 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q4 2009. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: ICS
Built Material: metal/ABS/nylon
with fiber
Shooting Modes: semi/full-auto
Magazine Capacity: 470rnds
Length: stock folded – 578mm
stock extended - 835mm
Weight: 2,800g
Power Source: stick/LiPo
Hop-up: yes
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 390fps w/.20bbs
Motor: Turbo 3000 mid-pin
Product Brand: ICS
Built Material: metal/ABS/nylon
with fiber
Shooting Modes: semi/full-auto
Magazine Capacity: 470rnds
Length: stock folded – 578mm
stock extended - 835mm
Weight: 2,800g
Power Source: stick/LiPo
Hop-up: yes
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 390fps w/.20bbs
Motor: Turbo 3000 mid-pin
Package & MSRP:
Slapping down $360 worth of your
hard earned greenbacks will get you
your metal SIG 551, two 475rnd high
capacity magazines, a bottle of 1000
.20bbs, a cleaning rod, manual and
DVD manual complete with a complete
step-by-step breakdown of the SIG
551!
Slapping down $360 worth of your
hard earned greenbacks will get you
your metal SIG 551, two 475rnd high
capacity magazines, a bottle of 1000
.20bbs, a cleaning rod, manual and
DVD manual complete with a complete
step-by-step breakdown of the SIG
551!
Pros:
Let me start out by saying one of the nicest pros is an officially licensed product. Not only does this mean
you won’t receive an AEG with dremmeling all over the place, but it’s so nice to be doing a review and be able
to type the actual name of the real steel gun being replicated vs. trying to remember the “alternate” name given
a gun by someone who doesn’t. Yes, it’s a gimmick, but to be able to do so from a review standpoint, is a nice
touch. Probably the most obvious pro, would have to be the full metal construction. The SIG is a nice solid
piece, utilizing metal, heavy duty ABS and nylon fiber in its construction. The artificial gas tube inside the
foregrip gives you plenty of room to utilize a combination of batteries and the wiring is enough to sustain
powering by a 7.4v LiPo. The foregrip has plenty of Picatinny real estate flanking either side and the bottom
for any necessary attachments. Though it’s aesthetic, the front sight has a flip-down option to go from a fat
to narrow pin for precision aiming. A nice feature ICS added is the ability to lock back the charging handle to
fix the hop-up. For added realism, pressing the bolt release, sends it back to its forward position. The full
metal receivers add considerable durability to this AEG lessening any potential breakage issues with standard
abuse. For those playing in cold weather, the trigger guard mimics the real steel version and can be pushed to
either side for left or right-handed players which segues right into the next pro.
Let me start out by saying one of the nicest pros is an officially licensed product. Not only does this mean
you won’t receive an AEG with dremmeling all over the place, but it’s so nice to be doing a review and be able
to type the actual name of the real steel gun being replicated vs. trying to remember the “alternate” name given
a gun by someone who doesn’t. Yes, it’s a gimmick, but to be able to do so from a review standpoint, is a nice
touch. Probably the most obvious pro, would have to be the full metal construction. The SIG is a nice solid
piece, utilizing metal, heavy duty ABS and nylon fiber in its construction. The artificial gas tube inside the
foregrip gives you plenty of room to utilize a combination of batteries and the wiring is enough to sustain
powering by a 7.4v LiPo. The foregrip has plenty of Picatinny real estate flanking either side and the bottom
for any necessary attachments. Though it’s aesthetic, the front sight has a flip-down option to go from a fat
to narrow pin for precision aiming. A nice feature ICS added is the ability to lock back the charging handle to
fix the hop-up. For added realism, pressing the bolt release, sends it back to its forward position. The full
metal receivers add considerable durability to this AEG lessening any potential breakage issues with standard
abuse. For those playing in cold weather, the trigger guard mimics the real steel version and can be pushed to
either side for left or right-handed players which segues right into the next pro.
