SIG Sauer SIG556R

by
posted on July 29, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sig_556r_f.jpg

Built off of the SIG556 platform, which itself is a modified version of the legendary Swiss SIG550 military rifle, the SIG556R is chambered in 7.62x39 mm and can take most standard AK-47-type magazines.

Thanks its SIG550 lineage, the 556R has a folding stock, which, when folded, cuts the rifle’s overall length to a mere 26 inches, making storage and maneuverability a cinch.

The piston-operated 556R’s charging handle is on the right side of the rifle, just like on an AK, but its safety selector is located above and in front of the pistol grip, similar to that of an AR, which is far more ergonomic.

Learn more about the SIG556R in the video below, hosted by Shooting Illustrated's Ed Friedman.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm

Action: semi-auto, rotary bolt, two-position adjustable-gas piston

Receiver: aluminum

Barrel: 16”

Rifling: 1:9.5” RH twist

Magazine: single 30-round polymer

Sights: none; mini red-dot sight

Trigger: 7.15 lbs.

Overall Length: 35.875”; folded 26”

Weight: 7 lbs. without magazine

MSRP: $1,332

Multimedia:

Latest

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.