The troubled US made AUG - Microtech STG-556 MSAR

Published on April 9, 2022
Duration: 23:00

This video provides an in-depth review of the US-made Microtech STG-556 MSAR, a clone of the Steyr AUG. It details the rifle's history, the challenges of cloning firearms without a Technical Data Package (TDP), and the various generational changes and known issues with the MSAR. The presenter highlights differences from the original Steyr AUG, including parts interchangeability, design modifications, and common failure points like charging handles and bolt lugs.

Quick Summary

The Microtech STG-556 MSAR, a US-made clone of the Steyr AUG, suffered from significant reliability issues, including broken bolt lugs and charging handles. It was not parts-interchangeable with genuine Steyr AUGs due to manufacturing variances, and early generations had proprietary magazines and design quirks like a separate forward assist.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction: US-Made AUG Clone
  2. 00:36Original Steyr AUG History
  3. 01:01US Ban Era Impact
  4. 02:53Microtech Enters Firearm Production
  5. 03:04Challenges of Cloning Firearms
  6. 04:15Microtech STG-556 MSAR: Generation 1
  7. 05:17MSAR Kit Contents
  8. 05:29MSAR Design Changes
  9. 06:00Parts Interchangeability Issues
  10. 06:22Optic and Rail System
  11. 06:43Known MSAR Problems
  12. 07:34Vertical Grip Design
  13. 08:01Charging Handle Issues
  14. 08:22Receiver Rail Options
  15. 08:53Safety and Polymer Texturing
  16. 09:22Bottom Mounts and Disassembly
  17. 09:45Forward Assist Feature
  18. 10:11Last Round Hold Open
  19. 10:45MSAR Bolt Failures
  20. 11:24Serial Number and Limited Edition
  21. 11:31MSAR Production Timeline
  22. 12:19US-Made Steyr AUG History
  23. 13:20Steyr USA Evolution
  24. 14:07Generation 1 Specifics
  25. 14:23MSAR Disassembly Walkthrough
  26. 15:13Generation 1 Bolt Carrier Fluting
  27. 15:38Barrel Thread Pitch
  28. 16:04Generational Part Mixing
  29. 16:30Generation 2 Changes
  30. 17:07Generation 3 Changes
  31. 17:32Magazine Compatibility Evolution
  32. 18:17Generation 4 Changes
  33. 18:34Potential 6.8 SPC Chambering
  34. 19:15Optic Height Issues
  35. 19:57Stock and E4 Version
  36. 20:16Final Generation (E4) Features
  37. 20:42Rail Height Adjustments
  38. 21:07MSAR Reliability and Aftermarket
  39. 21:41MSAR Market Value
  40. 22:17Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main problems with the Microtech STG-556 MSAR?

The Microtech STG-556 MSAR was plagued by significant reliability issues, including frequent failures of bolt lugs, charging handles, and extractors. Many guns experienced cycling problems straight out of the box, and parts were prone to breaking after moderate use.

Can parts from a Steyr AUG be used on a Microtech STG-556 MSAR?

No, the Microtech STG-556 MSAR is not a direct parts-interchangeable clone of the Steyr AUG. Due to Microtech's lack of the original Technical Data Package (TDP), dimensional variances mean that parts from genuine Steyr AUGs will generally not fit or function correctly in the MSAR.

What were the generational changes in the Microtech STG-556 MSAR?

The MSAR went through four generations and an E4 version. Key changes included the removal of bolt flutes and forward assist (Gen 3), magazine compatibility improvements (Gen 3 accepting Steyr mags), barrel thread pitch changes (1/2x28 in Gen 4), and optic height adjustments for better usability.

What made the Microtech STG-556 MSAR unique compared to the original Steyr AUG?

Early MSAR generations featured a separate forward assist on the receiver, fluted bolt carriers, and specific serrations for this assist, which are not present on original Steyr AUGs. The MSAR also initially used proprietary magazines and had a different polymer texturing and grip shape.

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