The SIG Sauer 556 rifle model strikes many as a valid option to the AR-15/M16 platform ever since its introduction in the U.S. In its original offering, the SIG556 was chambered in 5.56mm with it accepting AR-15/M16 magazines – a necessity for it to have any chance in the U.S. market. What many may not realize due to the SIG556 accepting AR-15/M16 magazines is that it is closely related to the Kalashnikov AK in actual operating method. It utilizes a gas piston operating rod system with a rotating bolt and carrier very similar to the AK’s in configuration. Two major differences are quickly evident between the SIG and AK method. This first consists of the recoil spring being incorporated around the operating rod versus placed at the rear of the bolt carrier in the original Kalashnikov design. The SIG two-position adjustable gas system is the other difference allowing for the SIG not to be over pressured and thus more refined in operation.

The SIG operating rod system is often referred to as the Porsche of AK designs due to the tighter tolerances and better workmanship found in SIG weapons compared to other manufacturers using the AK as a basis of design. The gas piston operating system keeps the action cleaner, cooler, and overall more reliable. It also allows the use of side folding stocks to reduce overall dimensions of the rifle when needed. These are all positive attributes, especially considering the recent rush to create gas piston ARs due to the increased reliability factor. SIG Sauer recently fully embraced the Kalashnikov heritage by introducing the SIG556 Russian model chambered in 7.62×39. The 556 Russian accepts AK47 magazines and is a nod to the previous experience with the 556 line-up designed to accept AR-15/M16 magazines. Any new firearm introduction is more readily received if use of proprietary magazine is avoided.

Anyone looking for a hard-hitting carbine will appreciate the SIG556 Russian. The functionality of a rifle utilizing AK47 magazines incorporating a proven gas piston operating rod system with a heritage tied to the legendary SIG550 is hard to deny. SIG manufacturing quality combined with the means to mount any optic of choice on the 556 Russian’s flattop upper receiver represents the AK design coming full circle. Combining this with quick handling and an ergonomic rifle design that is easily transported, especially with the stock folded, is a further reinforcement. The SIG556 Russian integrates excellent accuracy from the 16-inch barrel with efficient handling and maneuverability. Thus, no matter the situation, whether it is a rural setting with longer distances encountered or more urban requiring CQB style tactics, the SIG556 Russian can satisfy the mission. This is due to SIG’s well earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability combined with the 7.62×39 cartridge. Lessons rediscovered in Iraq and Afghanistan about terminal ballistics serves to enhance the 7.62×39 credentials. 7.62×39 load offerings range from 122g-154gr FMJ, HP, and SP perform very similar to the .30-30 in terms of ballistic performance. A recently introduced Hornady 123gr SST offering is further proof that the AK47 has come to stay in the U.S. The Kalashnikov long-stroke gas piston operating system, especially when tweaked in the form of the SIG550 rendition, is a benchmark in terms of reliability for other actions.

The SIG556 Russian features a flat-top upper receiver with a Picatinny rail for mounting optics or other aiming devices. Recent trends in fighting rifles would indicate the design intent for the SIG556 Russian is to mount some sort of low powered magnified optic or red dot as the primary sighting tool. Along these lines a SIG STS 081 red dot optic is shipped with the rifle. It was decided that a magnified optic would better serve the SIG556 Russian.

The SIG556 Russian chambered in 7.62×39 weighs 7 pounds, measures 36 inches with the telescopic stock fully extended, 34.5 inches collapsed, and 27.1 inches folded. The folding adjustable for length stock positively latches when closed and unfolds securely for steady shouldering. The A2 flash suppressor uses a standard .5×28 thread pattern for mounting. SIG installs a two-stage trigger and ambidextrous safety on the 556 Russian. SIG uses aircraft grade aluminum alloy forgings for the lower receiver. The SIG556 Russian has a 16-inch military grade cold hammer forged barrel with 1:9.5 twist. The 556 Russian is an intriguing hybrid of AK/AR/SIG rifle features. SIG operating mechanism that is ultimately derived from the AK, using AK magazines chambered in the prototypical Soviet/Russian 7.62×39 cartridge, with AR operating controls such as bolt hold-open latch and ambidextrous safety with flattop style upper receiver for easy installation of optics.

The SIG556 Russian upper hinges open ala AR design with bolt group and gas piston removed per provided directions and trigger group exposed in the lower. Barrel/chamber cleaning is easily accessed as is the bolt group and piston operating rod. One interesting side note is that the upper of the SIG556 Russian bears the serial number of the weapon compared to the lower of the AR-15. Overall, cleaning of the SIG556-series takes little time with the bolt group needing little more than a wipe off and re-lubrication. The Nitron finish on the upper and hard coat anodized aluminum lower keeps exterior concerns to a minimum.

