Pistol Review: The SIG Sauer MPX Copperhead

Adding a new option to the company's selection of ultra-compact firearms, SIG Sauer has released the highly anticipated MPX Copperhead. This new pistol-caliber platform joins the MCX Rattler as one of the company's latest compact pistols, giving consumers increased firepower in a small, stable package.

“The MPX Copperhead considerably reduces the length, width, and size of the MPX platform making it the most compact addition to the MPX family of firearms,” said Tom Taylor, chief marketing officer and executive vice president, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The Copperhead is the perfect combination of the features and performance our consumers expect from a SIG MPX in a compact package.”

THE DESIGN

The newest entry in SIG's “snake” series behind the MCX Rattler, the new SIG Sauer MPX Copperhead is exceptionally compact with a height of 8 inches and an overall length of just 14.5 inches.

Built with a tuned, short-stroke, gas-piston operating system, the SIG Sauer MPX Copperhead is able to reliably cycle all brands and grain weights of 9mm ammunition from its ultra-short, 3.5-inch barrel, without any gas-valve adjustments made by the consumer. Each barrel is equipped with a 1:10-inch rate of twist, allowing the gun to utilize all commonly available 9mm rounds on the market. Barrels are outfitted with an integrated flash hider, which helps to dissipate some of the muzzle flash from this lightweight, compact platform. The gun's action is operated with a closed, rotating bolt, which enhances the safe, reliable function of the gun.

Speaking of safety, the Copperhead comes with a polished single-stop safety and at the rear you’ll find SIG's new Pivoting Contour Brace, which is designed to adapt to a user's arm movement, thanks to the swivel mechanism built into the brace. The stabilizing brace rides on two rails and allows for two positions; fully extended or fully retracted.

Each Copperhead is built with a monolithic upper receiver, complete with a Picatinny top rail and a tan Cerakote finish meant to increase durability and the overall lifespan of the pistol. The lower receiver is outfitted with ambidextrous controls, all of which are treated with a black nitride finish that stands out from the tan receiver. Along with the very sleek PDW pistol grip, you'll naturally find the perfect grip in any situation.

The SIG Sauer MPX Copperhead measures 14.5 inches long, 2.4 inches wide and 8 inches high. Unloaded, the pistol weighs at 4.5 pounds.