Reliability. First time, every time. TM P556 Pistol TM Handling & Safety InSTructions *Shown with optional accessories not included. Read the instructions and warnings in this manual carefully before using this firearm; do not discard this manual. This instruction manual should always accompany this firearm and be transferred with it upon ownership, or when the firearm is loaned or presented to another person. For Product Service on this model, Please Call (603)772-2302 sig sauer, INC.
State-By-State Warnings Certain states require, by law, that their own specified warning notices, in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. SIG SAUER Inc. sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold these states, we include the following: CALIFORNIA: WARNING “Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death.
TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM TO A MINOR OR A PERSON OF UNSOUND MIND.” MAINE: “ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.” MARYLAND: “WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury.
“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR KEEP A FIREARM, PISTOL, SHOTGUN OR MACHINE GUN IN ANY PLACE UNLESS THAT WEAPON IS EQUIPPED WITH A TAMPER RESISTANT SAFETY DEVICE OR IS STORED OR KEPT IN A SECURELY LOCKED CONTAINER.” NEW JERSEY: “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” NEW YORK CITY, NY: “THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS STORAGE.
WISCONSIN: “IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILD IMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES, OR EXHIBITS THE FIREARM.” ********************* Please check with your licensed retailer, state police, or local police for additional warnings which may be required by local law or regulation. Such regulations change constantly, and local authorities are in the best position to advise you on such legal matters.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Page State-By-State Warnings 1 Locking Device General Safety Information and Mechanical Characteristics 5 9 1.0. Safety Rules 1.1. Protect Your Eyes And Ears 2.0. Mechanical Characteristics and Weapon Theory 9 9 10 2.1. Weapon Description 2.1.1. General 2.1.2. Barrel With Receiver And Gas System 2.1.3. Bolt 2.1.4. Hand Guards 2.1.5. Trigger Casing Assembly 2.1.6. Gas Valve Position 2.1.7. Not Applicable 2.1.8. Trigger Guard Operation 2.1.9. Sights 2.1.
4.1.1. Unlocking Of Bolt, Extraction, & Ejection 4.1.2. Bolt Advance To Unload Magazine and Pistol 5.0. Unloading To Extract and Eject a Chambered Cartridge . To Clear a Malfunction (“Jam”) 6.0. Procedures In Case Of Malfunction To Minimize Malfunctions (“Jams”) To Disassemble 7.0. Field Strip Disassembly To Reassemble 7.1. Reassembly 7.2. Function Check Magazine Inspection and Care Care and Cleaning Transportation & Storage Sights 8.0. Sight Options Maintenance 9.0. Maintenance 9.1.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Sights Manual Safety Lead Exposure Ammunition 5 8 16 20 25 25 Handling Firing Handling Unloading Storage Parts Purchasers 26 35 35 37 50 53 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS – READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING. WARNING - ALTERATION This product was designed to function properly in its original condition.
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS 1.0. Safety Information The safety warnings in this manual are important. By understanding the dangers inherent in the use of any firearm, and by taking the precautions described herein, you can enjoy complete safety in the use of your pistol. Failure to heed any of these warnings may result in serious injury to you or others, as well as severe damage to the firearm or other property. SIG SAUER Inc.
2.0. Mechanical Characteristics & Weapon Theory 2.1. Weapon Description 2.1.1. General The P556 Pistol is a semi-automatic, gas operated weapon with a rotary bolt mechanism. Semi-automatic means one round will fire each time the trigger is pulled until the magazine is emptied of ammunition. The pistol is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and is compatible with .223 Remington ammunition. 2.1.2. Barrel With Receiver And Gas System The barrel is mechanically mated to the receiver.
2.1.3. Bolt The bolt consists of two main parts: • Bolt Carrier • Bolt Head a. Bolt Carrier: The bolt carrier guides the bolt head, controls the locking and unlocking by means of the cam, holds the operating rod, and cocks the hammer. b. Bolt Head: The bolt head locks the bolt assembly, houses the firing pin and extractor and feeds the cartridges from the magazine to the chamber. 2.1.4. Hand Guards The hand guards protect the barrel and the gas system from damage.
2.1.5. Trigger Casing Assembly The trigger casing assembly contains the internal components of the firing and safety mechanisms, bolt catch, magazine well, magazine catch, trigger, trigger guard and pistol grip. The safety lever, located on both sides of the trigger casing, can be set to two positions: • Position “S:” The weapon is locked in the safe position. • Position “F:” The weapon will fire in the semi-automatic mode. P556 Pistol Operators Manual 12 1511582 VER 08.01.
