At this year’s SHOT Show, Sig Sauer debuted a number of new firearms, to include several pistols (P226 Extreme, a modernized version of the venerable P210, and several new 1911 models) along with a brand new rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm (.308), the Sig 716.
Sig’s Jeff Jetton explained that Sig Sauer built the 716 with similar technology as their popular and highly-accurate Sig 556. However, as Jeff pointed out, the gun is built on a completely new platform, which is readily apparent when you look at it. Instead of a lower receiver similar to an updated AK, this one looks like a traditional AR platform, giving it a look similar to ArmaLite’s AR-10.
The carry-over technology from the 556 includes the short stroke pushrod operating system with a three position gas intake valve (also available in an upgraded 4 position valve) , 1913 Mil-Standard rails, a free-floating, chrome-lined barrel, Magpul’s MAID Grip, and an aluminum quad rail forend so you can hang as much bling there as you can possibly stand.
The Sig 716 comes in two variants, both weighing in at a bit more than nine pounds unloaded. The first variant is the Patrol, which comes with an adjustable Magpul ACS stock .The second is the Precision Marksman. Instead of an adjustable stock, this gun ships with Magpul’s PRS Buttstock and a two-stage match trigger. Both ship with a 20-round Magpul PMAG.
The new Sig enters a market that includes other tactical firearms chambered in .308, to include FN’s SCAR-17, ArmaLite’s AR-10, and Springfield’s SOCOM.
