View Full Version : T.P.D. AXR vs. Microtech STG 556
Riktoven
01-28-2008, 18:26
The Steyr AUG has always been one of my favorite guns, even with its craptastic trigger.
Now that there's two relatively affordable options available, I was wondering what people thought of them and if anyone has shot, or even seen both.
I got to handle the STG 556 a couple of weeks ago and it seemed really well built. The polymer is definately different than the AUG, but not necesarily in a bad way. The trigger still sucks, but it's better than the FN-2000.
I have yet to see the AXR, don't know any more about it than is available on the company website.
I currently have a WASR, which is a hoot to shoot and never misses a beat. I want one more rifle before the next administration kicks in, and it's currently an AUG clone, AR, and FAL in the running.
I don't believe the AXR is out to us shooters yet. Maybe someone on the inside are doing T&E. I do like the idea of the AXR taking the regular AR mag. If it functions well, I'll get it instead of the MSAR STG556.
Check this link out. www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124
El Duderino
01-28-2008, 18:44
The special mags and Microtech history on customer service kills the MSAR for me.
I would choose the AXR if it were down to those two choices.
Riktoven
01-28-2008, 18:55
I don't know much about the company's previous history, but the fact that the AXR uses OEM bolt and carrier, and uses the original forward assist (what ARE these for anyway? I've never once used this feature on any rifle.) has me leaning hard that way.
The fact that it takes AR mags AND that T.P.D. had the marketing sense to join forces with Mec Gar in promoting their PMAG (which looks a lot like the original AUG mags) tells me they have the business instinct to keep up support for the platform.
I hope sombody at the local gun club gets one of the first ones to hit Michigan and lets me try it.
El Duderino
01-28-2008, 19:02
... join forces with Mec Gar in promoting their PMAG....
Did you mean Magpul?
I would MUCH prefer the AXR from TPD. The STG556 from MSAR uses a PROPRIETARY mag and has an AR style forward assist on te LEFT side of the stock right infront of your nose. Also there is a notch cut out from the op rod to accomadate the forwarad assist and notcehs in the bolt carrier to accomadate the forward assist, thus making these pieces weaker.
The AXR usesa standard NATO/AR/M16 mags and does not have the aforementioned problems. I will have one in my hand shortly I believe (shoudl be on its way), not mine but a friends.
TED
MTMilitiaman
01-28-2008, 20:21
I'd just get a FAL.
Riktoven
01-28-2008, 21:20
My bad, Mag pul not Mec gar
It was definately an 'M' word.
Yeah, I just can't understand why the forward assist in a new position where you now must un-shoulder the weapon to use it....absolutely stupid idea IMO.
TheBadGuy
01-29-2008, 11:22
I own a STG556. I own it b/c I can!! I can't own there other yet so I don't. I love the STG, its flawless and the fit and finish are amazing. I will also get a TPD model someday as well. I don't see a need for a debate between the two yet as only one is available for purchase.
If both were available, I would still choose the STG first. I like the factory optic that maintains the look of the original Augs. The TPD comes with a ChiCom scope and I don't care for the looks of it nor its origins.
I own a STG556. I own it b/c I can!! I can't own there other yet so I don't. I love the STG, its flawless and the fit and finish are amazing. I will also get a TPD model someday as well. I don't see a need for a debate between the two yet as only one is available for purchase.
If both were available, I would still choose the STG first. I like the factory optic that maintains the look of the original Augs. The TPD comes with a ChiCom scope and I don't care for the looks of it nor its origins.
Chill, brother.
Anyway, have you figured out what the "6-7 FTF malfunctions" you had during your first trip out were attributed to? You mentioned maybe it was their 30-round mag?
MrMurphy
01-29-2008, 13:18
The factory scope isn't all THAT great, one reason why Steyr has come out with flat top versions of the AUG lately.
And the Australians are jealous of that, I played with an F88 (Austeyr) for a minute, though did not fire it, last month.
TheBadGuy
02-13-2008, 11:35
Chill, brother.
Anyway, have you figured out what the "6-7 FTF malfunctions" you had during your first trip out were attributed to? You mentioned maybe it was their 30-round mag?
My gun was one of the first out of the factory. I had to send it back as part of a recall. I sent it out on a Thursday on MSAR's dime and got it back Wednesday of the following week. It has had approx. 1,000 rounds broke up in about 4 range trips since I got it back with no malfunctions at all.
They are releasing a pistol carbine caliber Aug style rifle next with a MSRP of $1299 for one with x1.5 Optics and $999 for one with just a rail. I will do everything I can to get in on that one. Once I get that, I will work on getting the ARX, if its shipping by then, however I will toss the optic it comes with up in the classified section and put something else on it when I do.
Thanks, TheBadGuy.:wavey:
Ridgeway
02-13-2008, 12:54
My gun was one of the first out of the factory. I had to send it back as part of a recall. I sent it out on a Thursday on MSAR's dime and got it back Wednesday of the following week. It has had approx. 1,000 rounds broke up in about 4 range trips since I got it back with no malfunctions at all.
They are releasing a pistol carbine caliber Aug style rifle next with a MSRP of $1299 for one with x1.5 Optics and $999 for one with just a rail. I will do everything I can to get in on that one. Once I get that, I will work on getting the ARX, if its shipping by then, however I will toss the optic it comes with up in the classified section and put something else on it when I do.
why/how is the pistol cal version so much cheaper than the 5.56?
though i'll jump on a pistol cal version, for some reason i can't get enough of them
but for a aug style rifle, it seems the axr is the hands down winner (as far as staying true to the original design- not passing judgment on the changes, just as far as appearances...)
but for the prices some ppl think they can/could get for them, you can/could just about get a usr...i'd rather have the steyr product than msar
TheBadGuy
02-17-2008, 14:39
but for a aug style rifle, it seems the axr is the hands down winner (as far as staying true to the original design- not passing judgment on the changes, just as far as appearances...)