The trigger guard may be released from its normal position to make the trigger accessible for shooting with gloves. For safety reasons the trigger guard must not be released until just before firing the weapon, and after firing should be immediately returned to the normal (closed) position. CAUTION: Be careful of accidental discharges when inserting gloved fingers into the trigger guard. 2.1.6. Gas Valve Position The gas volume required for the function of the P556 pistol can be controlled by the gas valve.
CAUTION: In the case of a hot or heavily fouled weapon, use a cartridge or auxiliary aid to prevent burns to your fingers. CAUTION: Firing with the gas valve in Position 2 is an exception. As soon as normal function returns, the gas valve must be returned to Position 1. Continued operation with the gas valve in Position 2 will increase recoil and place unnecessary stress on the pistol. The pistol should be cleaned as soon as conditions permit.
2.1.9. Sights The P556 pistol features an integrated accessory rail on the upper receiver for attaching a variety of sighting systems, both optical and fixed. The accessory rail is compatible with all Picatinny standard mounting systems. The pistol also features “emergency” flip up blade sights. These sights are designed to provide a backup aiming solution in the event your optics should fail but are certainly capable of be used as the sole sighting system for the pistol.
WARNING - SIGHTS Do not adjust or otherwise manipulate any sight system on the rifle without first confirming the magazine is removed, the rifle is on “SAFE” and fully unloaded. Failure to heed this warning could result in unintentional discharge, resulting in injury or death UNLOAD RIFLE BEFORE MANIPULATING SIGHTS. Emergency sight deployment The pistol’s emergency sights are normally stored in a “stowed” condition to protect them from damage and prevent interference with optical sighting systems.
Elevation (up / down) adjustment: Elevation adjustments are made by raising or lowering the sight plate, inset on the back side of the rear sight blade. - Loosen the phillips head screw - Move the sight plate in the direction required for adjustment. - Tighten the phillips head screw. - Slide rear sight blade up to move impact up. - Slide rear sight blade down to move impact down. One mark of movement on the rear sight blade will move the impact of the rounds approximately 3/4” to 1” at 100 yards.
2.1.10. Magazine The pistol ships standard with (1) 30-round magazine. The P556 is compatible with M16/AR-15 type magazines. 2.2. Technical Specifications Caliber 5.56mm NATO (.223 Remington) Total length 21.5 inches Barrel length 10 inches Number of grooves 6 Rifling 1 in 7 Weight (w/out mag) Specifications are approximate and subject to change without notice. P556 Pistol Operators Manual 18 1511582 VER 08.01.
OPERATION OF SAFETY The P556 has a manual safety which is located on the left and right side of the trigger casing, just forward of the pistol grip and above the trigger. The safety levers may be operated from either side. The safety is “on” when the safety lever is in the “S” (SAFE) position and the trigger guard is closed. In this position, the pistol cannot be fired with a normal pull of the trigger.
Manual Safety “on” Manual Safety “off” WARNING - MANUAL SAFETY Keep the safety “ON” unless actually firing. Always move the safety to its intended position and check it. The safety is not “ON” unless it is completely “ON.” Never depend on a safety mechanism or any other mechanical device to justify careless handling or permitting the pistol to point in an unsafe direction. The only “safe” pistol is one in which the bolt is open, the chamber is empty, and there is no magazine in the pistol.
Bolt Catch Lever The P556 pistol is equipped with a bolt catch lever. The purpose of the bolt catch lever is two-fold. The bolt catch may be manually engaged with the bolt pulled to the rear (open position). This action locks the bolt open, allowing an unobstructed view of the chamber area.
AMMUNITION 1. Use only high quality, original, factory-manufactured ammunition. Do not use cartridges that are dirty, wet, corroded, bent, or damaged. Do not oil cartridges. Do not spray aerosoltype lubricants, preservative, or cleaners directly onto cartridges or where excess spray may flow into contact with cartridges. Lubricant or other foreign matter on cartridges can cause potentially dangerous ammunition malfunctions. Use only ammunition of the caliber for which your firearm is chambered.
3. Firearms may be severely damaged and serious injury to the shooter or to others may result from any condition causing excessive pressure inside the chamber or barrel during firing. Excessive pressure can be caused by obstructions in the barrel, propellant powder overloads, the use of incorrect cartridges or defectively assembled cartridges.
