SIG Sauer Introduces New M400 Carbine

SIG Sauer, Inc., the leading manufacturer of commercial, law enforcement and military firearms, introduces an improved version of the current 5.56x45mm military issue centerfire tactical carbine, the SIG M400. The SIG M400 has been introduced for consumers who prefer the direct impingement gas system and have an inventory of parts and accessories for the original M4-style carbine. Built with SIG Sauer quality and reliability, the SIG M400 is also an exceptional value for those seeking an AR-platform rifle. To increase accuracy over mil-spec carbines, the SIG M400 features a tensioning device designed into the lower receiver that ensures a tight lockup and eliminates accuracy-robbing play between the upper and lower receivers. The lower receiver has all the same features as the SIG 516 such as an ambidextrous magazine release and rear quick-detach sling mount. Both receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum forgings and coated with a durable phosphate finish. The upper receiver features an integrated Mil-Std 1913 accessory top rail for mounting optics and accepts most M16/AR-15-style furniture. A six-position collapsible polymer stock offers adjustability to fit all shooters. An enhanced version of the SIG M400 features all Magpul furniture. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the SIG M400 will be available in semiautomatic for commercial users. Three-round burst or fully automatic versions will be made available for military and law enforcement. Built to full military specifications, the SIG M400 features a 16-inch chrome moly steel barrel with a chrome-lined chamber and bore. A direct-gas impingement system operates a seven-lug, rotating bolt. The muzzle is threaded 1/2 x 28 TPI to accept a variety of flash hiders, compensators or suppressor mounts. An M16A2 flash compensator is included. A removable sight assembly and carry handle, 30-round magazine and hard case are standard features on this rifle. For more information please contact SIG Sauer, Inc., Dept. SAR, 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH, 03833. Phone: (603) 772-2302. Fax: (603) 773-2113. On the web at www.sigsauer.com.

Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Announces new 8X USMC Sniper Scope

One of the most recognized names in military sniping during the Vietnam conflict was Marine Corps marksman Carlos Hathcock. During his two tours, he was credited with 93 confirmed kills. The rifle he relied on for very precise long range shot placement was a Model 70 Winchester, of .30-06 caliber, topped with an 8x Unertl scope. Scopes of this design, with micrometer click external adjustment, were once favored by long range precision shooters, and quite a few different scope manufacturers offered very similar models. Today, an original USMC marked scope in mint condition can sell for as much as $5,000 to $6,000. With the current interest in shooting and competing with vintage style sniper rifles, just a working standard model scope in very good condition can still bring $2,000 or more. Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics is now adding an 8X USMC-SNIPER model to its Wm. Malcolm line of vintage style riflescopes. Not only will this scope match the originals for extremely precise adjustment of windage and elevation, the new made scope also offers the advantages of modern lens making, with fully multi-coated lens surfaces for maximum light transmission. This scope offers the brightest, clearest, and sharpest optics ever in a riflescope of this design. The scope will be marked with the Wm. Malcolm name over the USMC-SNIPER model designation, and each will be serial numbered – as were the original USMC models. The Marine Corps utilized this style of scope on sniper rifles during WWII and Korea. The new Wm. Malcolm 8X USMC-SNIPER captures the look, the precision and the accuracy capable with riflescopes of this type. At the $549 suggested retail price, it is far more affordable than a serviceable original from the 1940s, or even the 1970s when they were still in production. Like all Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics, the Wm. Malcolm USMC-SNIPER model comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty. You can contact them at Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics, Dept. SAR, 3135 Kashiwa Street, Torrance, CA 90506. Phone: (310) 257-8142. Fax: (310) 257-8096. Website: www.hi-luxoptics.com.

New High Tech Suppressors From Thompson Machine

Thompson Machine’s Poseidon series of sound suppressors represent something truly new on the sound suppressor market. While most 9mm and .45 ACP pistol suppressors are 7 + inches long and weigh in at around 10 ounces or more, Thompson Machine’s Poseidon 9mm is a scant 4.25” in length and weighs a barely-there 3.5oz. Designed to suppress your sidearm to a hearing-safe level without significantly affecting its handling characteristics, the Poseidon series of suppressors uses artificial environment technology combined with a cutting edge baffle design to provide shocking efficiency and sound suppression in an impossibly small package. Perhaps most amazingly, the Poseidon .45 which quiets the bark of the mighty and venerable .45 ACP cartridge is only 4.5 inches long and weighs less than 5oz. In addition to their line of micro-suppressors (which includes a 4-inch .22 LR suppressor called the Wasp for rimfire enthusiasts), Thompson Machine manufactures a full range of suppressors, from 4 different models of .22 LR muzzle suppressor up to 5.56 and .30 cal. centerfire rifle suppressors. Everything that Thompson Machine makes is easily disassemble-able for cleaning and user service, which is also a feature that sets their suppressors apart. For more information you can contact them at Thompson Machine, Dept. SAR, 172 Center Street, Panacea, FL 32346. Phone: (805) 408-5161. Website: www.thompsonmachine.net.

