You want the new SIG522. A real-deal SIG blackrifle for under $500.00. In fact, often found for about the same as the also-desirable S&W M&P15/22.
The gun has been getting great message board chatter. Here are just a few observations on my new SIG 522…
At about 6.5 lbs, this feels like one very high quality build, like the S&W M&P15/22. And like the S&W 22, it uses a lot of high-end polyfiber construction wherever feasible, but unlike the S&W; it does have an aluminum upper which includes a machined-in M1913 rail.
All other “RIS” rails are optional – along with front and rear sights.
As in – there are NO “iron” sights of any level of quality or accuracy included in the base rifle, which IMHO is inexcusable for a $500.00 rifle.
Guess the expectation is to buy the optional SIG sights, or use your spare sights that we all have laying around the house...
Unlike the S&W, the 16-inch barrel has the expected AR flash-hider, which according to the manual, has 1/2x28 AR15 compatible threads. The barrel itself is forged steel 6 grooves RH with 1 in 16" rifling.
The rifle comes with a “SIG blue” plastic hard case, a “SIG blue” trigger lock, a 1.5-inch buttstock extension cap to replace the standard rubberized butt cap, manual and warranty card, and for the allowed states: one Black Dog Machine 25~30rd smoke-translucent hi-cap “BHO” mag. (It will NOT accept BDM’s M261 AR15/22 mags.)
The 522 charges on the right, and has a slightly upturned bolt handle – like an AK74. It has an ambi safety and ambi mag release, and an AR-15-like bolt release button on the left of the upper recvr.
The pistol-grip has a swing-open trap-door to reveal storage for a bore-snake perhaps.
With no gas system in use, the fake gas nut over the barrel can be removed to reveal a short “storage tube” for – something short?
The tele-stock appears to have 3 positions, but when fully extended it feels like an acceptable “Warsaw Pact AK” to me. Most folks will likely use the included butt extension cap, but note that I did not find any mention of installing the butt extension in the owner’s manual.
A push-button allows the telescoping stock to fold to the right, and you forcibly lock it onto a stud molded into the trailing edge of the lower right forestock.
Markings on the 522 are few: “S” and “F” are engraved at the safety positions as expected, there is “SIG SAUER” logo lettering molded into the left of the butt beside the folder button, and engraved on the left side of the upper recvr; “SIG522, SIG SAUER INC., EXETER NH, USA”, and with the S/N engraved below the bolt-release button.
Plus - since this is a genuine SIG product made by SIG and not an unlicensed copy – no lawsuits to end our fun!
Pics:
http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/nfafan/SIG_522/