Here are a couple photos I snapped while attending this year’s SHOT show. This is the new Lancer carbon fiber forend for the SIG line of piston guns. The same items were on display at the SIG booth and I’m told the SIG will be available with the Lancer forend as a factory option.
As can be seen, the new Lancer extends over the gas block yet still allows access to the gas regulator. The forend attaches to the rifle using the existing mounting bolts and is a drop-on replacement.
It is my understanding that the new forend will be available in a standard length and an extended length so shooters will have a choice depending on shooting style. Personally, I plan on getting the extended version that allows for a more extended support arm.
I believe the carbine length railed handguard is the “weak link” in the current SIG 516 and am glad to see Lancer stepping in to offer an aftermarket solution.
On the surface, this looks like good news. Hopefully these will turn out to be good hardware. The only thing that I am a bit unhappy about with my 516 is the weight. Looking forward to reading some reviews. Thank you for posting this.
Using the info on SIG’s website, the 516 Patrol has a listed weight of 7.3 pounds. The model equipped with the carbon fiber handguard shows 7.1 pounds.
I might have misunderstood Nathan when I talked to him but I thought he said the initial batch of 516 models were ready to ship. We also talked very briefly about the 716 handguards but those aren’t ready yet. Soon, hopefully, since both platforms could benefit from a longer forend.
Interestingly, there are already a couple of the factory SIG516 carbon models for sale on gunbroker.
The new forend arrived today. It took about five minutes to install and is literally nothing more than removing the factory rail and replacing it with the Lancer. The Lancer comes with its own screws but the two screws that attach the bottom clamp are re-used as is the clamp and key from the original forend.
The Lancer, with no screws or other mounting parts, weighs 10.2 ounces. The rail without attaching parts weighs 9.2 ounces.
The forend has a top rail that is the same length as the factory rail and there is no provision for mounting a short piece of rail along the top in front of the gas block. I suppose if someone wanted to, the forend could be drilled and a short section could be screwed on. Maybe one of the little sections of Magpul MOE rail could be affixed but I’ll let someone else worry about that.
Negatives so far is only one. The gas piston is not removable without taking the carbon fiber section off the handguard. This is probably going to be a big deal to some users. Another small point, adding only an academic improvement, would be to number the slots on the new section of top rail.
Anyway, there you have it. Let me know what questions you have. I’ll try to get some better photos tomorrow.
Mine is marked “Lancer” back along the aluminum inserts.
The forend is pretty solidly attached. It is actually three pieces. There’s an upper and lower section made of aluminum and then the carbon fiber tube. The aluminum sections clamp to the barrel nut like the original and then the tube slides on and is attached to the aluminum sections with six screws. The instructions say blue thread locking compound may be used if desired.
Some general photos of the carbon fiber forend. Note that it does completely clear the bayonet lug. Plenty of ventilation so the forend should stay nice and cool.
no prob…cant wait for them
