Last year at SHOT, Sig Sauer was displaying some pre-productions of their 7.62N piston driven AR, the 716. This year they've brought along a pair of improved and updated production models. Word from Sig is that the new 716's will be shipping to distributors in the next couple months, which isn't terribly surprising. I've already caught a glimpse of at least one in foreign SOF hands.
Two different models of piston operated 716 will be available: The DMR, which has more of a precision role in mind, and the Patrol… which, you guessed it, is designed as an ideal heavy caliber patrol rifle for police and military.
The 716 features a two-position gas regulator for suppressed and unsuppressed shooting. As to how you can switch it? Well there's a thumb lever, a hole in the top for use with a round or rod, a provision for a flathead screwdriver, and even a place where you can use a wrench. While I can't say whether or not Sig has had issues with sticking gas regulators in the past, I can definitely say you'll be able to change it in some way unless you start welding on it.
Both models are rocking enhanced lower receivers with updated ambidextrous controls. These look right out of the Sig MCX line, which is a Good Thing. The QD sockets on the rear of the lower receiver now all have steel reinforcement in them, so you won't be egging them out.
The brass deflectors are also reinforced by steel and are replaceable. Sig is looking to make these lifetime rifles. Both the DMR and Patrol 716 have 16″ cold hammer forged barrels, made in-house. Yes, Sig Sauer has their own cold hammer forging machine–so add them to that very short list of companies who have these. Each barrel has a tapered crown, ideal for the use with Sig Sauer Silencers.
One interesting detail is that the 716 has a continuous top rail that's 20mm taller than a standard receiver. This means you'll be able to use some legacy rings and mounts from non-AR DMRs if desired. The top rail and forend makes up three separate parts that are all married up into a single unit.
The charging handle is also completely ambidextrous.
The 716 uses a regular carbine receiver extension paired up with a special recoil buffer for use with the heavier 7.62N caliber so that helps keep the length down. Gone is the proprietary flatwire buffer spring, replaced with a standard AR-15 type. Currently the 716 ships out with a Geissele trigger, but this will soon be replaced with Sig's own in-house match trigger (which will also be available for individual purchase).
As to the differences between the DMR and the Patrol? The 716 DMR has a longer KeyMod forend, with an open space to ensure you can access the gas regulation. I'd be lying if I said I didn't first immediately think of the FN SCAR SSR when I saw this. The Patrol has a shorter forend, no doubt for the ability to install a short barrel. Also, the DMR comes equipped with a Magpul CTR stock and MIAD grip whereas the Patrol has the standard Sig Sauer AR grip and B5 buttstock.
Looking forward to shaking one out in the future. You can visit Sig Sauer online here
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The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.
Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc.
View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here.
2016 SHOT Show
January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas)
January 19–22, 2016
Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours:
Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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