In keeping with my predictions, most of the stuff being shown at SHOT are minor deviations from the standard fare. Case in point: SIG’s rifles. There’s one “major” announcement — SIG is now shipping standalone 516 uppers in 7, 10, 14.5 and 16 inch varieties, their piston driven 5.56 NATO AR-15 offering — but beyond that there isn’t much to get excited about. They’ve dressed up their existing rifles in a number of outfits, displayed below for your viewing pleasure.
What you’re looking at are about 12 guns for between $800 and $1,400 that use straight direct impingement (first two pictures), the 516 gas system (second two) or the SIG 556 action (somewhere in there). The actions are the same as always, it’s just the clothes that have changed.
It seems that barrels over 16″ have gone completely out of fashion for the AR15, which is a shame because the mouse cartridge needs all the help it can get. I’m not fooled, though. I know they must save at least $1.00 for every inch of barrel, AND KEEP THE PROFIT!
They’d be better off ommiting the barrel cuts. Who needs ’em?
Serious question; can you have a 20″ piston driven rifle? I’ve only even seen 16″ or less.
In terms of engineering, why not? Other gas piston designs have barrels as long as 22 inches. Why not the AR?
An AR with the action from the 556 which is an AK-inspired design? I’m intrigued.
pretty good gun. I’ve owned a SIG 516 Patrol for about 1/2 a year now and haven’t had one serious issue with the gun. Eats just about any ammo. Had some issues feeding wolf ammo at 1st, but that was because I needed to lubricate the bolt a little. But the gun shoots straight and you can rapid fire a full mag then hold the bolt in you hand and not even get your palm warm.
Little front heavy with the heavy duty aluminum rail and light weight magpul MOE stock. But very well put together. ambi mag release, QD sockets on the lower receiver and foregrip, and the even serrated the front of the mag well for those who grip the rifle there.
I keep hoping you’ll get to the Sig pistolas.
If you wander back there, you might see if someone at SIG want to answer the question Emily Miller of the Washington Times has about 10 round magazines for DC. Since their customer service people don’t seem to like to provide customer service.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/guns/2012/jan/17/miller-why-i-still-havent-bought-gun-dc/
The 556 has actually seen a couple interesting changes under a new model moniker, the 556xi. Mostly ergonomics (a monolithic quad rail, extended/ambi battery-assist, flip-up iron sights, US style bayo. lug, and ambidextrous charging handle – but still right-side ejecting) by frequent request. Pricing is also only around $100 more than the standard SWAT models. Most interestingly of all, the xi sports a quick-change barrel system…
…and while I have no expectation of the barrel changeout being particularly quick (much less tool-less), this does open the market on some different barrel configurations and conversions. I’m excited to have a cheap, available alternative to factory SBR’s and DMR’s to offer off the bat (selling the barrel alone at customer-specified length, with relatively simple fitting) and can’t wait to see different caliber options hit the market. While I only expect to be cranking out 6.8 conversions for the first couple months at my shop, I’ll be sure to let you know when I have a 300BLK rifle available to test fire!
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