Lan-Tac SIG522 DMR

I own a standard SIG522 rifle, the only things different are a set of fold-down, Samson iron sights and the factory Picatinny rail kit. Paul Oglesby (LanTac) retails 522s but also thought a semi-custom version might be of interest. He rationalised that offering something different might attract more customers than the standard product. So the 522 DMR – Designated Marksman’s Rifle was born.

The Whole 9-Yards

The DMR is the whole 9-yards in terms of customisation and though expensive, shows how far you can go, should you wish! I would not want everything Paul has done on my rifle but there are certain areas I would definitely consider, as we shall see.
Underneath all that extra anodised aluminium and black polymer nestles the standard SIG522! So let’s start with the butt, which from the box is a semi-telescopic, plastic, side-folding design. It offers a good shoulder footprint and acceptable length of pull, but it’s wobbly to say the least. This is a problem that can also be found with the generic AR, telescopic butt too. For what is an accurate rifle it’s too easy to pull a shot if you let your grip change, which causes the rifle to move in relation to the butt.
The standard stock with hinge point is removed and replaced with a Double Diamond SA522 adaptor block that accepts an M16-type buffer tube. So allowing the fitting of a fixed or telescopic butt system. Paul told me the DD adaptor does need machining a little as it engages but won’t unlock, which is what he does. The DMR features the fixed, Mag Pul PRS butt with wheel-adjustable cheek piece and length of pull. It gives a far better head position and is near 99% rigid and certainly stops that dip, rise and wobble found on the standard unit. However, it’s also a big lump of weight on what is essentially a light and compact rifle.

Sig 522 Inc. 1 x 25-round magazine £725

SA522 adaptor £98

Buffer tube £18.50

MagPul PRS stock £235

Improved Pull

The standard trigger pull from the box is pretty good, a tad long and mushy in the first stage but light enough for accuracy. Paul has cleaned up the take-up with the end result being a crisper and more readable 4lb break, which can only improve shot release.

Trigger job £50

The next biggest change is the forend, which gets rid of the standard/military, tapered, black polymer shape and replaces it with a Samson STAR 522, 4-way, Picatinny forend. Cool and sexy, it does not float the barrel as it attaches at the front of the receiver and the rear of the dummy gas block. However, it doubtless adds rigidity and the ability to bolt on bipods, torches etc., plus that all-important SIG SWAT look. For a bipod Paul selected a Harris BRS – what else? Fitted to a La Rue QD base for a Picatinny rail mount.

Samson STAR 522 forend £195

Troy Battlerail Covers £25.80

Harris BRS bipod £87

LaRue LT-130 Quick Detach Mount £124

Sights are catered for by a set of polymer Mag Pul MBUS fold-downs. Fully adjustable for windage and elevation with a double rear aperture (big and small) they spring up at the touch of a catch and snap down to automatically lock in place. If you are looking for a good set of irons for any rifle of this type they represent a cost effective option. Paul also added an Aim Point Comp ML3, 2-MOA red dot sight and X3 magnifier in La Rue QD mounts, with the rear one allowing the trebler to swing over when not required. Nice mounts no question, but not my choice on optics…

Mag Pul MBUS sights £94.98

Aimpoint COMP ML3 £351.20

LaRue LT129 Cantilever Mount £183.75

Aimpoint 3X Magnifier £494.55

LaRue LT649 Tall pivot mount £195.11

As I said this is the total package I was sent, which is more an example of what is possible and all up costs is a not inconsiderable £2875.89. However, that’s what custom guns cost and many shooters are happy to pay that sort of money. My requirements would be simpler. Core to my re-build would be the butt adaptor and buffer tube, which I think is a massive improvement over the original. The PRS butt is very nice but big and heavy and a bit over the top for the rifle. Ideally I would fit a Crane butt with its saddle bag-type storage that gives a decent cheek piece and the convex rubber butt plate for 100% shoulder adhesion. I could live without the trigger job as I now understand the break on mine, though it is an improvement. But for £50 if I was buying from new then a definite consideration.
I already have iron sights, but the MagPuls are very nice, however, the front one can only go on a Picatinny rail, as the SIG has a dovetail on the gas block hence my choice of the dedicated Samson front unit. I like the Samson forend a lot more than I thought I would and in conjunction with the Troy covers it gives a superb, hand-filling grip, plus the ability to bolt on all sorts of goodies. However, this must be weighed against both price and weight (17.7oz) as it does add up. The standard 522 plastic forend is well shaped and with their three, Picatinny rail set does a similar job at a fraction of the cost and weight.
However the DMR is an essay in the craft and Paul told me he can offer packages to suit any need and price. This rifle is more an example of what is possible and I am in two minds about it. One - I like the custom options and it shoots well. Two - it’s far too heavy given the original light and compact design the 522 was built to be…

For: Shows what you can do with your SIG522

Against: Price and overall weight of DMR needs to be considered against practicality

Verdict: A good cross section of after-market products to consider