It was decided to take full advantage of the 556 Russian’s flattop upper by mounting multiple optics on the SIG556 Russian during testing. A 3.5x ACOG TA11H model with green horseshoe reticle was mounted on the 556 Russian to wring the most out of the rifle. Along these same lines a Leupold Mk 4 CQ/T 1-3x was also utilized. In addition to low magnification battle optics, a Leupold Mk 4 2.5-8x was employed to ascertain the 556 Russian’s accuracy potential and could be left on if individual user chose to go this route: a low power setting for quick target acquisition at close range, a turn of the knob to 8x for longer or precision shots as the mission dictates. The optic intended to be left on the SIG556 Russian after accuracy testing would be a Trijicon ACOG or Leupold Mk 4 CQ/T. The ACOG sight assisted in engaging targets at close distances with its green reticle easy to pick up rapidly. Both sights offered the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at the same time providing adequate accuracy out to a couple hundred yards. The Trijicon and Leupold reticles superimpose an aim point on the target while not totally obscuring the target due to the center dots not being that large. As many “maturing” shooters can attest to, the single focus plane reticle is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The 7.62×39 round’s trajectory is conducive to making hits out to 300 yards without having to resort to excessive hold over; 3 inches high at 100 yards produces a 200 yard zero with -15 inches at 300 yards.

Multiple 7.62×39 loads were tested with the SIG Sauer 556 Russian such as Hornady, Wolf, Barnaul, Egyptian and Yugoslavian surplus. Barnaul Silver Bear zinc-plated and Wolf Ammunition steel cased 122gr and 124gr loads hovered in the sub 3 inch range at 100 yards with surplus Egyptian and Yugoslavian 7.62×39 producing similar groups. The long anticipated Hornady 123gr SST bullet mated to steel cases are starting to arrive on dealers’ shelves and was tested with the SIG556 Russian. It seems that the original Hornady 7.62×39 loads that featured the V-Max bullet is being replaced with the SST bullet type, which represents a more controlled expansion with its bullet construction in lieu of the more varmint style V-Max construction. The SST loads delivered accuracy in the 1.5 inch range at 100 yards. The SIG556 Russian combined with Trijicon or Leupold optics mated to quality ammunition in the form of the Hornady 123gr SST is what many AK connoisseurs have been waiting for. There are many pages written in magazines and on various internet forums about what it would take to turn the 7.62×39 AK into more of a general purpose rifle. The hold-up to more effective use of the AK at ranges past 100 yards usually revolves around solid scope mounting and ammunition of greater quality than what is offered in the surplus realm. The SIG Sauer 556 Russian solves this conundrum.

Most range testing utilized the Wolf Ammunition Military Classic 124gr FMJ load. The steel cased Wolf Ammunition and brass cased surplus Egyptian/Yugo surplus ammunition performed without issue. Magazine change drills turned out to be more AK like than AR in terms of manipulation techniques. The SIG556 Russian does not have a bolt hold open feature after the last round is fired. However, a bolt hold open latch is incorporated. Magazine changes resort to either reaching over or under the rifle with your left hand to work the bolt recharging the chamber, or tilting the rifle over with the right hand on the pistol grip and work action with left hand, or switch rifle over to left hand and work bolt with right hand. None of these techniques were particularly hard to master, but different from what dyed-in-the-wool AR operators will be accustomed to. A word of hard learned experience with reloading the SIG556 Russian in that the windage knob on the Leupold Mk 4 2.5-8x scope (and most other classic turret scopes) dictates an underneath finger pull action on the SIG556 Russian’s bolt handle versus a more aggressive “grip-n-rip” pure AK style.

The folding telescopic rear stock is an immediate advantage found on the SIG556 compared to a traditional AR rifle with its buffer tube preventing a folding stock option. SIG is now using a folding stock reminiscent of the design found on the classic SIG550 compared to other types that accompanied early 556 variants. The folding telescoping stock, once deployed, is very sturdy and does not exhibit any side-to-side or up-and-down wiggle. The stock has multiple lengths of pull adjustments so a user can find what best suits individual needs, especially if wearing body armor. Multiple sling attachment points come standard on the 556 Russian, including a single point option. A BLACKHAWK! single point sling was attached for this evaluation.

