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The Basics
   The rest of the STG-556 rifle is a pretty faithful recreation of the AUG-pattern rifle, which even after a three-decade lifespan is still revolutionary by contemporary standards.
   One of the most unique features of the STG-556, like that of the AUG, is its quick-release barrel system,
allowing users to switch barrel assemblies on their rifle in a matter of seconds. The barrel’s breech end features multiple locking lugs that interface with the receiver’s steel trunnion. To remove it (after ensuring the rifle is safe and clear) you simply push down and back on the barrel locking latch, which is located on the forward bottom section of the receiver. Once this is engaged, the barrel assembly can be rotated clockwise and pulled free of the receiver.

The STG-556 receiver is investment-cast 7075-T6 aluminum, and differs in some ways from that of a Steyr AUG. Most significantly, it features a removable optic housing (held by three hex nuts) that can be replaced with strips of Picatinny rail. In addition, the side of the receiver features drilled-and-tapped holes for mounting a side section of rail and mounting additional accessories.

   MSAR offers a selection of barrel systems for the STG-556, including 14- (requiring registration as a short-barreled rifle), 16-, 20- and 24-inch versions, each made of 4150 chrome moly steel. All barrels feature NATO-spec 5.56x45 mm chambers.
   It is important to note that the system is designed to ensure proper and consistent headspacing from barrel to barrel on the rifle and that there will be no discernible point of impact change when removing and reinstalling barrels of the same length. All barrels feature chrome-lined bores, with 1:7-inch twists in the 14-inch barrel and 1:9-inch twists in the 16-, 20- and 24-inch barrels. The muzzle attachment of the rifle is an extremely unique combination flash suppressor/muzzle brake that looks more like an ornate piece of jewelry than a muzzle device. It has five vents and is solid at the bottom.
   Included on the removable barrel assembly is a sleeve that features the rifle’s integrated folding fore grip on its lower section and an adjustable gas-system assembly with a short-stroke gas piston on its upper right-hand side. The gas-system assembly features three positions of gas regulation that are easily engaged by a sliding and rotating button on its forward face. The two primary positions are a standard setting (S) for use during normal conditions, and a secondary setting (H) that diverts more gas into the system for when the gun is fouled. The third and final setting (GR) completely cuts off gas from entering the system.

Top: The STG-556 features a unique self-contained hammer group located in the butt area of the stock. It is made entirely of synthetic materials, apart from its steel pins and springs.
Center: The STG-556’s aluminum receiver features a steel trunnion insert that houses the lugs that interface with the rifle’s multi-lugged, rotating bolt.
Lower: The STG-556 possesses an adjustable gas system assembly with a short-stroke gas piston. It has three positions of gas regulation easily engaged by a sliding-and-rotating button on its forward face.

   The receiver of a standard STG-556 comes fitted with a 1.5X removable optic, located within an aluminum housing that features a close-quarters-battle (CQB) reticle. Positioned on the left side of the receiver is the rifle’s charging handle assembly that can be used to charge the action of the rifle or manually lock it open by retracting it and hooking the handle portion into a recess found at its rearmost position.
   The synthetic stock assembly of the STG-556 constitutes a large portion of the rifle, featuring the rifle’s pistol grip and housing the rifle’s magazine well and its unique hammer group assembly. The hammer group is a self-contained unit that contains all the fire-control parts of the rifle. In fact, it is entirely made of synthetic materials apart from steel springs and pins. The stock itself is made from high-grade polymer that is injection molded in two halves and then vibratory welded together.
   The bolt carrier assembly uses an AR-style multi-lugged rotating bolt head that interfaces with the steel trunnion in the aluminum receiver. The bolt carrier is a significant piece of steel that features twin, spring-loaded recoil rods that interface with twin guide rods in the stock at their rear portions, as well as both the charging handle assembly in the receiver and the gas system assembly on the barrel assembly at their forward sections.
   The magazine well, which is located behind the pistol grip, features an ambidextrous paddle release lever behind the well. The synthetic magazines for the STG-556 themselves are quite interesting, manufactured here in the U.S. in 10-, 20-, 30- and 42-round capacities. MSAR explains that the magazines are significantly more chemical- and impact-resistant than original Steyr versions. The magazine bodies are of a translucent amber color and feature molded-in ammunition counters. It is important to note the new MSAR magazines will fit in an original Steyr AUG, but not vice versa.
   The rifle’s stock has a 15-inch length of pull from the center of its ribbed synthetic buttplate to the face of its plastic trigger. Just above and to the rear of the STG-556’s trigger assembly is a crossbolt safety with white dots indicating “safe” and red dots indicating “off safe.”
   The STG-556 design allows left-handed use, which is usually a concern in a bullpup design that places the action near the shooter’s face. To remedy the problem, the stock itself features ejection ports on both sides, with the unused one fitted with an ejection port cover. By simply switching out the standard bolt with a left-hand bolt (or by requesting a rifle with that configuration from the factory) and swapping the ejection-port cover to the other side, the rifle can quickly and easily be changed for southpaw use.

