@jglock53
Welcome to the club and I look forward to your contributions.

Love this rifle! Accurate and reliable!
Bipod and BUIS still needed to complete.
Attached File

Attached File

Weird, my rifle's forge marks are the opposite: Split A  (Anchor Harvey) lower, and Square (Brass Aluminum Forging Enterprises) upper.
Attached File

Trade you for a match?

I must have got lucky mine are both square. How is it with the can ? I am debating on finding the adapter for the barrel and spinning on a gem tech bi lock. My can has a good amount of back pressure though. Either way I guess it won't hurt to through the brake on anyway.

I can't claim to have much experience with suppressors as a whole, but shooting mine with a YHM Resonator was fine. Gassy, but everything worked.

@11b4v
Beautiful 716I. How does it shoot suppressed.

@Ex_Sanguine_Nation
Didn't you suppress yours has well?

Tell us what you both think?

Edited... just read that you answered already.

I just picked one up last Sunday, 6/27/21.   I have only shot about 100rds so far of mixed surplus and the Federal 40 round
value pack I picked up at Wal-Mart back when it was available.  Needless to say, accuracy was less that tackdriving with this
bargain type ammo, but was expected.  I hope to try some quality stuff like Hornady TAP or Federal GMM in the future, and
I'm sure this be a drastic improvement in the accuracy department.  

I'm also thinking of replacing the FCG parts as the trigger, although smooth and clean breaking, is a bit on the heavy side, and
breaks at around 7lbs according to my trigger pull gauge.  It also currently wears an ACOG, but a higher magnification optic may also
allow me to turn in better accuracy with this rifle.  I have a Vortex 1-8 x 24 that I'm waiting for a mount for that I will probably try.  

All in all, and great rifle for the money.

I will also upgrade the charging handle as well as some others here have done.

Also looking for a few spare parts ?  Will the DPMS patter stuff work in this rifle ?
Looking for parts like bolt, firing pin, extractor, ejector, ect.

Thanks

@scottfn308

Welcome to the group and congratulations on your purchase. I do not believe we share compatibility with other parts. I believe the SIG BCG is proprietary. Good luck trying things out and please let us know what you find.

Anyone have a picture of the barrel with the hand guard removed?

I like the idea, but will this become abandonware like the Sig556 series?

I doubt it since they have a pretty considerable military contract. Production numbers are why I’m considering one of these. It will likely end up being the highest production and widely fielded 308 AR.

ETA: They filled their 72,000 rifle order to India. India then ordered 72,000 more. So Sig has potentially already made more 308 AR’s than KAC or Armalite.

MidwestGunWorks has the Sig factory BUIS sights in stock.  They have a 10% off code for the American birthday  -  JULY10*
Not sure if the factory sights are what the Indian Army uses?

8.5 lbs naked and not ready to suppressed doesn’t float my boat. To each their own.

It's within ounces of an SR-25CC, and a pound lighter than an LMT MWS, and it runs suppressed out of the box.  If I was going to shoot it 100% with a can, I might consider a BRT gas tube.

Attached File




I'm with @olds442tyguy on this one.



I think we're gonna be fine too....

@chewbacca
For those questioning suppression of the 716I, the rifle comes with a rifle length gas system which for a 16"bbl I'm sure aides with taming a bit of back pressure. Probably why most owners who have suppressed it are reporting back with no issues to reliability at this point. Some back pressure yes but no need possibly for an adjustable gas block. Only time will tell but that seems to already be a vast improvement over most things in or above its price range by a lot!

I've not shot it a lot yet,  but suppressed or un, there were no issues so far. This was with SA surplus.

India spec’d an adjustable gas block. I wonder if Sig will ever sell them on the open market.

Are you sure they adopted an adjustable gas block?  In the limited pictures or videos of the in service rifles, they appear to have the standard gas block.

Ah, the article I found was old and assumed the piston 716 was the winner.

I ordered an extra charging handle from Natchez Shooters Supply a few days ago.
I ordered the standard one that comes in the rifle, but when it got here today, It was
the factory Sig  ambi one in factory packaging.

