| SIG MCX Spear | |
|---|---|
 M7, U.S. Army variant of SIG MCX Spear | |
| Type | |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2022–present |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2019 |
| Manufacturer | SIG Sauer |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8.38 lb (3.80 kg)[1] |
| Length | 36 in (914 mm) |
| Barrel length | 13 in (330 mm)[2] |
| Cartridge | |
| Action | Short-stroke gas-operated piston,rotating bolt[3] |
| Muzzle velocity | 915 m/s (3,002 ft/s) |
| Feed system | SR-25 pattern box magazine |
TheSIG MCX Spear (stylized asMCX-SPEAR) is a multi-caliber rifle developed by the American division ofSIG Sauer from theSIG MCX series of carbines. The SIG MCX Spear is primarily chambered in6.8×51 mm but can be adapted to7.62×51mm NATO and6.5mm Creedmoor with a barrel change.[4]
In January 2019, the United States military began theNext Generation Squad Weapon Program to find replacements for theM4 carbine andM249 light machine gun. In September 2019, SIG Sauer submitted their designs.[5]
TheXM7 rifle was designed to fire the 6.8×51mm SIG Fury cartridge in response to concerns that improvements inbody 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.[6][7][8] The decision to make the Spear available to the public was criticized by some anti-gun and law enforcement groups.[9]
In January 2022, the SIG MCX-Spear was released on the civilian market.[4]
On April 19, 2022, theUnited States Army awarded a 10-year contract to Sig Sauer to produce theXM7 rifle, along with theXM250 Machine gun, to replace the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun, respectively.[10][11]
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 in5.56×45mm 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 an increased muzzle velocity[12] and allows longer-range shot placement.[7]
TheSIG MCX Raptor is a short-barreled rifle variant intended to serve as acarbine, featuring an 8-inch (200 mm) barrel and aPicatinny rail tail interface for attaching either a compactbuttstock or a folding PCB (pistol contour brace). It is available in6.8×51mm,6.5 Creedmoor and7.62×51mm NATO.[13]
TheSIG MCX-MR (Mid Range) was SIG Sauer's unsuccessful submission for theUnited States Army'sCompact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program.[14] It is chambered in7.62×51mm NATO and has selective fire capabilities. It weighs 8.9 lb (4.0 kg) and features a 16-inch (410 mm) 416stainless steelbarrel with a 1:10 inchtwist rate, which is manufactured by Bartlein Barrels. The gas system featuressuppressed and unsuppressed settings. Unlike thehandguard 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 anM16/AR-15 typecharging handle and a left side charging handle. It uses a 20-round magazine and is also compatible with SR-25 lower receivers for use ofSR-25box magazines.[15]
The SIG MCX-Spear was Sig Sauer's submission for theUnited States ArmyNext Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, as chambered in .277 FURY cartridge.[16][17][18][19] Sig Sauer was chosen as the winner on April 19, 2022, designating the weapon the XM5—since re-designated the M7—in U.S. military service.[6]
The SIG MCX-Spear was released on the civilian market in 2022 starting at an MSRP of $4,999. They are non-California compliant.[4]