Cons:
There really isn’t much here in the way of cons. The fact that the SIG uses unique magazines (not proprietary,
but unique to the gun’s design), means that you’ll need to buy SIG mags to use with it. While that might seem
like a no-brainer, unfortunately, since the SIG isn’t a trendy gun, you’ll be spending a pretty penny to kit
yourself out with a combat load. Also being a non-trendy rifle means that there aren’t very many aftermarket
products available for upgrades. ICS has you covered as far as parts may go, but there aren’t any cheaper
“generics” available so expect to pay name brand prices. With the SIG, the battery goes into the front, upper
foregrip. While there’s plenty of room for a stick battery, unless you go LiPo (which if you haven’t, it’s
time to move out of Bedrock), you’re limited to minimal FPS upgrades. The magazines have the little “hook &
loop” catches that allow them to be connected. While this makes for faster reloading, unless you dig the look
of a combat load stacked side-by side resembling something similar to Chewie’s bowcaster, you’re going to need
to stick them in your vest which is where the next con comes in. The mag connectors tend to want to snag on
mag pouches from time to time when pulling them out and could be an issue if not paying attention and trying to
reload under fire. Other than that, the only real issue I had with this AEG is the rubber guards for the
charge handle. Pulling back on it too fact will result in them tearing and potentially ripping completely
off. While this doesn’t affect performance, it does affect aesthetics, so just be mindful and always take your
time when pulling it back.
There really isn’t much here in the way of cons. The fact that the SIG uses unique magazines (not proprietary,
but unique to the gun’s design), means that you’ll need to buy SIG mags to use with it. While that might seem
like a no-brainer, unfortunately, since the SIG isn’t a trendy gun, you’ll be spending a pretty penny to kit
yourself out with a combat load. Also being a non-trendy rifle means that there aren’t very many aftermarket
products available for upgrades. ICS has you covered as far as parts may go, but there aren’t any cheaper
“generics” available so expect to pay name brand prices. With the SIG, the battery goes into the front, upper
foregrip. While there’s plenty of room for a stick battery, unless you go LiPo (which if you haven’t, it’s
time to move out of Bedrock), you’re limited to minimal FPS upgrades. The magazines have the little “hook &
loop” catches that allow them to be connected. While this makes for faster reloading, unless you dig the look
of a combat load stacked side-by side resembling something similar to Chewie’s bowcaster, you’re going to need
to stick them in your vest which is where the next con comes in. The mag connectors tend to want to snag on
mag pouches from time to time when pulling them out and could be an issue if not paying attention and trying to
reload under fire. Other than that, the only real issue I had with this AEG is the rubber guards for the
charge handle. Pulling back on it too fact will result in them tearing and potentially ripping completely
off. While this doesn’t affect performance, it does affect aesthetics, so just be mindful and always take your
time when pulling it back.
Efficiency:
I tested ICS’s SIG 551 with mags from TM, Echo-1, G&G and MAG midcaps. Going through the different mags, with
the exception of MAG midcaps (which I suspect might actually be the magazine’s fault - not necessarily the gun),
all the mags fed flawlessly, with nary a double-feed misfire or jam. There were also no issues seating any of
the mags in the magwell. Anyone familiar with the AK/MP5 style of mag changing will be instantly familiar with
the SIG. The mag release is positioned behind the magwell. To seat a magazine, you simply slide it up into the
receiver and rock it back until it clicks/locks into place. Then simply push forward on the mag release with
your thumb, while gripping a magazine, pull down and the mag’s clear. There were issues connecting the
different brands of mags together, but that is an issue that is to be expected since, obviously, different
companies are producing them. Replacing the battery is as smooth as removing the foregrip pin, pushing forward
and pulling up. There’s plenty of space for a butterfly 7.4v. LiPo battery. Trigger pull was nice and clean
with absolutely no stalling or jamming.
I tested ICS’s SIG 551 with mags from TM, Echo-1, G&G and MAG midcaps. Going through the different mags, with
the exception of MAG midcaps (which I suspect might actually be the magazine’s fault - not necessarily the gun),
all the mags fed flawlessly, with nary a double-feed misfire or jam. There were also no issues seating any of
the mags in the magwell. Anyone familiar with the AK/MP5 style of mag changing will be instantly familiar with
the SIG. The mag release is positioned behind the magwell. To seat a magazine, you simply slide it up into the
receiver and rock it back until it clicks/locks into place. Then simply push forward on the mag release with
your thumb, while gripping a magazine, pull down and the mag’s clear. There were issues connecting the
different brands of mags together, but that is an issue that is to be expected since, obviously, different
companies are producing them. Replacing the battery is as smooth as removing the foregrip pin, pushing forward
and pulling up. There’s plenty of space for a butterfly 7.4v. LiPo battery. Trigger pull was nice and clean
with absolutely no stalling or jamming.
