SIG/SAN 55x Folks: Please Help The Newb (Redundant 55x Pr0n Welcome)

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SaskStar

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Hi All,

I'm a gun-newb who is in love with the SAN 55x series. I've been able to glean quite a bit of info from other posts here and elsewhere, but I still have a few questions that I'd appreciate your help with. Thanks in advance! :)

1) As I understand it, the series goes something like this (in descending order, according to length):

a) 550 / Stgw. 90 (full rifle: non-restricted)
b) 551 LB SWAT -- CQB (restricted)
c) 551 SWAT -- carbine (restricted)
d) 552 SWAT -- ??? (restricted)

Is this correct? I'm confused as to the difference between QCB/Carbine etc.

For reference, please check here: http://world.guns.ru/assault/as25-e.htm

2) Blue Stars, Red Devils, Classic Greens, and Black Specials all refer to the same firearm, just in different colours, correct? Or am I missing something here?

3) So... uh... does anyone actually own a Blue Star/Red Devil? They seem kinda... showy. :p

4) What's the retail availability of the 55x series? Given a fresh new PAL, can a guy pretty much go and pick one up without too much hassle or is this a firearm that I'll have to special-order and wait 6-18 months for? Also, are prices pretty much the same no matter who you by from?

5) Is there a recognized "go to" dealer in Canada that handles a lot of SAN 55x or that people suggest I deal with, or can I just order one from my local gun shop?

6) Depending on what model I'm looking at, I see drum-type rear sights or Picatinny style rail with folding back-up rear sight. Are different sight-types specific to certain models? (It looks like th 552 has both?!) Also, in order to mount an ACOG etc., do you need to go with the Picatinny w/ pop-ups?

7) Accessories: front P-rails, ACOG/red dot sights, vertical front grips, cheek-rests, slings, extra mags. Are all these "extras" usually available from SAN or is there a different source(s) for after-market stuff?

8) Can one simply buy/order 30 cap mags or are they difficult to find?

9) The 550 can be fitted with a bayonet, correct? I don't think I've ever seen one. Does SAN manufacture a stock bayonet that can be purchased along with the firearm or can I stick a KA-BAR on there with some kind of adapter or what?

10 Have you found your 55x likes/dislikes to eat certain brands/types of ammo? I've heard they can be tough on reloads?

And finally...

11) Can you please point me in the direction of other helpful SAN-related threads/websites?

Thanks a zillion for you help, everyone!
 
4. Zero. The 550, 551 and all variants thereof are prohibited by name.

8. 30 round magazines for any centerfire, semi-automatic firearm are prohibited devices.
 
eigenvector said:
4. Zero. The 550, 551 and all variants thereof are prohibited by name.

8. 30 round magazines for any centerfire, semi-automatic firearm are prohibited devices.
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Way to provide only part of the truth.

There are rifles that are similar in appearance, the SIG ARMS PE90 series, aka blue star, classic blue, etc. The PE90 series look close but is based off a different action and therefore are not prohibited.
 
NavyCuda said:
Way to provide only part of the truth.

There are rifles that are similar in appearance, the SIG ARMS PE90 series, aka blue star, classic blue, etc. The PE90 series look close but is based off a different action and therefore are not prohibited.
Click to expand...
He specifically asked about the 55x series.
 
250px-Mallard2.jpg
 
There are a number of Blue Stars floating around. I have seen only one Red Devil. There is another model, called the Heavy Metal (you can guess the colour), which I have never seen other than in an advertisement.
 
We stock and sell most accessories including the stock shown.

The Classic Green, Black Special guns are not 55x series, although they will accept most accessories and many parts.

We will have a shipment of Classic Green rifles arriving during this month. Call for pricing.
 
eigenvector said:
He specifically asked about the 55x series.
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I also specifically mentioned I'm a gun-noob. :mad:

So this is the part of the movie where someone goes:

"Hmmm... judging from the rest of this gun-newb's post, it looks like he's talking about the Blue Star which bears a passing resemblance to the prohibited Sig 550 although the Blue Star is a wholly different rifle built on a completely different action. I bet he's been reading this http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348243 and got all excited/confused. I guess I'll be a nice guy and try to steer him in the right direction."

But... hey... thanks a lot for the waterfowl.
 
SaskStar said:
1) As I understand it, the series goes something like this (in descending order, according to length):

a) 550 / Stgw. 90 (full rifle: non-restricted)
b) 551 LB SWAT -- CQB (restricted)
c) 551 SWAT -- carbine (restricted)
d) 552 SWAT -- ??? (restricted)

Is this correct?
Click to expand...

