Swiss Arms 553

gorky

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So how have guys been finding these guns to hold up compared to the old CQBs ? The gas system changes dont really affect most people but has anyone here had another malfunctions or failures ? Most guys I know do not put enough rounds through them to really find out. I am still waiting for that SAPR so until then, lets talk about something that actually exists :D
 
Actually, my CQB with the 553 gas system is the only Swiss Arms I've owned that actually malfunctioned. Bolt did not hold open after last round for about the first 500 rounds or so, when firing .223 (but was fine with 5.56). Not a problem now, and have fired an additional 2000 rounds hassle free.
 
Actually, my CQB with the 553 gas system is the only Swiss Arms I've owned that actually malfunctioned. Bolt did not hold open after last round for about the first 500 rounds or so, when firing .223 (but was fine with 5.56). Not a problem now, and have fired an additional 2000 rounds hassle free.

That's peculiar. Perhaps just a matter of breaking in the springs ? Any breakages ?
 
The resale on CQB's have always suffered it seems

I don't think there are many 553 versions sold in the market although I think dealers may get them easily from Nichols but given they are the same price as non restricted, they are not in as high demand. I would assume most buyers only buy these to add to their existing Swiss assets

Actually, I think all new stock Cqbs are sold with the 553 gas system

I disagree with who buys the rifles. I have, and know others who have, traded full length swiss arms for cqbs, or have bought cqbs in lieu of full lengths. They are premiere range guns, superior to most ARs in the hands of many. Many people that have owned one consider the cqb their favorite gun, and it is often a gun that is the last one sold in a stable or thegun that is quickly repurchased if sold.
 
Actually, I think all new stock Cqbs are sold with the 553 gas system

I disagree with who buys the rifles. I have, and know others who have, traded full length swiss arms for cqbs, or have bought cqbs in lieu of full lengths. They are premiere range guns, superior to most ARs in the hands of many. Many people that have owned one consider the cqb their favorite gun, and it is often a gun that is the last one sold in a stable or thegun that is quickly repurchased if sold.

Yes 100%. I never had a CQB and the 20" at the same time but had my CQB for 6 years. Hands down my favourite of all range guns I have ever owned! Had the most fun with it, big smile doing run ups and ISPC type stuff with it. Perfect in hand. Miss it the most looking hard at replacing it.
 
I would love a CQB (553) there an awesome gun with the right ammo. With our ### laws we cannot use them without being restricted to the range, otherwise I would get at least a 14" carbine, until our laws make sense I'll stick to my 550 length non restricted rifle.

My problem with the CQB or any other barrel that short (other than them being restricted) is while we only shoot paper and cardboard the original intent of the 553 was as an assault weapon and I always thought it should be considered that when shooting 5.56 through any barrel that short, barrel length VS velocity quickly becomes a factor. If your running super expensive 75gr Hornady tap rounds then this may not be a big deal, but if all you have access to is standard 55gr or 62gr, then any barrel below 14"-16" is starting to become foolish. IMO anyway.
 
Short Barrel and Military Ammo, not as effective as longer barrels. When one is not handcuffed by using Military ammo (which has gotten much better south of our boarder) and defensive rounds like RUAG Styx are used, suddenly short barrels are much more effective.

Rich
 
When defensive rounds like RUAG Styx are used, suddenly short barrels are much more effective.

Rich

While I completely agree, and am aware of the effectiveness of some of the new defensive rounds designed for use in short barreled weapons, until such defensive rounds become more affordable, or until the government starts subsidizing our ammo (neither of which will be happening) your average person can't afford to be shooting that kind of ammo on a regular basis. I know I can't.

Basically, I mean if your in a specialty unit like an ERT team or Military, then there great, because your not paying for them. Were talking about $400+ dollars for 300 rounds. Who can afford that other than Law Enforcement and Military?

Edit: Another point, if you run out of your original load out when you need it, it's not as if this ammo is readily available. So when seconds count and it's time to restock your ammunition, and all that's available is the most common 55gr, and 62gr rounds, what then? The only point I am trying to make is that having to be specific about ammo is a serious drawback to a platform that must be taken into account. That's it. I still love the 553 and would love to shoot one more often than I get too, but in any kind of combat scenario, you'd better hope your in constant re-supply and someone else is paying for it.
 
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While I completely agree, and am aware of the effectiveness of some of the new defensive rounds designed for use in short barreled weapons, until such defensive rounds become more affordable, or until the government starts subsidizing our ammo (neither of which will be happening) your average person can't afford to be shooting that kind of ammo on a regular basis. I know I can't.

Basically, I mean if your in a specialty unit like an ERT team or Military, then there great, because your not paying for them. Were talking about $400+ dollars for 300 rounds. Who can afford that other than Law Enforcement and Military?

The idea is you shoot the specialty rounds at people. You can use 55gr American Eagle or Norinco to punch paper...
 
Anyone who thinks the CQB is not capable out to 600M is not informed on current ballistics. The cqb is significantly more accurate than the NR, and is less sensitive to change of impact due to variables that really affect the NR. Sure higher pressures affect life of the internals. when all things considered its a wonderful rifle for what it was designed to do. Out of the several hundred we have tried the CQB's were the only ones we could consistently shoot sub moa with at 100m with factory ammo. its a beautiful gun in everyway.

My personal favorite is the carbine with the 17.9 inch barrel, as it is such a smooth shooting rifle, and is balanced nice.,

CQG is least affected by ammo changes and IS the most accurate of the entire family.
 
Anyone who thinks the CQB is not capable out to 600M is not informed on current ballistics. The cqb is significantly more accurate than the NR, and is less sensitive to change of impact due to variables that really affect the NR. Sure higher pressures affect life of the internals. when all things considered its a wonderful rifle for what it was designed to do. Out of the several hundred we have tried the CQB's were the only ones we could consistently shoot sub moa with at 100m with factory ammo. its a beautiful gun in everyway.

My personal favorite is the carbine with the 17.9 inch barrel, as it is such a smooth shooting rifle, and is balanced nice.,

CQG is least affected by ammo changes and IS the most accurate of the entire family.

Never heard that before but I found it shockingly accurate out to 300m (farthest I ever shot it). Shot it better at 300m then LMT 16" most of the time, never thought it was anything more then luck.
 
Dizzy I am pleasantly surprised to hear that.
I wonder if anyone can compare the CQB vs the 14.3" Carbine for accuracy and wear?
I do want something short to go with the NRs but am really divided over a CQB or a short carbine.
At these prices, it will be only one or the other I am sure.
 
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