Between administrative rule changes and courtroom stays, it has been a rocky few years for those of us who value the compactness and controllability of braced pistols. Upwards of forty million pistol braces are out there and on countless handguns, whether it is from the factory or as an aftermarket add-on. Out of all the options out there, Jeremy Stone of GMW would probably pick the braced version of a Sig MCX Rattler. Check out the full video here.
Sig Sauer makes several different versions of its MCX semi-automatic pistol. Depending on the caliber you choose, you can choose a black or coyote brown anodized finish, a long-stroke or short-stroke gas piston, and barrel lengths ranging from 5.5 inches to 9 inches. The MCX is available in 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, 7.62×39, or 7.62×51 NATO and is built around either AR-15 or AR-15-style magazines.
The MCX Rattler in .300 Blackout is particularly efficient. It sports a stubby 5.5-inch barrel with a quick 1:5 twist rate that stabilizes the various bullet weights the .300 is loaded with. While some efficiency will be lost using supersonic rounds, the shorter barrel has little issue with subsonic 200+ grain ammunition in terms of both ballistic power and how much blowback the shooter gets with or without a suppressor. Competitive shooter Jake Copeland brought his MCX Rattler to the GMW compound to show our own Jeremy Stone.
Jack’s all-black MCX Rattler is in .300 Blackout, and it has been legally converted to select-fire. Once converted, it was a consequence to put a telescoping rifle stock and convert it into an SBR. For most of us, full auto will be a no-go, but a similar (though not perfect) setup can be achieved by installing a pistol brace. Despite the challenges of navigating the channels of the ATF and the proprietary nature of the MCX’s parts, it was worth the hassle albeit Jake only shot it on the square range.
This older model was not completely set up for a lefty like Jeremy because it lacked ambidextrous safety, but after some range time, he opined that MCX Rattler would make an excellent backpack or truck gun. The Rattler is compact enough to store out of the elements in a backpack or hiking pack. But when deployed, you have a reliable .300 platform that can perform both personal protection and some hunting applications. Jeremy is based in Texas and hog hunting with the .300 is popular, but the round is equally capable on whitetail or mule deer. But you will have to keep shots close, particularly with subsonic ammo.
Although the Class III version of the MCX Rattler is unlikely to become a reality for most people, the braced version can accomplish the same tasks and still be plenty of fun on the range.