Range testing commenced with functionality assessment consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion once sight zeros were verified. Any fighting rifle, regardless of chambering, must be reliable to be worthy of consideration. Once the SIG556 Russian proved reliable, it was then put through its paces on different rifle courses of fire that were set up for a pending law enforcement competition held at Echo Valley Training Center. It was quickly ascertained that the SIG556 Russian had a much more substantial recoil impulse compared to its 5.56mm brethren. This is not hard to fathom considering the difference in cartridges. Magazine changes, shooting from the non-dominant shoulder and unconventional positions around barricades helped to evaluate the SIG556 Russian. Strings of fire ranged from 15 to 80 rounds with target distances measured in feet out to a couple hundred yards. The SIG556 Russian handled as expected from a lightweight carbine combined with perfect reliability. One nuance found with the SIG556 Russian is that it is particular about what magazines it accepts. Only steel AK and Bulgarian polymer magazines, one of these was sent with the rifle, worked in the 556 Russian evaluated herein. U.S. Palm, AK waffle pattern polymers, and drum magazines were a no-go. Along these same lines, with the magazines that do fit a fair amount of wobble is exhibited in the mag well.

Further evaluation of the SIG556 Russian was based on training experiences derived from attendance at Tactical Response and Suarez International rifle courses. Several of the more dynamic drills experienced during the Tactical Response and Suarez International courses were based on Team Tactics exercises. Team Tactic exercises involving moving to and from a designated target area using cover while either changing magazines or engaging targets when a partner is reloading are excellent weapon evaluation drills. One gets a good sense of the way a weapon handles along with reliability due to the sum of ammunition expended in short time frames characteristic of these Team Tactic drills. The full gamut of rifle manipulation is encompassed in Team Tactics training evolutions – handling around cover while engaging designated targets, accuracy to effectively strike at both distance and CQB ranges, magazine changes, and reliability once a weapon gets heated up. The growing popularity of AK products translates into ancillary items being more readily available. This is represented by two US Palm products used in conjunction with the SIG556 Russian: the AK Attack Rack and Defender Series chest rigs. The AK Attack Rack is low profile secure platform for 4 AK magazines and 4 pistol magazines. The AK Attack Rack chest rig can be worn over hard or soft body armor and is built to military specifications out of 500d Cordura nylon for durability and minimal weight. Another US Palm accessory used in conjunction with the SIG556 Russian was the Defender AK body armor rig. The Defender comes with a Level III soft armor insert with ability to install hard SAPI plates both front and rear. The Defender is US Palm’s effort to make more affordable products available to security conscious civilians or law enforcement having to purchase their own gear. The Defender AK model mounts quickly and offers body armor protection along with capability to carry three AK magazines and three pistol magazines.

The SIG Sauer decision to utilize its proven gas piston operating system derived from the SIG550 combined with accepting AK magazines is sound. While the SIG556 Russian is not going to be used by our military services or even law enforcement; it is not hard to visualize special operation forces, not to mention private contractors and security conscious civilians, wanting to take advantage of its ability to utilize 7.62×39 cartridge fed via ubiquitous AK47 magazines fired more accurately than thought possible. The SIG Sauer 556 Russian could be the answer to fulfilling a multitude of roles: DMR rifle, general-purpose patrol rifle, or even entry weapon. This is a positive reflection on what SIG is seeking to accomplish with the SIG556 Russian – accuracy, reliability, handling and ergonomics.

Sources:

SIG SAUER, Inc.
18 Industrial Drive
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-2302
www.sigsauer.com

Wolf Ammunition
PO Box 757
Placentia, CA 92871
(888) 757-9653
www.wolfammo.com

US PALM/SGCUSA
14860 N. Northsight Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 222-4369
www.uspalm.com

Hornady Mfg. Inc
3625 Old Potash Hwy
Grand Island, NE 68802
(800) 338-3220
www.hornady.com

Leupold & Stevens Inc
14400 NW Greenbrier Pkwy
Beaverton, OR 97006
www.leupold.com

Trijicon Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

The SIG Sauer 516 Patrol is one of the latest gas-piston ARs introduced into the U.S. market. Do not confuse the SIG 516 with the SIG 556 derived from the legendary SIG 550 line of assault rifles. Designed to accept AR-15/M16 magazines with rear stock interchangeable with AR-15 designs, the SIG 556’s operating method is closer to the Kalashnikov’s gas-piston operating rod system. There have been references to the SIG 550 operating rod system being described as the Porsche of AK designs due to the tighter tolerances and better workmanship found in SIG Sauer weapons compared to other manufacturers using the AK as a basis of design. The operating rod system keeps the action cleaner, cooler, and overall more reliable. A previous article in SAR (November 2009) covered the SIG 556 in more detail. These positive attributes are what the SIG 516 piston AR seeks to capture while maintaining the popular and well known AR design basis; typified by bolt carrier group, buffer tube, and accessory compatibility that many individual and law enforcement agencies are intimately familiar with. Typical of the Swiss/German engineering background of the company, the design was not hastily introduced. Considering the recent rush by many manufacturers to create gas-piston ARs, SIG decided to enter the fray only after thoroughly exploring the topic and by designing their own short-stroke push rod piston driven system for the AR.

