SIG MCX | |
---|---|
![]() The SIG MCX with a standard folding stock | |
Type | Carbine Semi-automatic rifle Assault rifle (selective fire variants only) |
Place of origin | United States[1] |
Service history | |
In service | 2015–present |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | SIG Sauer |
Unit cost | MCX VIRTUS Patrol: MSRP US$2,233 MCX VIRTUS SBR: MSRP US$2,233 MCX VIRTUS Pistol: MSRP US$2,235[2] |
Produced | 2015–present |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 2.61 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) |
Length | 730 mm (29 in) stock unfolded (229 mm barrel) 908 mm (35.7 in) stock unfolded (406 mm barrel) |
Barrel length | 229 mm (9.0 in) 292 mm (11.5 in)[3] 406 mm (16.0 in) |
Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO .300 AAC Blackout |
Action | Short-stroke gas-operated piston, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire | 800 rounds/min |
Muzzle velocity | MCX Carbine 5.56×45mm NATO: 3,000 ft/s (914 m/s)[4] |
Effective firing range | MCX Carbine 5.56×45mm NATO: 1,650 ft (503 m)[4] |
Feed system | 30-round detachable STANAG box magazine |
Sights | Picatinny 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 rifle was further developed into the SIG MCX Spear, which was adopted in its .277 Fury chambering as the XM5 by the U.S. Army in 2022.
History
The SIG MCX was first 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] A SIG MCX was used in the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, which at the time was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, now second to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.[7]
Design
The SIG MCX series features a short-stroke gas piston system to reduce recoil and improve the reliability of the weapon; this was based on the design of the earlier SIG MPX.[8] The MCX features a system that allows for 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.[8][9] The MCX is designed to deliver optimal performance with .300 AAC Blackout and an optional suppressor.[10]
The barrel's profile is tapered at the crown to allow the installation of muzzle devices and direct-thread sound suppressors without the use of washers that degrade performance and allows 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.[11][12] It features hardened steel wear points.[8][11]
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.[8][12] The overall layout of the two rifles is similar.[13] SIG designed the upper receiver to be compatible with standard AR-15 and M16 lower receivers[8][11] with the help of an adapter.[14]
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.[15][16]
Variants
SIG MCX
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.[8]
SIG Sauer offers the rifle in semi-automatic only in three different configurations for the civilian market:
- The SIG MCX PATROL is the standard configuration of the rifle with a 406 mm (16 in) barrel.
- The SIG MCX SBR is a short-barreled rifle configuration of the rifle with a 229 mm (9 in) barrel. (Under U.S. federal law, rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches are Title II weapons, which are subject to federal restrictions, as well as being regulated by state laws).[8]
- The SIG MCX Pistol is the pistol configuration of the rifle with a 229 mm (9 in) barrel or 292 mm (11.5 in) barrel and comes either with the SIG Sauer SBX (pistol stabilizing brace) or SIG Sauer PCB (pistol pivoting contour folding brace). (This configuration fits the U.S. legal definition of a "handgun", in that it is only designed to be fired with a single point of contact with the shooter's body,[17] though it is really a compact carbine rifle, as it fires an intermediate round. The BATFE previously warned users that shouldering a weapon fitted with the SIG SBX, or a similar forearm brace, and not registered as a short-barreled rifle, constitutes the making of a short-barreled rifle, which is a Title II weapon.[18] However, as of April 2017, this is no longer the case).[19]
- The SIG MCX Low Visibility Assault Weapon (LVAW) is a short-barreled, suppressed, select-fire variant available only to military and law enforcement agencies. It is nicknamed the "Black Mamba".[20][21]
SIG MCX VIRTUS
The SIG MCX VIRTUS is the second generation of the SIG MCX series and was introduced in 2017.
