Stress Cracks on Barrel Repairable? PICS. Got it back Today!

[twyacht]

Here is my 3 month old Sig 556, yes the one that doesn't like Wolf ammo, less than 750 rounds fired. After last trip to range shooting PMC 55 grs. FMJ-BT, and Remington 55 gr. MC, PMC from Midway, Rem from Wally World. Magpul PMAG's, I noticed these stress cracks around the end of the barrel. They do not go all the way through and the rifle still shoots fine, does not count my disappointment.

Question? Is it repairable with a local smith? or should I raise hell with Sig and replace the barrel? An email to Sig returned a RMA# and a UPS tracking label wanting it for "Evaluation".

I have OCD when it comes to cleaning,maint, lubricating, and nothing but new ammo. I'm basically let down and stunned. 

It was warm that day and did fire in rapid succession several mags in a row, but I can't believe heat was an issue. Any and all opinions with Sig customer service, options for possible repairs, turnaround time, etc,... are as always greatly appreciated.





Thank you.

[Rastus]

If I found a local gunsmith who said he could fix this I would "Run Gump run".  This sort of thing cannot be safely repaired.  A huge thick piece of metal can be cut away or gouged and refilled then tempered...but not this.  In theory, yes...for more money than a new barrel. 

And...think about it...if the end of the barrel is cracking what is the chamber doing?

I bet Sig will fix it.  From an email they probably want to evaluate it for having had something stuck in the barrel...which I can understand would not be warrantied.  I can't see hou you can blame ammo on this one...unless you had something stuffed in the end of the barrel.  You haven't had any squib loads have you?

I hate to see this for you...lots of money for those Sig's.  I held one last week.  Is the Sig 556 a standard AR barrel or does the piston design change the barrel configuration? 

[MikeBjerum]

GO  TO  SIG !!!

Do not pass Go, Do not collect $200, Go directly to SIG!

If everything is even close to what you have told us, I'll bet it is replaced no problem.

I didn't pay attention, but did you buy it from a local dealer?  If so they may even do the leg work and shipping for you, and with their help you will even save any shipping costs.

[Sig Bango]

My condolences. I look forward to hearing what happens. I have a 556 that I have not even gotten a chance to shoot yet. From the little I have heard about Sig, they will likely make it right. I am also interested in what replacement barrel options are available (aside from the DMR barrel).

Best of Luck!

[TAB]

I agree talk to sig...  something is not right. 

yes the barrel could most likly be fixed, but why?  its almost always cheaper to get a new barrel.

[Sponsor]

[gunman1911]

DO NOT FOOL WITH IT SEND IT TO SIG!!!

[tombogan03884]

My guess would be that this is a heat treatig problem. when metal is machined it twists and bends the molecules of the metal, heat treating adds to this internal stress, so after hardening parts are heated to about 375 degrees for several hours, this allows the molecules to settle into position relieving the conflicting internal pressures between molecules. There is no "fix" for this, Sig will replace the barrel.

[twyacht]

GO  TO  SIG !!!

Do not pass Go, Do not collect $200, Go directly to SIG!

If everything is even close to what you have told us, I'll bet it is replaced no problem.

I didn't pay attention, but did you buy it from a local dealer?  If so they may even do the leg work and shipping for you, and with their help you will even save any shipping costs.

The local gun shop opens at 1:00 on Sun. Boxed it up, Enclosed a letter with all the info I could give him, ammo, mags, rounds, maint,.. etc,.. 

Mentioned this forum by NAME regarding Wolf ammo issues, and the "flecks", from brass that appear behind the ejection port, from other Sig 556 owners;  As "I am NOT the only one" scenario.  Not really bitc****, but letting him know politely.

That'll either get it back to me quick or I'll get a bill for repairs.

This is my first "Return to Manufacturer" issue with a firearm, I feel like they'll be an adult beverage or two this afternoon since I can't go shoot it.

Thanks for all your consistent advice, it is always appreciated.

Tom W.

[Lucas]

Sorry to hear that partner!  It would definatly be an "adult beverage" day for me,  that is alot of money to spend on any firearm!!!
Can anybody say Saftey Issue!  That kind of stuff creeps me out,  I saw a SxS 10 ga come apart in a fellas hands once and he got hurt pretty bad.  I'm glad you are safe and that your attention to detail caught this before something went seriously wrong

[2HOW]

bummer, sorry to hear.