6. If there is any reason to suspect that a bullet is obstructing the barrel, immediately unload the firearm and look through the bore. It is not sufficient to merely look in the chamber. A bullet may be lodged some distance down the barrel where it cannot easily be seen. IF A BULLET IS IN THE BORE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHOOT IT OUT BY USING ANOTHER CARTRIDGE OR BY BLOWING IT OUT WITH A BLANK OR ONE FROM WHICH THE BULLET HAS BEEN REMOVED.
the primer ignites, there is danger that the bullet may become lodged in the barrel. WARNING - AMMUNITION Death, serious injury, and damage can result from the use of wrong ammunition, bore obstructions, powder overloads, or incorrect cartridge components. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors.
TO LOAD AND FIRE (WITH MAGAZINE) 3.0. Handling 3.1. Important Instructions • Before manipulating the weapon, ensure the safety lever is in the “S” (SAFE) position and the trigger guard is in the closed position. • Use only factory-new ammunition which corresponds to the caliber of the weapon. • During all manipulations of the pistol, point the weapon in a safe direction. • Do not place your finger on the trigger until the target has been verified and you intend to shoot.
3.2. Loading The Pistol 1. Ensure the safety lever is in the “S” (SAFE) position; 2. Insert the magazine and check that it is properly seated; 3. Bolt forward: Pull the charging handle back fully and release; or 4. Bolt locked open: Depress bolt catch fully to release bolt. WARNING DO NOT LOAD A PISTOL WITH A HOT CHAMBER BECAUSE A ROUND MAY “COOK” OFF (i.e., a round may detonate (fire) unexpectedly just because it is exposed to the heat of the pistol’s chamber). 3.3. Loading The Magazine 1.
3.4. Changing The Magazine 1. Ensure the safety lever is in the “S” (SAFE) position; 2. Remove the magazine by depressing the magazine catch; 3. Insert loaded magazine and check that it is properly seated. 3.5. Reloading (Pistol Empty, Bolt Locked Open) 1. Ensure the safety lever is in the “S” (SAFE) position; 2. Remove the empty magazine by depressing the magazine catch; 3. Insert a loaded magazine and check that it is properly seated; 4. Release the bolt: a. Depress the bolt catch fully; or b.
building, or other confined space (except a properly constructed shooting range). Enclosed areas frequently offer no completely safe direction to point the firearm; if an accidental discharge occurs, there is great risk of bodily injury or property damage. Before loading, always clean all grease and oil from the bore and chamber, and check to be certain that no obstruction is in the barrel.
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE ACTUALLY READY TO FIRE THE PISTOL 4.1. Firing • By depressing the trigger (11) the hammer (7) is released. • The hammer, under tension from the main spring (12), strikes the firing pin (10) which impacts the cartridge primer (P). Caution: Immediately following the firing of a shot, if a subsequent shot is not fired at once, put the safety lever in the “S” (SAFE) position and point the pistol in a safe direction.
4.1.1. Unlocking of Bolt; Extraction & Ejection • The gas pressure, generated by the burning powder, drives the bullet up the barrel (13). • As soon as the projectile passes the gas port (15), propellant gas flows through the adjustable gas valve (14). • The gas pressure acts on the operating rod (1) which pushes the bolt carrier (4) to the rear. P556 Pistol Operators Manual 31 1511582 VER 08.01.
• During the rearward motion of the bolt carrier (4), the bolt head (5) is rotated by the control cam (3) so that the locking lugs (8) are disengaged. The bolt is now unlocked. • The bolt assembly moves rearward along the receiver rails (16) as far as the stop (17) with the following taking place: • the recoil spring (2) is compressed; • the hammer (7) is cocked; • the extractor (18) extracts the case from the chamber; and • the ejector (19) ejects the case through the port in the receiver (16). 4.1.2.
• In the final stage of the advance, the bolt head (5) locking lugs, via the cam, rotate and lock within the monoblock. • The weapon is ready to be fired. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger away from the trigger when cocking any firearm. Never carry or leave unattended any firearm which is cocked and ready to fire! When cocked, it could fire from slight pressure on the trigger.
Never allow other persons to stand beside you where they might be struck by an ejected cartridge case. The case is hot, and may be ejected with sufficient force to cause a burn, cut or injury to an unprotected eye. Make certain there is a clear, unobstructed path for safe ejection of the fired case. Remember, the case may bounce off a hard object nearby and strike you or someone else.