New Bezel Option for Elzetta Flashlights

Elzetta Design, LLC is pleased to announce the release of a third bezel option for its popular line of ZFL-M60 LED Flashlights. The new Low Profile Bezel provides a sleek new look for the Elzetta line, reduces bulk, and accommodates many commercially available filters. Elzetta ZFL-M60 Lights are built to order with all components available separately for complete modularity and easy modification to suit personal preferences and missions. All Elzetta products are made in the USA to the highest standards. More information is available from Elzetta Design, LLC, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 54364, Lexington, KY 40555. Phone: (859) 707-7471. On the web at www.elzetta.com.

Israeli Special Forces DVD from Mako Defense

With the release of its DVD titled Israeli Special Forces Training: Counter Terror Carbine, Mako Defense now offers video training information that enables anyone to understand and apply the unique advantages of the Israeli Method of fighting with a tactical carbine. This DVD parallels the live Mako Defense courses currently being offered across America. It gives viewers the opportunity to learn and practice techniques that can save their lives and the lives of innocent victims. The Israeli Method of fighting revolves around the concept of using speed and accuracy to quickly neutralize any threat, while protecting bystanders. As presented by Mako Defense, it is designed to give U.S. law enforcement officers the most effective methods for working alone, with a partner, or in a team; to give military combatants the skills required for a successful mission; and enable civilians to become highly competent in every aspect of using their tactical rifles for home defense as well as shooting sports. Mako Defense Training – live and on DVD – is fast-paced, exciting and readily understood by everyone. Even in live classes where law enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians often train together, each person is able to learn at their own pace and within their different physical capabilities. DVD training can be repeated and reviewed endlessly at no additional cost, to perfect the Israeli Method techniques shown. Each technique is presented, demonstrated, and then broken down, while being filmed from multiple angles, before being demonstrated at speed in live fire drills. Viewers can experience dry-fire practice of the methods taught in the DVD course. Mako Defense instructors are experienced warriors who have seen extensive action as members of Israel’s most elite special operations units. They are certified as instructors by the Israeli government and teach the Israeli Method on a daily basis in Israel and around the world. The lead instructor featured in these videos has responded to most hostage situations in Israel from 1995 to the making of the video. Instructors were also members of the leading Israeli Police counter-terror and hostage rescue team. They have completed years of service in both a military unit that is the equivalent of the U.S. Delta Force, and in an undercover unit that specializes in the abduction or elimination of high-level terrorists. For more information contact The Mako Group/Mako Defense, Dept. SAR, 1 Lenox Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Phone: (631) 880-3396. Fax: (631) 880-3397. Website: www.themakogroup.com.

New Tactical Pens From Tuff-Writer

Tuff-Writer, Inc. produces a line of tactical pens that are now used by military, SWAT, EMT and civilians that require a pen built to function under extreme conditions. The USA Made Tuff-Writer pen is designed to not only function under the harshest of environmental conditions, but also as a defensive tool where life-saving reliability is an unconditional must. Tuff-Writer pens are precision machined to aerospace tolerances in the United States. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum hard anodized to MIL-A-8625 “F” Standards for maximum durability, the pen’s custom designed spring steel clip is attached with hardened bolts and then chemically bonded. Tuff-Writer pens utilize a pressurized cartridge made by Fisher, which writes at any angle, even upside down. The pens are designed with a screw-on cap so when the pen is closed, it functions as one solid piece, critical as a self defense tool. All Tuff-Writer pens are guaranteed against material and workmanship defects for the life of the pen. For more information please contact Tuff-Writer, Inc., 4292 E. Agave, Phoenix, AZ 85044. Phone: (480) 329-6105. On the web at www.tuffwriter.com.