Durability:
As previously mentioned, ICS’s SIG 551 is
constructed of metal, heavy duty ABS and fiber-
strengthened nylon. I really got the sense that
this gun was not only solid but would survive
years of skirmishing and minor to moderate
abuse. Internally, ICS has upped the anny from
years ago, by really focusing on not only
creating a sturdy exterior, but producing a
mechbox with internals that match utilizing
steel gears a polycarb piston and piston head
all wrapped neatly inside of a Ver3 mechbox.
The only real issue I had was the rubber guides
for the charging handle.
As previously mentioned, ICS’s SIG 551 is
constructed of metal, heavy duty ABS and fiber-
strengthened nylon. I really got the sense that
this gun was not only solid but would survive
years of skirmishing and minor to moderate
abuse. Internally, ICS has upped the anny from
years ago, by really focusing on not only
creating a sturdy exterior, but producing a
mechbox with internals that match utilizing
steel gears a polycarb piston and piston head
all wrapped neatly inside of a Ver3 mechbox.
The only real issue I had was the rubber guides
for the charging handle.
Upgradability:
Since the SIG comes with an M120 installed,
steel gears and an 8-holed silent piston head,
velocity is pretty great right out of the box at
around 360fps. Since the mechbox is your
standard Ver3, installing more powerful
aftermarket springs is a non-issue. As far as
externals go, with the metal body and heavy duty
ABS, there really isn’t much more. ICS produces
a rail attachment for the upper receiver and a
longer outer/inner barrel kit for those who’re
looking to get maximum range out of their 551.
Since the SIG comes with an M120 installed,
steel gears and an 8-holed silent piston head,
velocity is pretty great right out of the box at
around 360fps. Since the mechbox is your
standard Ver3, installing more powerful
aftermarket springs is a non-issue. As far as
externals go, with the metal body and heavy duty
ABS, there really isn’t much more. ICS produces
a rail attachment for the upper receiver and a
longer outer/inner barrel kit for those who’re
looking to get maximum range out of their 551.
Final Thoughts:
Personal bias aside (in favor of the SIG), I really struggled with not giving this gun a General. There aren’t
very many issues with the 551 but I felt that while minor, they were still just barely enough to keep it from
squeezing in a perfect score. I’m extremely pleased to see that not only has an airsoft company done the SIG
line of rifles justice, but also provide a solid release which is extremely durable and all wrapped up with
real steel trades. Having been given the opportunity to handle all of the various SIGs on the market, I can
honestly say ICS have created the best of the bunch. GREAT JOB!
Personal bias aside (in favor of the SIG), I really struggled with not giving this gun a General. There aren’t
very many issues with the 551 but I felt that while minor, they were still just barely enough to keep it from
squeezing in a perfect score. I’m extremely pleased to see that not only has an airsoft company done the SIG
line of rifles justice, but also provide a solid release which is extremely durable and all wrapped up with
real steel trades. Having been given the opportunity to handle all of the various SIGs on the market, I can
honestly say ICS have created the best of the bunch. GREAT JOB!
 |
Pros Cont'd:
This AEG is completely ambidextrous with working selector switches on both sides. The magazine features pins so
that you can connect two magazines together without the need of a dual mag clamp. For those who usually run
around with an extra mag in-hand, this leaves you free for other stuff and means that a mag change is as simple
as releasing the empty mag, moving an inch (either left or right) and clicking the fresh mag home. Also, mag
capacity is 125rnds more than the standard 350rnd HiCaps giving you hicappers a bit longer before reloads which
can mean all the difference in a firefight. The SIG 551 is also compatible with mags from TM, G&G and Echo-1.