WARNING - FIRING The bolt automatically opens and shuts quickly while firing. Keep face and hands away from it. Hot brass and powder gas is ejected quickly and can burn you. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors. BOLT OPENS FAST – HOT BRASS EJECTED WARNING - HANDLING If dropped or struck with the safety “off,” the pistol may fire.
TO UNLOAD MAGAZINE AND PISTOL 5.0. Unloading 1. Ensure the safety lever is in the “S” (SAFE) position. 2. Ensure bolt is locked open (chamber visible); 3. Remove magazine by depressing the magazine catch; and 4. Verify the chamber is empty, both visually and physically. Always make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction! Remember to clear the chamber after the magazine has been removed.
WARNING - UNLOADING Removing cartridges from the magazine does not prevent the pistol from being fired! When there is a cartridge in the chamber and the safety lever is in the “F” (FIRE) position, the cartridge will discharge if the trigger is pulled. It is absolutely essential for the user to know how to completely unload the pistol. “Completely” means emptying the magazine and removing a chambered cartridge. The safety lever should always be in the “S” (SAFE) position when the pistol is being unloaded.
“ejected” into the magazine area instead of outside the pistol. (Remember that the magazine should be removed prior to unloading the chamber.) 2. Thoroughly clean the chamber and the extractor as often as necessary to prevent accumulation of grease and dirt. 3. If an empty magazine is in the pistol when the bolt is being hand retracted to extract a cartridge, the cartridge may drop on top of the magazine.
If the pistol still will not fire: • Put safety lever in the “S” (SAFE) position; • Unload per section 5.0; • Clean weapon per section 9.1; • Load; and • Place safety lever on position “F” (FIRE), and continue firing. If the pistol malfunction cannot be corrected, the pistol should be returned to SIG SAUER Inc. for evaluation by a factory trained technician.
cartridge to feed or to chamber are caused by a damaged magazine, improper handling, or defective ammunition. Cartridge jams can result in the potentially dangerous situation of a cartridge discharging before it is chambered. If this occurs, the cartridge case will rupture and its fragments will fly out of the pistol with sufficient force to cause injury.
4. Remove the pivot pin (forward pin): unscrew the pivot pin screw (left side) and remove the pivot pin from the trigger casing; 5. Separate the trigger casing from the receiver; 6. Depress the charging handle catch and remove the charging handle; 7. Using the charging handle, push the bolt carrier assembly to the rear and remove it from the receiver; 8. Rotate the bolt head counterclockwise until the lug clears the cam and pull to remove it from the bolt carrier; 9.
10. Lift upper hand guard at the rear and pull away from gas block; 11. Depress the stop pin and hold. Rotate the gas valve to the left and pull forward to remove; 12. Push the operating rod assembly forward and remove from the gas tube; 13. Depress the stop pin and rotate the gas tube to the left ninety degrees (90°) until the gas tube notch faces the barrel; 14. Remove the gas tube from the gas block; 15. Remove the firing pin: a.
b. Remove the firing pin stud using an aid (small punch, nail, or pencil) and SLOWLY raise the bolt head until tension is released on the firing pin spring; and c. Remove firing pin and firing pin spring from the bolt head. CAUTION: The firing pin is under spring tension when installed in the bolt head. Use caution during removal to prevent injury to yourself and others. The use of eye protection is recommended. P556 Pistol Operators Manual 43 1511582 VER 08.01.
TO REASSEMBLE 7.1. Reassembly The pistol should always be reassembled in the reverse order of disassembly: 1. Install the firing pin: a. Insert the firing pin and firing spring spring into the bolt head. The spring should be at the rear. Ensure that the notch on the firing pin is aligned with the firing pin stud. b.
4. Install the gas valve: a. Ensure the stop pin recesses on the back of the gas valve tab face the barrel. b. Insert the gas valve into the gas tube (the gas valve will seat over the operating rod). c. Depress the stop pin and rotate the gas valve to the right to Position 1. d. Release the stop pin. Check to ensure the gas valve indexes in Positions 1 and 2. 5. Install the upper hand guard: a. Insert the front into the gas block. b. Push the rear downward until seated. 6. Install the lower hand guard: a.
c. Rotate the bolt head to the left until the notch rests in the cam. d. Press forward on the firing pin until the bolt head is fully forward. 8. Install the bolt assembly into the receiver: a. Hold the receiver muzzle down. b. Holding the bolt carrier, align the left lug on the bolt head with the lug channel in the receiver. c. Ease the bolt assembly forward until the left and right receiver rails are riding in the rail channels on the bolt carrier. d.
the trigger casing assembly and receiver are aligned. d. Press the rear takedown pin in fully 10. Perform a function check in accordance with Section 7.2. 7.2. Function Check The function check described below should be performed whenever the pistol is disassembled and reassembled, or whenever proper function of the pistol is suspect. 1. Unload weapon (see section 5.0) — visually and physically check to ensure the pistol is clear of all ammunition; 2. Place the safety lever in the “S” (SAFE) position; 3.