Numerous standard features found in the SIG 516 product line will pleasantly surprise consumers. The SIG 516 seeks to maximize the 50-year old AR design in terms of reliability and operating efficiency. SIG Sauer CEO Ron Cohen, who has been at the company helm for five years, stresses a corporate culture blending U.S. drive/marketing with Swiss/German engineering. This new culture is evident in SIG bowing to U.S. market demands by creating a SIG variant AR-15. The SIG 516 foregoes the previously held European centric attitude of, “if it is not designed here it is not worth it.” The SIG 516 is the AR-15 with SIG refinement typified by self cleaning short stroke/push rod operating system and other features. The SIG twist on the AR design consists of a 3-position gas valve (4-position valve optional), proprietary barrel nut locking system, free-floated aluminum M1913 quad rail system that is “dog boned” at receiver/forend to prevent twisting and provide an uninterrupted top rail, bolt carrier group with integral strike plate and anti-tilt radial grooves, ambidextrous fire control selector, multiple built-in quick detach sling swivel attachment points, and front sight base attached to gas block keeping it independent of quad rail influences to mention a few features.

The SIG 516 AR-style rifle will be offered in numerous configurations. These include LE/military only select-fire versions, various barrel lengths/profiles ranging from 7 inch PDW model to 20 inch Precision Sniper, and several styles of rear stock. SIG 516 barrels are chambered in 5.56x45mm and chrome-lined hammer forged featuring 1:7 RH twist with Nitride finish. The muzzle is threaded 1/2″x28 pattern for flash hiders or other types of muzzle devices. Currently the SIG 516 Patrol is equipped with an A2 style flash hider. Both the lower and upper receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aircraft grade aluminum forgings coated in black anodized finish. The short-stroke push rod operating system with adjustable gas valve is the heart of the SIG 516 setting it apart from other AR designs.

The SIG 516 Patrol is the first model available for wide distribution and weighs 7.3 pounds and has an overall length of 39.5 inches and 36 inches with stock collapsed. It is equipped with a chrome lined M4 contoured style 16 inch barrel surrounded by a four sided aluminum Picatinny rail and A3 style upper receiver. Traditional AR-15 style forward assist plunger button and dust covers are included along with checkering on the magazine well for a more positive grip. The magazine well is chamfered and the raised rails around the magazine release button are pronounced for more positive tactile feedback during weapon manipulation.

An invitation to the SIG Sauer facility in New Hampshire allowed a unique opportunity to review SIG 516 features. Designers and program managers present answered any questions about features along with providing the thought process behind design tweaks. SIG believes they were successful at bringing out the best of the AR design. A SIG 516 Patrol was fired extensively during an open range session where participants got the opportunity to handle the SIG 516 Patrol for themselves. A conservative estimate is at least 1,200 rounds were fired from each of the two SIG 516s made available for hands on evaluation. The rifle was hardly put down during the range time. No function problems were encountered with either of the rifles. One of the rifles was equipped with a Leupold Mk 4 3.5-10x for accuracy demonstration purposes. The SIG 516 proved capable of 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady 60 gr TAP ammunition. Most of the shooting was done with military grade 5.56mm 55gr and 62gr FMJ ammunition. The other SIG 516 was equipped with a SIG Sauer STS 081 red dot optic. It proved more than capable of ringing the various steel targets placed 100-150 yards down range with regularity. The SIG 516 handled as expected from an AR-15 style rifle – quick to the shoulder and with great ergonomics. A point was made to remove the bolt carrier group during the range session to demonstrate gas piston benefit in terms of being much cooler and cleaner compared to a typical gas impingement operated AR. Readers are all too familiar with the basic AR platform to go into minute detail about handling characteristics.

The SIG 516 Patrol has several standard items incorporated in its design for better performance that show SIG’s attention to detail. An enlarged steel barrel nut is utilized in the assembly method of the SIG 516. The steel barrel nut acts as a heat sink to further reduce temperature build-up in the action area as the rifle heats from use. This combined with their proprietary free floated rail design that is “dog boned” together at the receiver ensures accuracy will not be negatively affected by heat from extensive firing or “torque” applied from vertical forward grips or other accessories. A further enhancement in this regard is the front sight placement on the gas block versus the free floated rail minimizing sights being impacted by heat or other factors associated with handrail shifting. Their gas-piston system has three adjustment positions with four settings available as an option. The four positions are standard, adverse, suppressor, and single shot. The gas valve is adjustable via 5.56mm bullet tip, thus if you have ammunition, you have a tool to adjust the gas system. The short-stroke push-rod gas system serves to isolate the action from heat and fouling, especially when compared to the typical AR direct gas impingement method of dumping gas directly into the action. The push-rod system is self cleaning in that any excess gas is vented out of the handguard just behind the gas block.

