Sig Sauer Virtus Unboxing Review by American Airgunner
Sig Sauer’s highly anticipated AR platform air rifle is finally here and ready to rock and roll. The Sig Sauer Virtus rifle is based on their rock solid MCX platform to produce a reliable, dependable, and accurate air rifle for today’s air gunner. Unboxing the Virtus rifle, and putting it through its initial paces, American Airgunner has some key takeaways and first impressions of this fantastic new rifle.
Unboxing the Sig Sauer Virtus
Fit and Feel
First impressions can be critical, and the Virtus does not disappoint. This rifle is a Sig! Built with quality machining, perfect component fit, and the 7.5 pound weight of a quality firearm, it’s obvious from the start that the Virtus is a quality weapon. Balanced and ergonomic, the rifle feels good in the hand, is made to go to the shoulder, and is easy to aim.
Sig Sauer Virtus Specs
Sig paid attention to detail and built the Virtus with an abundance of standard options.
- PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic) – This rifle operates from a high pressure (3,000 psi) regulated air tank. Offering around 200 shots per charge, and consistent pressure for accuracy, the MCX Virtus PCP doubles the muzzle energy from classic CO2 models.
- Caliber & Velocity – The Virtus is chambered in the popular .22 caliber, offering some flexibility with pellet weights and options. The Virtus is based on 11-12 ft/lb of energy, coupling the PCP regulator with pellet weight, and the muzzle velocity runs between 500 fps up to 700 fps depending on projectile weight.
- Sights and Accessories – Sig’s standard, rock solid, adjustable flip up sights come standard on the Virtus air rifle, and provide accurate target acquisition. M-Lok attachment points, and a top picatinny rail provide trigger forward access points for any variety of accessories, including optics, lasers, flashlights, bipods, and sling attachments.
- Rapid Pellet Magazine (RPM) – The RPM developed by Sig Sauer is a 30 round belt-fed pellet magazine, which is capable of delivering 30 rounds in 3.5 seconds. The RPM detachable mag has proven to be reliable and trouble free.
- Semi-Automatic Action – The Sig Virtus is built on Sig’s unfailing trigger group to operate the semi-auto action, providing the feel of a centerfire rifle with the convenience and versatility of an air rifle.
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Putting the Sig Sauer Virtus Through Its Paces
- Charging the PCP tank from zero pounds of pressure to 3,000 pounds took just under 5 minutes with a high pressure air compressor, allowing for up to 200 shots on a fully charged tank.
- The RPM magazine’s simple, yet robust, design makes it easy to load. The magazine locks into the rifle’s action solid and sturdy, and it’s ready to roll.
- Accuracy is quickly apparent when you put the Virtus to work. Balanced, quick to the target, and solid to the shoulder, the Virtus is a pleasure to shoot. Plinking one shot at a time, or rapid-fire semi-auto magazine dumps both provide reliable accuracy on target.
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Final Thoughts on the Sig Sauer Virtus Air Rifle
Sig Sauer has done a fantastic job creating an air rifle line that stands up to the Sig name. By developing the Virtus air rifle on the proven Sig MCX platform, the new air rifle offers tested performance and accuracy to the modern air gunner.
The Virtus will really shine for anyone wanting to put in more time at the range, practice economical shooting discipline, or develop trigger finesse and dexterity. While it’s a practical rifle for the range, the Virtus could easily fill the niche of an awesome varmint rifle for camp or the ranch too. American Airgunner’s initial impressions of the Sig Sauer Virtus air rifle can be summed up as…impressive!