The family of SIG 516 Tactical rifles is a most recent product of the US-based branch of the international arms maker SIG-Sauer. Intended primarily for the US markets, this family of weapons included two basic semi-automatic versions, intended for civilian and Law Enforcement markets. The same family also includes selective-fired "assault rifles", strictly intended for Government (LE and Military) use. The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are closely patterned after the Ar-15 / M16 family of rifles, but with certain improvements, such as piston-operated gas action with adjustable gas regulator. It is possible that select-fire version of the SIG 516 rifle will also compete for replacement of the current US Army's M4 carbine.
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| SIG 516 Patrol rifle |
The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 516 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifles have longer 18-inch barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forend.
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| SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifle |
| SIG 516 Patrol | Sig 516 Precision Marksman |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO / .223 Remington |
| Action | Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary bolt locking |
| Overall length | 920 ... 947 mm | 914 ... 1003 mm |
| Barrel length | 406 mm / 16" | 457 mm / 18" |
| Weight, less magazine | 3.3 kg | 3.5 kg |
| Rate of fire (for MIL / LE versions only) | 750 - 900 rounds per minute | n/a |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