Strict test protocols were still being conducted and recorded during the visit to SIG Sauer HQ in New Hampshire. One test conducted for the benefit of the conference attendees consisted of a multi-stage reliability torture test by SIG’s Defense Program Manager Robert Wirt. This started out involving loading numerous brands of ammunition and bullet profiles into magazines to be fired in rapid fashion. The SIG 516 Patrol used for this test was a select fire version that had been tracked with over 20,000 rounds fired through it and was still capable of 2.25 inches at 100 yards with military grade ammunition. Once the rifle was smoking hot it was quenched in a 30 gallon barrel of water that produced a steam effect: the rifle was removed from the barrel, magazine inserted, and fired. After this, the rifle was completely buried in a sand berm with magazine inserted and dust cover closed. Again, no problems experienced when uncovered and fired. The finale of the test consisted of a two stage demonstration consisting of submerging the SIG 516 Patrol into a muddy mass prepared on the bank of a pond near the firing line. It was forced into the muck and allowed to remain for a few minutes percolating. Upon removal, it was shook off and fired with no issue besides Mr. Hirt getting muddy. The rifle was then unceremoniously tossed into the pond and allowed to settle to the bottom until bubbles ceased rising to the surface. Mr. Hirt waded into the pond’s cold water to retrieve the rifle informing everyone to stand clear as he was going to fire as soon as he reached the bank. He fired two to three rounds semiautomatic before rotating the selector switch to automatic to finish off the 30-round magazine.

The SIG 516 gas-piston system can be disassembled for maintenance without requiring the rifle’s handguards to be removed. The regulator located in front of the gas block is unscrewed permitting the gas-piston to slide out the front of the handguard. The steel gas-piston rod wears a corrosion resistant coating. A return spring assembly fits around the gas piston with gas vents located on the piston’s forward portion that interacts with the adjustable valve. Cleaning methods for the SIG 516 are familiar to anyone with experience with the AR-15. The rear of the gas-piston rod is what smacks against the bolt assembly’s integral strike’s plate operating the action. SIG decided on using an integral strike plate in lieu of a staked version resembling the staked gas key found on gas impingement ARs or even some other piston driven ARs. This is based on concerns of metal fatigue and not wanting to take the chance of a staked strike plate failing. Gas rings are not needed on the piston driven SIG 516 due to the action impulse derived from the short stroke push rod instead of tapped gas. The rear of the SIG 516 bolt body features radial grooves that serve multiple functions; such as anti-tilt for the bolt assembly along with providing a certain amount of tolerance against any debris that may find its way into the action and buffer tube. These design items are a result of SIG benefitting from the evolution of the piston driven AR system and learning from other manufacturer’s previous mistakes and improving the system. The piston driven AR has evolved quickly with numerous design tweaks along the way. The market will not have long to digest the SIG 516 models erupting from Exeter, NH before its big brother the SIG 716 is on line. The SIG 716 will be chambered in 7.62x51mm.

SIG decided to go the extra mile in designing and manufacturing the SIG 516 to military specifications. This serves multiple purposes ranging from establishing a base line of quality separating the SIG 516 from other piston driven ARs. Along these same lines, the SIG 516 is not only more marketable to private citizens, but also any U.S. law enforcement department or foreign governments looking to equip military or police units with AR style rifles due to this stringent quality standard.

SIG Sauer, Inc.
18 Industrial Drive
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-2302
www.sigsauer.com

SIG Sauer Introduces New SIG 556 Classic Rifle

SIG Sauer, Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial, law enforcement, and military firearms, is proud to introduce the next generation in the evolution of the SIG 556 platform with the new SIG 556 Classic model. The legendary performance and accuracy of the Swiss-built SG 550 tactical rifle is found in every SIG 556 and further enhanced in the new SIG 556 Classic. The Classic is a semiautomatic rifle with the silhouette that harkens back to the original military-only 550 model. Featuring a full length gas piston operating system with a two-position gas valve, the rifle will keep operating even when the environmental conditions deteriorate. Available in 5.56 NATO, the Classic features a Swiss-type folding stock that adjusts to length, as well as a Swiss-type polymer ergonomic forend. The SIG 556 Classic’s steel receiver features a Picatinny rail with a SIG Sauer Mini Red Dot Sight and an improved combat style hooded front and flip-up rear sights. The Classic’s sleek profile and compact length is enhanced by a 17-inch cold hammer forged barrel. SIG Sauer shaved a pound off the Classic model by incorporating the redesigned alloy trigger housing, AR style magazine and flash suppressor. Two 30-round polymer magazines with connector are included. The SIG 556 Classic brings back the look and feel of one of the world’s most sought after military rifles but on a platform available for law enforcement and responsible citizens. MSRP is $1,998. For more information please contact them at SIG Sauer, Dept. SAR, 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH 03833. Phone: (603) 772-2302. Fax: (603) 772-9082. Visit their website: www.sigsauer.com.

