SIG MCX-SPEAR-LT: Next Gen Rifle System Gets Civilian Series

Few things have been as consistent as the military’s desire to modernize their weapons. It seems that the conversation has been going on for decades with timid starts here and there. That all changed in 2017 however with the launch of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program. The military looked to replace the M4 carbine and M249 SAW light machine gun (both 5.56mm ammunition) and the 7.62mm M240 machine gun. The submissions flew in, and testing began. At the end of the day after the smoke had cleared, the winner of the contract was none other than SIG Sauer. The new weapons were state of the art and designed to provide the modern warfighter with precision, reliability, and ballistic overmatch.

SIG MCX-SPEAR-LT Details

While the belt-fed side of this program got a lot of buzz, it was the replacement for the old-school M4 that is most impactful. SIG’s answer was the XM5 MCX SPEAR. This gun is a version of their popular MCX weapons with several major upgrades. The minute images of the gun hit the public eye, an outcry of “I want one” rang out from the firearms community. The XM5 obviously is a military weapon so it would seem to always be a dream gun for the public. In true SIG fashion, however, they began work to create a version of the uber-sexy XM5 for the commercial market. The product of their labor is the MCX-SPEAR -LT.

The SIG MCX-SPEAR-LT brings several features from the military family of weapons.

The MCX-SPEAR-LT is a gun that is a short-stroke gas piston rifle that has many of the features of the military rifle. The gun has a 13-inch lightweight ergonomic handguard with M-LOK attachment points along seven different sides. It uses the same SIG flat-blade match trigger as the XM5 inside an oversized trigger guard. The new MCX-SPEAR-LT is also compatible with aftermarket triggers should the end user decide to change it.

Upgrades & Options

The gun has fully ambidextrous controls that are integrated very well. The stock is a push-button folder with an integrated cheek rest. Like the XM5, the gun can easily be run suppressed and comes with the SIG QD suppressor-ready flash hider. SIG has gone beyond simply releasing one version of the MCX-Spear-LT. It will soon be offering the gun in a variety of calibers, including 5.56, 7.62×39, and 300 BLK. SIG will also offer the gun in traditional rifle configuration as well as SBR and pistol.

I was fortunate to get the MCX-SPEAR-LT in for some early testing. It was everything you would expect from SIG. The fit and finish on the gun are superb and the ergonomics are solid. After an extensive two days on the range with it, there were no hot spots or rub points on my hands. The ambidextrous design of the gun is well done. The features are well integrated into the design and easy to manipulate. The gun they sent included their Tango 6T 6×24-30mm scope, which was the perfect fit. On the bench, the gun gave me ¾-inch groups with match ammo and ran flawlessly the entire testing session.

The author found the SIG MCX-SPEAR-LT accurate and reliable during testing.

The SIG MCX-SPEAR-LT is a very nice rifle and is certain to become a classic. While not exactly like its military big brother, the gun gives us many of the features that our warfighters are going to enjoy. A quick suggestion regarding this gun. If you are interested in getting one, I would act quickly. I have no doubt they will be flying off the shelves.

Look for more info soon on the full line of SIG MCX-SPEAR-LT rifles, SBS and pistols. For even more info, please visit sigsauer.com.