Introducing the SIG SAUER CROSS: The Modern Crossover Rifle
The SIG SAUER CROSS is a highly innovative bolt-action rifle that redefined the category of modern sporting and hunting rifles upon its release. Conceived and engineered in the United States by SIG SAUER, the CROSS was designed to bridge the gap between traditional hunting rifles and fully featured precision rifle chassis systems, creating a lightweight, highly versatile platform suitable for both extreme backcountry hunting and long-range precision shooting.
The rifle’s name—CROSS—stands for its “crossover” capability, blending the lightness and portability required by hunters with the modularity and adjustability demanded by tactical and competition shooters.
A Monolithic and Modular Design
Unlike many bolt guns that utilize a separate action bolted into a chassis, the CROSS features a one-piece monolithic receiver made from aircraft-grade aluminum. This proprietary design provides an exceptionally rigid and robust foundation for the rifle, which is critical for maximizing accuracy.
Key design elements include:
- Exceptional Lightness: The standard model weighs in at under 6.5 lbs (unscoped), making it one of the lightest rifles in its class. This feature is paramount for hunters covering long distances or carrying the rifle in a pack.
- Folding Precision Stock: The highly adjustable stock folds neatly over the receiver, reducing the overall length for compact transport—a key feature for packing in vehicles or backpacks. The stock is fully adjustable for both length-of-pull and comb height without the need for tools.
- AR-Style Ergonomics: The rifle utilizes common AR-15 pistol grips and an ambidextrous AR-style safety selector, making the controls intuitive for shooters familiar with the AR platform.
- Detachable Barrel System: The CROSS features an AR-style barrel nut system, which allows users or gunsmiths to easily swap barrels, offering flexibility for different calibers and barrel lengths.
Performance and Caliber Options
The CROSS is built to deliver excellent precision. It features a medium-profile stainless steel barrel that is free-floated within a full-length M-LOK handguard.
- Trigger: It is equipped with a crisp, two-stage match trigger that is user-adjustable (typically between 2.5 and 4.5 lbs), giving the shooter excellent control over the shot.
- Bolt and Action: The tri-lug bolt system provides a short, fast 60-degree throw, offering ample clearance for large optics and speeding up cycling.
- Calibers: The original models were primarily offered in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, with shorter barrel lengths (16″ and 18″) optimized for performance with suppressors and reduced weight. SIG SAUER has since expanded the line to include the CROSS Magnum in cartridges like .300 Win Mag and 300 PRC, as well as the unique .277 Fury hybrid cartridge.
- Magazine Compatibility: The rifle utilizes widely available AICS-pattern magazines, ensuring reliable feeding and easy access to high-capacity options.
Despite an initial safety recall shortly after its introduction, the issue was swiftly addressed by the manufacturer, and the rifle is now considered a reliable and robust option for the modern shooter seeking a lightweight, modular, and accurate bolt-action platform.