ATN Announces New Thermal Imager

American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN) proudly introduces the latest in thermal imaging technology with the OTIS-14 Thermal Imaging device. OTIS stands for Optical Thermal Imaging System – System being the key word. The ATN OTIS-14 is a multi-mission capable monocular designed for optimum use by military operators, law enforcement personnel, private contractors and security conscience civilians desiring to convert the darkness into a tactical advantage. The ATN OTIS-14 offers maximum versatility being capable of handheld, head/helmet mounted, as well as, weapon mounted use. The ATN OTIS-14 bears many hallmark ATN features such ergonomic design, simple to operate controls, and ruggedness ensuring reliability even when exposed to the harshest conditions. The ATN OTIS-14 contains miniature thermal imaging technology enabling the highest quality stable image in the most compact package. Thermal imaging capability has great utility for both night and day operations. Its versatility and compact size guarantees its usefulness across the full spectrum of operations both night and day. The ATN OTIS-14 features simple user friendly operating controls, one year warranty, quick detach rail system for attaching accessories or mounting the OTIS-14 to a weapon, hands-free adaptability, compatible with 3x Afocal lens for increased magnification, light weight yet rugged design, and the latest digital thermal technology. The ATN OTIS-14 will serve as a benchmark for thermal imaging devices. With the OTIS-14, ATN stands poised to do for the thermal imaging what ATN did for night vision optics; develop and manufacture high-quality state-of-the-art products at competitive prices, backed by ATN’s industry leading customer support. Numerous other accessories are available that are compatible with the ATN OTIS-14 Thermal Imaging device. MSRP of the new imager is $10,995. For more information please contact American Technologies Network Corporation, Dept. SAR, 20 South Linden Avenue, Suite 18, South San Francisco, CA 84080. Phone: (650) 875-0130. Fax: (650) 875-0129. They can be found on the web at www.atncorp.com.

Brownells New Gun Specific Driver Set for Glocks

While Glock pistols don’t require many tools for disassembly, armorers and other pros use some special items to make the job easier. Brownells, the Montezuma, Iowa gunsmith supply house, has combined them all into one compact, self-storing unit: their Screwdriver Set for Glock (#080-000-408). You get a nut driver for the front sight nut, a punch for the frame pins, one to help with magazine disassembly, a flat blade to push the mag catch spring aside and two Allen bits for various adjustable rear sights. All the “bits” fit into the full-size, hollow handle with a short shank, to keep you close to the work for maximum control. The Screwdriver Set for Glock is one of 30,000+ items listed in Brownells easily recognized, horizontal format, Catalog #61 that has become the standard reference for gunsmiths and serious hobbyists since the company was founded in 1939. Answers to any installation or troubleshooting questions – on Glocks or other guns, and gunsmithing processes – are available from the experienced technical services staff with a quick, toll-free call to Brownells at (800) 741-0015. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, equipment and accessories. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. To order the Screwdriver Set for Glock or get a copy of any Brownell catalog contact them at Brownells, Dept. SAR, 200 South Front Street, Montezuma, IA. Phone: (641) 623-5401. Fax: (641) 623-3896. Website: www.brownells.com.

Mossberg Now Has a New LBA Trigger

For 90 years Mossberg has been a leader in the design and manufacturing of firearms in the hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement community. This year marks another great year for Mossberg as they introduce the new Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) Trigger System for their centerfire bolt action rifles – enhancing the performance and accuracy while keeping safety in the forefront of its development. With its distinctive skeletonized lightning bolt trigger blade, the Lightning Bolt Action Trigger System offers the best in form and functionality, giving the shooter the flexibility of adjusting the trigger pull without the need of taking their rifle to a gunsmith. A simple twist of a standard screwdriver enables the LBA trigger to adjust from 2 to 7lbs. The design of the LBA trigger’s sear engagement offers a truly crisp, creep-free trigger, optimizing accuracy. The LBA trigger blade blocks the sear from releasing the striker unless the blade is fully depressed, even at the lightest adjustment setting. The trigger assembly is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum then hard-coat anodized to military specifications, preventing corrosion and minimizing wear over time. With Mossberg’s extensive line of 4×4 and 100ATR bolt action rifles, you can expect to find the new LBA Trigger System in over 100 models in 2009. The LBA Trigger System is taking Mossberg’s line of firearms to the next level in accuracy and performance. For more information on this as well as all of their current line of firearms, please contact them at O.F. Mossberg and Son’s, Inc., Dept. SAR, 7 Grasso Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473. Phone: (203) 230-5300. Fax: (203) 230-5420. Their website is www.mossberg.com.