- The SIG MCX VIRTUS Patrol is the standard configuration assault rifle that features a 406 mm (16 in) barrel, a 1:7 inch twist, a custom Sig Matchlite Duo Trigger for improved accuracy, a folding and collapsing 5-position stock, four handguard lengths to choose from, interchangeable barrels and a special internal recoil system.[22][23]
- The SIG MCX VIRTUS SBR is the short-barreled rifle configuration of the MCX VIRTUS. It features a 292 mm (11.5 in) barrel for the 5.56×45mm NATO caliber, and a 140 mm (5.5 in) barrel and 229 mm (9 in) barrel for the .300 AAC Blackout caliber.[4][3]
- The SIG MCX VIRTUS Pistol is the pistol configuration of the MCX VIRTUS which features an SBX stabilizer brace. It features an 292 mm (11.5 in) barrel for the 5.56×45mm NATO caliber, and a 229 mm (9 in) barrel for the .300 AAC Blackout caliber.[4][24]
SIG MCX RATTLER
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).[25] In February 2018, USSOCOM ordered upper receiver group conversion kits for the MCX Rattler in .300BLK for evaluation.[26] 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.[27]
Derivatives
SIG MCX-MR (Mid Range)
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.[28] 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.[29]
SIG MCX SPEAR
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.[30][31][32][33] Sig Sauer was chosen as the winner on 19 April 2022, designating the weapon the XM5 in U.S. military service.[34]
Users
Belgium: DSU[35] and the special response unit of the Ghent local police (COPS)[36]
Canada: Saskatchewan Conservation Officers.[37]
Estonia: Used by the K-Commando[38]
France : Groupement de commandos de montagne, 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade, 5 in 2021, all rifles acquired in .300 AAC Blackout.[39]
Germany: Berlin Police, 300 modified MCXs to meet the police's requirements were ordered in October 2017,[40] plus an additional 160 units for the SEK of Berlin,[41] Landespolizei of Schleswig Holstein, 531 units ordered.[42] Rhineland-Palatinate Police: more than 100 rifles ordered in late 2019.[43]
Netherlands: Used by the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces and the Dienst Speciale Interventies. All rifles acquired in .300 AAC Blackout and fitted with the SIG Suppressed Upper Receiver.[44][45]
Poland: Jednostka Wojskowa Grom and JW Formoza acquired the SIG MCX VIRTUS and MCX RATTLER in .300 AAC Blackout with conversion kits to 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×39mm ammunition.[46]
Portugal: Polícia de Segurança Pública acquired SIG MCX in 5.56×45mm NATO used by Special Operations Group (Portugal).[47]
Ukraine: Used by the SBU Alpha Group.[48]
United Kingdom: Used by the Police Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers including the Metropolitan Police Service[49] and UKSF to replace the HK MP5SD3s.[50]
United States: XM5 being acquired for all DoD branches. SIG MCX Rattler in .300BLK is being acquired for USSOCOM forces. The LVAW (Low Visibility Assault Weapon), an MCX variant, was used by multiple SOCOM forces including United States Navy SEALs, Delta Force, and Joint Special Operations Command.[51]
See also
- AR-15 style rifle
- LR-300, another folding stock AR-15 style rifle
- AR-18, another Short-stroke piston, rotating bolt folding stock AR-15 style rifle
References
- ^ a b "The Introduction of the MCX Assault Rifle" (PDF). Understanding the Sig Sauer MCX Assault Rifle Used in the Orlando Mass Shooting. Violence Policy Center. June 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
- ^ "MCX VIRTUS". sigsauer.com. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ a b "Sig MCX VIRTUS SBR". sigsauer.com. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "SIG MCX". Military Factory. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ "2017 SIG SAUER Catalog". dcatalog.com. SIG Sauer. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
- ^ "Sig Sauer MCX Mandatory Recall". SOFREP News. 24 December 2014.
- ^ Gibbons-Neff, Thomas. "The gun the Orlando shooter used was a Sig Sauer MCX, not an AR-15. That doesn't change much". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. Retrieved 2017-07-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g "First Look: SIG Sauer MCX". Guns & Ammo. January 13, 2015. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019.
- ^ Leghorn, Nick (October 17, 2015). "Gun Review: SIG SAUER MCX". The Truth About Guns. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
- ^ "SIG Sauer MCX Carbine". American Rifleman.
- ^ a b c Merrill, David (16 January 2015). "RECOIL Exclusive: Breakdown of the Sig MCX". Recoil.
- ^ a b Warden, Drew (October 7, 2015). "Full Review: SIG Sauer MCX". Gun Digest.
- ^ Utley, Sean (30 June 2015). "Sig Sauer's MCX Rifle: An Elite Modular Weapons System". Tactical Life.
- ^ "AR Lower Receiver Extension Adapter for SIG MCX Upper - Soldier Systems Daily". Retrieved 2017-06-10.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "First Look – USSOCOM's New Suppressed Upper Receiver Group (SURG) from SIG SAUER". Soldier System Daily. 2 August 2018. Archived from the original on 30 December 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ 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"
- ^ "The Rise And Fall Of The SB-15 'Sig Brace'". Grand View Outdoors. 24 March 2015.