I'll make do, I suppose.  

I also emailed Sig directly about buying some spare parts, and got a reply back from them asking
what parts I would like to purchase.  We will see I suppose.

That's awesome to both. I think most people would be surprised with SIG CS.

Since my chosen optic is still out of stock everywhere, I got bored and did a little makeover.  Also swapped the selector for a Badger Ordnance one.

That looks awesome!

Overseas small arms tenders and contracts I've done usually specify that repair parts must stay in-production and available for ten years post-contract execution date.

What's charging handle are folks using?

This is on my list to get to celebrate in a few months.

Sadly, the charging handle is proprietary to the 716, and SR-25 handles will not fit.  This pretty severely limits our options.

The SIG ambi handle seems pretty popular, thats what I'm running.   SIG and midwest gun works are OOS currently.

SIG Store

Midwest Gun Works


Phase 5 also makes a 716 specific handle, but I don't know anything about them.

Phase 5

I just got one from Natchez Shooter Supply last week.  

https://www.natchezss.com/sig-sauer-charging-handle-assembly-for-716i-tread.html

The website shows the standard one, but when I received it, it was the ambi one.  

About to purchase a 716i, only thing holding me back is unknown rifle performance with suppressor.  If I purchase I will want to install DeadAir muzzle device to mount my Sandman.  

Can anyone comment with first hand experience on any possible issues or confirm that there are no issues.  For example, from pics it looks like barrel is tapered.  Any issues installing DeadAir muzzle device?  Is a tapered adaptor required?  

Follow up question...has anyone replaced gas block on one of these?  I’ve done fairly extensive work on Sig rifles in the past (516 etc) and they use a lot of proprietary parts and do things like press on gas blocks.  Just curious of potential issues that may arise with something like swapping in an adjustable gas block.  

None are available locally for me to put eyes on to answer these questions myself.  

Thanks!

It looks like it, but can anyone confirm if the 716 uses a standard barrel nut wrench?

ETA: Has anyone run steel case through one of these?

I was finally able to source a 1.5x6 ELCAN with the 7.62 reticle for this thing.  I also dug out some of my 175gr Sierra match king reloads that shoot really well out of the LMT, just to see how they do in the 716.  Now the huge hurdle is finding the time to get to the range.

The gas block is held on with pins, and that's about all that I can say to it. I have not attempted to remove it.

The barrel is tapered and as such you'll likely want an adapter if your muzzle device requires a shoulder.

Love those colors. What did you use?

@Dr_Nimslow
That's great your SIG is coming together for you. I can't wait to read your range report. I just picked up a few cases of ADI 168GR Sierra TMK's that I hope to record some groups with too. I have been wondering just how accurate this rifle is. Soon a few of us will find out.

So compared side to side with your LMT, what do you think so far? Can you give us your thoughts?

Aervoe field drab and forrest green.






My LMT MWS is a very early first generation gun, before the MARS-H fully ambi lowers, and with a single ejector bolt.  It's was also built when the quad rail handguard was the only option, and has a 16" chrome lined "standard weight" barrel.

Just the last few weeks I was able to find an M-Lok upper receiver, and a 20" 6.5 Creedmoor barrel for it, thats the configuration I intend to keep it in going forward .  As a data point, the upper receiver and barrel cost more than the 716i did, and I didn't pay crazy pandemic prices for either.

Weight is obviously the big player.  With the M-lok upper, and standard weight barrel, the MWS is a full pound heavier than the 716i.  The quad rail upper receiver adds another quarter pound.  Most of the added weight is in the barrel collar for the quick change feature.

Since all that weight is in the barrel and the LMT feels much more nose heavy, compared to the SIG.

Fit and finish is actually pretty much equal between the rifles.  The LMT uses standard SR-25 charging handles, so thats a plus.  I have a PRI gas buster installed currently.

The LMT does come with a two stage trigger thats not bad at all, but my LaRue MBT shipped today, and they seem better than the LMT, at least to me.

IMHO where the LMT shines is if you need the barrel change capability, and/or if you are going to run a laser and/or clip on NV.  The monolithic rail isn't going to move any.