New Fiocchi Frangible .223 Ammo for Training

Industry innovator Fiocchi Ammunition is proud to announce a new .223 Remington 45-grain frangible cartridge. Part of a new frangible, non-toxic line of quality cartridge products, this innovative round is ideal for the training market, and in particular for indoor shooting ranges, close-quarter steel plate shooting, and for use by police departments in tactical training scenarios. This new Fiocchi .223 Rem. cartridge, while part of the competitively priced Rifle Shooting Dynamics line, does not skimp on the quality of its ingredients. The cartridge features well-known and respected SinterFire frangible, lead-free bullets. Fiocchi chose the copper/tin composite SinterFire bullet for this cartridge as it yields the proven benefits of functional reliability (due to the bullet’s molded-in taper crimp), along with uniform dimensions and weight, that all work together to give the user the added attributes of superior accuracy and consistent performance. SinterFire bullets are ideal for training, since they contain no jacketing or plating, and will literally crumble to dust upon impact with hard surfaces. Since its name and thus its more than 130-year reputation rest on each round, Fiocchi strives to achieve ammunition perfection with every round it produces. Fiocchi’s .223 Rem. 45-grain frangible round is also the fastest cartridge in the company’s entire .223 Rem. product range. Leaving the muzzle at a sizzling 3,300 fps while generating a relatively mild 1,087 ft./lbs of energy, the new round is still moving at a very brisk 2,812 fps at 100 yards while putting out 790 ft./lbs. energy. At 300 yards, the frangible bullet is still racing along at 1,976 fps and producing 390 ft./lbs. energy. While at the maximum practical target distance of 500 yards, the round delivers a more than adequate 1,329 fps velocity and 176 ft./lbs. energy. For more information on Fiocchi’s .223 Rem. 45-Grain Frangible ammunition or Fiocchi’s full line of rifle, pistol, rimfire, shot shell and unique rounds, contact them at Fiocchi Ammunition of America, Inc., Dept. SAR, 6930 North Fremont Road, Ozark, MO 65721. Phone: (417) 725-4118. Fax: (417) 725-1039 or visit them on the web at www.fiocchiusa.com.

SIGARMS Introduces Their New SIG 556 Rifle

No other semi-automatic rifle has captured the imagination of the shooting public like the SIG 550 series rifle. For years this legendary Swiss made rifle has been restricted to law enforcement and military sales where it has continuously built on its reputation for outstanding performance, accuracy and durability. Now, SIGARMS has announced that the time has come for a U.S. made version and introduces the new SIG 556. The SIG 556 features the same high-performance two position adjustable gas piston operating rod system engineered by SIG’s sister company Swiss Arms and marries it to a trigger housing that not only cuts the rifle’s weight by a pound but is designed to accept standard AR magazines. Originally developed to work under the extreme situational pressures and environmental conditions of the Swiss Army on Alpine duty, the new SIG 556 delivers when it counts regardless of ammunition type and variances in gas pressure or case material. The SIG 556 features a 16-inch military grade cold hammer forged barrel with a twist rate of 1 in 9 inches. The barrel is locked to the steel receiver through a unique system that allows the user to easily change out the barrel. The forearm housing the gas operating system is a vented non-slip polymer featuring the SIG TriRail design with three integrated Picatinny rails for mounting accessories. There is a forward mount for right or left side sling attachment. The flip up front combat sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. The Picatinny rail equipped receiver is made of high strength carbon steel with a durable wear-resistant Nitron X rifle finish. The trigger housing is made from a heat treated aircraft grade aluminum alloy with a hard-coat anodized finish designed to survive extreme conditions. The rifle comes equipped with a smooth two-stage trigger. The SIG 556 also features an ambidextrous safety and is designed to accept standard AR magazines. A rugged 30-round polymer magazine is supplied with each rifle. Spare battery compartments are provided in the ergonomically designed pistol grip as well as the rubber padded watertight adjustable butt stock. The buttstock also offers sling attachment points. In addition to the standard model SIG 556, SIGARMS will also offer a SIG 556 L featuring a longer forearm but also equipped with the 16-inch barrel. The 556 L will be ideal for upgrading to the 20-inch barrel for more precision oriented shooting. The third model planned for 2006 is the SIG 556 SWAT. The SWAT model will feature the same compact design of the standard SIG 556 with 16-inch barrel but will feature a flat top Picatinny railed receiver and a tactical quad rail. These three rifles are the first of several new SIG 556 models that are currently in development at SIGARMS. The new U.S. made SIG 556 will begin to ship in late summer of 2006. For more information please contact SIGARMS, Inc., Dept. SAR, 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH 03833. Phone: (603) 772-2302. Fax: (603) 772-9082.

