Opininons on Sig Sauer 716

[biggie1447]

So I recently became more interested in a .308 AR and have been doing some research.

I saw a new Sig 716 and started looking for information and personal reviews about it. The problem is that there isnt a lot out there. I can find technical specs and such easily but few personal videos or forum reviews. Does anybody on the forum have "personal" experience with one of these rifles? Are they any good?

I am curious because I could get one for under 1500 after tax.


P.S.
I am only interested in learning about this rifle not looking for a debate on M1A vs FAL vs AR-10 vs ect... Please keep it on topic.

 

[biggie1447]

Is there nobody that know anything about these guns?

 

[Emperor]

I bought the first Sig516 that was sold in Louisiana. I absolutely love that rifle. I believe the only difference (except subtlties), is the caliber difference.

Everyone that has tried my 516 seems to be impressed.

 

[biggie1447]

So what do you think of the piston system? Is it strong and reliable, or like a lot of the ones used to replace the gas tube on a standard AR, seemingly weak and likely to break?

I hope that I'm not badgering anybody but the price is within reach for me and I have been wanting a 308 AR. To do it tho i would have to skip some other items on my to accquire list for a while so i want it to be worth it.

 

[bhart89]

I don't own one but I have fondled one. The only drawback I can see is the 16" barrel. If you are intending to shoot longer range (+600 yards) you are handicapping yourself with the 16" barrel. I can't comment on the piston system.

 

[Emperor]

So what do you think of the piston system? Is it strong and reliable, or like a lot of the ones used to replace the gas tube on a standard AR, seemingly weak and likely to break?

I hope that I'm not badgering anybody but the price is within reach for me and I have been wanting a 308 AR. To do it tho i would have to skip some other items on my to accquire list for a while so i want it to be worth it.

I believe the piston systems on both calibers are similar. If you want to see a review of the working mechanisms on the 516, look up the review that was done in the American Rifleman Magazine from January 2010 if you can find it online. I love Sig in general and that review made me want the 516. I waited 9 months for it to get here and I love everything about it. FWIW; it can take different barrel lengths if that is your pleasure.

I don't shoot long range competition, so I couldn't comment on the accuracy over 100 yards, but I have blown alot of crap up with it in close quarters. It has never jammed, misfired, or acted up in any way. It is tight, sturdy, and well made. I have no regrets paying what I paid for it.

Now I do get a little smoke in my face when I shoot it with the suppressor, but I guess that is to be expected.

 

[biggie1447]

So it seems squared away since it uses a enlarged version of the piston system used on the 516. Got it.

I got to take a look at one today and the only thing i cant seem to figure out is the wierd milling on the bolt carrier. Did they do that to reduce the weight or something because I haven't seen anybody do that before.

I do have to admit that i would rather have an 18 or 20 inch barrel but sig is making those lengths so i may be able to get one from them or a complete upper.

 

[ParadiseLost]

So I recently became more interested in a .308 AR and have been doing some research.

I saw a new Sig 716 and started looking for information and personal reviews about it. The problem is that there isnt a lot out there. I can find technical specs and such easily but few personal videos or forum reviews. Does anybody on the forum have "personal" experience with one of these rifles? Are they any good?

I am curious because I could get one for under 1500 after tax.


P.S.
I am only interested in learning about this rifle not looking for a debate on M1A vs FAL vs AR-10 vs ect... Please keep it on topic.

If you can get one that cheap I say go for it. I paid $1685 for mine shipped to Hawaii. It's been to the range
Twice and here are my thoughts.
1. No "failure to fire" problems
2. The fit and finish is very good
3. Accuracy with open sights and el cheapo American Eagle ammo was decent (3" at 100 yards)
4. The trigger is heavy and rough, I've ordered a Gissele SSA-E
5. Takes Pmags which are good, easy to come by and inexpensive

I'm sure with better ammo an optic and the new trigger this gun will be more accurate than me.

 

[Swamprat65]

The bolt carrier on my REPR has similar millings.

So it seems squared away since it uses a enlarged version of the piston system used on the 516. Got it.

I got to take a look at one today and the only thing i cant seem to figure out is the wierd milling on the bolt carrier. Did they do that to reduce the weight or something because I haven't seen anybody do that before.

I do have to admit that i would rather have an 18 or 20 inch barrel but sig is making those lengths so i may be able to get one from them or a complete upper.