SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK, a new and improved AR-15 rifle
SIG Sauer introduces the SIG 516-MOHAWK semi-automatic rifle, a new AR-15 variant featuring a short stroke piston, raised top Picatinny rail, side-mounted charging handle, and numerous further improvements for sporting and professional purposes
SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK, a new and improved AR-15 rifle
First showcased in pre-production stage at the various industry trade shows of early 2025 as the "516-G3" and finally officially showcased during the SIG NEXT Range Day on June 17, 2025, the new SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle represents the great return and the third and newest generation of SIG Sauer's SIG 516 line of AR-15 platform rifles and carbines.
The technical features and manufacturing quality of the SIG 516-MOHAWK rifle place it as a high-end alternative for serious use in practical and tactical shooting competitions, for home and property protection, and as a reliable and robust patrol rifle for law enforcement.
In those Countries and jurisdictions where private security personnel is not barred from the use of rifled-bore long guns, the SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK semi-automatic rifle could also represent an interesting (if somewhat expensive) alternative for those security operators who work high-risk duties such as cash-in-transit or surveillance of nuclear power plants, oil refineries, communication infrastructure, Government buildings, and other sensitive locations that could be targeted by criminal or terrorist elements.
Built on two Type III matte black hard-anodized 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receivers, the SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle is based on a short-stroke gas piston working system like many other SIG 516 series rifles.
The gas block valve of the SIG 516-MOHAWK rifle can be adjusted on several positions to ensure reliable operation in adverse conditions, with various types of ammunition, or in conjunction with sound suppressors.
SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle – right side
The 516-MOHAWK rifle comes from factory with SIG Sauer's own, cold-hammer forged 406 mm / 16" barrel, featuring a 1:7" twist rate and a proprietary multi-functional SIG Sauer flash hider / muzzle brake installed on a ½"x28 thread at the muzzle for easy removal and replacement with other categories of muzzle devices.
The barrel is protected by a free-float, machined aluminum M-LOK handguard. A full-length top MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail provides plenty of space for the user to install optics or iron sights; the raised, "Mohawk" style of the top Picatinny rail is where the rifle takes his name from.
SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle – left side
The safety switch, magazine release button and hold-open release catch of the SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK semi-automatic rifle are ambidextrous and installed on both sides of the lower receiver. Additionally, the 516-MOHAWK rifle comes from factory with both a standard T-shaped AR-15 charging handle and a folding, non-reciprocating steel charging handle installed on the left side of the upper receiver.
The cam path, feed ramp, and other wear-prone components of the SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK rifle are manufactured out of steel, and installed modularly to be easily removed for replacement.
Standing at 83 to 91 cm (33" to 36.½") in overall length depending on the position of the stock, and weighing in at 3,49 kilograms (7.7 lbs) when empty, the SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle will feed through AR-15 compatible (a.k.a. USGI, a.k.a. STANAG 4159) detachable magazines of any brand, make and capacity.
Other features of the SIG Sauer 516-MOHAWK semi-automatic rifle include two QD sling swivel cups on the rear portion of the lower receiver; a six-position adjustable MagPul DT collapsible stock; a reduced-angle SIG Sauer polymer pistol grip; and a SIG Sauer Matchlite Duo two-stage, curved-face trigger.
For further information, visit the official SIG Sauer website; for information concerning local availability and pricing outside of the United States, consult the authorized SIG Sauer distributor for your Country.
