Sig Sauer 716i Tread Review: Lightweight AR-10 DMR Build

The Sig Sauer 716i Tread is the direct-impingement evolution of the 716 G2, an AR-10 pattern rifle that strikes a fantastic balance between weight, ergonomics, and reliability. I picked mine up off the shelf at a Midwestern Scheels for roughly $1,300 (they price-matched the best online deal I could find). Inside the case, I received one 20-round polymer magazine, a Sig sticker, and the usual paperwork.

Specifications at a Glance

Sig keeps the package clean but purposeful—you supply the optic, sling, and furniture to taste.

Nomenclature & First Impressions

The 716i’s weight is the first thing that stood out. At just 8.5 pounds unloaded, it is only a couple of pounds heavier than a standard AR-15. For a rifle that I planned to configure into a designated marksman rifle (DMR), that’s welcome news. I can carry it for extended periods without feeling like I’m lugging a boat anchor.

Sig also nailed the ambidextrous controls. From the factory you get:

• Ambidextrous safety selector.
• Ambidextrous magazine release with an oversized paddle.
• QD sling points built into the handguard.

The pistol grip feels very close to a Magpul MOE (complete with storage compartment), while the Magpul SL-K buttstock offers six positions of adjustment. It’s not flashy, but it works, and it keeps weight down. The free-floating handguard uses M-LOK on the 3/6/9 positions with uninterrupted Picatinny across the top, so there is ample real estate for accessories.

My only immediate gripe: the charging handle is a standard, non-ambidextrous AR-15 style unit. It works, but it was the first part I earmarked for replacement.

My Setup

I wanted a flexible DMR that could reach 600 yards but still live comfortably in the backseat. Here’s what I bolted on out of the gate:

• Streamlight 88066 ProTac Rail Mount HL-X — 1,000 lumen weapon light with remote switch.
• Harris bipod (6–9" swiveling) — Small, light-weight & sturday, & tall enough to clear the 20 round magazine during seated & prone firing.
• Trijicon Credo 1-8x28 LPVO — first focal plane glass with generous eye box.
• BCM Gunfighter MOD 3 grip — more vertical angle for DMR work.
• Sig Sauer ambidextrous charging handle — an immediate upgrade over stock.

Fully outfitted, the rifle tips the scale near 10 lb. It’s not featherweight, but I can sling it all day if needed.

Range Performance

I field-tested the 716i over multiple range sessions using Hornady Black 168 gr and Federal Premium 165 gr Barnes TSX .308 loads. The rifle was zeroed with the Credo at 50 yards (per the advice of a seasoned precision shooter friend) and the first three groups were already nearly dead on target, perhaps my luckiest optic mount ever.

Felt recoil & control

Recoil is noticeably more than a standard AR-15, as expected, but far less punishing than a traditional .308 bolt gun. The three-prong flash hider does an admirable job mitigating muzzle rise and tames low-light flash to a tolerable level.

Accuracy results

• 50 yards: My group cloverleafed like a single 12-gauge slug, though I'd be dissapointed if it wasn't while at this distance looking through 8× glass.
• 200 yards: With the 50-yard zero, rounds impacted roughly 4 inches low, perfectly on prediction (4.1", 3.7", 3.7"). The rifle/optic/ammo combo printed tight, centered groups.
• 500 yards: Shooting from the Harris bipod, I could repeatedly ring a human-sized steel silhouette. The 16-inch barrel does mean .308 drop becomes a factor, but holds are manageable once you map them.

After three 20-round magazines in a single session, I felt a bit of shoulder fatigue. Switching to a heavier buffer or firmer spring would soften the impulse, but it isn’t mandatory for recreational DMR work.

Pros & Cons (After Field Time)

What I Like

• Lightweight for an AR-10 platform. The Tread remains easy to carry yet stable.
• Ambidextrous controls, QD sling points, and thoughtful ergonomics out of the box.
• Free-floating M-LOK handguard with full-length Picatinny on top.
• Trigger is crisp for a stock unit; clean break, no major complaints.
• Reliable cycling with both 165 gr and 168 gr loads.

Opportunities / Watch-outs

• Proprietary handguard, BCG, and (stock) charging handle limit aftermarket options.
• Included charging handle is basic—budget for an ambi upgrade (Sig’s own replacement works well).
• Some users report ammo sensitivity with heavier bullets, stick to 165–175 gr for best results.
• At higher round counts, your shoulder will feel the .308 thump. Consider heavier buffer weight/stiffer spring.

Final Thoughts

The Sig Sauer 716i Tread delivers a modern AR-10 experience with refined ergonomics and build quality, all while keeping weight and cost in check. At street prices around $1,200–$1,700, it competes favorably with other DMR-ready rifles—and includes niceties many higher-end options overlook.

It’s a stylish, reliable platform that can fill multiple roles, but it truly shines as a designated marksman rifle. Keep the proprietary parts in mind, upgrade the charging handle immediately, and feed it quality .308, and you’ll have a field-proven rifle that inspires confidence every time you press the trigger.

Bottom line: A capable semi-auto .308 without stepping into the $2K+ custom realm, the 716i Tread deserves a spot on the shortlist.