SIG SAUER MPX ASP Red Dot Airgun Review ~ VIDEO

by Dennis L Johnson MD, PhD, USN Capt (ret) and Carolyn L Johnson, RN
The Johnson’s review the SIG SAUER MPX ASP Red-Dot Airgun, a full size replica of the real deal SIG SAUER MPX rifle.

When SIGARMS, Inc (now SIG SAUER, Inc.) came to the United States in 1985, their reputation for making high quality preceded them.

Their semi-automatic rifles and pistols are world class which was recently confirmed, once again, by the U.S. Army selecting the SIG Model P320 to replace the M9 service pistol that has been in use since the mid-1980s.

Using the popular and rugged design of the SIG SAUER MPX centerfire rifle, SIG engineered an entirely new generation of air guns called Advanced Sport Pellet (ASP) guns.

SIG SAUER MPX ASP Airgun

First, they are not manufactured from plastic wrapped around a metal barrel and spring action. The SIG SAUER MPX has a metal housing with polymer stocks, grips, and forends, like the firearms from which they were developed. There are a few cosmetic differences, as the stock does not fold since it houses the 90-gram CO2 cartridge, and the magazine is modified to take the patented 30-round mag belt.

Otherwise, these guns closely mimic the weight and design of the originals.

This gun is ideal for law enforcement and military training when it is not desirable to use the original MPX either due to cost or availability. However, our focus is on the function, reliability, and applicability of these airguns to the recreational market for plinkers, sport shooters, and (very) small rodent hunters.

During three months of field testing on our ranch, we went through over 1,000 SIG SAUER Match Ballistic Alloy pellets. The 5.2-grain pellets fed through the patented 30-round belt without a single misfire. The 30-round (Rapid Pellet Magazine) belt drive magazine is easy to load and functions flawlessly. As fast as we could pull the trigger, it fed a new pellet, and the gun kept firing.

We have to admit that the first 400 shots were purely for fun. The change from having to stop after a single shot to load another pellet was awesome.

If you want a rifle that’s loads of fun, this is your gun! Reminds me of the enjoyment I got from my first BB gun when I was 12 years old. (and that is more than a half-a-century ago).

Dennis is “old school” and used the flip-up adjustable front and rear sights to zero in on his selected targets (cans, SIG Reflex targets, and D.B. Splatter targets). This air gun is user-friendly, with amazing accuracy and impressive hitting power.

We would not be surprised that when military and law enforcement personnel use the MPX in training they decide to buy one for their personal use…. it is that good and that much fun.

We couldn’t pry the gun away from our grandson after he shot it a few times. He easily mastered its operation and quickly became an expert target sniper. This is an exceptionally good weapon to train novices on gun handling and shooting proficiency.

The SIG MPX ASP air rifle is matched to the original model in weight, balance, and controls, which yields a more accurate performance. The durable metal housing, synthetic stock, and 8″ rifled steel barrel provide a realistic assault rifle look and feel. The Picatinny rails allow scope mounting options, including the 20mm Sig 20R Red Dot Optics. A threaded 90 g (88 g compatible) CO2 cylinder supplies maximum pellet velocity and fits securely into its housing.

We found this rifle to be an especially effective weapon for dispatching mice and rats in the fields and timber on our property. Its length is particularly adapted for maneuvering in small rooms where rodents scurry between bags of poultry grain. The rapid hitting power downs the hardiest rodents.

SIG SAUER MPX ASP Specifications

• Caliber: .177 pellet
• CO2: (88 gram / 90 gram)
• Housing: Metal
• Magazine: 30-Round Rapid Pellet Magazine (RPM™) w/ encapsulated belt feed
• Fire Mode: Semi-automatic
• Features: Integral Picatinny Optics/Accessory Rail
• Safety: Manual
• Trigger Pull: 7 lbs
• Muzzle Velocity: up to 575* fps
• *Varies with temperature, pellet weight, and altitude
• Sights:
• Flip-up Adjustable Front and rear Sights
• 20mm Sig 20R Red Dot Optics (optional)
• Weight: 6.6 lbs
• OAL: 25.75 inches
• Warranty: 1 year limited
• Country of origin: Japan
• 2017 MSRP: $199.99 ($245.99 w Red Dot Optics)(less $$ online)

The SIG SAUER MPX ASP Red Dot Airgun is the perfect platform for teaching young adults to safely handle and shoot a rifle but bold enough for adult utility. We can recommend this gun to anyone desiring a reliable target-shooting and rodent-whacking air rifle that operates as advertised and is exceedingly fun to shoot.