Hello all,
I'm currently in the market for a 5.56 rifle and have narrowned it down to 2, the Sig556 and the Ruger SR556. In doing countless hours of research, I've come across many postings explaining the design flaw int he Ruger being "carrier tilt" in the gas piston system. Well, I decided to ask Ruger and see what they had to say and you can read below:
Dear Dustin,
Thank you for using the Ruger On-Line Customer Support Request Form.
Comment / question:
I have read reviews of the SR556 as I am currently in the market for an AR style rifle and am intrigued by your lineup addition. The question I have is in regards to the numerous website forums postings regarding "carrier tilt". I was wondering if you could shed light on this issue and let me know what Ruger's stance on it is in regards if it has been addressed or how it is corrected. I really love the look of the SR556 and am hoping to get the information needed to decide on my purchase.
Response:
1.Our patented two stage piston reduces the initial energy impulse to the carrier, which reduces the amount of tilting force during the carrier’s initial motion.
2.We have an enlarged rear diameter on the carrier, which reduces the amount of tilt.
3.We have removed a portion of the forward carrier rails, which re-directs tilting force away from the upper receiver to the buffer tube.
4.We have a radius on the rear of the bolt carrier which reduces the amount of wear on the buffer tube that might result from carrier tilt.
So, our design has less carrier tilt, has less force behind the tilt, does less damage when it does tilt, and what little force/tilt is left is directed to an inexpensive buffer tube instead of an expensive upper receiver.
Wear in the buffer tube, as a result of carrier tilt, will most likely be present to some degree in nearly all rifles. Once the wear pattern is established, it is unlikely to worsen over the life of the rifle. In the unlikely event the buffer tube continually degrades over time, the rifle should be sent back to us for review. Degradation in the buffer tube can be a concern if the top of the buffer retainer plunger (the small pin that holds the buffer in the tube) and/or the bottom of the relief groove of the carrier (which allows the carrier to travel over the buffer retainer plunger) starts to get wear.
If you need further information, please visit our website at www.ruger.com or contact us at:
Revolvers, shotguns, rifles, 10/22 Charger Pistol: (603) 865-2442
Pistols: (928) 778-6555
Serial Number History Information: (603) 865-2424
Please note: This e-mail is sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.
Sincerely,
Ruger Firearms
NOW, based on that reply, I'd like to get everyone's opinion on whether or not they would take that to mean that it's been addressed and remedied at least minimally or should I stick with the Sig556 as from what I understand it was actually designed around the gas piston system as opposed to just having it added. I appreciate all your help.
P.S. The Sig556 is just a MEAN looking rifle anyways, but I haven't really spoken to anyone in person who has one or has used one for a long period of time to explain reliability. The only place I've seen one at a local gun shop was on consignment and I didn't know whether to take that as not a good rifle or the guy got in trouble for the purchase by the wife
I'm currently in the market for a 5.56 rifle and have narrowned it down to 2, the Sig556 and the Ruger SR556. In doing countless hours of research, I've come across many postings explaining the design flaw int he Ruger being "carrier tilt" in the gas piston system. Well, I decided to ask Ruger and see what they had to say and you can read below:
Dear Dustin,
Thank you for using the Ruger On-Line Customer Support Request Form.
Comment / question:
I have read reviews of the SR556 as I am currently in the market for an AR style rifle and am intrigued by your lineup addition. The question I have is in regards to the numerous website forums postings regarding "carrier tilt". I was wondering if you could shed light on this issue and let me know what Ruger's stance on it is in regards if it has been addressed or how it is corrected. I really love the look of the SR556 and am hoping to get the information needed to decide on my purchase.
Response:
1.Our patented two stage piston reduces the initial energy impulse to the carrier, which reduces the amount of tilting force during the carrier’s initial motion.
2.We have an enlarged rear diameter on the carrier, which reduces the amount of tilt.
3.We have removed a portion of the forward carrier rails, which re-directs tilting force away from the upper receiver to the buffer tube.
4.We have a radius on the rear of the bolt carrier which reduces the amount of wear on the buffer tube that might result from carrier tilt.
So, our design has less carrier tilt, has less force behind the tilt, does less damage when it does tilt, and what little force/tilt is left is directed to an inexpensive buffer tube instead of an expensive upper receiver.
Wear in the buffer tube, as a result of carrier tilt, will most likely be present to some degree in nearly all rifles. Once the wear pattern is established, it is unlikely to worsen over the life of the rifle. In the unlikely event the buffer tube continually degrades over time, the rifle should be sent back to us for review. Degradation in the buffer tube can be a concern if the top of the buffer retainer plunger (the small pin that holds the buffer in the tube) and/or the bottom of the relief groove of the carrier (which allows the carrier to travel over the buffer retainer plunger) starts to get wear.
If you need further information, please visit our website at www.ruger.com or contact us at:
Revolvers, shotguns, rifles, 10/22 Charger Pistol: (603) 865-2442
Pistols: (928) 778-6555
Serial Number History Information: (603) 865-2424
Please note: This e-mail is sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.
Sincerely,
Ruger Firearms
NOW, based on that reply, I'd like to get everyone's opinion on whether or not they would take that to mean that it's been addressed and remedied at least minimally or should I stick with the Sig556 as from what I understand it was actually designed around the gas piston system as opposed to just having it added. I appreciate all your help.
P.S. The Sig556 is just a MEAN looking rifle anyways, but I haven't really spoken to anyone in person who has one or has used one for a long period of time to explain reliability. The only place I've seen one at a local gun shop was on consignment and I didn't know whether to take that as not a good rifle or the guy got in trouble for the purchase by the wife