- ^ "Brace Yourself: ATF Reconsiders Obama-Era Policy on Stabilizing Braces". National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action. 25 April 2017.
- ^ "On the range with Sig Sauer's MCX 'Black Mamba'". Military Times. 17 April 2014.
- ^ Neville, Leigh (31 March 2016). Guns of Special Forces 2001 – 2015. Casemate Publishing. pp. 142–143. ISBN 978-1-4738-8102-0.
- ^ Martin, Clay (3 November 2017). "Ready for Any Mission: SIG Sauer MCX Virtus — Full Review". gunsamerica.com. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ "Sig MCX VIRTUS Patrol". sigsauer.com. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ "Sig MCX VIRTUS Pistol". sigsauer.com. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ "SIG MCX RATTLER SBR". SIG Sauer. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ Moss, Matthew (9 February 2018). "SOCOM to Evaluate SIG Sauer's MCX Rattler". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ Moss, Matthew (23 May 2022). "SIG Sauer Rattler Wins US SOCOM Personal Defense Weapon Contract". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ Jahner, Kyle (8 April 2016). "H&K confirms: This is the Army's new and improved sniper rifle". Army Times. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
- ^ Merrill, David (21 May 2015). "RECOIL Exclusive: An Inside Look at Sig Sauer's CSASS – The MCX-MR". Recoil.
- ^ "U.S. Military and Agency Sales | SIG SAUER".
- ^ "SIG Sauer NGSW-R MCX Spear assault rifle (USA)". December 2019.
- ^ "SIG MCX Spear: The U.S. Army's Next Rifle?". 23 March 2021.
- ^ "[TFB GUNFEST] the SIG Sauer MCX Spear NGSW Rifle -". 15 January 2021.
- ^ Army chooses Sig Sauer to build its Next Generation Squad Weapon. Army Times. 19 April 2022.
- ^ DSU Operator using a SIG MCX
- ^ "De collectieve wapens, 5 stuks - Sig Sauer MCX, zijn in het bezit van de Politie sinds 18 oktober 2017. "
- ^ "Sask. seals deals to equip conservation officers with carbines". CBC News.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "FOTOD: Suure politseiõppuse käigus harjutati ohtlike kurjategijate tabamist". June 20, 2018.
- ^ "7e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins Facebook page". Facebook. 22 September 2021.
- ^ "Sturmgewehr soll Terroristen abschrecken - Neue Super-Waffe für Berliner Polizisten". bild.de.
- ^ "STRATEGIE & TECHNIK: Streifengewehr in Schleswig-Holstein: 522 SIG MCX für die Landespolizei". November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Polizei in Schleswig-Holstein bekommt 522 neue Sturmgewehre". LN - Lübecker Nachrichten.
- ^ "Rheinland-Pfalz stattet Einheit mit Mitteldistanzwaffen aus". www.sueddeutsche.de.
- ^ Wilk, Remigiusz (24 November 2016). "SIG MCX rifles delivered to Dutch special forces". IHS Jane's 360. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly.
- ^ "Dutch MARSOF officially purchase .300 BLK SIG MCX Rifles". The Firearm Blog. 2016-12-09.
- ^ Pacholski, Łukasz (2021-05-28). "Operatorzy Formozy otrzymają nowe karabinki automatyczne". Radar (in Polish). Retrieved 2021-06-12.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Request Rejected". www.psp.pt. Archived from the original on 2019-01-23. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
- ^ "Спецподразделение "Альфа" и боевые машины: СБУ будет работать в день выборов 2019 – фото и видео". 30 March 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
- ^ "SCO19 Spotted With MCX Carbine". Elite UK Forces. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- ^ Neville, Leigh (2019). The Elite: The A-Z of Modern Special Operations Forces. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1472824295.p.43
- ^ "This LVAW is SOCOM's overpowered answer to the SMG". Sandboxx. 2021-08-09. Retrieved 2021-12-23.
External links
Media related to SIG MCX at Wikimedia Commons
Quotations related to SIG MCX at Wikiquote
- SIG MCX on SIG Sauer's official website
- sigsauer.com Archived 2020-08-25 at the Wayback Machine
- Guide To The SIG Sauer MCX - The Firearm Blog