First Look: SIG Sauer MCX Virtus

by
posted on July 12, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sig-sauer-mcx-virtus-patrol-rifle-f.jpg
SIG Sauer launched a new and improved model of its popular MCX platform, called the MCX Virtus, after consulting with numerous special operations groups around the globe to improve the qualities of the firearm.

"SIG has supplied firearms to meet the unique demands of specialized units for decades," said Ron Cohen, president and CEO of SIG Sauer. "Similar to the P320 pistol, the MCX Virtus was created to be the ultimate modular platform, a design that will change the demands of the modern rifle for years to come."

The company named the redesigned rifle the Virtus to highlight the values of courage, bravery and exellence, all qualities embodied by the professional operators for which this rifle was built. The upgraded components of the new Virtus are designed to provide users with greater accuracy, longer service life and wider versatility and modularity. The new rifle is designed to give users 20,000 rounds of operation without requiring a single part replacement.

Some of the upgrades to the platform include a heavier-profile barrel that works to improve accuracy potential. The gun also comes with the company's new Matchlite Duo Trigger, which provides users with a two-stage arrangement that still ensures a clean trigger pull. SIG Sauer also improved the design of the bolt lug in order to provide smoother cycling, thereby lengthening the service life of the bolt.

Increased modularity was also an aim of the upgrades, and SIG Sauer delivered with eight different M-Lok handguards that are available in both suppressor-ready and standard arrangements. The company also provides cold-hammer-forged barrels that come in lengths of 9 inches, 11.5 inches and 16 inches. The barrels are easily interchangeable and can be swapped out by the end user.

The SIG Sauer MCX Virtus platform still uses the company's short-stroke piston system, along with the internal recoil arrangement that removes the need for a buffer tube. The platform can be had in Patrol (rifle-length), Pistol and SBR models. Color options are available in either gray or flat dark earth, and available caliber options are 5.56 NATO and .300 BLK. The suggested retail price on the new MCX Virtus starts at $2,233.

Latest

Foxtrot Mike (1)
Foxtrot Mike (1)

First Look: Foxtrot Mike Suppressor-Optimized Upper

A minimalist AR-15 upper receiver designed to be used suppressed.

First Look: ZeroTech Optics Trace ED 1-10x24mm FFP LPVO

A variable zoom optic with an MRAD ranging reticle.

The Process Is The Plan

Not all mountaintop experiences are good experiences.

Review: KelTec PR57

Just another clip-fed, rotary-barreled, polymer-frame carry pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. Ho-hum.

First Look: Trijicon 3.25 MOA Green Dot RMR Sight

All the Trijicon features you want, now with a green dot.

FN Awarded DoD Contract for Additional M240/M249 Barrels

The 7.62 NATO-chambered gun is one of the many members of the M240 general-purpose machine gun family, which was derived from the FN MAG 58.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.