The MCX is one of the most popular rifle system from SIG Sauer. Like the AR platform, the MCX is highly customizable for whatever application suits you. The MCX Virtus is the latest version of the MCX. The MCX Rattler is a short-barreled (SBR) variation of the MCX geared for use as a personal defense weapon (PDW).
This is not a complete list of all SIG Sauer MCX handguards out there, but it should be enough to give you some ideas. We’ve been long-time dealers of SIG Sauer and Midwest Industries, and can’t recommend both companies enough for quality parts. While not the cheapest options you will find, these handguards for the MCX are going to be quality.
Just to remind you the differences between the MCX variations...
| Variant | Description |
| MCX | Original MCX (1st generation) |
| MCX Virtus | MCX (newest generation) |
| MCX Rattler | Short-barreled Virtus |
| MCX Canebrake | MCX Rattler + Suppressor |
Can you swap handguards between the classic MCX (gen 1), MCX Virtus and MCX Rattler?
You generally cannot swap handguards between different MCX variations without modifications. Unlike other gun families, it is important with the SIG MCX to make sure you are getting the correct variant. In particular the handguard fitment for MCX Rattler is picky, for some handguards you need to have a Rattler handguard made for the correct round, e.g. 300 Blackout or 5.56. You can’t always swap a 5.56 Rattler handguard onto a 300 Blackout.
What does “SD” mean in the context of a handguard?
SD stands for Schalldämpfer in German, meaning suppressor. Handguards marked as SD are generally wider to accept a suppressor. Sometimes SIG Sauer marks their handguards with this designation.
Can you put a MCX handguard on an AR-15?
No, you cannot. It is possible to mate a MCX upper to an AR lower with the use of a special adapter made by SIG Sauer, however you cannot simply swap handguards.
This list of MCX handguards is divided into four categories:
- SIG MCX Virtus Handguards
- SIG MCX Virtus Suppressor Handguards
- SIG MCX Rattler Handguards
- SIG MCX Rattler Suppressor Handguards
SIG MCX Virtus Handguards
Midwest Industries 6 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (MI-MCXV6)
Coming in at 6 inches, this is the one of the smallest handguards for the MCX Virtus that you can find. If you convert your Virtus into a SBR, the factory handguard won’t work anymore. This handguard from Midwest Industries might be your solution. Includes 16 MLOK slots.
Midwest Industries 8.25 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (MI-MCXV8.25)
One step up from the Midwest Industries 6-incher, the 8.25 inch MCX handguard is another option for your SBR conversion.
- Inclues 25 MLOK slots
- Includes picatinny rail portion on forward-end
SIG Sauer Factory 8 Inch PDW-Length Handguard (HGRD-MCX-PDW-MLOK-BLK)
An 8 inch PDW-length handguard from SIG. Contains MLOK slots along the side and a picatinny rail up top.
SIG Sauer Factory 10 Inch Carbine-Length MCX Virtus Handguard (HGRD-MCX-CARBINE-MLOK-BLK)
Very similar to the above 8 inch PDW-Length handguard, however this Virtus handguard has more MLOK slots and a larger picatinny rail up top.
Midwest Industries 10.5 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (MI-MCXV10.5)
Very similar to the SIG factory 10 inch carbine and PDW-length handguards above, however the Midwest Industries Virtus handguards have a lot more MLOK slots on the handguard whereas the SIG factory handguards have just one row on either side.
- Inclues 36 MLOK slots
- Includes picatinny rail portion on forward-end
SIG Sauer Factory 12 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (HGRD-MCX-RIFLE-MLOK-BLK)
Tactical 12 inch Virtus handguard.
Midwest Industries 12.5 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (MI-MCXV12.5)
Matches up against the factory SIG 12 inch handguard, however having a lot of extra MLOK mounting slots (46 total).
Midwest Industries 15 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (MI-MCXV15)
At 15 inches, this is the longest MCX Virtus handguard from Midwest Industries. Includes 53 MLOK slots.
SIG Sauer Factory 16 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard (HGRD-MCX-DMR-MLOK-BLK)
This is the longest MCX Virtus handguard currently in production from SIG Sauer. At 16 inches, it is designed for DMR style builds.
SIG MCX Virtus Suppressor Handguards
SIG Sauer Factory 10 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard, Carbine Length, with SD (HGRD-MCX-CARBINE-MLOK-SD-BLK)
This is the most popular suppressor handguard for the Virtus that is produced by SIG Sauer. The 10 inch handguard comes in three colors (Black, FDE and Gray).
Midwest Industries 10 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard, Suppressor Compatible (MI-MCXVSP10)
This 10 inch handguard for the suppressed MCX Virtus competes with SIG Sauer’s above. The main benefits over the SIG handguard are:
- Including much more MLOK slots in more positions (34 MLOK slots total plus some half slots)
- Lighter construction
- Better ergonomics due to slightly smaller diameter and cleaner edges
Midwest Industries 13.5 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard, Suppressor Compatible (MI-MCXVSP13.5)
Stretched version of the 10 incher MCX Virtus suppressor handguard already offered by Midwest Industries.
Midwest Industries 15.25 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard, Suppressor Compatible (MI-MCXVSP15.25)
The longest suppressor compatible handguard for the MCX Virtus available from Midwest Industries. Includes 56 MLOK slots!
SIG Sauer Factory 16 Inch MCX Virtus Handguard, DMR Length, with SD (HGRD-MCX-DMR-MLOK-SD-BLK)
At 16 inches, this is the longest SD handguard for the MCX Virtus currently in production from SIG Sauer.
SIG MCX Rattler Handguards
SIG Sauer Factory 5 Inch MCX Rattler Handguard, (5.56 Cal Only) (HGRD-MCX-R55-MLOK-BLK)
A five-inch handguard for the MCX Rattler in 5.56. Contains a few MLOK slots on both sides and below, as well as a small rail section up top.
SIG Sauer Factory 5 Inch MCX Rattler Handguard, Low Profile (300 Blackout Only) (HGRD-MCX-R30-MLOK-BLK)
Designed to work with the 300 Blackout barrel in specific, this handguard is otherwise very similar to the 5.56 Rattler handguard from SIG shown above. There is not much room for other attachments with this handguard.
Midwest Industries 5.25 Inch MCX Rattler Handguard (MI-SIGR-5.25)
The 5.25 inch Rattler handguard from Midwest Industries is the main competition to SIG’s 5 inch handguards. This handguard not only looks good, but is much more functional than the options from SIG Sauer.
SIG MCX Rattler Suppressor Handguards
SIG Sauer Factory 5 Inch MCX Rattler Handguard (300 Blackout Only)
This is the original handguard that ships with the MCX CANEBRAKE Rattler, SIG Sauer’s newest variant of the MCX Rattler which comes already suppressed.
Midwest Industries 10 Inch MCX Rattler Handguard, Suppressor Compatible (MI-SIGRSP-10)
The largest MCX Rattler Suppressor handguard from Midwest Industries. The handguard looks really slick with the suppressed Rattler. It has a lot of MLOK slots as well as a healthy picatinny rail up top. It is one of the only longer handguards for the MCX Rattler that is available on the market currently.