Hands On
   From a handling standpoint the STG-556 is impressive, featuring the light weight and extremely short overall length for which bullpups are renowned. For perspective on its size compared to a more conventionally configured rifle, I put it side-by-side with an M4-style AR rifle with a 16-inch barrel and collapsible stock. While this pattern of AR-style rifle is by no means bulky, the size difference between the two rifles was quite telling.
   For comparison, I measured the overall length of the M4-style rifle with the stock both extended and collapsed, and I measured the length of pull with the stock fully extended. The results were interesting. While the overall length of the fully functional STG-556 was 28 inches with a 15-inch length of pull, the AR featured an overall length of 32 1/4 inches with the stock collapsed and 35 3/4 inches with it extended. Also, the length of pull was 13 1/2 inches with the stock fully extended.

The tip of the bolt carrier’s left bolt recoil rod features a knob that interfaces with the charging handle assembly, while the tip of the right interfaces with the rear of the gas piston and the gas system assembly.

   All in all, the STG-556 with a 16-inch barrel offers full-length rifle performance in a package much shorter than an M4-style AR with a comparable 16-inch barrel—even with its stock fully collapsed. However, this comes at a price. With the STG-556 configured for right-hand use, it is best to fire it only from the right shoulder. This arguably diminishes some of its tactical flexibility, although there are some who would argue that point.
   I tested the rifle with a variety of .223 Rem. loadings. Over the course of a few hundred rounds the rifle performed without a single malfunction. Perceived recoil was low and the rifle was very easy to control. Despite the fact I am a southpaw and had to fire it from my right shoulder, I found it surprisingly comfortable and easy to shoot. The large surface area of the recoil pad spread the already minimal recoil of the .223 Rem. to barely noticeable levels.
   Accuracy was good, although it was probably hampered by a relatively heavy 10-pound trigger let off weight. As is common with bullpup rifles, the STG-556 exhibited a heavy and creepy trigger pull, no doubt a side effect of the long, U-shaped trigger bar that actuates the rifle’s double-hook sear. Despite this, results at 100 yards were quite reasonable, with the rifle appearing to possess good mechanical accuracy potential. MSAR has just released a marksman version with an improved trigger.

Sincerest Form of Flattery
   For those who were too young or did not have the financial means to purchase an original semi-automatic Steyr AUG when they were available for sale here, the new U.S.-made STG-556 from MSAR provides a unique opportunity. By not only accurately capturing the charm and quality of the original rifle, but also updating the design to match modern tastes and preferences, MSAR has filled a niche in the tactical-rifle market with this excellent offering.

STG-556 JK Rifle
   New from MSAR, Inc. is the STG-556 JK Jagdkommando .223 Rem. rifle, based upon the upgraded StG-77 rifle developed for use by Austrian special forces.
   Upgrades of the 7 3/4-pound STG-556 JK over the basic STG-556 pattern rifle include a medium-heavy chrome-lined 16 1/2-inch barrel with a 1:8-inch rate of twist topped off with a special combination flash suppressor/compensator, a 3X intergrated optic housed within a 7075-T611 aluminum Picatinny tri-rail optical housing, and a specially designed 9-inch top strip of removable Picatinny rail for the receiver.
   The anodized receiver and optical housing of the rifle feature a coated finish that matches the stock, with choices of tan, black or OD green colors. The rifle is also available in a left-hand configuration. The rifle comes with four, 30-round magazines and is shipped with a matching-color locakable hardcase. The retail price of the system is $4,655.

Modular Carbine System
   Employing widely available Glock pistol magazines, the 6.4-pound Modular Carbine System (MCS) planned by MSAR offers users a 27-inch, ultra-short carbine that’s chambered in 9 mm, .40 S&W, 10 mm, .45 GAP or .45 ACP. Economical and comfortable to shoot, the MCS makes an ideal companion piece for the popular Glock pistol.
   The straight-blowback-operated carbine is offered in black with either a built-in 1.5X optic or with a 9-inch strip of Picatinny rail. All versions feature a 16 1/2-inch-long barrel with a chrome-lined bore. Rate of twist in 9 mm version is 1:10 inch, with all other chamberings featuring a 1:16 inch twist.
   With a retail price of $1,260 for the version with the built-in optic and $995 with the Picatinny rail, the MCS—also available in left-hand configurations—offers Glock pistol enthusiast a chance to own a handy and unique companion carbine.