The SIG Sauer 516 Patrol is one of the latest gas-piston ARs introduced into the U.S. market. Do not confuse the SIG 516 with the SIG 556 derived from the legendary SIG 550 line of assault rifles. Designed to accept AR-15/M16 magazines with rear stock interchangeable with AR-15 designs, the SIG 556’s operating method is closer to the Kalashnikov’s gas-piston operating rod system. There have been references to the SIG 550 operating rod system being described as the Porsche of AK designs due to the tighter tolerances and better workmanship found in SIG Sauer weapons compared to other manufacturers using the AK as a basis of design. The operating rod system keeps the action cleaner, cooler, and overall more reliable. A previous article in SAR (November 2009) covered the SIG 556 in more detail. These positive attributes are what the SIG 516 piston AR seeks to capture while maintaining the popular and well known AR design basis; typified by bolt carrier group, buffer tube, and accessory compatibility that many individual and law enforcement agencies are intimately familiar with. Typical of the Swiss/German engineering background of the company, the design was not hastily introduced. Considering the recent rush by many manufacturers to create gas-piston ARs, SIG decided to enter the fray only after thoroughly exploring the topic and by designing their own short-stroke push rod piston driven system for the AR.

Numerous standard features found in the SIG 516 product line will pleasantly surprise consumers. The SIG 516 seeks to maximize the 50-year old AR design in terms of reliability and operating efficiency. SIG Sauer CEO Ron Cohen, who has been at the company helm for five years, stresses a corporate culture blending U.S. drive/marketing with Swiss/German engineering. This new culture is evident in SIG bowing to U.S. market demands by creating a SIG variant AR-15. The SIG 516 foregoes the previously held European centric attitude of, “if it is not designed here it is not worth it.” The SIG 516 is the AR-15 with SIG refinement typified by self cleaning short stroke/push rod operating system and other features. The SIG twist on the AR design consists of a 3-position gas valve (4-position valve optional), proprietary barrel nut locking system, free-floated aluminum M1913 quad rail system that is “dog boned” at receiver/forend to prevent twisting and provide an uninterrupted top rail, bolt carrier group with integral strike plate and anti-tilt radial grooves, ambidextrous fire control selector, multiple built-in quick detach sling swivel attachment points, and front sight base attached to gas block keeping it independent of quad rail influences to mention a few features.

The SIG 516 AR-style rifle will be offered in numerous configurations. These include LE/military only select-fire versions, various barrel lengths/profiles ranging from 7 inch PDW model to 20 inch Precision Sniper, and several styles of rear stock. SIG 516 barrels are chambered in 5.56x45mm and chrome-lined hammer forged featuring 1:7 RH twist with Nitride finish. The muzzle is threaded 1/2″x28 pattern for flash hiders or other types of muzzle devices. Currently the SIG 516 Patrol is equipped with an A2 style flash hider. Both the lower and upper receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aircraft grade aluminum forgings coated in black anodized finish. The short-stroke push rod operating system with adjustable gas valve is the heart of the SIG 516 setting it apart from other AR designs.

The SIG 516 Patrol is the first model available for wide distribution and weighs 7.3 pounds and has an overall length of 39.5 inches and 36 inches with stock collapsed. It is equipped with a chrome lined M4 contoured style 16 inch barrel surrounded by a four sided aluminum Picatinny rail and A3 style upper receiver. Traditional AR-15 style forward assist plunger button and dust covers are included along with checkering on the magazine well for a more positive grip. The magazine well is chamfered and the raised rails around the magazine release button are pronounced for more positive tactile feedback during weapon manipulation.

An invitation to the SIG Sauer facility in New Hampshire allowed a unique opportunity to review SIG 516 features. Designers and program managers present answered any questions about features along with providing the thought process behind design tweaks. SIG believes they were successful at bringing out the best of the AR design. A SIG 516 Patrol was fired extensively during an open range session where participants got the opportunity to handle the SIG 516 Patrol for themselves. A conservative estimate is at least 1,200 rounds were fired from each of the two SIG 516s made available for hands on evaluation. The rifle was hardly put down during the range time. No function problems were encountered with either of the rifles. One of the rifles was equipped with a Leupold Mk 4 3.5-10x for accuracy demonstration purposes. The SIG 516 proved capable of 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady 60 gr TAP ammunition. Most of the shooting was done with military grade 5.56mm 55gr and 62gr FMJ ammunition. The other SIG 516 was equipped with a SIG Sauer STS 081 red dot optic. It proved more than capable of ringing the various steel targets placed 100-150 yards down range with regularity. The SIG 516 handled as expected from an AR-15 style rifle – quick to the shoulder and with great ergonomics. A point was made to remove the bolt carrier group during the range session to demonstrate gas piston benefit in terms of being much cooler and cleaner compared to a typical gas impingement operated AR. Readers are all too familiar with the basic AR platform to go into minute detail about handling characteristics.