It's been quite a while since I've shot the LMT, but even with the CL barrel it shot some damn impressive groups.  I've seen others with the SS barrels shoot very, very good groups.

I guess I see the LMT more as a DMR style rifle, and the SIG more battle rifle.

I really hope I can shoot them side by side and see how the groups compare before I swap the LMT over to 6.5.

I saw the snobs were beating you up on that other site.  Having owned two SR-25's two AR-10's and the LMT, I really don't see anything thats worth the price premium for the average person, other than the name recognition, or a pride of ownership thing.

I own more than a couple current SIG long guns, I think they have some good stuff going, but they have really run a bunch of people off over the years, starting with the 556 mess.  I doubt they will ever win all the potential customers back, but they did it to themselves.

@GLD1980 you’re to blame. I went ahead and ordered one. Parts ordered so far are…..

(All FDE)
BCM MOD1 SOPMOD.
Magpul K2+.
A mix of BCM and Magpul rail covers since they have uneven M-Lok distribution.
Magpul MVG.
A dozen MCT Pmags.
BCM M-Lok sling mount.

Still to order….

EOTech Vudu FFP 1-6 or a Vortex Viper PST 1-6.
Thinking a Larue MBT.
Warne QD mount.
Troy FDE back ups.
Blue Force Gear sling.
Cerakote to match my shorty below.

@Dr_Nimslow    

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate your insight. I too hope you can shoot them side by side before your barrel swap. I look forward to your results and feedback.

I had a few Exeter SIG's and they all ran 100%. I had a Gen1 556 SWAT FDE, a P229 SSE, P226 TAC FDE, and a P238 NITRON but ten years ago I got rid of everything I didn't need. I trimmed the fat simplifying my collection to just good enough to get it done right. I have since transitioned to the S&W M&P pistol line-up and I now have a Gen2 556R in 7.62x39 that I wont part with and my 716I in 7.62x51which has earned a home. I also have future plans to add a few more SIG's soon, specifically the new M-400 SwitchBlade that just debuted, it has a few features I find extremely appealing from SIG, ¹the size and type of it's 11.5" Barrel (not being pencil) ²the specific way the Rail Mounting System mounts, ³it's full Ambi lower. The 6.5 or .308 Cross is also appealing, offering a lot in a compact package. I also like their P365 9mm FDE Tac Pac but I just bought an M&P9 Shield Plus so we will see how it fairs once I take possession. The MPX Virtus or Spear are both on my wishlist if the Virtus comes available at normal prices or the Spear debuts soon, but I feel there prices may enter the realm of astronomical not being practical anymore.

Personally I have never had issues with SIG Exeter Customer Service in fact quite the opposite. Anytime I've had weapon complaints or I was in need of assistance, whether it was my fault or theirs, they promptly fixed my issues. So when they canceled my 556's it never bothered me because so long as you sent it in they always fixed or replaced it if they can't fix it. I understand to many that does not cut it or bring back the 556 but for what they now offer as a replacement product line how could you have issue.

Oh yeah the snobs got me good. It frustrates them more that I don't get there snob mentality. I tried to be polite thinking something of value could come about from it but some of the members think the man is measured by the amount he spends on his weapon system. Better men then they'll ever be have fallen with less so I can't digest their bullshit! I tried being tactful but at the end of the day he shamed me with that "How dare he compare luxury (KAC/LMT/LWRC/H&K/FN) to a SIG" bullshit making it sound akin to a peasant trying to hob nob with the nobility and he lost me.
The rifles mentioned may all not get it done the same way, some rifles do it way better or easier, but the top built rifles arrive at the same conclusion regardless of price was my point. I feel the SIG can do the job just as good has some of the best US Military 7.62 NATO DMR, SPR rifles up to around 800m on in, give or take a few hundred meters for shooter ability and optic and magnification selection. Now if I am wrong, I wish someone would tell me why, but just because it's a certain brand or price was not the answer I expected. Though disappointing at certain times and entertaining during others, arrogance is expected on gun forums.

