SIG MCX Spear

SIG Sauer Inc. · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2022

Also known as: XM5, XM7, M7, NGSW-R

Overview

The SIG MCX Spear is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 6.8x51mm (.277 SIG Fury), produced by SIG Sauer Inc.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3800 g (134.0 oz)
Weight (loaded)4460 g (157.3 oz)
Overall Length973 mm (38.31")
Folded Length699 mm (27.52")
Barrel Length330 mm (12.99")
Action TypeGas Operated Short Stroke
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeTwo Stage
Magazine Capacity20 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity838 m/s (2749 fps)
Muzzle Energy2570 J (1896 ft·lbf)
Effective Range600 m (656 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist254 mm (10.00")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialAluminum Alloy
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishCerakote

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2022-present

Initial 10-year US Army contract awarded April 2022; fielding began 2024 with 101st Airborne Division

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: SIG Sauer Engineering Team

Notes

The NGSW program was driven by the need to defeat near-peer adversary body armor at extended ranges, which 5.56mm NATO could not reliably accomplish. The 6.8x51mm cartridge uses a revolutionary hybrid case with a steel base and brass body, allowing safe operation at 80,000 PSI chamber pressure - far exceeding conventional cartridges. The civilian MCX Spear is semi-automatic only. In September 2025, SIG Sauer presented an improved M7 with a shortened 10.5-inch barrel and lightened internals. The rifle is designed to be used with the XM157 Fire Control optic, an integrated next-generation squad weapon fire control system with ballistic computer.

Background

The SIG MCX Spear represents the most significant change in US infantry small arms since the adoption of the M16 in the 1960s. The NGSW program was born from the realization that 5.56mm NATO could not reliably defeat modern body armor worn by near-peer adversaries. The revolutionary hybrid-case ammunition operates at chamber pressures 33% higher than conventional cartridges, delivering rifle performance previously only achievable with much larger weapons.