StG. 90 (Sig 550) vs. HK G-36

I actually don't know too much about either of these rifles, other than thatthey're both piston 5.56 assault rifles from pretty much the same generation (Ok, a little bit later for the G-36) and that they both make use of plastic magazines

Both seem pretty similar to me, but how do they compare? Are they both similar in overall performance,or does one outperform the other in reliability, ergos, and accuracy?

Thanks. I'm just asking this purely for educational purposes. I've always liked the StG-90, and it's a damn shame SIG-USA had to **** it up with the 5.56 and all that crap...

Both are good rifles, but the Sig is better. Hands down. The G36 has had some issues with loss of zero as the gun heats up under fire. Stock breakage as well. The Sig series had some issues with the shortened 552. Neither are perfect, but the 55X series of rifles are considered the pinnacle of assault rifle design for a reason. I certainly wouldnt turn down either one, though.

Interesting, I did not realize that the StG.90 was that highly considered in the world of assault rifles. But I'm not surprised, with it being Swiss and all.

While I haven't fired or handled the Sig 550, they are considered very accurate and very reliable rifles. If you live in a country where you can buy a genuine Swiss made Sig 550, they can go from 2k-3k USD in price I believe. They do appear to a bit on the heavy side. 9.04 lbs is a bit stout for a 5.56x45 rifle with no accessories.
http://www.biggerhammer.net/sigamt/5...echinspection/ According to this torture test, Sig 550 rifles appear to be fantastically reliable rifles. Like that of an AK.

Thanks for that link! Accurate and reliable. Now I wish I could get my hands on one or at least try one some day.

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Originally Posted by rojocorsa

Thanks for that link! Accurate and reliable. Now I wish I could get my hands on one or at least try one some day.

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Me too. The closest thing you can get in the US is an American made Sig 556. I held one and it didn't feel very well made to me though. The only way a swiss made Sig 550 could come into the states is a version with a thumbhole stock, and 10 round magazine only.

The closest thing I've had to a G36 is a SL8 SBR conversion to a G36k.

I hated the sights. The iron sights were slightly better than what you would find on a MAC 10 and the single/dual optic sights (despite being from Hendsolt) were really kinda crappy with a limited FOV. It reminded me of trying to use those old Aimpoint RDS setups from the early 80s.

The trigger, while not horrible, can't even begin to compare to the SIG rifle. There are also many reports which suggest the SIG is far more durable and less prone to breakage.

That said, the HK is lighter and can accept side rails without the need for expensive Knights handguards. The SIG does accept a B&T top rail without any modifications.

There are the noted problems with the 552 (which seem to be mostly addressed by the 553) but I have to wonder if the G36c isn't also very problematic (I have no experience with one).

I eventually sold my SL8/G36k SBR due to LOP issues related to the stock block (not an issue on the factory G36 series) used for the conversion.

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Originally Posted by Esh325

Me too. The closest thing you can get in the US is an American made Sig 556. I held one and it didn't feel very well made to me though. The only way a swiss made Sig 550 could come into the states is a version with a thumbhole stock, and 10 round magazine only.

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That is not correct. A few hundred 550s and 551s (including some -2 models) were imported right before the ban. Sporter compliant "thumbhole" models came in after the ban for a short time until they too were added to the ban list.

And just recently, some LE import 551s with 16" barrels (not LB models) and 552s made into Title 1 firearms with a pinned fake suppressor, were sold on the private sector.

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Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

That is not correct. A few hundred 550s and 551s (including some -2 models) were imported right before the ban. Sporter compliant "thumbhole" models came in after the ban for a short time until they too were added to the ban list.

And just recently, some LE import 551s with 16" barrels (not LB models) and 552s made into Title 1 firearms with a pinned fake suppressor, were sold on the private sector.

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I'm aware they use to import them for the civilian market, but I didn't mention it because they are so rare and cost a lot of dough. I didn't know they imported a thumbhole stock version though.

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Originally Posted by Esh325

I'm aware they use to import them for the civilian market, but I didn't mention it because they are so rare and cost a lot of dough. I didn't know they imported a thumbhole stock version though.

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Gotcha, I just re read your post and now understand you were referring to the only way they could come in currently. And yes, there were a few thumbhole "sporters" that came in after the 89 import ban, they seem to be even more rare than the pre89 imports.