The 556 is based on the popular 550-series design of SIG’s sister company, Swiss Arms. The 550 series uses Swiss Arms’ two-position adjustable gas-piston operating-rod system, which is known for its unflappable reliability. The key? Unlike the AR-15’s direct-gas-impingement system, the 550 series’ piston-driven system vents gases and unburned powder out to the front of the weapon rather than back into the action. This results in a cleaner, cooler-running system that is more reliable and easier to clean. Piston-driven systems are also less fickle with short barrels and suppressors, which means the 556 can easily be made into a short-barreled rifle (with the proper paperwork) or adapted to suppressor use.
A DESIGN REFINED
One notable deviation from the 550 series is the 556’s trigger housing, which accepts standard AR-15 magazines. The new design is machined from an aircraft-grade aluminum-alloy forging, which shaves a pound of weight from the original design. The trigger guard swings down for gloved use.
But SIG did more than update the 550 series’ trigger housing when it designed the new 556. First, as much as I like the 550’s diopter sights, SIG ditched them for a lighter, more compact flip-up design. The front sits atop the gas block, and the rear is recessed into the integral Picatinny rail.
Airsoft Replica
Bolt catch
Fire selector switch
Full Metal