SIG M400 Varminter

The SIG M400 Varminter is a new hunting rifle using the AR15/modern sporting rifle platform.  Designed for precision, long range taking of varmints, this M400 is chambered in 5.56 and has a variety of options and features that will be appreciated by many hunters.

First off, the M400 Varminter uses a 22″ match grade, heavy barrel.  The fluted barrel is stainless steel and has a 1:9″ twist, which is fine for stabilizing lighter weight bullets frequently used for varmints.  While a 1:8″ twist is better for heavier bullets, it is literally fast enough to spin apart some lightweight, compressed metal bullets.

The barrel does not come with any muzzle attachments, but it is threaded for a brake or suppressor.

The gun has a built-in tensioning device to eliminate play between the upper and lower receivers.  The M400 Varminter comes standard with a two-stage Geissele match trigger, Hogue rubber grips and free-floating forends.  The receiver is a flat top, so adding a scope is no problem.

Like the other rifles in the M400 line, this gun uses a direct gas impingement system.

SIG M400 Varminter Specifications:

• caliber:  5.56 NATO
• magazine capacity:  five rounds (accepts standard AR/M4 magazines)
• barrel length:  22″
• twist rate:  1:9″
• overall length:  38 1/4″
• weight:  8.1 pounds
• MSRP:  $1,395

The M400 Varminter isn’t listed on SIG Sauer’s website yet, so I’m not sure how long it may be before we see this gun in the sales pipeline.  I would hope by the second quarter, but I am guessing that SIG is covered up with orders for standard M400 rifles right now.  Only time will tell when we see this gun.  Click here for more new guns from the SHOT Show.