DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news.
By David Crane
david (at) defensereview (dot) com
November 19, 2017
DefenseReview (DR) has been writing about the SIG SAUER MCX series select-fire and semi-auto-only carbine/SBR’s (Short Barreled Rifles) for about four and a half years now, ever since we were the first to publish photos on all the variants (as far as we’re aware) displayed at SOFIC (Special Operations Forces Industry Conference) 2013. We followed that up with several more articles (and more photos and videos) on the select-fire LVAW (Low-Visibility Assault Weapon) “Black Mamba” SBR/PDW variant of it from our personal experience firing it at the SIG SAUER Academy Range during the 2014 SIG SAUER New Media Writers’ Event. Good times.
Anyway, since then, we haven’t been paying all that close attention to the SIG MCX series weapons. That is, until today, when DR writer/contributor and chief new-product tester Jeff Gurwitch texted us a pic of the SIG MCX VIRTUS Patrol tactical AR (AR-15) carbine, along with a message reading “Sig rifles have never sparked my interest, until now.” Needless to say, we were intrigued. Perked our brains up. Then, Gurwitch emailed the your humble correspondent the following message (slightly edited for publication):
I first tried the SIG 556 rifle when it came out, I think around 2008 or 9-ish [as] the civilian version of the Sig 550. I thought it was a huge disappointment. Ever since then, I was never interested in Sig rifles, at all. That is, until I saw the VIRTUS [Patrol] rifle. It seems to incorporate everything I would want in a modern AR style rifle, with a lot of different features, and a cool look. Looks like it would make a great 3-Gun rifle. The only downside is the hefty price.
Gurwitch told DR he likes the overall look of the gun, which is another signifiant compliment (and accomplishment for SIG). Gurwitch is a bit of a stickler. And, let’s face it, when it comes to tactical firearms, visual/design aesthetics are important.
Full disclosure, to date, Defense Review’s only real experience is with the MCX-series weapons is with the select-fire LVAW-type variants (suppressed and unsuppressed, with supersonic and subsonic ammo), which we quite liked, despite they’re high cyclic ROF (Rate of Fire). We’ve never run any of the semi-auto-only variants at high round count. Hopefully, we can get a SIG MCX VIRTUS Patrol tactical AR carbine into Gurwitch’s highly-experienced hands for some serious T&E and review at some point.
In the meantime, Gurwitch’s immediately liking the VIRTUS this much on sight is significant, in and of itself, as it doesn’t happen very often. It’s rare, so it’s important, and thus has our attention.
Company Contact Info:
SIG SAUER, Inc.
18 Industrial Drive
Exeter, NH 03833
Phone: 603-772-2302
Fax: 603-772-9082
Law Enforcement Email: [email protected]
Military/Govt. Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sigsauer.com
Training Coordinator
SIG SAUER Academy
Phone: 603-610-3411
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.sigsaueracademy.com
© Copyright 2017 DefenseReview.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without receiving permission and providing proper credit and appropriate links.
Related Articles:
SIG MCX LVAW ‘Black Mamba’ 300 Blackout (300BLK) Piston AR SBR/PDW Features Demo: Subsonic/Supersonic Ammo Adjustment, Slimline Folding Stock, Tactical Handguard/Rail Removal (Video!)
SIG SAUER SIGTac SB15 Pistol Stabilizing Brace for One-Handed Firing of Tactical AR-15 Pistols
Heading Back from SIG SAUER New Media Writers’ Event, Photos and Videos on the Way
Adams Arms (AA) Moves to Dominate the Gas Piston/Op-Rod Tactical AR-15 Rifle/Carbine/SBR Market
SIG 556 SWAT Gas-Piston-Driven Tactical Rifle/Carbine/Subcarbine