The SIG 516 Patrol has several standard items incorporated in its design for better performance that show SIG’s attention to detail. An enlarged steel barrel nut is utilized in the assembly method of the SIG 516. The steel barrel nut acts as a heat sink to further reduce temperature build-up in the action area as the rifle heats from use. This combined with their proprietary free floated rail design that is “dog boned” together at the receiver ensures accuracy will not be negatively affected by heat from extensive firing or “torque” applied from vertical forward grips or other accessories. A further enhancement in this regard is the front sight placement on the gas block versus the free floated rail minimizing sights being impacted by heat or other factors associated with handrail shifting. Their gas-piston system has three adjustment positions with four settings available as an option. The four positions are standard, adverse, suppressor, and single shot. The gas valve is adjustable via 5.56mm bullet tip, thus if you have ammunition, you have a tool to adjust the gas system. The short-stroke push-rod gas system serves to isolate the action from heat and fouling, especially when compared to the typical AR direct gas impingement method of dumping gas directly into the action. The push-rod system is self cleaning in that any excess gas is vented out of the handguard just behind the gas block.

Strict test protocols were still being conducted and recorded during the visit to SIG Sauer HQ in New Hampshire. One test conducted for the benefit of the conference attendees consisted of a multi-stage reliability torture test by SIG’s Defense Program Manager Robert Wirt. This started out involving loading numerous brands of ammunition and bullet profiles into magazines to be fired in rapid fashion. The SIG 516 Patrol used for this test was a select fire version that had been tracked with over 20,000 rounds fired through it and was still capable of 2.25 inches at 100 yards with military grade ammunition. Once the rifle was smoking hot it was quenched in a 30 gallon barrel of water that produced a steam effect: the rifle was removed from the barrel, magazine inserted, and fired. After this, the rifle was completely buried in a sand berm with magazine inserted and dust cover closed. Again, no problems experienced when uncovered and fired. The finale of the test consisted of a two stage demonstration consisting of submerging the SIG 516 Patrol into a muddy mass prepared on the bank of a pond near the firing line. It was forced into the muck and allowed to remain for a few minutes percolating. Upon removal, it was shook off and fired with no issue besides Mr. Hirt getting muddy. The rifle was then unceremoniously tossed into the pond and allowed to settle to the bottom until bubbles ceased rising to the surface. Mr. Hirt waded into the pond’s cold water to retrieve the rifle informing everyone to stand clear as he was going to fire as soon as he reached the bank. He fired two to three rounds semiautomatic before rotating the selector switch to automatic to finish off the 30-round magazine.

The SIG 516 gas-piston system can be disassembled for maintenance without requiring the rifle’s handguards to be removed. The regulator located in front of the gas block is unscrewed permitting the gas-piston to slide out the front of the handguard. The steel gas-piston rod wears a corrosion resistant coating. A return spring assembly fits around the gas piston with gas vents located on the piston’s forward portion that interacts with the adjustable valve. Cleaning methods for the SIG 516 are familiar to anyone with experience with the AR-15. The rear of the gas-piston rod is what smacks against the bolt assembly’s integral strike’s plate operating the action. SIG decided on using an integral strike plate in lieu of a staked version resembling the staked gas key found on gas impingement ARs or even some other piston driven ARs. This is based on concerns of metal fatigue and not wanting to take the chance of a staked strike plate failing. Gas rings are not needed on the piston driven SIG 516 due to the action impulse derived from the short stroke push rod instead of tapped gas. The rear of the SIG 516 bolt body features radial grooves that serve multiple functions; such as anti-tilt for the bolt assembly along with providing a certain amount of tolerance against any debris that may find its way into the action and buffer tube. These design items are a result of SIG benefitting from the evolution of the piston driven AR system and learning from other manufacturer’s previous mistakes and improving the system. The piston driven AR has evolved quickly with numerous design tweaks along the way. The market will not have long to digest the SIG 516 models erupting from Exeter, NH before its big brother the SIG 716 is on line. The SIG 716 will be chambered in 7.62x51mm.

SIG decided to go the extra mile in designing and manufacturing the SIG 516 to military specifications. This serves multiple purposes ranging from establishing a base line of quality separating the SIG 516 from other piston driven ARs. Along these same lines, the SIG 516 is not only more marketable to private citizens, but also any U.S. law enforcement department or foreign governments looking to equip military or police units with AR style rifles due to this stringent quality standard.

SIG Sauer, Inc.
18 Industrial Drive
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-2302
www.sigsauer.com