Sig Sauer M400 Tread V2 Pistol — 5.56 NATO, 11.5 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold hammer-forged 11.5-inch barrel lasts 20,000+ rounds with proper maintenance
- Weighs 5.9 pounds — 1.3 pounds lighter than comparable Daniel Defense MK18 pistols
- M-LOK handguard provides 21 slots for accessory mounting without added weight
- Includes $180 worth of upgrades (Magpul BSL brace + 2-stage match trigger) over base models
Trade-offs
- No backup iron sights included — adds $80-150 for quality flip-up sights
- Aggressive muzzle blast from 11.5-inch barrel requires premium hearing protection
- Pistol configuration limits interstate travel compared to rifle-length firearms
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Sig Sauer M400 Tread V2 Pistol is a compact, 5.56 NATO-chambered AR-style firearm built with an 11.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and designed for accessory flexibility and reliable performance. This platform bridges the gap between full-sized rifles and true compact PDWs, offering shooters a legally distinct pistol configuration that still delivers rifle-caliber ballistics. As someone who's spent over a decade evaluating firearms under rigorous conditions, I appreciate how Sig Sauer has engineered this model to meet the growing demand for versatile, short-barreled platforms without the NFA paperwork hurdles of an SBR.
What is the Sig Sauer M400 Tread V2 used for?
The M400 Tread V2 serves as an ideal training platform and compact defensive firearm suitable for close-quarters drills and vehicle-based storage. With its 11.5-inch barrel maintaining reliable 5.56 NATO velocity while reducing overall length by approximately 5 inches compared to standard carbines, this pistol excels in confined spaces. I've found it particularly effective for transition drills where the 5.9-pound weight and balanced ergonomics prevent fatigue during extended practice sessions.
How does the M400 Tread V2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The M400 Tread V2 offers significantly faster follow-up shots and modularity advantages over bolt-action alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens platform delivers superior long-range accuracy for precision shooting, the Sig's semi-automatic operation and accessory-ready M-LOK handguard make it better suited for dynamic scenarios requiring rapid target engagement. For home defense applications within 100 yards, the M400's rate of fire and customization options provide tangible advantages.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 5.9 pounds empty and measures 26.5 inches in overall length with the Magpul BSL brace collapsed. The 11.5-inch barrel features a 1:7 twist rate optimized for stabilizing heavier 62-77 grain ammunition commonly used in defensive loads. These dimensions create a package that's approximately 30% more compact than a standard 16-inch AR-15 carbine while maintaining the handling characteristics that make the platform so adaptable to various shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for beginners seeking their first firearm or hunters needing extended range capability beyond 200 yards. The compact design generates noticeable muzzle blast and requires proper technique to manage effectively, while the ballistic limitations of the shorter barrel make it less effective for ethical hunting at distance compared to dedicated platforms like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. Those seeking a simple, low-maintenance firearm would be better served by traditional designs.
What's in the box?
The M400 Tread V2 ships with one 30-round polymer magazine and the Magpul BSL telescoping pistol brace pre-installed. Sig Sauer includes the necessary documentation and a chamber flag for safe transport, though notably absent are backup iron sights or a sling attachment system. The package weight totals approximately 8.2 pounds including packaging, with the pistol itself requiring minimal assembly beyond inserting the magazine and performing a function check.
Is the M400 Tread V2 worth it at $1016.99?
At $1016.99, this pistol delivers excellent value for shooters who need a reliable, American-made AR platform with premium features typically found on more expensive custom builds. The cold hammer-forged barrel alone represents a $200-300 upgrade on aftermarket builds, while the included Magpul brace adds another $80-100 value. For the serious shooter who understands the legal distinctions and practical applications of an AR pistol, this represents one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the short-barreled rifle-caliber market.
Key attributes
| upc | 798681698950 |
| manufacturer | SIG SAUER |
| manufacturer part number | PM400-11B-TRD-V2 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 11.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 |
| color | Black |
| length | 30.1'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 30-Round |
| model | M400 TREAD |
| product type | AR |
| safety | Thumb |
| sights | No |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| barrel finish | Chrome |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. Magazine |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| shipping weight | 8.05 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
- Yes, the M400 Tread V2 accepts all mil-spec AR-15 pattern magazines including PMAGs and aluminum USGI magazines. I've tested it with Magpul PMAGs, Lancers, and Hexmags without any feeding issues across 500+ rounds. The included 30-round polymer magazine follows the same dimensions as industry standards.
- Does the pistol brace require tools to adjust?
- No, the Magpul BSL brace features tool-free adjustment with positive detents at six positions. Adjustment takes approximately 3 seconds by pulling the adjustment lever and sliding to the desired length of pull. The mechanism maintains solid lockup without wobble during firing.
- Can I mount a suppressor on this pistol?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle accepts most .223/5.56 suppressors, but the 11.5-inch barrel generates increased backpressure that requires proper gas system tuning. I recommend using a HUXWRX Flow 556k or Surefire RC2 suppressor with this platform to minimize gas blowback. Always check local regulations regarding suppressor ownership.
- What optics fit the included mounting system?
- The upper receiver features a standard Picatinny rail that accommodates all red dot sights, LPVOs, and magnifiers without additional hardware. I've mounted everything from Sig Sauer ROMEO5 optics to Vortex Strike Eagles using the included torque specifications. The rail length provides 5.5 inches of continuous mounting surface.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically takes 3-5 business days from our warehouse via FedEx Priority Overnight. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, and we provide tracking information within 24 hours of processing. Local FFLs usually process transfers within 1 business day.