Firearms News September 2023 — Issue #17: SIG Sauer MCX-Spear LT

This Month in Firearms News:

On the cover: Advances in fighting rifles, their ammunition, optics and accessories seem to come in spurts. Periods of stagnation are followed by periods of great advancements. Technology, materials and manufacturing steadily improve as do methods and techniques for employment. Typically, progress is slow during peacetime but moves at a rapid rate during times of war. One of the most modern designs recently adopted by the U.S. military is SIG Sauer’s XM7 6.8x51mm rifle. This interesting new design was developed for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Program as a replacement for their legacy 5.56x45mm M4A1 carbine. A member of SIG Sauer’s MCX Spear family, both the XM7 and its 6.8x51mm cartridge are raising eyebrows. This is due to its features, caliber, and what many perceive is a return to the “battle rifle” concept. 

As interesting as the XM7 and its 6.8x51mm cartridge are though, they are not my focus here. Actually, I’m more interested in a close relative of the XM7, one which is catching many people’s attention. This is SIG Sauer’s 5.56x45mm MCX-Spear LT. The MCX-Spear LT is actually an entire family of weap- ons chambered for 5.56x45mm, 300 AAC Blackout and 7.62x39mm. The family consists of rifles, pistols and Short Barrel Rifles with barrel lengths of nine, 11, and 16 inches. 

Also inside:

• Bravo Company's RECCE-16 MK2: MK2, as in; Continuous improvement, properly implemented.
• Davidson Defense Sidewinder Dual-Charging AR-15: Davidson Defense undersells and overdelivers on this dual-side-charging, affordable AR-15.
• The FN15 Guardian: The bespoke utility rifle at a working man's price.
• Rock River Arms' New Operator DMR LAR-15M: A Great DMR Rifle!

Pick up a copy at your local magazine stand, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, or major book retailer. Firearms News prints two exciting issues per month so be sure to get both copies or subscribe!