Summary
The SIG MCX-SPEAR is a multi-caliber rifle developed by the American division of SIG Sauer from the SIG MCX series of carbines. The SIG MCX-SPEAR is primarily chambered in .277 SIG FURY but can be adapted to 7.62×51mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor with a barrel change.[1]
History edit
In January 2019, the United States military began the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program to find replacements for the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun. In September 2019, SIG Sauer submitted their designs.[2] The XM7 rifle was designed to fire the 6.8×51mm SIG Fury cartridge in response to concerns that improvements in body armor would diminish the effectiveness of common battlefield rounds such as the 5.56×45mm NATO (used in the M4 and M249) and 7.62×51mm NATO.[3][4][5]
In January 2022, the SIG MCX-SPEAR was released on the civilian market in 3 standard configurations, which includes the 38.3-inch (970 mm), 35-inch (890 mm), and 24.5-inch (620 mm) length versions, with the former two including bipods. Each model starts at an MSRP price of $4,999 and are non-California compliant.[1]
On April 19, 2022, the United States Army awarded a 10-year contract to Sig Sauer to produce the XM7 rifle, along with the XM250 Machine gun, to replace the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun, respectively.[6][7]
Development edit
The main driving force behind the US Army’s wish to upgrade its small arms came from lackluster performance when engaging insurgents abroad. Standard caliber M4 Carbines and M249 light machine guns chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO did not have the firepower to effectively engage in long-range firefights. Also found inadequate was the NATO standard 7.62×51mm. The SIG-produced .277 Fury has a much-increased muzzle velocity and allows longer-range shot placement.[4]
Another concern for Army theorists was the emergence of foreign infantry equipment programs such as Ratnik. These combat systems oftentimes include protective body armor meant to protect wearers from small arms fire. As the US Military moves to prepare for conflict with near-peer adversaries, the prospect of facing protective body armor becomes a reality. Recent developments in body armor production have proven standard-issued munitions such as 5.56 and 7.62x51 to be ineffective at piercing said body armor. The .277 Fury with its increased muzzle velocity and energy was found to pierce Level 4 body armor reliably.[5]
Variants edit
SIG MCX Raptor edit
The SIG MCX Raptor is a short-barreled rifle variant intended to serve as a carbine, featuring an 8-inch (200 mm) barrel and a Picatinny rail tail interface for attaching either a compact buttstock or a folding PCB (pistol contour brace). It is available in .277 SIG FURY, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62x51mm NATO.[8]
CSASS Program edit
The SIG MCX-MR (Mid Range) was SIG Sauer's unsuccessful submission for the United States Army's Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program.[9] It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO and has selective fire capabilities. It weighs 8.9 lb (4.0 kg) and features a 16-inch (410 mm) 416 stainless steel barrel with a 1:10 inch twist rate, which is manufactured by Bartlein Barrels. The gas system features suppressed and unsuppressed settings. Unlike the handguard of the MCX, which slides off after pulling the front pivot pin, the MCX-MR requires the removal of two screws first. It features both an M16/AR-15 type charging handle and a left side charging handle. It uses a 20-round magazine and is also compatible with SR-25 lower receivers for use of SR-25 box magazines.[10]
NGSW (XM7) edit
The SIG MCX-SPEAR was Sig Sauer's submission for the United States Army Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, as chambered in .277 FURY cartridge.[11][12][13][14] Sig Sauer was chosen as the winner on April 19, 2022, designating the weapon the XM5—since re-designated the XM7—in U.S. military service.[3]
References edit
- ^ a b Commercially Available! The SIG Sauer NGSW MCX-SPEAR (Archive)
- ^ Moss, Matthew (April 19, 2022). "SIG Sauer Wins US Army Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract". Overt Defense. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ a b South, Todd (April 19, 2022). "Army chooses Sig Sauer to build its Next Generation Squad Weapon". Army Times. Archived from the original on May 18, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ a b Schogol, Jeff (April 19, 2022). "Army selects Sig Sauer to produce Next Generation Squad Weapon and ammo". Task & Purpose. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ a b Mizokami, Kyle (April 21, 2022). "The Army's Next-Gen Infantry Weapons Will Be More Lethal and More Accurate". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ Beynon, Steve (April 19, 2022). "Army Picks Its Replacement for the M4 and SAW". Military.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "Army awards Next Generation Squad Weapon contract". Army.mil, April 19, 2022. (Archive)
- ^ "NEW Sig MCX Raptor: A Mini-Spear or a Mega-Rattler?". YouTube. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023.
- ^ Jahner, Kyle (April 8, 2016). "H&K confirms: This is the Army's new and improved sniper rifle". Army Times. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ Merrill, David (May 21, 2015). "RECOIL Exclusive: An Inside Look at Sig Sauer's CSASS – The MCX-MR". Recoil. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Military and Agency Sales | SIG SAUER".
- ^ "SIG Sauer NGSW-R MCX Spear assault rifle (USA)". December 2019.
- ^ "SIG MCX Spear: The U.S. Army's Next Rifle?". March 23, 2021. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023.
- ^ "[TFB GUNFEST] the SIG Sauer MCX Spear NGSW Rifle -". January 15, 2021. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023.