SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR, the semi-automatic version
One year after the launch of a limited edition on the US market, SIG Sauer announces the introduction of the MCX-SPEAR rifle, a civilian version of the US Army XM7 rifle
On February 28th, 2023, SIG Sauer announced the commercial introduction on the US market of the SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR multi-caliber semi-automatic rifle, a civilian-grade version of the XM7 rifle (previously known as the XM5) officially adopted in 2022 at the pinnacle of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program.
SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR rifle, 16" barrel variant – right side
SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR rifle, 16" barrel variant – left side
Back in January 2022, SIG Sauer had announced the launch of a small, limited edition run of MCX-SPEAR rifles dedicated solely to the US commercial market. Despite the high price tag (MSRP being set at $7,999.00!), market reception has been good enough to persuade SIG Sauer into making the MCX-SPEAR into a fully commercially available product.
Like its select-fire military counterpart, the SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR features an externally-adjustable gas valve, a short stroke piston with a rotating bolt, a side-folding and adjustable buttstock, and an ambidextrous controls configuration that is quite reminiscent to that of the AR-15 platform, with the addition of a second charging handle on the left side of the upper receiver.
SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR rifle, 12" barrel variant – right side
SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR rifle, 12" barrel variant – left side
The SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR features a machined aluminum M-LOK handguard, providing lots of room for accessories; a full-length top MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for optics and iron sights; and a 33 cm / 13" or 40,6 cm / 16" chrome-moly steel barrel with a 1:10" twist rate and a three-prong flash hider.
Other features include a curved-face, Match-grade trigger; a MagPul SL-M stock (both folding and extendable to six different lengths); a polymer ergonomic grip; and a full, precision-machined aluminum construction. QD sling swivel cups are integrated on both sides of the lower receiver, behind the trigger guard, as well as on both sides of the handguard.
SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR rifle, 12" pistol variant – right side
SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR rifle, 12" pistol variant – left side
The SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR is available in 7.62x51mm NATO (compatible with .308 Winchester ammunition) and 6.5 Creedmoor, feeding through MagPul P-MAG SR-25 20-rounds magazines in both cases. Versions and conversion kits for the NGSW 6.8x51mm caliber (a.k.a. .277 Fury) will be available once the industrial supply chain will be able to provide ammunition in said caliber in sufficient quantity.
The SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR semi-automatic multi-caliber rifle is also available in a "pistol" version, featuring a 13" barrel and a short Picatinny rail affixed to the rear of the lower receiver in lieu of a stock, allowing the installation of the shooter's choice of stocks, armbraces, or other similar devices depending on local laws and regulations. All models feature a full coyote tan anodized finish, and weigh in at 3,4 kilograms (7.6 lbs), 3,9 kg (8.6 lbs) or 4,2 kilograms (9.2 lbs) depending on the configuration.
