By: Friedrich Seiltgen

SIG Sauer has been a leader in the research and development of new firearms designs.

They’ve also taken the lead on providing shooters with all the accessories needed to enjoy the shooting sports. Instead of having to search for aftermarket parts, they provide everything needed in house. Their new MCX Rattler pistol is taking the market by storm. The Rattler comes in 300 Blackout as well as 5.56 NATO.

The Rattler is based on SIG’s MCX Virtus rifle platform, which is taking over many law enforcement agencies. The MCX rifle has interchangeable barrels, AR type controls, and can be set up in more than 500 configurations. SIG engineers then created the Rattler, which is now billed as the smallest rifle caliber pistol on the market!

The Rattler comes as a pistol with or without a stabilizing brace or a short-barreled rifle if you want to go that route and deal with the paperwork. In its short barrel rifle configuration, it’s an excellent choice as a PDW for VIP escorts. Perhaps that’s the reason the Rattler has been ordered by many SOCOM units for various details.

The Rattler features ambidextrous controls and an adjustable two-position piston gas block that optimizes operation, depending on use of supersonic or subsonic ammo. The forward assist assembly has been replaced with a smooth-sided brass deflector. This helps keep the gun from snagging on anything when pulling it out of your backpack or other discreet type case. The bolt carrier group uses dual recoil springs to soften recoil. The Rattler was originally designed for 300 blackout and suppression, so the suppressors that go along with it were designed simultaneously.

Speaking of suppressors, SIG formed its suppressor division in 2014 and hasn’t looked back. SIG’s cutting-edge designs have created a revolution in the suppressor market. With a new baffle design and the use of electronic discharge machining, SIG has been able to do away with the outer shell of the can!

SPECIFICATIONS

Action Type: Semi-Auto.

Operating System: Gas Piston

Caliber: 300 Blackout or 5.56 NATO

Magazine capacity: 30 Round magazine or 50 round drum

Sights: Full length M-LOK top rail for flip up or optic sights

Barrel Length: 5.5”

Overall Length: 23”

Folded length 17 “

Weight: 5.1 lbs.

MSRP: $2,529

Incoming reports show the Rattler to be quite accurate with 1.5” groups at 100 yards. Not too bad for a 5.5” barrel!

If you need a compact, quickly accessible, dependable rifle caliber pistol, then the SIG MCX Rattler is your gun! Great choice for a hiker’s backpack, a truck gun, or for you high-speed operators out there!

That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s be careful out there.”

Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Firearms, First Aid, Active Shooter Response, and Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations in Florida. His writing has appeared in The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].

Photo from: https://www.sigsauer.com/sig-mcx-rattler-pcb.html