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SIG MCX

SIG MCX
SIG MCX with a standard folding stock
TypeAssault rifle
Carbine
Semi-automatic rifle
Place of originUnited States[1]
Service history
In service2015–present
Production history
ManufacturerSIG Sauer
Unit costMCX VIRTUS Patrol: MSRP US$2,233
MCX VIRTUS SBR: MSRP US$2,233
MCX VIRTUS Pistol: MSRP US$2,235[2]
Produced2015–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass2.61 kg (5.8 lb) (229 mm barrel)
2.72 kg (6.0 lb) (292 mm barrel)
3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (406 mm barrel)
Length730 mm (29 in) stock unfolded (229 mm barrel)
908 mm (35.7 in) stock unfolded (406 mm barrel)
Barrel length229 mm (9.0 in)
292 mm (11.5 in)[3]
406 mm (16.0 in)
Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
.300 AAC Blackout
7.62×39mm
ActionGas-operated short-stroke piston, rotating bolt
Rate of fire800–900 rounds/min
Muzzle velocityMCX Carbine 5.56×45mm NATO: 3,000 ft/s (914 m/s)[4]
Effective firing rangeMCX Carbine 5.56×45mm NATO: 1,650 ft (503 m)[4]
Feed system30-round detachable STANAG box magazine
SightsPicatinny rail for mounting iron or optical sights

The SIG MCX is a family of firearms designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer, produced in both selective fire and semi-automatic only models, and features a short-stroke gas piston system, which is inherited from the earlier SIG MPX submachine gun. The MCX is available in rifle, carbine, short-barreled rifle, and pistol configurations (the latter configuration generally conforming to the definition of a compact carbine but for taking a pistol brace rather than a buttstock).[5]

The MCX was further developed into the SIG MCX Spear, which was adopted in its .277 Fury chambering as the XM7 by the U.S. Army in 2022.

History

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The SIG MCX was introduced at SHOT Show 2015. The rifle was originally designed by SIG USA, the subsidiary of SIG Sauer based in New Hampshire.[1] In 2016, SIG recalled some of the rifles that had the first-generation bolt carrier group.[6] It has been used by various SWAT teams and militaries, including the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. A SIG MCX was used in the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, which was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, until exceeded by the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.[7]

Design

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The SIG MCX series features a short-stroke gas piston[8] system to reduce recoil and improve the reliability of the weapon;[9] this was based on the design of the earlier SIG MPX.[10] The MCX features a system that enables conversion between 5.56×45mm NATO, .300 AAC Blackout, and 7.62×39mm ammunition, using standard 5.56 mm STANAG magazines for 5.56×45mm NATO and .300 AAC Blackout, and specially designed STANAG-compatible magazines for 7.62×39mm.[10] The MCX is designed to deliver optimal performance with .300 AAC Blackout and an optional suppressor.[11]

The barrel's profile is tapered at the crown to enable the installation of muzzle devices and direct-thread sound suppressors without the use of washers that degrade performance and enables the devices to self-center on installation. The barrel can be changed in a matter of seconds to another length or a different caliber. Additionally the barrels are nitride coated for corrosion resistance.[12][13] It features hardened steel wear points.[10][12]

First generation MCX variants have a forend made of aluminum with a KeyMod system to add accessories while second generation MCX variants have an M-LOK handguard. Controls are mostly ambidextrous including the charging handle but not the bolt release. Sig produces four stock configurations are available for the MCX carbine.[10][13] The overall layout of the two rifles is similar.[14] SIG designed the upper receiver to be compatible with standard AR-15 and M16 lower receivers[10][12] with the help of an adapter.[15]

An integrally suppressed upper receiver group based on the MCX was selected by USSOCOM for the SURG (Suppressed Upper Receiver Group) contract in July 2018. These suppressed uppers would be paired with existing M4A1 lowers in SOCOM inventory.[16][17]

Variants

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SIG MCX

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The SIG MCX is available with a safe/semi-automatic trigger group for the U.S. civilian market, or safe/semi-automatic/fully automatic trigger group for the military and law enforcement agencies.[10]

SIG Sauer offers the rifle in semi-automatic only in three different configurations for the civilian market:

SIG MCX VIRTUS

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The SIG MCX VIRTUS is the second generation of the SIG MCX series and was introduced in 2017.

