I have both a CQB and a SG552 issued to me.
So far no problems with either. 4000+ rounds through the 552, mostly semi and burst (Canadian Police Tactical Teams rarely use full auto for anything. Huge liabilities ect...all rounds accounted for...bla...bla...)
I've had one malfunction and I think it may have been a case that bounced off of a barricade and back into the ejection port as it was closing, but I can't be sure. We also shoot frangible ammo for practice that doesn't even look like a real bullet and doesn't work in all guns. No problems in the Sig's or AUG though. When we first got our SG552 we did an introductory shoot / training with them. We got them so hot that when we put them down and went for lunch they melted into the plastic tables they were laid down on. After several hundred rounds they get very dirty and cruddy but they keep firing no matter how much crap they seem to get in the gas system and action.
I respect Kevin and Big Red's experience and opinions. They have unique real world experience and run their weapons hard. They have found some limitations to the system. Some of these are well known;
1. The metal recoil spring guide rod stresses and breaks.
It's now been replaced with plastic ones that last much longer (longer than most guy's ammo budgets).
2. The early gas plugs were from the big guns, they have been changed to better regulate gas volume on the little 552's.
Less beating on the guns now. (Before the civilian CQB owners flood TSE with angry emails, it's my belief that all CQB's that came into Canada had the new gas plugs and plastic recoil spring guides).
3. The SG552, like most short barreled 5.56mm weapons is hard on extractors. They are said to break at about the 10000 round mark.
Solution, regular inspection and change out before 10000 rounds.
This weapon is in use with Swiss Special Forces Units, French Naval Commandos and UK SAS. It is on the approved weapons list of the FBI as well. The FBI has done a 10000 round endurance test on Swiss Arms guns and they passed. They do not have a great deal in inventory because they cost more than AR products, use unique mags, different manual of arms, most guys are familiar with the AR ect. Speaking to an ex-Swiss Soldier He advises that he has never seen a 552 break except for the cocking handle being sheered off when firing too close to cover. (The Swiss also complain that the gun is too loud.)
I'm trying to wrap my head around why the SAS would test and adopt the SG552 if it has severe problems. The limited information I have is that it is slated to replace the MP5 as their primary CQB weapon (this info is of unknow reliablilty and not confirmed). I don't have any contacts with them so maybe they have dropped it. Does anyone know?
Short barreled 5.56mm guns are violent in operation. They also limit the value and range of what is coming out of the business end. It has taken years for companies to get short barreled AR's to run properly. Sig had their SG552's running reliably right from the start. The system is not perfect though and has gone through some upgrades. Any short barreled 5.56mm gun is not going to last as long as a longer barreled gun, just more wear and tear, perssure ect.
I'd recommend that someone buy a 5.56mm gun that has a longer barrel, like 14-16 inches. Much better all-round gun that fills more roles. There are users that need very short weapons and have to go with the 9 inches.
Chances of a semi auto CQB with 5 round mags breaking, very slim.
Rich
So far no problems with either. 4000+ rounds through the 552, mostly semi and burst (Canadian Police Tactical Teams rarely use full auto for anything. Huge liabilities ect...all rounds accounted for...bla...bla...)
I've had one malfunction and I think it may have been a case that bounced off of a barricade and back into the ejection port as it was closing, but I can't be sure. We also shoot frangible ammo for practice that doesn't even look like a real bullet and doesn't work in all guns. No problems in the Sig's or AUG though. When we first got our SG552 we did an introductory shoot / training with them. We got them so hot that when we put them down and went for lunch they melted into the plastic tables they were laid down on. After several hundred rounds they get very dirty and cruddy but they keep firing no matter how much crap they seem to get in the gas system and action.
I respect Kevin and Big Red's experience and opinions. They have unique real world experience and run their weapons hard. They have found some limitations to the system. Some of these are well known;
1. The metal recoil spring guide rod stresses and breaks.
It's now been replaced with plastic ones that last much longer (longer than most guy's ammo budgets).
2. The early gas plugs were from the big guns, they have been changed to better regulate gas volume on the little 552's.
Less beating on the guns now. (Before the civilian CQB owners flood TSE with angry emails, it's my belief that all CQB's that came into Canada had the new gas plugs and plastic recoil spring guides).
3. The SG552, like most short barreled 5.56mm weapons is hard on extractors. They are said to break at about the 10000 round mark.
Solution, regular inspection and change out before 10000 rounds.
This weapon is in use with Swiss Special Forces Units, French Naval Commandos and UK SAS. It is on the approved weapons list of the FBI as well. The FBI has done a 10000 round endurance test on Swiss Arms guns and they passed. They do not have a great deal in inventory because they cost more than AR products, use unique mags, different manual of arms, most guys are familiar with the AR ect. Speaking to an ex-Swiss Soldier He advises that he has never seen a 552 break except for the cocking handle being sheered off when firing too close to cover. (The Swiss also complain that the gun is too loud.)
I'm trying to wrap my head around why the SAS would test and adopt the SG552 if it has severe problems. The limited information I have is that it is slated to replace the MP5 as their primary CQB weapon (this info is of unknow reliablilty and not confirmed). I don't have any contacts with them so maybe they have dropped it. Does anyone know?
Short barreled 5.56mm guns are violent in operation. They also limit the value and range of what is coming out of the business end. It has taken years for companies to get short barreled AR's to run properly. Sig had their SG552's running reliably right from the start. The system is not perfect though and has gone through some upgrades. Any short barreled 5.56mm gun is not going to last as long as a longer barreled gun, just more wear and tear, perssure ect.
I'd recommend that someone buy a 5.56mm gun that has a longer barrel, like 14-16 inches. Much better all-round gun that fills more roles. There are users that need very short weapons and have to go with the 9 inches.
Chances of a semi auto CQB with 5 round mags breaking, very slim.
Rich
). 