New M16 A2 Stock from Keng’s Firearms Specialty

A new stock for the M16 A2 is now available from Keng’s Firearms Specialty, Inc. The stock has a sealed compartment for storing a loaded back-up 20-round magazine for use in emergency situations. The 20-round magazine is accessed by pulling down a lever on the buttplate and then rotating the buttplate counter-clockwise. The magazine is then released by pushing a standard M16 magazine release bottom located in the left side of the stock itself. There is a hidden spring in the compartment that helps “push” the magazine out of the recess. The stock’s length-of-pull is the same as that of a standard A2 buttstock and the new stock also has an opaque window through which the magazine can be seen. The inside of the compartment is bright yellow and, if there is no magazine inside the compartment, will serve to remind the shooter to put a loaded 20-round magazine back in place. The new stock is made from 30% glass-fiber reinforced material for added strength and durability. Availability will be late summer. For more information please contact Keng’s Firearms Specialty, Inc., Dept. SAR, 875 Wharton Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30336. Phone: (404) 691-7611. Fax: (404) 505-8445. They can be found on the web at www.versapod.com.

New Colors and Templates from Lauer Custom Weaponry

Lauer Custom Weaponry, long known for their excellent DuraCoat products, have now introduced several new colors as well as new peel & stick templates to help refinish weapons of all types. One of the striking new colors and templates is called the Diamond Plate. The finished product makes the weapon look as if it is made of aluminum tread brite; the same color as a tool box that you would see in the back of a truck. The new “color” gives the host weapon a true 3-D look, as if the Diamond Plate material was actually formed in a weapon. The new Diamond Plate design is actually three different designs that are put on in layers with the help of Lauer’s Peel & Spray templates. Lauer now also has colors and templates available for the new Army Digital Camo as well as Black Oxide, Titanium and even colors that makes your weapon look as though is it the offspring of a Bengal Tiger. Their DuraCoat coatings can be applied with an airbrush, can be baked or not, and give outstanding results with minimal expense and expertise. Lauer even has complete kits which include paint colors, templates, airbrush and an instructional DVD. For more information please contact them at Lauer Custom Weaponry, 3601 129th Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Phone: (715) 723-6861. Fax: (715) 723-2950. You can also view the colors on actual weapons at www.lauerweaponry.com.

New Spec-Ops Sniper Rifle Stock from Knoxx Industries

Knoxx Industries, LLC have just released their new Spec-Ops Sniper Rifle Stock. This stock adds to a list of other remarkable recoil-reducing stocks from this California company. This new stock is based on their tried and true Spec-Ops recoil reducing mechanism that tames recoil dramatically. The design and development of their Spec-Ops shotgun stocks have led the way for this new line of rifle stocks. The new stocks have a dramatic look and feature a new billet aluminum CNC-milled forearm. With a fully floated barrel and high tolerance machining, accuracy with these new stocks is said to be nothing short of fabulous. The first stocks will be available for the Remington 700 short and long actions and they will be adding Winchester, Weatherby/Howa 1500, Savage and Mauser stocks as quickly as they can be digitized and programmed into their milling machines. The new Spec-Ops Sniper stock makes a .308 feel like you’re shooing a .22 long rifle and a .375 H&H Magnum feels like a .22-250. An added feature of the new stocks is that the length of pull can be adjusted to fit anyone. For more information on these innovative new stocks, please contact Knoxx Industries, LLC, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 2848, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Phone: (805) 227-4099. Fax: (805) 238-2069. Their website is www.knoxx.com.

ArmaLite AR-18/180 Extended Scope Mount from StormWerkz

StormWerkz has now added an extended version of its popular AR-18/180 scope mount to their line of firearm upgrades. The StormWerkz brand scope mount for ArmaLite AR-18 and AR-180 rifles utilize the military standard M1913 Picatinny rail. Both Weaver and Picatinny rings and adapters will fit this mount. The mount fits all AR-18 and AR-180 rifles, carbines and machine guns regardless of date of manufacture. The mount body is completely CNC machined from 6061 T6511 aluminum bar-stock and then anodized matte black. All of the sub-components are stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance. For more on this new scope mount as well as other accessories for the AR-18/180 and Daewoo line of rifles, please contact StormWerkz, Dept. SAR, 408 15th Ave. East, Superior, WI 54880. Phone: (218) 349-6175. They can be found on the web at www.stormwerkz.com.