M.S.A.R. STG-556

[TMan]

While picking up my S&W 500, I got looking around on my dealer's shelves. There used to be a lot of Les Baers, STI's, Wilson's, etc. now there are none.

However, there was one box that caught my eye: the MSAR STG-556. This is an American made .223 REM based on the Steyr AUG design, with minor improvements. Most of them come with a 1.5X Scope, but I got one with a picatinny rail for a red-dot or a scope.

This is the bullpup design that has had my interest for quite some time. I was going to get the Bushmaster bullpup, but they stopped making it. Unlike the FS2000, this rifle has a relatively good feel to the trigger. There is no take-up, no noticeable creep, but unfortunately, there is a lot of over-travel.

In spite of the small overall size, it has a 16" barrel. To remove the barrel for cleaning, you push down a lever and then rotate the front handle a small amount clockwise, the barrel then pull out of the assembly. Makes it really easy to clean the barrel.

Another thing I like about it is that you can do a complete takedown without any tools. However, one thing they didn't mention in the manual is that the hammer group has to be cocked or you will never get it out of the frame.

It came with a 10 round magazine, but I picked up a 20 round one today at CheaperthanDirt, and I have a 42 round one on order from Impact Guns.

So, in this day in age (pre-Obama assault weapons ban), I consider this a good purchase.

[MLB]

TMan's on a roll!

The bullpup design looks very efficient for CQB work. I wonder if having the ejection port right next to the cheekweld would be too much of a distraction to me though.

Maybe it's just the picture, but that forward handle looks like it would last perhaps a half an hour before it bent off. Is it more sturdy than it looks?

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Be careful you might put your eye out.

Like that Steyr AUG look; If the folks down at the Obama Camp catches on, this another one listed in their black book.

[5ontarget]

can telll Tman is back in the states....
glad to have you back and to read some reviews

[TMan]

MLB, yes the post that goes through the front handle is very sturdy and has a groove in it. You have to pull down on the handle to fold it forward. If you don't do it properly, i.e. pull down far enough and try to force it, you will end up with a bandaid on the knuckle of your little finger. (Aren't you guys amazed that I know all these facts?)

I picked up an EoTech 512 for it today. It is a very simple heads-up display that uses AA batteries. However, you have to mount it fairly far back towards your head. If you have it too far forward, and you pull back on the charging lever, you will remove the skin from the knuckle of your left thumb.



I plan on shooting this tomorrow if there is anything left of me.

[TMan]

Well, I found out that the EOTech needs to either go further back or I need to go to the other style screw to hold it on. If you look closely at the left hand you can see a little ding on the knuckle of the left hand. There is now a big ding behind the thumb on the left hand.

Yes, that is a "Lake Placid" sweatshirt I'm wearing because it was cold here this morning, and I'd better not hear any comments about "cold" from anyone living in NY or OH.

After 15 rounds, the bolt didn't want to close completely, it was cold, and my thumb hurt. I decided I'd better go get Jenny some parsley.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; You've taken us to a whole new level in Firearms.

I like it !!