Trying to decide ICS SIG 551 or KA 556

[rockenryan]

This will be my first gun and trying to decide what to choose I would rather not have another M4 like most have, something maybe not so comman

factoring cost between the two looking for thoughts and options.

Thks
Ryan

[5kull]

I have always liked the SIG55X family of weapons and will probably buy one in the futur. If I had to buy one I would go for the 556 because it is compatible with Stanag Magazines, M4/M16 mags for people who don't know what Stanag means. You will save a ton of money on mags and mag related equipment like pouchs and stuff.

Here's a description from a well known retailer who shall remain nameless
A member of the SIG 550 family the 556 is the commercialized variant of the 551 carbine, designed specifically for the American Market. Where most of the 550 family requires the use of its own specific magazines, the 556 features a new aluminum lower receiver compatible with standard m16 magazines and an M4 telescoping buttstock. With Picatinny rails now installed and the older dioptic sights replaced with a simpler front and rear flip up sights. Other than the lower receiver, all other parts of the SIG 556 are compatibly modular with the rest of the SIG 550 family.
Constructed from aluminum with FRP furniture, the King Arms SIG 556 HOLO features a 6 position telescoping M4 buttstock faithfully reproduced from its real steel counterpart. Using a 135rds mid-cap M4-style magazine and a standard 20mm Picatinny rail. The front hand guard is fitted with a replica SIG TriRail. The King Arms SIG 556 HOLO feels extremely solid with very little play in the body, the telescoping butt stock however is loose to facilitate in quick changes in length on the fly; it comes complete with fully licensed authentic SIGARMS markings and a unique serial number.
The King Arms SIG 556 features a mechanically operated moving bolt carrier, and with each shot produces a very satisfying metallic "clank". Be warned though, do not obstruct the bolt carrier during operation as it may damage your gearbox.
Length (Retracted): 860mm
Length (Extended): 942mm
Recommended battery: 9.6v 1100mAh Battery (NiMH) - Small Mini Type

[Kozzie]

I have an ICS 551 and I've been very happy with it. For $260 you can't beat the value for your money with any other sig out there. It performs well out of the box and is internally easily upgradable.

Only issue is mags, if you want midcaps you'll have to do minor modification to fit them but it's easy and only takes a few minutes a mag with a file.

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=117937

[TaroBear]

I'm a huge fan of the 55X series, and I typically hate the 556, but in terms of cost it's the best one you can do and remain (sort of) a SIG. The 550-3 series aren't cheap to maintain at all, especially if you want the fancy fake bullets in your mags. The ICS is okay for the money they're selling for right now, but some of the metal parts are rather medicore, the charging handle is iffy, and the mags are an issue.

If you want a really nice 550-3, save up until you can afford a G&G. They feel a lot like the real steel, minus the "stiffness". Otherwise, I think the 556 is a better budget buy.

[Styrak]

G&G Sig Team reporting in. If you don't want fancy/expensive fake bullet mags, the mags are just as cheap as M4 mags.

If you want a cheap but OK Sig, get the ICS. If you want a quality Sig, get the G&G.

[Cinco Boy]

The KA 556 comes in tan too...although expensive and hard to find.

[5kull]

Originally Posted by Cinco Boy

The KA 556 comes in tan too...although expensive and hard to find.

That's not tan, it's Dark Earth Just teasing, I love Dark Earth guns and that 556 is one good looking weapon!

[Schlyder]

Get a G&G SIG. That is all.

[CR0M]

The 556 is barely a sig... If anything, people will think your running a m4 unless they look close. So by that logic you might aswell get a m4.

That said, i own a ics sig 551 and so far so good. Buying a 551/552 is like buying a import car, it gets looks and is different, and i think sexy. But be prepared for paying 3 to 4 timeson accesories compared to other guns. The top rail for mounting sights aint cheap, neither are the mags. Run lipos because nimh are headaches in this thing.

But those arguments could be said about augs or p90s when it comes to mags. I prefer the idea of a 551 thats better for outdoor games with the barrel length and then with the stock folded is ok for cqb as appose to a cqb gun in the 552 thats ok outdoors.

[Freeze]

Are CR0M and I the only two people who think a SIG 556 doesn't really look SiG anymore?
Don't get me wrong, I love the look, but at first I though that it was like a M4 and a G36 had sex and produced this....

[CR0M]

personally I think the 556 is dumb as fauck lol .

honestly its like a delorean with regular doors or eating sushi with a fork. The things that make it different are what makes it unique.

[Styrak]

Originally Posted by CR0M

The top rail for mounting sights aint cheap, neither are the mags.

My 100 round midcaps are like $5 each.

[NANA]

Originally Posted by Styrak

My 100 round midcaps are like $5 each.

Where do you get mags for 5 bucks?

[Freeze]

Originally Posted by CR0M

The 556 is barely a sig... If anything, people will think your running a m4 unless they look close. So by that logic you might aswell get a m4.

That said, i own a ics sig 551 and so far so good. Buying a 551/552 is like buying a import car, it gets looks and is different, and i think sexy. But be prepared for paying 3 to 4 timeson accesories compared to other guns. The top rail for mounting sights aint cheap, neither are the mags. Run lipos because nimh are headaches in this thing.

But those arguments could be said about augs or p90s when it comes to mags. I prefer the idea of a 551 thats better for outdoor games with the barrel length and then with the stock folded is ok for cqb as appose to a cqb gun in the 552 thats ok outdoors.

Originally Posted by CR0M

personally I think the 556 is dumb as fauck lol .

honestly its like a delorean with regular doors or eating sushi with a fork. The things that make it different are what makes it unique.

IMHO, you might as well get a KA M4, get a MOE handguard, stock, and grip, and you would still probably pay less for all that than for a KA 556. And then there's parts availability and customization options, which are really limitless for M4 style....

[CR0M]

I could see if it was something crazy different looking, like a aug or a p90... yeah stanag mags would be excellent to be able to use on a aug. But the 556 doesnt even try to not look like a m4 lol

Also, what makes the G&G so superior to the ICS? I mean, so far I love this ICS sig 551, are the internals/externals that much better? explain this to me. From what I was gathering in researching this buy, the externals on the G&G are slightly better than the ICS but the ICS has slightly better internals (motor, metal bushings, hop-up) so considering that, plus the price differences, I need help understanding why the G&G is that much better