The stock is a folding-style stock that allows for a carbine-length stable firing platform when shouldered, and
collapsed, a tighter tolerance for cutting the pie around doorways and corners. The rubber butt pad at the end
ensures that the rifle will grip your vest/shoulder in even the fastest draw. The package includes two HiCaps
with the already mentioned extra capacity, a 1k bottle of .20bbs, a standard manual for the gun and a DVD which
includes a step-by-step breakdown of the gun, a classy addition to an already great package.
This AEG is completely ambidextrous with working selector switches on both sides. The magazine features pins so
that you can connect two magazines together without the need of a dual mag clamp. For those who usually run
around with an extra mag in-hand, this leaves you free for other stuff and means that a mag change is as simple
as releasing the empty mag, moving an inch (either left or right) and clicking the fresh mag home. Also, mag
capacity is 125rnds more than the standard 350rnd HiCaps giving you hicappers a bit longer before reloads which
can mean all the difference in a firefight. The SIG 551 is also compatible with mags from TM, G&G and Echo-1.
The stock is a folding-style stock that allows for a carbine-length stable firing platform when shouldered, and
collapsed, a tighter tolerance for cutting the pie around doorways and corners. The rubber butt pad at the end
ensures that the rifle will grip your vest/shoulder in even the fastest draw. The package includes two HiCaps
with the already mentioned extra capacity, a 1k bottle of .20bbs, a standard manual for the gun and a DVD which
includes a step-by-step breakdown of the gun, a classy addition to an already great package.
Pretty much everyone these days is familiar with the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Having been a SIG
fan for some time, I’ve always felt this way toward what we’ve been offered. The 550 is just too long. Sure it’
s great for standard woodland skirmishes where you have a long field of play, but in tight quarters, it turns
into a FUBAR situation. Now it’s true that the stock folds, but doing so in order to shorten the overall length
removes a stable firing platform you have when shouldering the rifle. The 552 is the exact opposite. It’s
great for the tight-quartered CQB situations, but if you ever need to rely on accuracy and longball a shot, you’
re SOL. For me, the 551 was the best of the bunch being the perfect compromise between the three.
Unfortunately, the SIG offerings for airsofters have been less than stellar. TM released a 550, 551 and 552.
The 550 and 551 were plagued with the notorious IC chip which regulated the motor to allow for a three round
burst function that was prone to breaking. For what you put down back then for a SIG, this was not the type of
issue a gun this expensive should be having. The 552, while lacking the chip was completely uninspiring and
infamous for its creaky body. Upgrades were known to set you back more than the initial price of the gun and
still didn’t fix the “creaky” plastic TM foregrips. Finally, and long overdue, ICS has released their SIG
series and in it a 551 that’s officially licensed and actually worth a damn, but I’m getting ahead of
myself…series and in it a 551 that’s officially licensed and actually worth a damn, but I’m getting ahead of
myself…
fan for some time, I’ve always felt this way toward what we’ve been offered. The 550 is just too long. Sure it’
s great for standard woodland skirmishes where you have a long field of play, but in tight quarters, it turns
into a FUBAR situation. Now it’s true that the stock folds, but doing so in order to shorten the overall length
removes a stable firing platform you have when shouldering the rifle. The 552 is the exact opposite. It’s
great for the tight-quartered CQB situations, but if you ever need to rely on accuracy and longball a shot, you’
re SOL. For me, the 551 was the best of the bunch being the perfect compromise between the three.
Unfortunately, the SIG offerings for airsofters have been less than stellar. TM released a 550, 551 and 552.
The 550 and 551 were plagued with the notorious IC chip which regulated the motor to allow for a three round
burst function that was prone to breaking. For what you put down back then for a SIG, this was not the type of
issue a gun this expensive should be having. The 552, while lacking the chip was completely uninspiring and
infamous for its creaky body. Upgrades were known to set you back more than the initial price of the gun and
still didn’t fix the “creaky” plastic TM foregrips. Finally, and long overdue, ICS has released their SIG
series and in it a 551 that’s officially licensed and actually worth a damn, but I’m getting ahead of
myself…series and in it a 551 that’s officially licensed and actually worth a damn, but I’m getting ahead of
myself…