The controls are simple and straightforward, with an ambidextrous safety located above the pistol grip, an AR-style magazine release button forward and above the trigger guard on the right side of the lower receiver, and a bolt release lever on the opposite side of the lower receiver. A reciprocating charging handle is attached to the bolt carrier and extends out through the ejection port.

The rifle we received for testing came packed in a hard plastic case with a single polymer SIG Sauer 30-round magazine and a SIG Sauer-branded 1X mini red-dot sight. Also included with the rifle was the optional steel diopter rear sight unit. The SIG Sauer magazines are designed so that multiple magazines can be attached together with a synthetic coupler by way of the molded-in rails on their sides.

The fit and finish of the SIG556 Classic was excellent, with an evenly applied manganese phosphated finish on the steel parts and an anodized finish on the aluminum lower. All controls functioned positively, and the stock was easy to both fold and extend, locking solidly in both the open and closed positions.

We took the Classic out with a selection of Black Hills, Federal and Winchester .223 Rem. ammunition. During the course of a few hundred rounds there was not a single malfunction. Accuracy was quite good considering that we only used the 1X optic and iron sights. We did note a tendency for barrel heat to affect accuracy. We also noted the extremely soft recoil impulse of the SIG556 Classic, more akin to a gentle push than a sharp blow.

For those looking for the European cachet of the Swiss SIG SG 550 series rifles without the extreme sticker shock of an original, the new SIG556 Classic from SIG Sauer should make for an excellent choice.

Manufacturer: SIG Sauer, Inc.; (603) 772-2302; Sigsauer.com

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO (.223 Rem.)

Action Type: Gas-operated semi-automatic

Receiver: Upper, stamped steel; lower, forged aluminum

Barrel: 17", manganese phosphated steel

Rifling: Six-groove, 1:7" RH twist

Magazine: 30-round detachable box, AR-15/M16 compatible

Sights: Hooded front, flip-up iron rear; mini red-dot; optional rotary diopter rear sight

Trigger Pull: two-stage; 9 lbs.

Stock: Synthetic, three-position adjustable and folding; length of pull, 13½"; drop at heel, 1¾"; drop at comb, 1¾"

Overall Length: 36" with stock fully extended, 27½" with stock folded

Weight: 8 lbs., 3 ozs.

Accessories: Red-dot optic, one magazine, lockable plastic hard case

Suggested Retail Price: $2,249 (as tested with optional rotary diopter sight)

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