Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Air Rifle

Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP

Features

The Virtus' trigger mechanism has been changed which means that in order for a second shot to be taken, you need to push the trigger forward.

 

Sig Sauer have chosen to modify the SIG SAUER VIRTUS PCP in order to reduce the rate of fire. Whilst this is not technically a legal requirement, Sig have chosen to make this decision and stand by it. This still allows for fun shooting whilst slowing down the rate of fire at the same time as ensuring that this rifle does not breach the spirit of the law.

 

Specification

  • Stealth Gray housing, handguard and buttstock
  • 30-round RPM™ (Rapid Pellet Magazine)
  • Flip-up front and rear sights
  • Velocity up to 700fps (Sub 12 ft/lbs)
  • .22 Calibre
  • Overall Length 37.25”
  • Weight 7.5lbs
  • Rear Precharged Bottle with gauge & regulator

 

Overview

 

The new Sig Sauer Virtus, Is the first ever Pre-charged Pneumatic Rifle to herald from Sig Sauer who are predominantly established  in the Tactical Law Enforcement and military arena.

 

The Sig Sauer MCX and Sig Sauer MPX Are identical  Airgun platforms, The only difference between the two is that the SIG MCX has a 21 Inch Barrel and the SIG MPX has a 16 Inch barrel.

 

The SIG MCX is 3,000 psi regulated to 1,100 psi to deliver 150 plus shots at approximately 9-11 ft/lbs from its precharged bottle. Pellets are delivered from a 30 round Rapid Pellet Magazine as fast as you can pull the trigger, approximately 3.5 on a semi auto and  approximately 7-9 seconds, here in the UK, or as fast as you can Pull / Push the trigger to then make a follow up shot.

 

The MCX weights in at 7.5 lb (3.4 kg), and comes with Flip-up front and rear sights as standard, plenty of real estate to add a scope, torch laser and other mods on its Picatinny rail system that runs the entire length of the gun and MLOK mounting design to attach accessories on both sides and the bottom of the hand guard.

 

A robust rifle that's well built in mostly metal with some plastic and composite parts that gives an exceptionally well made appearance to the MCX, they are designed to mimic their actual firearm counterparts in dimension weight and feel,  so you'll quickly forget that this is a replica based on the original MCX and in a small amount of time will be using it for anything from plinking, tactical drills, target practice or pest control.

 

The grip contains a multi tool that enables you to adjust both front and rear sights, The butt stock and most importantly will assist in seating the pellets properly to allow the belt to move unhindered through the action.

 

Choice of scopes and red dots would be purely down to your type of shooting be it fast target acquisition or ranged.

 

I could see this paired with a red dot or reflex type optics like the Nikko Sterling Reflex or Hawke Vantage Red Dot.
Nikko Stirling Reflex Sight 1x Magnification Compact Lightweight with 12 position dot intensity
Nikko Stirling Reflex Sight Features 4 different reticle pattern in one sight 1x Magnification, Compact, Lightweight with 12 position dot intensity Fully Coated Lens 5/8"" Mounts.

 

Reflex shooting is a demanding discipline, as the target needs to be acquired quickly in the sight. Accurate sighting without parallax and unlimited eye relief are also vital to achieve top scores or hunting success.

 

Or the Hawke Reflex Dot 5 MOA

  • 5 MOA red dot with 5 levels of brightness
  • Digital illumination control with auto shut down
  • 25 layer multi-coated optics for maximum clarity
  • Fixed focus for use on pistols, ARs and hunting rifles
  • Ultra compact and lightweight construction
  • High quality aluminium construction for years of service

 

During our test at DAI's indoor range we opted for the MTC Optics Cobra F1 4-16x50 IR Rifle Scope.

 

Designated 'F1' to mark its lenses optical configuration, the Cobra will prove popular with shooters who favour the less complicated sight picture offered by FFP tellies, where the relationship between target and crosshair size remains constant throughout the scope's entire magnification range. This is particularly advantageous when allowing hold-over and hold-under targets - scenarios aided further by MTC's multi-stadia SCB2 crosshair that provides numerous aiming points to counter trajectory and windage deviation.

 

The Cobra F1's crosshair has 1/4 MOA click-stop adjustments via lockable, finger adjustable elevation and windage turrets, and can also be illuminated to one of 6 intensity settings to suit any lighting condition in the field or on the range. The new F1 also boasts sidewheel parallax adjustment to eliminate aiming errors and assist in range estimation from 10m to infinity.

 

To maximise light transmission and maintain a bright sight picture, the specially-coated lenses of the 50mm diameter objective have been matched to an oversize, 30mm tube - and besides a fast-focus eyepiece, the Cobra F1 also ships with flip-up lens covers and a 5 year warranty included.

 

First thoughts

 

“Virtus” is a name pulled from ancient Rome. It means virtue, courage, bravery, and excellence. SIG believes that their new variant embodies those traits.

 

The SIG SAUER MCX PCP will no doubt appeal to those looking for a military or Tactical look, especially those that require an authentic look and feel for the real thing when plinking for speed and tactical scenarios, The M-LOK handrail system has plenty of room for all your favourite add-ons, torch, laser, bipod etc, The VIRTUS is well balanced and seats into the shoulder comfortably, the ambidextrous safety switch is easily reachable from both sides, the magazine eject is also in easy reach just above the trigger where the index finger rests naturally.

 

Points to consider

 

  • The trigger is double action so will need to be pulled and pushed forward to move the belt and index the pellet.
  • Sig Sauer Magazine Polymer Construction - Supplied with 3 x Belts per Pack 30 Shot .22
  • Constructed of rugged polymer composite, the ASP Air Rifle magazines are engineered to elevate performance to SIG standards.
  • This patented magazine removes the limitations to firing speed in the SIG MCX and SIG MPX ASP.
  • Using a rotary pellet drive system, the SIG RPM™ smoothly feeds 30 rounds per belt – with three refillable belts included – for consistent optimized firing.

 

Although at first the groupings were erratic, it didn't take to long to have pellets hitting the spinners and targets at 18 yards then 22 yards consistently.

 

The magazine and grip looks moulded 2 piece plastic but have it on good authority that it is constructed in rugged polymer so should stand up to the daily grind.

 

It would be advisable to purchase the extra belts so that a fill up at home will last your session if out looking for small Varmint, loading the 30 pellets then going over each pellet to seat it takes some time and you'll most likely want to be ready for that next shot opportunity.

 

As you load the pellets into the magazine belt you'll find that once the belt is aligned with the fins on the outer side it will rotate easily in to position, when loading also put pellets in the white spaces in the belt.

 

The trigger is quite heavy and became a little uncomfortable  pulling then pushing but over time this will become natural and shouldn't be an issue.

 

Overall the MCX VIRTUS was fun to shoot and once into the rhythm of things it became natural and easy to operate, fast target acquisition and fast plinking, lots of mods to customise to your hearts content.