I'm interested to know what kind of surface treatment that is on the carrier. I've seen something very similar before in another application, but I can't recall for the life of me what it was. Does SIG specify what it is?
I'm interested to know what kind of surface treatment that is on the carrier. I've seen something very similar before in another application, but I can't recall for the life of me what it was. Does SIG specify what it is?
Times they are a'changing!
Just six months or a year ago a thread like this would have generated a bunch of responses about how worthless piston guns are and how the Stoner design was never meant to be operated by a push rod.
Nice to see, in my opinion. Pistons might not solve all the world's problems but, as a consumer, it is nice to have options.
It was frustrating that's for sure. However, from what I gather, my Gen2 FDE SIG516 is so new, the customer service rep had a difficult time understanding what I was talking about without having the actual rifle in front of him. He could ONLY go by an instruction manual that hadn't even gone to print yet (thank God!). Just b/c the CS rep couldn't tell me (what I already knew) doesn't mean it's a crappy design or company.
The SIG516 "specialist" confirmed my findings to the CS rep and I'm actually impressed by the CS rep admitting he was wrong and that he personally called me to say thanks for catching the mistake in the manual. I wonder how much money I saved SIG by not running a misprint??:thank_you2:
So far I can tell you the fit and finish is top notch. I've never had a weapon that had a Cerakote finish until now and I can tell you it looks MUCH better than the standard AR black hardcoat anodize. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Cerakote is applied OVER the hardcoat anodized finish. The FDE finish is also on the INSIDE of both the lower and upper receivers as well. I like this as it helps me see any fouling/grime with ease. There is zero play b/t the upper and lower receivers, but this aided by the rubber thingy in the lower that creates tension b/t the two halves. The tension is so tight that I can't remove the rear take-down pin without using the tip if something (like a bullet) it push it through so I can grab the other side. The rifle comes with a "H" weight buffer. I weighed it at exactly 3.75 oz. I'm going to replace it with Spike's Tactical ST-T2 Heavy Buffer that weighs about 4 oz. I know it works b/c I've read reviews on it's use with the SIG516.
Some folks complain that they don't like the length of the rail b/c it's too short. The way I look at it, if the rail were longer (like my 12" DD rail) the piston system would also have to be extended therefore adding more weight to the rifle. Remember, you can't hide the piston control valve under the rail to extend the rail past it like you can the Gas Block on a DI rifle. I'm not a big fan of extending my arm all the way out and grabbing the end of my rail Chris Costa style, even if everyone is doing it now. I might have to go with a vertical grip or the Magpul AFG (Angled Fore-Grip).
The safety lever has a VERY positive "click" when switching from SAFE to FIRE. It's the best I've ever experienced. Even better than my Bravo Company AR. It came with one FDE Magpul P-Mag. It drops freely without issue. The flip-up sights (BUIS) that came with the rifle are just OK. I've seen better (Midwest Ind. are my favorite). They are black metal, but don't feature a button that you press to unlock them. You just pull them up and push them down. There is no positive "click" with these sights where you feel them lock into place. They actually don't lock into place, but rather just stay in place until you push them down or pull them up. They are good enough that I probably won't replace them, after all they are BUIS. It sure beats the hell out of getting that crappy SIG red-dot that used to come with the SIG516. I think enough people complained that SIG is now shipping all current SIG516s with iron sights only. Good move.
I would like to SIG extend the forend on the 16" model like they've done on the 7" SBR. Note that the gas system itself stays in its current location but the sides and bottom of the rail are extended slightly to cover the gas block.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...l/P1000439.jpg
Yeah, I've noticed that. I still think I would burn my hand.
The extended forend on the 7" model doesn't make contact with the gas block so it doesn't get too hot as long as I don't do a mag dump. Still, there is some convection and heat transfer but the rail doesn't get any hotter than the block itself. Touching a hot gas block is certainly bound to get your attention. If you've brushed up against an A2 front sight post after some full-auto fire you know what I'm talking about.
There's more to the extended forend that just being able to blaze like Chris Costa. The extended rail allows for additional mounting options. This is nice when mounting a flashlight since you can mount the light closer to the muzzle so the light doesn't cast a big shadow. Also, the longer rail allows for mounting slings and lights without giving up space that would otherwise be needed for the support hand.
I also like a longer forend for carrying the rifle in a patrol-type fashion. If you've ever walked a good distance with a little weight on your back, you know it's nice to be able to move your arms around a little once the straps on your ruck start biting into your shoulders and making your arms go to sleep. The old A2 long handguards were good for this since they allowed you to move your support arm to a more comfortable spot while still maintaining the rifle in a ready position.