Although the SIG556xi is unique in the firearms industry, it is certainly not the only rifle to share characteristics of both the AR and AK rifle platforms.
- RELATED STORY: 12 American Upgrades For the ComBloc-Style AK
- RELATED STORY: 49 Cutting-Edge AR Accessories For 2016
Here is a quick look at some other rifles that blend the two opposing worlds.
CMMG Mk47 AKM
Affectionately called the Mutant, the Mk47 AKM from CMMG is an AR-style rifle that uses AK magazines and shoots the 7.62x39mm round. Offered in various configurations, there is a Mutant to meet everyone’s needs. This specific model has a 16.1-inch barrel and weighs in at a little more than 7 pounds. The handguard has KeyMod attachment points, and Magpul provides the adjustable stock, pistol grip and magazine. I’ve previously tested this rifle and found it to be reliable and solidly built. Its accuracy was very good, and it worked with every surplus AK magazine I could find. (cmmginc.com; 660-248-2293)
- CALIBER: 7.62x39mm
- BARREL: 16.1 inches
- OA LENGTH: 33.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 7.2 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Magpul MOE
- SIGHTS: None
- ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 30+1
- MSRP: $1,650
Windham Weaponry SRC
The 7.62x39mm SRC from Windham Weaponry looks and runs like a traditional AR-15. However, the larger-caliber ammunition changes the dynamic whether in the field or in a more tactical role. This gun uses a 30-round magazine with a substantial curve that operates in a manner consistent with traditional AR magazines. It is equipped with a low-profile gas block and can be set up with iron sights, optics or both. Traditional handguards with heat shields, a pistol grip and a six-position stock give the gun a classic look. (windhamweaponry.com; 855-808-1888)
- CALIBER: 7.62x39mm
- BARREL: 16 inches
- OA LENGTH: 32.38-36.13 inches
- WEIGHT: 6.15 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Collapsible
- SIGHTS: None
- ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 30+1
- MSRP: $1,056
Rock River Arms LAR-47 X-1
Rock River Arms (RRA) makes a series of rifles that use AK magazines and run the 7.62x39mm cartridge. These guns are available in a variety of configurations, and the X-series rifles are the top of the bunch. Fitted with an 18-inch, fluted, cryogenically treated barrel equipped with RRA’s Beast muzzle brake, the LAR-47 X-1 is distinctive and immediately recognizable. Surrounding the barrel is RRA’s TRO-XL free-floating handguard. The rifle comes with black and tan furniture, including RRA’s Operator A2 or CAR stocks. (rockriverarms.com; 309-792-5780)
- CALIBER: 7.62x39mm
- BARREL: 18 inches
- OA LENGTH: 36.5-39 inches
- WEIGHT: 8.2 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: RRA Operator A2 or CAR
- SIGHTS: None
- ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black or tan
- CAPACITY: 30+1
- MSRP: $1,600-$1,650
Armalite M-15 LTC
The M-15 Light Tactical Carbine (LTC) from Armalite provides shooters with a versatile, hard-hitting modern sporting rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm. With features such as a 16-inch, chrome-lined, chrome-moly barrel, a 10-inch, free-floating KeyMod handguard, a low-profile gas block, a six-position-collapsible buttstock and a crisp, single-stage trigger, the M-15 LTC is a truly versatile design. Weighing in at just 6.2 pounds unloaded, the 7.62x39mm M-15 LTC is the perfect choice for anyone appreciating simplicity, value and quality features in their AR. (armalite.com; 800-336-0184)
- CALIBER: 7.62x39mm
- BARREL: 16 inches
- OA LENGTH: 32.75-36 inches
- WEIGHT: 6.2 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Collapsible
- SIGHTS: None
- ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 30+1
- MSRP: $1,099
MGI MARCK-15 Hydra
Rifles from MGI are seemingly half firearm, half shapeshifter. Using a special design, these AR-style rifles are designed to quickly swap barrels, bolts and magazine wells so that a single rifle can convert to any number of rifle or pistol cartridges. One of the basic configurations is in 7.62x39mm. This rifle uses surplus metal AK magazines as well as newer polymer ones. Versions are available with a low-profile gas block or A2-style front sight base (shown). The gun weighs in at less than 7 pounds and comes with an adjustable buttstock. (mgi-military.com; 207-817-3280)
- CALIBER: 7.62x39mm
- BARREL: 16 inches
- OA LENGTH: 35.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 6.38 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Collapsible
- SIGHTS: A2 front
- ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 30+1
- MSRP: $1,299
POF-USA Puritan
Patriot Ordnance Factory, or POF-USA, has made a name for itself by making reliable AR-style rifles that use a gas piston operating system in addition to direct impingement designs. With the 7.62x39mm Puritan, the company gives customers the option of which operating system to use. With AR-style magazines, the gun retains the push-button magazine release and other controls standard to AR rifles. POF-USA appoints these rifles with Magpul furniture, a drop-in trigger and E2 dual extraction technology. The bolt carrier group is nickel-boron coated, and the rifle has a special anti-tilt buffer tube. (pof-usa.com; 623-561-9572)
- CALIBER: 7.62x39mm
- BARREL: 16.5 inches
- OA LENGTH: 32-35.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 6.7 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Magpul MOE
- SIGHTS: None
- ACTION: Direct impingement or piston
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 30+1
- MSRP: $1,469