Though it may be a controversial viewpoint the LMT is the only rifle I would spend the extra coin on. I would love to have an H&K, FN, LWRC, or even the LaRue, and the KAC just isn't for me, but all of them have there value and I agree are top quality rifles but their prices are pretty steep. Do you really get that much more rifle? A poster explained the ease of parts availability 10-20 years later and continued support which does matter has factors in pricing but some of these rifles cost what small cars cost. The rest of the field not mentioned above hasn't convinced me there better than the SIG 716I by the margins their prices would suggest.

Being able to withstand continued armed conflict as a Battle Rifle, Designated Marksman Rifle or Special Purpose Rifle capable of multiple target engagements up to 600/800m, role dependent, repetitively is achievable with all the guns mentioned. I feel the Indian Army has and will put their SIG's to the test. Why so many doubt it strikes me as funny. It's a great gun. I never said it's the best rifle, I said it's the best AR-308/ AR-10 type rifle for the money is what you get with the 716I Tread.

@olds442tyguy

Congrats I like your style and can't wait to see your 716I. I think you will be very happy you picked one up.

I read that thread on SH you posted and what a shit show. The Aero guys claiming the Aero was the better buy are severely biased. The M5 factory rifles come with the well designed BAR barrel nut system, but the BAR rails themselves are clunky and unstable. By the time you get a rail like the CMT that compares to the SIG, you’ve exceeded the cost of a 716i.

If you build an M5 to match the Tread, it’s probably close in price. That’s all just a matter of what you want though, and the 716i is pretty much spec’d out to what most people want in a 308 AR battle rifle. I’m changing the furniture, but I would have been doing that on an M5 and parts are crazy hard to find for M5’s right now.

The LMT is a chunk but a great rifle. I’m even debating getting my 716i barrel fluted or turned down, but will wait to see. For me that extra weight on the LMT does nothing as I don’t intend to change barrels.

The guys talking about the QD sockets must not have noticed the rear of the receiver is crazy reinforced, and that KAC has never had a problem with it, despite using thinner receivers.

I also considered the Springfield Victor as I think it’s spec’d out well too. Their rail system design is solid, but I still haven’t forgiven them for trying to work with Democrats and worry about the longevity and availability.

Which brings me to my last rant point. Sig has to back the 716i up. They can’t abandon the platform due to their contract with India. They’ve probably made close to 200,000 rifles between India and commercial Tread rifles. Not only are they contractually obligated, but it’s probably a huge money maker for them.

I think you can do better for more money, but I’d say no matter what you can’t go wrong with the 716i if you’re looking for a 308 carbine.

This thread has me picking up one of these too, thanks OP.

I’ve been looking to build a 308 for awhile but you just can not build one better than this for a lower price and be as nice.

The pinned gas block, hanguard, bcg and weight sold it.

I’ll probably drop a G - SSA in it I have laying around and a Radian Talon safety.

Optics wise I’m going a different direction, Scalarworks Peak iron sights and a Primary Arms SLX 3x micro prisim on a qd mount when they come out. I want to keep the weight down on this beast. Those two sighting solutions together should be 11 oz and this rifles job is to hit man size targets at 0 - 400 yards.

Should make a great 308 battle rifle. Looking forward to the project.

Thanks to everyone for posting.

You guys with the positive posts and actual feedback make this post worth putting up with the shit posters. I don't mind not being in agreement but keeping the conversation evolving so we can learn matters.

@olds442tyguy
I agree with you. I also looked at the Springfield Saint Victor 308 but I passed due to it having a light weight pencil barrel and only because I needed different for my task and purpose. My Springfield Armory SOCOM16 already has limitations with over heating under rapid fire and with the SIG 716I having a thicker profile barrel which was designed to handle the abuse of full auto firing and some other great features is what sold me. Weight wise I'm sure the Springfield Armory Saint Victor is lighter than the SIG and I'm almost positive it shoots just as good and reliably. I admittedly didn't know about Springfield Armory doing the 2A community and Illinois gun owners dirty until after I purchased a Saint Edge Pistol w/ the 10.3"bbl. I came here to post my first post and was dogpiled lol. I don't let emotions affect the business of family protection so I stayed the course. No regrets, this lil Pistol can shoot offhand (with a Holosun HE508T-RD mini red dot) and hit the same 10" steel plate I posted a video earlier in this thread about on a 29° slope angle at 280yds repetitively. Compared to a BCM or DD MK-18 I believe it to be the best value for the money and good enough to fight with. I actually just purchased another Springfield, the 5.56 Saint Victor PDW with a 5.5" bbl which is a distributor exclusive. I know with a 5.5"bbl it's freaking ludicrous but right now Springfield is on a roll with their AR's and I trust the build quality and reliabilty.
S.A.I. Saint Edge Pistol 10.3"bbl
Attached File