WARNING: Visually and physically verify the magazine is empty before performing the next step. 10. Insert an empty magazine and ensure it is firmly seated; 11. Pull the bolt fully to the rear and release — the bolt must remain locked open; 12. Depress the bolt catch — the bolt must fully close; 13. Pull the trigger; and 14. Place the safety lever in the “S” (SAFE) position. MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND CARE Inspect the magazine frequently.
DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD, OR IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED MAGAZINES SHOULD NOT BE USED. THEY CAN CAUSE THE PISTOL TO MALFUNCTION. CARE AND CLEANING 1. Your pistol is delivered factory packaged and preserved with a light coating of protective grease and oils. Before loading make certain that all packing grease and oil has been cleaned from the bore and exposed mechanism. 2. Before you begin to disassemble your firearm for cleaning, always double-check to make sure it is unloaded! 3.
WARNING - STORAGE Never place or store any firearm in such a manner that it may be dislodged. Firearms should always be stored securely and unloaded, away from children and other unauthorized users. Use the locking device originally supplied with this firearm for storage. The use of a locking device or safety lock is only one aspect of responsible firearms storage.
MAINTENANCE 9.0. Maintenance All firearms require periodic maintenance and inspection which may reveal a need for adjustment or repair. Have your firearm checked by a competent gunsmith annually even if it seems to be working well, since breakage, improper functioning or corrosion of some components may not be apparent from external examination. If you notice any mechanical malfunction, DO NOT continue to use the firearm.
6. Apply a light coating of high quality firearms lubricant or grease to exposed metal surfaces to enhance corrosion protection; 7. Reassemble the pistol per section 7.1; and 8. Perform a function check in accordance with section 7.2. SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY Parts Policy Our Service Department maintains a full complement of replacement parts.
WARNING - PARTS PURCHASERS It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The purchaser and installer of parts must accept full responsibility for the correct adjustment and functioning of the rifle after such installation.
SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR Returning Your Firearm For Service In the event you need to return your pistol to the SIG SAUER Service Department, here’s what to do: 1. The first step is to contact Customer Service at (603) 772-2302 for an RMA number. This number allows SIG SAUER to track the status of your return from its receipt at SIG SAUER through its return to you. Please do not send your firearm until you obtain an RMA number. 2.
7. Ship your firearms insured and prepaid (we do not accept collect shipments) to: SIG SAUER Inc. Attention: Service Department 18 Industrial Drive Exeter, NH 03833 This instruction manual should always accompany this pistol and be transferred with it upon change of ownership. WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM AND ITS MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.
P556 Pistol Operators Manual 200 Barrel & Gas System Group 211 Barrel 212 Flash suppressor 213 Collar 214 Gas block 215 Roll pin 216 Stop pin 217 Compression spring 218 Roll pin 219 Gas valve 220 Gas tube 221 Operating rod 222 Recoil spring 223 Spring pin 224 Support washer 225 Sight screw 226 Sight nut 227 Roll pin 228 Sight blade 100 Receiver Group 111 Receiver assembly 112 Accessory rail 114 Bolt cover 115 Bolt cover Rivet 116 Pin 117 Sight base 118 Sight blade 119 Screw 56 500 Trigger Assembly Group
10.1. Parts Diagram P556 Pistol Operators Manual 57 1511582 VER 08.01.
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING 1. ALWAYS treat every gun as if it were loaded. 2. ALWAYS be sure the barrel is clear of any obstruction. 3. ALWAYS be sure of your backstop, what lies beyond, and the safety of bystanders before you shoot. 4. ALWAYS use clean, dry, original factory-made ammunition of the proper type and caliber for your gun. 5. ALWAYS wear ear protection and safety glasses when shooting. 6.
SIG SAUER® Limited Lifetime Firearms Warranty SIG SAUER® warrants that the enclosed firearm was originally manufactured free of defects in material, workmanship and mechanical function.
® Reliability. First time, every time. TM 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH 03833 (603) 772-2302 > www.sigsauer.
