SIG MCX Virtus
SIG Sauer, Inc. · Carbine · In Production · 2017
Also known as: MCX Virtus Patrol, SIG Sauer MCX Virtus
Overview
The SIG MCX Virtus is a gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine produced by SIG Sauer and chambered primarily in 5.56x45mm NATO. The second-generation MCX platform, introduced in 2017, it uses a short-stroke gas piston operating system with a two-position adjustable gas valve and a dual recoil-spring assembly in place of a traditional AR-15 buffer tube, which permits a side-folding stock. The fully modular receiver allows quick-change barrels and tool-assisted caliber conversion between 5.56x45mm NATO, .300 AAC Blackout, and 7.62x39mm. The patrol carbine ships with a 16-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel, free-floating M-LOK handguard, and ambidextrous controls.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 908 mm (35.75") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Stealth Gray Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Controls
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Adjustable Gas System, Folding Stock, Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Handguard, Quick Change Barrel, Modular Caliber Conversion, Ambidextrous Controls
Variants
- SIG MCX Virtus SBR — Short Barreled Rifle
- SIG MCX Rattler — Compact
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command
- Various law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Produced at the SIG Sauer facility in Newington, New Hampshire; offered in semi-automatic civilian and select-fire military/law-enforcement configurations.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: SIG Sauer
Notes
The Virtus generation addressed reliability and accuracy concerns from the original 2015 MCX. Barrel options include 9 in (229 mm), 11.5 in (292 mm), and 16 in (406 mm); this entry documents the 16-inch patrol carbine configuration.
Background
The MCX was originally developed at the request of a U.S. military customer seeking a lightweight, suppressed carbine in .300 AAC Blackout, and the platform's modular receiver later spawned the MCX Spear that won the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon program.