Not mine but here's some pics of the Saint Victor PDW.
Attached File

Attached File


@Just10mm
Congrats and welcome to the 716I family. I cant wait to see your completed project. I feel more people will be joining has you all start to show your awesome variations of the SIG 716I and discuss performance and problem solving.
I'm also curious to see that new Primary Arms 3x prism you want to mount. I may pick up the 1x just to try them out. I think Primary Arms is a Top Tier Company with great products at amazing prices.

I'll be honest: I was also daydreaming about reducing the barrel profile. Turning it down to near-pencil fore and aft of the GB journal.

Admittedly I know little about metallurgy and barrel smithing, so don't know what detriments I might be playing with encountering in this daydream.

That’s why I was asking about the barrel nut earlier. If it’s proprietary it might be a challenge to even get the barrel off.

Some time ago ADCO stated they’ll no longer work on nitride barrels because they’re too hard. Some other reputable sources essentially accused Steve of being dramatic because he doesn’t like nitride and said it’s no problem at all. I’m not a machinist so who knows. I think Retro Arms became the new default after that but I haven’t gotten that far into it yet.

I’m not sure if that was for barrel reprofiling specifically though. Worst case scenario I might just have it fluted.

The nut is long, as you can see from the above pics, but it has normal engagement, otherwise.

There is a thread running on another forum, where the OP says SIG wouldn't sell him some spare BCG parts.  Hopefully this is a temporary thing, and parts start to be available for individual purchase.

@Dr_Nimslow

That's not me. Some user name @ravenworks over at the Hide is trying to discredit me. His post is #127. Read my reply.
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/the-sig-716i-tread-308-may-be-the-best-ar-308-ar-10-type-battle-rifle-for-the-money.7080207/page-3#footer

I even created an account at the smaller forum to call him out which is below.
https://forum.308ar.com/topic/21595-spare-parts-for-the-sig-716i/?tab=comments#comment-337016
Enjoy the laughs. I'm calling some contacts at SIG on Monday Boys to see if I can unfuck this mess. 😜🤪😝🤑

Edited... @Ravenworks said I misunderstood his post and was pretty upset. He scolded me for my post count and not knowing my environment and called the SIG 716I rack grade. I acknowledged his BS and validated his feelings and received a few laughs from his response. I am driving on now. He still brings up a valid point about SIG support that I intend to clarify through SIG regardless if he's a dick.

Thanks for the info!  I ordered one yesterday.  Should be at my FFL Tuesday.  Hoping for no issues suppressed with my Sandman.  

I’ll probably either contact DeadAir regarding their muzzle device on the tapered barrel or just use the adapter straight away.  

Need to locate an ambi-CH.  

As far as the gas block….I know it’s apples to oranges, but I did extensive machine work on a 516 years ago.  Gas block was pinned and pressed on.  Should I decide to switch to an adjustable gas block I’m hoping the Sig barrel is of a standard diameter and I hope it isn’t pressed on.  I no longer have access to a full machine shop like before.  

Pics will be added once I have it!

My YHM worked without the taper adapter, but I think that's a healthy dose of luck and now have an adapter from Griffin for doing it properly.

Now to boil off the Rocksett.

Honestly, SH is a joke. “We are a community of thnipers ” as a lead for the forum draws in dudes exactly like him. Every thread there is a pissing match because they’re the miserable fuck magnet of the gun community. Maybe even more so than M4.