User:JHeinzBurger/SIG MCX Spear

History
In January 2019, the United States military began the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program to find replacements for the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun. In September 2019, SIG Sauer submitted their designs. The SIG XM7, chambered in 6.8×51mm SIG, was chosen to replace the M4 as the designated Army service rifle. The XM250 Automatic Rifle chambered in .277 Fury (6.8×51mm Common), was chosen to replace the M249 as the United States Squad Automatic Weapon.

In January 2022 the SIG MCX-SPEAR was released on the civilian market in 3 standard configurations, 38.3in, 35in, and 24.5in length versions, with the former two including bipods. Each model starts at an MSRP price of $4,999 are non-California compliant.

On April 19, 2022, the United States Army awarded a 10-year contract to Sig Sauer to produce the XM7 rifle, along with the XM250 Machine gun, to replace the M4 and M249, respectively.

Development
The main driving force behind the US Army’s wish to upgrade its small arms came from lackluster performance when engaging insurgents abroad. Standard caliber M4 Carbines and M249 light machine guns chambered in 5.56 (.223) did not have the firepower to effectively engage in long-range firefights. Also found inadequate was the NATO standard 7.62×51mm. The SIG-produced .277 Fury has a much-increased muzzle velocity and allows longer-range shot placement.

Another concern for Army theorists was the emergence of foreign infantry equipment programs such as Ratnik. These combat systems oftentimes include protective body armor meant to protect wearers from small arms fire. As the US Military moves to prepare for conflict with near-peer adversaries, the prospect of facing protective body armor becomes a reality. Recent developments in body armor production have proven standard-issued munitions such as 5.56 and 7.62x51 to be ineffective at piercing said body armor. The .277 Fury with its increased muzzle velocity and energy was found to pierce Level 4 body armor reliably.

Criticisms
The placement and award of the contract to SIG raised concerns among several lawmakers and citizens regarding various issues. Namely the cost and necessity of procuring/replacing large quantities of existing US weapons. The size of the round was a concern for military members as they reasoned that a larger round would be less practical in closer engagements. The fairness and standards of the selection were also called into question, recalling previous shortcomings due to corruption of Army bribery, some questioned whether SIG Sauer had procured the best possible weapon for the Army.