SIG MCX RATTLER

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The SIG MCX RATTLER is a short-barreled rifle variant chambered in .300 AAC Blackout and 5.56. It is intended to serve as a personal defense weapon, featuring a 140 mm (5.5 in) barrel, and comes with a Picatinny rail tail interface for attaching either a compact buttstock or a folding PCB (pistol contour brace).[26] In February 2018, USSOCOM ordered upper receiver group conversion kits for the MCX Rattler in .300BLK for evaluation.[27] The MCX Rattler was later selected as the winner of SOCOM's Commercial Personal Defense Weapon (CPDW) contract in May 2022 and suppressed MCX Rattlers will be ordered in 5.56 and .300BLK.[28]

SIG MCX-SPEAR LT

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The SIG MCX-SPEAR LT is the third generation of the SIG MCX, introduced in 2022. With the release of the MCX LT, SIG also designed a new, padded, side-folding stock with an FDE finish option to match the rifles, which civilian versions of the rifle variant are sold with. While the civilian variant is referred to as the "SPEAR LT", referencing the SPEAR from which it derives many of its improvements over the Virtus line, SIG Sauer refers to the military versions as simply the "MCX LT" or "MCX Lightweight".[29]

The defining features of the LT are its new, lightened, handguard and barrel design (borrowed from the SPEAR) ambidextrous bolt catch and release, proprietary SL muzzle device to allow for the use of SIG SAUER's quick detaching SLX and SLH suppressors, and new coyote brown coating (black options are still available for purchase). Intended to serve as a carbine, the civilian model features 11.5-inch (290 mm) or 16-inch (410 mm) barrel and a Picatinny rail tail interface for attaching either a buttstock or a pistol brace. The military model features both of these options, with the addition of 14.5-inch (370 mm) and 9-inch (230 mm) barrels, as well as a custom two-stage match grade select-fire trigger group. It is available in 5.56 mm NATO, .300 Blackout and a 7.62x39mm version with custom 28 round AR-pattern magazines.[30][31]

SIG MCX-SPEAR

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Main article: SIG MCX-SPEAR
For the U.S. Army adopted variant of the MCX SPEAR, see XM7 rifle.

The SIG MCX-SPEAR was developed as SIG Sauer's submission for the United States Army Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program and is chambered in 6.8×51mm SIG Fury cartridge.[32][33][34][35] SIG Sauer was chosen as the winner on 19 April 2022, formerly designated as the XM5 then was later changed to the XM7 in U.S. military service.[36]

SIG MCX-MR

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The SIG MCX-MR (Mid Range) was SIG Sauer's unsuccessful submission for the United States Army's Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program.[37] It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO and has selective fire capabilities. It weighs 8.9 lb (4.0 kg) and features a 406 mm (16 in) fluted, 416 stainless steel barrel, with a 1:10 inch twist, which is manufactured by Bartlein Barrels. The gas system features suppressed and unsuppressed settings. Unlike the handguard of the MCX, which slides off after pulling the front pivot pin, the MCX-MR requires popping off two screws first. It features both an M16/AR-15 type charging handle and a left side charging handle. It uses a 20-round magazine and is also compatible with SR-25 lower receivers for use of SR-25 box magazines.[38]

Users

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Map with SIG MCX users in blue

See also

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References

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  3. ^ a b "Sig MCX VIRTUS SBR". sigsauer.com. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d "SIG MCX". Military Factory. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
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  9. ^ "Is the Sig Sauer MCX Virtus Patrol Better Than an AR-15?". The National Interest. December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
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  16. ^ "USSOCOM Awards SIG SAUER $48 Mil for Suppressed Upper Receiver Group". Soldier Systems Daily. 29 July 2018. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
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  18. ^ Federal Gun Control Act 1968 18 U.S. Code § 921 - Definitions, Cornell.edu, "(29) The term “handgun” means— (A) a firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand"
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  37. ^ Jahner, Kyle (8 April 2016). "H&K confirms: This is the Army's new and improved sniper rifle". Army Times. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
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  66. ^ "Spain get MCX Rattler similar to AR-15/M4 firing the .300BLK". 2023-01-11. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
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