Sig Sauer developed the MCX rifle for America’s special forces. Their goal: a lightweight firearm that’s as quiet as an MP5, as deadly as an AK-47, and more modular than anything ever designed. Originally chambered in 300 AAC Blackout, SIG built the MCX rifle to fill the same need that inspired the AAC Honey badger.

Having tried this for the very first time in 2016, I can say with conviction that it is badass! Here’s a short clip of me 3 years ago going absolutely nuts with this bad boy.

Specifications:

Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Action: Semi-auto gas piston
Barrel Length: 16″
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: around $2,000

 

After 300 rounds, my verdict:

The MCX looks amazing, the concept behind the operating bits is fantastic, and the execution- spot on. While its accuracy is more or less the same with rifles in the same price range, it exceeds its competitors’ functionality and modularity. My only concern is the heavy trigger.

Accuracy: (4/5) Mechanically, it’s capable of better groups. At 5, 7, 15, 25 yards it’s spot on. At 50 yards, my groupings are at a 4-inch spread. At 100 yards, its kind of a spray and pray. A trigger upgrade is much needed.

Ergonomics: (5/5) Light-weight and savage. Balances well and fits just right.

Reliability: (5/5) Mechanically, I don’t see how this would be more prone to a malfunction comparable to similar carbines. Its engineering and design is rather stellar.

 

Mid-2017, Sig Sauer announced the new MCX VIRTUS. In a press release, the company billed it as the most adaptive, accurate and longest-lasting rifle on the market.

Specifications:

Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK
Action: Short-stroke piston operated, semi-automatic
Barrel Length: 16″
Weight: 7.9 pounds
MSRP: $2,233

Available in .556 NATO and 300 BLK the Virtus is the result of consultations with Special Operations units throughout the world that provided feedback on the original MCX rifle.  The goal was to make the MCX even better, to build the most advanced rifle in the world.

“Virtus” is a name pulled from ancient Rome.  It means virtue, courage, bravery, and excellence.  SIG believes that their new variant embodies those traits.

More accurate, more modular (over 500 different configurations), and more durable (a service life of more than 20,000 rounds all without a single part replacement), this new rifle is ready for any possible need or mission, says SIG. Available in Patrol, Pistol and SBR variants, in Stealth Gray or FDE color, the MCX VIRTUS utilizes the proven SIG SAUER short-stroke piston system and unique internal recoil system that eliminates the M4-style buffer tube. The result is a compact, light-recoiling platform that can be configured for any task.

Offered in both 5.56 NATO and .300 BLK, the Virtus may, at a quick glance, look like a variant of the AR-15, except it is different, a word which you will quickly realize is a huge understatement. The SIG MCX will probably come to mind, but, while the Virtus is based on the MCX, it is substantially more.

Differing from the SIG MCX, virtually none of the components of the SIG Sauer MCX Virtus’ bolt group are interchangeable with it. The Virtus’ mainsprings are captive in their steel end caps and do not separate from the operating rod, so these parts are harder to lose. The op-rod carries a pivoting, spring-loaded, firing-pin lock, which the hammer cams out of the way just before striking the firing pin. This makes it impossible for the firing pin to move forward if the Virtus were dropped. The firing pin has a return spring and even the bolt and charging handle differs from the MCX, but the Virtus’ bolt group operates with glass-like smoothness. With the handguard removed, the gas-block components are identical to those of the MCX. There are two positions: One for use with a suppressor, and one for use without. The magazine-release button is longer top to bottom, but the hardened-steel implant on the left side of the receiver has been maintained to prevent the cam pin from contacting the inside of the alloy receiver. SIG’s standard Virtus/MCX folding stock folds to the left, allowing the SIG Sauer MCX Virtus to be fired in the folded position, if necessary. However, the Virtus’ bolt will not remain locked to the rear when this stock is folded. SIG’s lightweight, thin, folding buttstock or its collapsible variant can replace the standard folder. Additionally, SIG offers an adapter to allow a standard M4 fixed tube to be used in conjunction with any standard sliding stock.

The one BIG difference between the two? Lighter trigger pull! In contrast with the MCX, the MCX Virtus has a “SIG Matchlite Duo” two-stage trigger with clean characteristics and a trigger pull of approximately 2,040 to 2,720 grams instead of a military hard standard trigger. We asked, and SIG delivered.

At approximately $200 more than its predecessor, the MCX VIRTUS continued to improve and upgrade the already ergonomics and engineering. My opinion? The upgrade is worth the buy!

Sig Sauer MCX/MCX VIRTUS Store