Word comes via SIG SAUER’s new(ish) Instagram account that the civilian production run of MPX pistols has begun. A couple of TTAG writers have had their hands on the pre-production versions of the gun, and our first impressions of the MPX were incredibly positive. Not only is the MPX an agile and accurate gun perfect for everything from plinking on the range to home defense, but it’s really cool looking to boot. And that’s a HUGE benefit in a world where everyone and their brother has an AR-15, as standing out on the range and looking cool seems to be half the battle these days . . .
In an environment where very few truly “new” firearms are being developed, the MPX is definitely a welcome addition. The general characteristics of the internal mechanisms may resemble previous SIG SAUER products (like their 516 and 716 rifles), but with a completely new magazine and new barrel system, the MPX is much more than “just an MP5 clone.”
The road to this point for SIG SAUER has been a little rocky. Our sources had originally predicted a launch “within weeks” back in the first quarter of the year, but as the months slipped by and nothing emerged from the factory, we started to get a little concerned. We hear that the reason for the delays was problems with the surface treatment on some of the internal parts, an issue that has since been resolved.
The slow but steady launch of the MPX might have annoyed those of us waiting with bated breath to shovel our money at SIG, but compared to the shove-it-out-no-matter-what approach we’ve seen from other companies (*cough* Remington *cough*) it’s definitely the better and more appreciated method. SIG has a reputation for quality control and getting things right the first time, and their approach to the MPX line has been no different.
There’s still no word about the fate of SIG SAUER’s lawsuit against the ATF over the mis-classification of their rifle version of this gun, so word has it that only pistol versions will be launching and feature the newly re-designed slimmer arm brace. As for a timeline, rumor has it that we’re about 30 days out from the gun being available for sale.