Correct. Although some dealers call them 55X's, the proprer names are their offical staus in Canada

Black Special - Black full size with drum
Black Special Target - Black full size with flat top
Classic Green -Green full size with drum
Carbine - Green half-size with flat top or drum
CQB - small size with drum.

The blue star, red devil , heavy metal are special orders and would be hard to come by.

2) Blue Stars, Red Devils, Classic Greens, and Black Specials all refer to the same firearm, just in different colours, correct? Or am I missing something here?
Click to expand...
see above

3) So... uh... does anyone actually own a Blue Star/Red Devil? They seem kinda... showy. :p
Click to expand...

Some do. They are. I believe the first ones to arrive back in the day were the blue stars.

4) What's the retail availability of the 55x series? Given a fresh new PAL, can a guy pretty much go and pick one up without too much hassle or is this a firearm that I'll have to special-order and wait 6-18 months for? Also, are prices pretty much the same no matter who you by from?
Click to expand...
It depends on the model. Classic greens are the easiest to come by. Followed by the Black Special, Carbine and CQB.

5) Is there a recognized "go to" dealer in Canada that handles a lot of SAN 55x or that people suggest I deal with, or can I just order one from my local gun shop?
Click to expand...
TSE used to be the go-to place until the distributers got changed. They still do the warranty work. Wolverine supplies is a good place too. If they don't have what you want than shop around and you'll find it. There is a used market too, check out the EE.

6) Depending on what model I'm looking at, I see drum-type rear sights or Picatinny style rail with folding back-up rear sight. Are different sight-types specific to certain models? (It looks like th 552 has both?!) Also, in order to mount an ACOG etc., do you need to go with the Picatinny w/ pop-ups?
Click to expand...

see above. You can get an aftermarket rail for the drum sighted rifles.

7) Accessories: front P-rails, ACOG/red dot sights, vertical front grips, cheek-rests, slings, extra mags. Are all these "extras" usually available from SAN or is there a different source(s) for after-market stuff?
Click to expand...

Most of the parts are availible from TSE. There are a few aftermakret parts availible from Germany. (match stocks, different barrels, match trigger, etc. Pricy though).


8) Can one simply buy/order 30 cap mags or are they difficult to find?
Click to expand...

Pinned 5/30 magazines are around, but they are somewhat difficult to find. You've got to do some research.

9) The 550 can be fitted with a bayonet, correct? I don't think I've ever seen one. Does SAN manufacture a stock bayonet that can be purchased along with the firearm or can I stick a KA-BAR on there with some kind of adapter or what?
Click to expand...
550 Bayonets are out there. TradeEx had a few last time I checked. SAN markets another one made by extreama ratio at the moment.

10 Have you found your 55x likes/dislikes to eat certain brands/types of ammo? I've heard they can be tough on reloads?
Click to expand...
50-69 grains work good. I find that the 50-55 is the best. It's only tough on reloads if you load close to the max published and don't use velcro/felt on the ejection port.

Saying that though I have never, ever had any malfunction of any kind with all kinds of factory and reloads in all kind of extreame temperatures.


11) Can you please point me in the direction of other helpful SAN-related threads/websites?
Click to expand...

Search button?
 
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nickorette said:
It depends on the model. Classic greens are the easiest to come by. Followed by the Black Special, Carbine and CQB.
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I would argue that the Carbine has been imported in far smaller numbers than the CQB with the LB + diopter version being the most elusive. And then there's the Sniper which numbers less than a dozen I believe.
 
About a year ago there were practically no 14.3 inch carbines in the country. It only seems like there is lots, as the small shipment that arrived got snapped up fast, but is now switching hands, as people make up their minds about which model they like best.

koalorka said:
I would argue that the Carbine has been imported in far smaller numbers than the CQB with the LB + diopter version being the most elusive. And then there's the Sniper which numbers less than a dozen I believe.
Click to expand...
 
You've picked an excellent rifle for your first acquisition by the way. When you call RedLeg to place your order, you'd be well advised to purchase one in Classic Green. Get one with black furniture if you want to civi it up without getting gaudy. It'll probably hold its value better than the Puce Poodle or Yellow Duckie ;). Just my 0.02.
 
Thanks all for the positive input.

I'm not too concerned regarding the Carbine/CQB models as I's really want to stay on the non-restricted side of things -- at least for my first SAN.

So Classic Green or Black Special it is. I prefer the green myself (although it might look a little odd once the "Tacticool Black" accessories start getting attached? Hmm... :confused:)

Thanks again! More commentary/SAN pr0n welcome. :D
 
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