The new 716i TREAD is a version of SIG’s 716, an AR-10 pattern, direct impingement, 7.62mm semi-automatic carbine, which is similar to the rifle SIG won the Indian Army tender with. It features an M-LOK handguard, Magpul stock, SIG pistol grip, and ambidextrous controls. Additionally, it is compatible with SR-25 pattern magazines.
I had a chance to fire the Indian Army Rifle variant during a trip last fall to SIG Academy.
It was outfitted with a SIG Optics TANGO6T 1-6x optic as used with the US Army’s M110A1 CSASS.
One curious feature of the Indian Army version you won’t get with the 716i TREAD is this M-LOK compatible bayonet adapter.
Here’s another interesting point to that range day with SIG’s new Defense Product Management Team; the ammunition we used was manufactured by SIG Ammo to the same spec used by the Indian Army. They used it during their developmental cycle in order to eliminate delays in obtaining actual contract ammo. That way, when SIG’s guns showed up at the trial, they knew the rifles would function.
Here is SIG SAUER’s press release on the new 716i TREAD.SIG SAUER Adds to TREAD Brand with Introduction of Direct Impingement 716i TREAD AR-10 Rifle
NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 24, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the 716i TREAD, a direct impingement, AR-10 platform that provides versatility for long range shooting and hunting while maintaining a lightweight design for easy carry. The 716i TREAD is easily customizable with existing TREAD branded accessories.
“The TREAD brand has gained recognition for offering premium products, at a competitive price point, that are designed, engineered and built with the same quality and innovation consumers expect from any SIG SAUER product,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The 716i TREAD brings the power of the AR-10 platform to the TREAD series and is an exciting expansion to the line. The rifle is lightweight with premium features right out of the box, and consumers can anticipate an affordable price point below $1,400 in stores. For those consumers that want to customize their rifle, they have the freedom to grow with TREAD branded accessories already available in stores that fit the 716i TREAD.”
The SIG SAUER 716i TREAD is a lightweight, forged aluminum receiver, direct impingement rifle that comes optics ready and features a precision nitride coated, carbon steel barrel, an ambidextrous lower receiver, a free floating M-LOK™ handguard, a 2 stage Matchlite Duo Trigger, a six position adjustable stock, and comes chambered in 308 WIN.
716i TREAD Specs:
Overall Length: 37in.
Overall Height: 8in.
Overall Width: 2.5in.
Barrel Length: 16in.
Barrel Twist: 1:10in.
Weight (incl. magazine): 8.5lbs.
The SIG SAUER 716i TREAD is currently shipping and available for purchase at retailers nationwide. Complete product specs and information for the 716i TREAD are available at sigsauer.com.