Sig Sauer R516G3556N16B 516 G3 Mohawk 5.56 NATO 30+1 16" Black FNC Barrel, Black Anodized Alloy Receiver w/Picatinny Rail, M-LOK Handguard, Black Polymer Stock, Textured Grip, Ambidextrous
The Sig Sauer 516 G3 Mohawk is a 5.56 NATO semi-automatic rifle built around a short-stroke piston system that sets it apart from direct-impingement designs. Born from over a decade of Sig's internal engineering work, the Mohawk combines proven reliability with modern ergonomics—making it equally at home on the range, in the field, or as a dependable patrol and duty rifle. If you want a piston-driven AR platform that handles extreme conditions without flinching, this is the rifle to consider.
The 16-inch cold hammer-forged barrel (1:7 twist) comes ready to shoot with a SIG Flash Hider-Compensator. Ambidextrous controls throughout—charging handle (rear and side non-reciprocating), bolt catch, magazine catch, and safety—mean left- and right-handers operate it equally well. The free-floating M-LOK handguard gives you clean sight lines and versatile mounting options for lights, lasers, or grips. Steel-reinforced components at high-wear areas (cam path and feedramp) extend service life, while the adjustable gas system lets you dial in performance for different ammunition or conditions. A Matchlite Duo curved trigger and 6-position Magpul DT stock round out a rifle that prioritizes user convenience without sacrificing durability.
At 7.7 pounds and 36.5 inches overall (33 inches collapsed), the 516 G3 Mohawk balances maneuverability with controllability. It ships with one 30-round polymer magazine and accepts standard AR-15 magazines. Black anodized receiver, textured grip, and Picatinny rail make it a solid foundation for optics and accessories.
Key Features
- Short-stroke piston with adjustable gas system for reliable function across ammo types and harsh conditions
- Fully ambidextrous controls (charging handle, bolt catch, mag catch, safety) for either-hand operation
- Non-reciprocating charging handles (rear and side) keep the ejection port clear and free from obstruction
- Free-floating M-LOK handguard for accurate shooting and modular accessory mounting
- Steel-reinforced high-wear components (cam path, feedramp) for extended reliability and service life
- Matchlite Duo curved trigger for smooth, consistent breaks
- SIG Flash Hider-Compensator to reduce muzzle signature and control recoil
- Cold hammer-forged barrel with proven durability and accuracy
- 6-position Magpul collapsible stock for quick length-of-pull adjustments
- Picatinny rail on receiver for optics mounting
Specifications
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO |
| Action | Semi-Auto |
| Operating System | Short-Stroke Piston with Adjustable Gas System |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer-Forged Steel |
| Twist Rate | 1:7 |
| Muzzle Threading | 1/2-28 tpi tapered shoulder |
| Muzzle Device | SIG Flash Hider-Compensator |
| Trigger | Matchlite Duo Curved |
| Stock | Magpul DT 6-Position Collapsible |
| Grip | AR-Compatible Reduced Angle (Textured) |
| Handguard | Free-Floating M-LOK Alloy |
| Rails | Picatinny (receiver); M-LOK (handguard) |
| Receiver | Black Anodized Alloy |
| Charging Handles | Non-Reciprocating (Rear & Side) |
| Ambidextrous Controls | Yes (Bolt Catch, Mag Catch, Safety, Charging Handle) |
| Forward Assist | Yes |
| Magazine Type | AR-15 Pattern |
| Magazines Included | 1x 30-Round Polymer |
| Overall Length | 36.5 inches (stock extended) |
| Collapsed Length | 33 inches (stock collapsed) |
| Width | 3.3 inches |
| Height | 7.8 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the advantage of a piston-driven rifle over a standard AR-15?
The 516 G3 Mohawk's short-stroke piston system cycles gas away from the receiver and bolt carrier, keeping the internals cleaner and cooler than direct-impingement designs. The adjustable gas system also lets you tune performance to your ammunition and mission, improving reliability under harsh conditions or with varying loads.
Is this rifle good for left-handed shooters?
Yes. The 516 G3 Mohawk is fully ambidextrous, with charging handles on both the rear and side (non-reciprocating so they don't interfere), plus ambidextrous bolt catch, magazine catch, and safety controls. Either-handed shooters get equal functionality.
What magazines does the 516 G3 Mohawk use?
It accepts standard AR-15 pattern magazines. One 30-round polymer magazine is included with the rifle.
Can I mount a scope or red dot on this rifle?
Yes. The rifle features a Picatinny rail on the receiver for mounting optics. The M-LOK handguard also allows you to attach lights, lasers, or other accessories to the forend.
What's the barrel twist rate, and what ammunition does it stabilize?
The 516 G3 Mohawk has a 1:7 inch twist rate. This aggressive twist is capable of stabilizing a wide range of 5.56 NATO loads, from lighter 55-grain to heavier 75+ grain rounds, making it versatile across different shooting scenarios and ammunition types.

