct documentation, packaging, and accessories. Hell, if it was good enough for the US State Department, it should be good enough for you.

As pictured here:

Look at what the lead security agent is carrying:

 

[misterglock]

I think that's what I'm going to do - keep it original. Putting the cash into another MG would probably make more sense. I do have some OEM accessories/collectables to go along with my AC556. I did get a Ciener 22LR Kit for it (along with 3 magazines). None work reliably at first, but after tweaking one of the mags feed lips today, I've got everything running like a top! Really fun to shoot in 22LR! I'm sure the 22LR isn't good for the barrel. Also, from what I understand, the gas bock bushing, and piston will eventually need cleaned thoroughly to get it running in 5.56 again. At least I'm enjoying it! Thanks again guys!

 

[Offmarksman]

Just put the 5.56 bolt back in and shoot some of it through your barrel after your .22 shooting session.

 

[MG34_Dan]

I think that's what I'm going to do - keep it original. Putting the cash into another MG would probably make more sense. I do have some OEM accessories/collectables to go along with my AC556. I did get a Ciener 22LR Kit for it (along with 3 magazines). None work reliably at first, but after tweaking one of the mags feed lips today, I've got everything running like a top! Really fun to shoot in 22LR! I'm sure the 22LR isn't good for the barrel. Also, from what I understand, the gas bock bushing, and piston will eventually need cleaned thoroughly to get it running in 5.56 again. At least I'm enjoying it! Thanks again guys!

Does the Three Round Burst setting work with the Ciener .22lr kit?

 

[Offmarksman]

Does on mine.

 

[misterglock]

Great! I was thinking that might work to clean out the gas system, but wasn't sure. Article I read recommended cleaning (piston and bushing), using drill bits, but that might only be required if you put way too many rounds in 22LR through it before shooting 556. I'm going to run a mag of 556 through it when I'm done shooting 22LR tomorrow. My AC will also do 3-round burst with good mags. The mags are definitely the weak link in getting the AC to run reliably in 22LR. I tried some of the CCI Copper today. Buzzed through the mag so fast! Reminded me of my old M11/380 gun.