Endless:
I took the 556 out this morning and shot it alongside a Bushmaster M4gery AR with 14.5" barrel and permanent Izzy FH. Both weapons each wore Bushnell Trophy MP optics. After I sighted in the 556 using RG surplus ammo, both it and the AR were equal in terms of hitting the target. Most of the time I was aiming at a black spot in the 200 yd berm and hitting it every time with either the 556 or the AR. So in terms of practical accuracy they are equal.
The 556 manual says it's 7,8 lbs. The Bushy AR is just under 7 lbs. In the hand the 556 does NOT feel appreciably heavier. It DOES feel "bulkier" due to the bulky HG as compared to the large-diameter M4 HGs on the AR.
The 556 wears some of its weight forward as is expected from a piston-driven gun. This is a little hard on the weak arm, but getting the weapon on target and keeping it there is easier with the front-heavier 556 than the AR.
Felt recoil comparison was surprising. The 556 does NOT have as much perceived recoil as does the M4gery. The AR's recoil was noticeably sharper and more "harsh" as compared to that of the SIG 556.
Ejection from the AR was typical AR, the empties formed a pile about 8-10 feet to the right of the weapon, and about two feet behind. Ejection from the 556 was typical Kalashnikov-like, fairly robust and violent, with the empties landing THREE SHOOTING BENCHES TO THE RIGHT and slightly forward. The 556 is NOT a range-friendly gun in this regard and had anyone been seated at the three benches to the right, they would have been peppered with hot brass. And this was with the gas setting on "1" or "Normal". So if buying a SIG 556, keep in mind that you want to be on the RIGHT of everyone else at the range.
The major asset of the 556 is it's two-stage trigger. There's some takeup to a stop, not unlike that of a Mauser, then the trigger breaks cleanly and with little force. Very "Match Rifle-like" in feel and effect. OTOH, the AR trigger is, well, like an AR. Fairly long pull and then "BANG." Personally, I like a two-stage trigger on a rifle, but I haven't invested in two-stage setups for my ARs yet. It's on the list.
As far as the HK 416 gas system, I don't know the details of that. The SIG's gas system consists of a SS tube in which the piston rides. The gas tube plug is skirted, with the skirt enclosing the head of the gas piston. The plug is a selector between "normal" and "dirty" settings. "Normal" is when the gas plug's "handle" is vertical, and "dirty" is when the gas plug is turned about 25-30 degrees clockwise when facing it. The "dirty" setting has a slightly larger port opening. In functionality, gas is tapped off the barrel and passes through one of the two"normal" or "dirty" small holes in the gas tube plug skirt and into a hole in the side of the head of the gas piston itself. The hole in the gas piston head is ported to the front face of the piston rod, where it impinges on the inside of the gas tube plug, and forces the gas piston rearward to unlock the carrier and bolt. Hope this helps.
Noah
oke
