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SIG Sauer

SIG MCX Spear LT 11.5" 5.56 Conversion Kit

Third-generation MCX upper in 11.5" 5.56 NATO. Short-stroke piston system drops onto any AR-15 lower with folding capability.

Quick Specs

Price
$1,799
Weight
5 lb 8 oz
Brand
SIG Sauer
Category
upper

Features

  • 5.56 NATO
  • 11.5" barrel with 1:7 twist
  • Short-stroke piston system
  • Adjustable 2-position gas block
  • M-LOK handguard
  • AR-15 lower compatible

Capability Boosts

Suppression+2
Reliability+2
Mobility+1

Compatibility Tags

family: ar-patterninterface: picatinny-tophandguard: mlokbarrel: compactsuitable-for: compactsuitable-for: standardsuitable-for: long

Overview

The SIG MCX Spear LT represents SIG Sauer's third-generation MCX platform, incorporating lessons learned from the NGSW program and addressing criticisms of the heavier second-generation Virtus. This conversion kit drops onto any standard AR-15 lower receiver, giving shooters access to the MCX's short-stroke piston system without committing to a complete rifle purchase.

The defining characteristic of the MCX platform is its self-contained recoil system housed in the upper receiver, eliminating the need for a buffer tube. This enables side-folding stock capability—the 11.5" Spear LT collapses to just 21.3" overall length, making it exceptionally compact for vehicle storage or transport while maintaining full 5.56 NATO terminal performance.

The Spear LT shaves roughly one pound compared to the Virtus through a slimmer handguard profile and lightened barrel. The 11.5" configuration strikes an ideal balance between maneuverability and barrel velocity, producing effective terminal ballistics to 300+ yards while remaining highly compact. The short-stroke piston runs significantly cleaner than direct impingement systems, extending maintenance intervals and making it an excellent suppressor host.

Key Features

  • Short-stroke gas piston system eliminates buffer tube requirement
  • Drops onto any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver
  • Adjustable 2-position gas block (normal/adverse) for suppressed shooting
  • Lightweight M-LOK handguard with improved ergonomics over Virtus
  • 11.5" cold hammer forged barrel with 1:7 twist
  • SIG QD suppressor-ready flash hider (SL muzzle device)
  • Folds to 21.3" overall length for compact storage

Pros

  • +Piston system runs exceptionally clean with extended maintenance intervals
  • +Excellent suppressor host with adjustable gas block
  • +Folding capability provides true compact storage
  • +Well-balanced in 11.5" configuration—not front-heavy
  • +AR-15 trigger compatible for easy upgrades
  • +Proven reliability across extensive testing

Cons

  • Premium pricing above most DI AR uppers
  • Reports of barrel/handguard shift requiring proper torquing
  • Only 2-position gas adjustment (no fine tuning)
  • Factory charging handle too small—most users upgrade
  • Heavier than equivalent DI AR uppers (~1 lb more)

Detailed Specifications

caliber
5.56 NATO / .223 Remington
barrelLength
11.5"
overallLength
21.3" (folded)
twist
1:7
gasSystem
Short-stroke piston
gasBlock
Adjustable 2-position (normal/adverse)
handguard
M-LOK, lightweight profile
muzzleDevice
SIG SL suppressor-ready flash hider
threadPitch
1/2x28
Material
7075 T6 aluminum upper, cold hammer forged barrel
finish
Coyote brown anodized
weight
~5.5 lbs (upper only)

Compatible Platforms

+23 more

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