The self-loading SIG716 rifle is a line of semi-automatic weapons based on the SIG Sauer AR-10. It comes with four adjustments in which the short-stroke gas piston mechanism can be modified. The metal sights have screwdriver-adjustable windage and two rear aperture sight plates.
So it is seemingly a very satisfying rifle, but there are some issues with it too. The most common problems with the SIG Sauer 716 are FTF/FTE issues, cycling and locking open, hammer/ bolt failures and chambering problems.
In this article, you will find the fix to these problems. Additionally, you will find what the users currently experience with this product. Read the entire article to find out!
Features & Specifications of SIG Sauer 716:
| Cartridge | 7.62 X 51 mm NATO, .308 Winchester. |
| Capacity | 10/20 rounds. |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm / 16″ (Patrol), 504 mm / 20″ (Precision Sniper). |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs |
| Length | 37.4 inches. |
| Height | 7.31 inches. |
| Action | Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary bolt locking |
| Safety | Ambidextrous safety. |
| Sights | Metal sights. |
Common SIG Sauer 716 Problems and Solutions
The owners deal with many common SIG Sauer 716 problems. Here are some of the issues and how to solve them.
Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| FTF/FTE Issues | Troubleshoot. Send to SIG. |
| Cycling and Locking Open | Lighten the spring. |
| Hammer/ Bolt Failures | Send to SIG. |
| Chambering Problems | Send to SIG. |
1. FTF/FTE Issues:
There may be stove piping, forcing you to rip the casing out of the chamber. Additionally, you may be unable to pull the charging lever back since it appears to be jammed. The rifle still may not function well even with a full magazine.
Often the rifle will not feed standard NATO ammo that it advertises using. In the chambered position, the rounds prevent the bolt from closing all the way.
It requires manual ejection with the use of a rubber mallet on the charging handle. The bullets’ noses on the removed rounds may have scratches. This suggests that the bullet made contact with the lands and grooves.
The Fix:
The 716 loves larger weight bullets. You can use 147 & A50 with no problems. Secondly, confirm that the gas system is appropriately assembled and that it is in the proper setting.
But if you still experience FTE, try some heavier material. Once you’ve tried both bullet weights and confirmed gas location, call SIG and ask them how to proceed.
You might also try lubing before any of this but I doubt that will work.
2. Cycling and Locking Open:
It would eject after firing but fail to capture the following round. This is a “bolt action”. In essence, the bolt action is the bolt not locking open.
The Fix:
Some buffer springs are too tight from the factory. Not all springs have the same tension/weight.
This is why some fixes worked and some rifles shoot the lighter ammo perfectly, whereas other rifles do not operate correctly when shooting light ammo and do not cycle correctly or lock open. However, they do so when shooting hot ammo.
In fact, these problems are caused by some springs being up to 3 pounds heavier than others. The rifle should be able to fire any kind of ammunition, not just hot ammo, if the buffer spring is cut or broken.
3. Hammer/ Bolt Failures:
The bolts stops locking back and eventually stops manually locking. Replacing both the bolt and bolt catch may not be a good idea. This problem may be recurring.
The bolt catch may get chipped and deteriorate. The bolt and charging handle go nearly all the way home when a bullet is slammed from a magazine before stopping. Upon pressing the trigger, the hammer may fall and then click with no bang.
It should be stripped, cleaned, and lubricated. The bolt and carrier would produce a “squishing” sound when almost fully compressed while you take it apart.
The Fix:
This is a tricky issue. You may get many suggestions in the forums or reddit threads for this. However, the best solution is to get a reimbursement from SIG.
4. Chambering Problems:
The rounds may not chamber properly. You may even have to use your foot on the charging handle to unchamber the round. Additionally, it can be quite difficult to pull back the charging handle.
The bullet tip would be disfigured on rounds that would chamber. Especially if you discharged the rifle by pushing back on the charging handle.
The Fix:
The best thing you can do is to polish the feed ramp and bore. Then change the bolt and firing pin. Most probably to the twin extractor version.
This is best done by SIG. So send the gun to them for proper troubleshooting. Do not DIY this.
User Feedback on SIG Sauer 716
The 716 Patrol is unquestionably not a “match” rifle in this circumstance. Although a lot of people report being in 1 MOA group, don’t assume that’s “the standard” for everyone. A rifle of this kind that consistently fires “ball” ammunition at 2-3 MOA is a real shooter.
However, with the SIG Sauer 716,the previous models had problems with cycling and gas. The MagPul FDE MOE Grip with the FDE ACS stock comes standard with this rifle. The receiver set and rails’ finish color complements the MagPul furniture well.
The ACS stock is installed by Sig precisely as it leaves MagPul. The retail packaging for MagPul is distinct from the packaging provided for magazines. The iron sights that are provided are similar to the Troy Battle Sights.
They come with the H-K style ears on the front sight. The Sig 716 comes fitted with an ambidextrous magazine release, and the front of the lower receiver has grooves on it for grip if you choose to use the mag well instead of a rail-mounted gripping device.
Thesefeatures seem to resonate well with the users. Moreover, a lot of modifications can be found with these rifles. The possibilities are limitless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the problem with SIG 716 in India?
The rifle itself is fine. It’s the quality of local Ammunition that causes problem. It works fine with the imported rounds from USA.
Is there a different manufacturer that produces the upper that fits the 716 lower?
The 716 receivers don’t follow the DPMS or AR10 pattern. SIG chose a proprietary design for these firearms. No other company produces uppers or lowers in the SIG pattern. Lancer is the only manufacturer that makes carbon fiber hand guards for the rifle.
Is there a standard part on the SIG 716?
The pistons are proprietary. However, the rest of the rifle may have a conventional arrangement, such as those that have had DI conversions to piston. You may swap out the barrel bolt carrier, trigger, and other components.
Conclusion
Having said that, go ahead and purchase the 716. It appears that most people like the rifle. The customer service is great and they appear to solve most of the issues.
You can also shoot both the 7.62 and .308 without any issues. Again, the objective of purchasing a nice rifle like a SIG is defeated if you use WOLF ammunition in it.
That being said, poor ammo is not the rifle’s fault. And it mostly performs well as the condition suits it best. So my suggestion would be to purchase the rifle if you’re okay with a few of the issues (mentioned in the article) happening here and there.
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