Bolt-action rifles have a storied history, prized for their reliability and precision, and the latest from SIG Sauer—the CROSS Rifle—has been turning heads for all the right reasons. With a market crowded by legacy designs and traditional concepts, the CROSS dares to deviate from the norm, offering shooters a bolt-action platform that promises the lightweight handling of an AR with the accuracy of a sniper rifle. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect this exciting firearm to determine whether it truly meets the needs of the modern sharpshooter, as it has made vast waves in recent firearms news.
At first glance, the SIG Sauer CROSS Rifle appears as a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Its silhouette suggests a commitment to the fundamental aspects of a bolt-action design but upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that SIG Sauer has taken great strides to innovate. One of the most striking features of the CROSS is its weight—or lack thereof. At just 6.5 pounds, this rifle is an anomaly among its peers, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminum in the receiver and a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel from Proof Research.
Balancing weight and performance is the critical challenge here, and the CROSS tackles it by not only utilizing cutting-edge materials but also adopting a one-piece receiver. This design choice is responsible for both reducing the rifle’s overall mass and improving its accuracy, as it minimizes flex and vibration when firing. The CROSS also boasts a fully adjustable folding precision stock, another nod to the needs of the tactical shooter and competitor alike, allowing for a custom-fit shooting experience that supports stability and marksmanship.
Firing the CROSS is an exercise in refinement. The two-stage match-grade trigger is crisp and responsive, breaking cleanly at a pull weight that can be adjusted between 2.5 and 4 pounds. This kind of adjustability is key in a precision platform, as it allows the shooter to set the trigger to their personal preference for maximal control.
Delving further into firepower, the CROSS is chambered for several popular calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, which represent a sweet spot in terms of long-range performance and commonality. Our ammo review indicates that the CROSS is not finicky when it comes to feeding it various brands of ammunition, a testament to the attention to detail in its design.
Accuracy is paramount with any bolt-action, and the CROSS doesn’t disappoint. During our testing, using standard off-the-shelf match ammunition, the rifle consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at distances stretching beyond 100 yards, showcasing the rifle’s capabilities in a typical field shooting environment. This level of precision places the CROSS in line with significantly more expensive custom builds, serving as a demonstration of SIG Sauer’s commitment to out-of-the-box performance.
While the CROSS undoubtedly impresses in various areas, it bears noting that some purists may take issue with certain aspects of this modern take on the bolt-action rifle. The aesthetics and ergonomics, though highly functional, deviate from the classic bolt-action rifle, which may not sit well with traditionalists. Additionally, the forward-mounted rail and positioning of the bolt handle might require some acclimatization for shooters used to conventional designs.
However, it’s important to highlight that the CROSS was not built for the past; it was designed with the future in mind. Its modularity and multi-caliber support make it adaptable, while the easy-to-use QD sling mounts and M-LOK slots on the handguard allow for straightforward customization with accessories and attachments.
In conclusion, the SIG Sauer CROSS Rifle represents a significant leap forward in bolt-action rifle technology, combining the accuracy and reliability that shooters expect with innovative features that answer the call for versatility and adaptability in the modern era. As a firearm that challenges conventions, it may not fully align with the preferences of traditionalists. However, for those firearms enthusiasts seeking a new breed of bolt-action—one that marries lightweight design, precision engineering, and modularity—the CROSS stands as an exceptional option. Whether it’s to be the centerpiece of a collection, a reliable hunting companion, or a competitive sharpshooting tool, the CROSS holds its ground as an impressive demonstration of SIG Sauer’s dedication to firearm innovation and evolution.