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The STG-556 is a Steyr AUG clone formerly manufactured by Microtech Small Arms Research (MSAR).[5] It was available in civilian and military/law enforcement (select-fire) variants.[6]

History

It was introduced at the 2007 SHOT Show. The first few STG-556 rifles were chambered in .223 Caliber.[4]

In July 2012, MSAR resurfaced with a new STG-556 rifle variant known as the STG-E4.[7]

MSAR closed down permanently on March 20, 2015.[8] 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.[5]

Design

The STG-556's design was based on the original Steyr AUG since the patents expired at the time.[6] The frame was made on 7075 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum[9] and made from cast, unlike the TPD AXR as it was made through forging.[10] It was available in black, tan and green finish.[9]

It features a bolt release as seen on the M16 rifle[6] and a forward assist.[9] 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.

When using a suppressor or low-pressure ammo, the gas regulator needs to be adjusted to allow more gas to be used to fire ammo.[11] The gas regulator positions consist of "S", which is the normal setting and allows large amounts of gas to escape from the rifle.[12] "H" diverts more gas into the rifle to allow the STG-556 to be fired in adverse conditions or extreme foulings.[12] "GR" diverts gas into the system to fire blanks in order to launch rifle grenades.[12]

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.[6] Various accessories can be attached on the rail.[13]

The STG-556 uses magazines similar to those used by the Steyr AUG (10/20/30/42),[14] being made up of “radel” (polyphenylsulfone).[11] The rifles can also take 30-round STANAG and Magpul PMAG magazines.[10] The XM-17E4 variant can use STANAG magazines.

Most STG-556 rifles made in 2009 did not allow to use AUG-type magazines unless the three ribs on top were professionally filed off.[12] All STG-556s without a forward-assist mechanism can take AUG magazines.[12]

The barrel can accept a blank adapter or a suppressor.[15]

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.[16] It was previously sold with an OD green Currahee Knife and a MSAR Pelican 1700 case.[16]

STG-556 E4

The STG-556 E4 was introduced in 2009.[12] It can use AR-15 and M16 magazines.[4] For any E4s that use .300 AAC Blackout, they can use the 18.5" barrel.[17]

References

  1. ^ "Microtech Small Arms Research - STG-556 Sporting Rifle". www.msarinc.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  2. ^ "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)
  3. ^ "Msar | STG-556". msarinc.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Choat, Chris (March 2008). "Microtech's STG-556 An Exclusive First Look". The Small Arms Review. 11 (6): 43–50.
  5. ^ a b "MSAR STG-556: Bullpup You'll Recognize". Archived from the original on 2023-05-09.
  6. ^ a b c d "MSAR STG-556 rifle". 27 October 2010.
  7. ^ https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/07/23/microtech-small-arms-research-msar-stg-e4-rifle/
  8. ^ "Microtech Small Arms Research Closes Its Doors -". 23 March 2015.
  9. ^ a b c "Microtech STG-556". 23 September 2010.
  10. ^ a b "MSAR STG-556 Bullpup Rifle (4179 STANAG) and Translucent Polymer AR Magazine".
  11. ^ a b https://www.athlonoutdoors.com/article/msar-stg-556-gebirgsjager/
  12. ^ a b c d e f https://www.thefreelibrary.com/STG-556%3A+American+Combat+Bullpup%3A+if+you+missed+the+chance+to+buy+an...-a0196382591
  13. ^ "Msar STG-556". May 2008.
  14. ^ "MSAR Magazines – Civilian Tactical Weapons".
  15. ^ "MICROTEch's STG-556 AN EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK - Small Arms Review". 5 March 2008.
  16. ^ a b "Microtech Small Arms Research - Home". msarinc.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  17. ^ "MSAR Returns with New STG-E4 AUG-Style Rifles".
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STG-556