Need help in picking a Sig 556

EUGENE the REALTOR · Feb 5, 2010

I only have handguns and was looking into getting a Sig 556 ($300 rebate!). I've fired friends' rifles before, but I know absolutely nothing about them. Just shot at targets. I've been looking on Top Gun's website and noticed there are so many variations of the 556 (over 10 listed) and don't really know the differences between each one.

Would someone be able to explain the main difference(s) between each option? I read the item descriptions, but most of them don't make any sense to me. Are they all the same rifle with different options? Are all the different "add-ons" in the more expensive "packages" available as upgrades later? Is it cheaper in the long run to go with a more expensive package now (vs adding them later)?

Sorry for the newbie questions. Thanks for any help. :s0155:

Humpyslayer · Feb 5, 2010

Buy what you want not because adding a bunch of crap to it later will cost more

Iceberg · Feb 6, 2010

I think you would be more satisfied w/ a AR 15. There are tons of options & assys for the AR15, and they are easily customized, cheaper, lighter, and more accurate. SIG is even comming out w/ a new AR15 this year and is offering heavy rebates on the 556. Most folks that wanted a 556 already bought one. I have a standard model that I bought last year and it is front heavy & the finish on the lower is of very poor quality; you can almost scratch it off with a fingernail. Sig 556s also do not have a push pin to remove the upper, instead they have a screw which is easily marred.

As far as new 556 models go, I like the 556 Patrol Carbine. It is lighter, less front heavy, and has Swiss Sig type furniture. Additionally, it has iron sites (my old model did not come with good iron sites, only flip type back up sites)

Research sites:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=3

http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=3

http://www.sigarms556.com/

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Sig Patrol Rifle