STG-556
The STG-556 is a Steyr AUG clone formerly manufactured by Microtech Small Arms Research (MSAR). It was available in civilian and military/law enforcement (select-fire) variants.[5]
| STG-556 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Steyr Arms |
| Manufacturer | Microtech Small Arms Research |
| Produced | 2007-15 |
| No. built |
|
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length |
|
| Barrel length |
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| Cartridge | |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt, short piston drive |
| Feed system |
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| Sights |
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| References | [1][2][3][4] |
History
It was introduced at the 2007 SHOT Show. The first few STG-556 rifles were chambered in .223 Caliber.[4]
MSAR closed down permanently on March 20, 2015. No specific reasons were stated on their website, but it is well known that Steyr setting up a US based manufacturing arm, producing genuine Steyr AUG firearms, all but eliminated the need for anyone to buy a clone.
When MSAR started, and for several years following, there was no way for a US Resident to buy a new Steyr AUG, only AUGs (and USRs) that had been imported prior to the final Clinton executive order which banned further importation of the neutered USR.
Design
The STG-556's design was based on the original Steyr AUG since the patents expired at the time.[5] It features a bolt release as seen on the M16 rifle[5] and a forward assist.[6] Otherwise, the STG-556 retains the features similar to the Steyr AUG, such as having the quick-change barrel option and the ability to change which side the weapon ejects from by changing the bolt out for a right or left side bolt respectively. The STG-556 has a right-side ejector.
The STG-556 uses a short-stroke gas piston. The rifle can be converted from either having a telescopic sight or a MIL-STD-1913 rail.[5] Various accessories can be attached on the rail.[7]
The STG-556 uses magazines similar to those used by the Steyr AUG,[6] although they can take 30-round STANAG and Magpul PMAG magazines.[8] The XM-17E4 variant can use STANAG magazines.
The rifle formerly was available in black, tan or green finish.[6]
Variants
STG-556 Limited Edition
A limited edition STG-556, a clone of the Steyr AUG A3, had a production run of only 1,000 rifles. There was a limited production of 232 rifles produced with an 18.5" heavy barrel after tests proved that length provided optimum accuracy over the 24" length due to barrel harmonics.
STG-556 Gebirgsjäger
The STG-556 Gebirgsjäger had a production run of 500 rifles. It was named after the Gebirgsjäger, which means Mountain Huntsmen.[9]
Similar US weapons
The TPD USA AXR revealed at the 2007 SHOT Show, manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc., is a similar weapon.
References
- "Microtech Small Arms Research - STG-556 Sporting Rifle". www.msarinc.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- "Archived copy" (PDF). www.msarinc.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 December 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Msar | STG-556". msarinc.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- Choat, Chris (March 2008). "Microtech's STG-556 An Exclusive First Look". The Small Arms Review. 11 (6): 43–50.
- "MSAR STG-556 rifle". 27 October 2010.
- "Microtech STG-556". 23 September 2010.
- "Msar STG-556". May 2008.
- "MSAR STG-556 Bullpup Rifle (4179 STANAG) and Translucent Polymer AR Magazine".
- "Microtech Small Arms Research - Home". msarinc.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- "MSAR Returns with New STG-E4 AUG-Style Rifles".
