UK Commando's New Rifle - Sig Sauer MCX with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on April 23, 2025
Duration: 28:04

This review by Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the Sig Sauer MCX Spear LT (L143A2), the new rifle for UK Commandos, featuring a 12.5-inch barrel and Sig optics. It also covers the MCX Rattler in .300 Blackout and the US Army's NGSW program with the XM7 and XM250 in 6.8x51mm. Ferguson highlights modern firearm ergonomics, performance, and the trend towards integrated optics and suppressors.

Quick Summary

The Sig Sauer MCX Spear LT (L143A2) is the new rifle for UK Commandos, featuring a 12.5-inch barrel and Sig optics. The US Army's XM7 and XM250 use a 6.8x51mm cartridge designed to defeat Level IV armor at 800 meters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sig Factory Visit
  2. 01:39Range Testing Sig Pistols & Rifles
  3. 02:26MCX Virtus in UK Service
  4. 04:16UK Commando's New Rifle: MCX Spear LT
  5. 09:23MCX Rattler & .300 Blackout
  6. 11:09US Army NGSW: XM7 & XM250
  7. 12:24Firing the XM250 Automatic Rifle
  8. 15:34MCX Regulator & Future Tech

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new rifle for UK Commandos?

The new rifle for UK Royal Marines (42 Commando) is the Sig Sauer MCX Spear LT, designated L143A2. It features a 12.5-inch barrel and is equipped with Sig optics like the Romeo 8T and a magnifier.

What is the significance of the 6.8x51mm cartridge?

The 6.8x51mm cartridge, used in the US Army's XM7 and XM250, is designed to defeat Level IV body armor at 800 meters. It operates at high chamber pressures of 80,000 PSI, offering increased terminal ballistics and armor penetration.

What are the advantages of the MCX Rattler with .300 Blackout?

The MCX Rattler, with its 5.5-inch barrel, is well-suited for .300 Blackout, particularly subsonic rounds. This combination is advantageous for suppressed use in compact platforms, offering effective terminal performance for its size.

What are current trends in modern rifle optics and accessories?

Modern rifles are increasingly adopting integrated fire control optics, such as the XM157. There's also a widespread trend towards the use of red dot sights and suppressors across various firearm platforms for improved aiming and acoustics.

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