Time will tell. Can't declare them a winner when they aren't even released yet. I like the ability to use AR mags but hate the ChiCom scope that comes with it. I really like the optic on the STG that maintains the original Aug appearance.
Ridgeway
02-17-2008, 15:37
Time will tell. Can't declare them a winner when they aren't even released yet. I like the ability to use AR mags but hate the ChiCom scope that comes with it. I really like the optic on the STG that maintains the original Aug appearance.
sure you can declare a winner re: appearance
it's obvious from a single pic of each which has departed more from the original
again not passing judgment on function, just appearances- the axr is more ascetically akin to the aug than is the stg
TheBadGuy
02-17-2008, 15:46
I would totally have to disagree there.
The STG has the same style optic and is a dead ringer from the right side. The only thing that sets it apart on the left side is the forward assist.
The AXR has that chinese optic that looks nothing like any Aug ever produced. As far as the stock, your right. It looks the same. That's b/c IT IS a Styer Stock they are using for their first few batches until they make their own. They are having problems with the smoke mags too and they will not be included with the first runs.
So when you take a first run AXR with the mags and optic it will come with and compare it against a STG and a Factory Aug its not even close.
I don't want to come out like I am against the AXR. I am without a doubt eventually getting one but to be honest, the looks of both are what made me jump on a chance to get one of the MSAR right away. It's damn near identical to an Aug. I never notice the forward assist even is on the rifle until someone mentions it.
Heck, if looks make the gun a winner, I can whip you up something bad a-s on photoshop. It might never see the hands of a customer, but thats not a qualification you have
Ridgeway
02-17-2008, 15:49
I would totally have to disagree there.
The STG has the same style optic and is a dead ringer from the right side. The only thing that sets it apart on the left side is the forward assist.
The AXR has that chinese optic that looks nothing like any Aug ever produced. As far as the stock, your right. It looks the same. That's b/c IT IS a Styer Stock they are using for their first few batches until they make their own. They are having problems with the smoke mags too and they will not be included with the first runs.
So when you take a first run AXR with the mags and optic it will come with and compare it against a STG and a Factory Aug its not even close.
I don't want to come out like I am against the AXR. I am without a doubt eventually getting one but to be honest, the looks of both are what made me jump on a chance to get one of the MSAR right away. It's damn near identical to an Aug. I never notice the forward assist even is on the rifle until someone mentions it.
Heck, if looks make the gun a winner, I can whip you up something bad a-s on photoshop. It might never see the hands of a customer, but thats not a qualification you have
ok we'll wait :)
i guess i was looking mostly @ the bolt release, & forward assist
TheBadGuy
02-17-2008, 15:51
Yeah the forward assist is defiantly different, but unnoticable for me. I wouldn't want to do without the bolt assist to be honest. I didn't know that the original Aug and AXR didn't have one:crying:
Ridgeway
02-17-2008, 15:56
Yeah the forward assist is defiantly different, but unnoticable for me. I wouldn't want to do without the bolt assist to be honest. I didn't know that the original Aug and AXR didn't have one:crying:
the stg has an ar style bolt release...differing from the aug design :whistling:
TheBadGuy
02-17-2008, 16:01
the stg has an ar style bolt release...differing from the aug design :whistling:
Can you post a picture of the Aug bolt release?
I really like my stg556 (Microtech). Flawless performance so far, with very high fit & finish.
I am excited about the new pistol caliber versions that MSAR is putting out, and will be snapping one up as soon as they are out.
Not to say I have anything against the AXR. As some others have said, only one of them is available currently, so it was an easy decision for me. If the AXR gets favorable reviews, I might pick one up. It won't be because of any lacking on the STG556 however.
why/how is the pistol cal version so much cheaper than the 5.56?
It's blowback so it doesn't need a gas piston, etc.
I've got an STG556 with factory optic. I used to have a Steyr USR, and I'd say that the MSAR is just as good, and the finish is probably better in the MSAR. I don't notice the forward assist, as I never have to use it. I've never seen the TPD rifle, so I can't compare it.
I like the looks of the integrated optic on the MSAR, but the AXR is using 90% OEM Steyr AUG parts. That and the fact that they are using OEM Nato AUG stocks that I can use my AR mags in is the major selling point.
MSAR has some good things going though, especially the price. I'm seeing optic models for $1650 out there. But you have to factor in that the mags are proprietary and will cost you around $35 a piece. Most everyone with an EBR has a few dozen AR mags laying around.
space_weazel
05-14-2008, 15:11
Tpd Axr!
fnfalman
05-14-2008, 16:02
Can you post a picture of the Aug bolt release?
The AUG bolt release is by pulling back the charging handle and letting it go.
The AUG bolt forward assist is a button built into the charging handle. You push it down while ramming the charging handle forward.
The AUG bolt release is by pulling back the charging handle and letting it go.
The AUG bolt forward assist is a button built into the charging handle. You push it down while ramming the charging handle forward.
Right. Two things that needed no improvement IMHO. MSAR went a little crazy adding those.
They are supposedly going to be coming out with a NATO stock in order to use 6.8SPC mags with their conversion, so maybe they'll come around and just stick to the NATO AUG style w/o the forward assist and bolt release.
Price those right, they might hurt TPD a bit.
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