SIG Sauer Cross .300 Win Mag Chassis Rifle: Review

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There’s been a shift toward hybrid rifles in recent years, guns that combine elements of target/tactical models and traditional sporters. Perhaps no guns typify this more than SIG’s Cross series rifles, which debuted in 2019. In 2022 SIG released its PRS model, which leaned more toward competition, and for 2024 the company is launching the Cross Magnum.

As the name suggests, it’s a beefed-up version of the standard Cross rifle with a larger chamber and magazine to accommodate magnum cartridges like the .300 Win. Mag., which is currently the only chambering. It borrows its overall design from previous Cross rifles and features a SIG Precision adjustable folding stock, an aluminum receiver and a full-length handguard with M-Lok attachment points and a full-length Arca rail.

The Cross Magnum is a bolt gun, but it also offers some features more commonly associated with AR rifles. The 24-inch stainless steel 5R rifled barrel—which has a 1:9 twist rate, a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle and radial brake—threads into the receiver and can be easily swapped out. The three-lug bolt locks into an extension on the barrel, thus allowing the receiver to be made from lightweight aluminum. The full-length 20 m.o.a. top rail offers ample space for mounting optics and other accessories.

Fire controls include a two-stage flat-face target-style trigger, and the ambidextrous AR-style safety selector features a right-side thumb rest. An oversize bolt knob makes it easy to cycle the action, and the rifle accepts AICS-pattern magazines. One steel six-round mag is included. Since the magazine release is located at the front of the trigger guard, it’s easy to access, and the trigger guard is sufficiently large to accommodate gloved fingers.

Stock Design

The buttstock design shares little with traditional sporters, but it’s extremely versatile and shooter-friendly. The cheek rest is secured with a locking lever and, when released, it rises up to full height. You can position the cheek riser exactly where you want it instead of selecting presets and hoping they’re correct, and it’s fast and intuitive. Ditto for the length-of-pull adjustment, which can be loosened so the butt pad moves forward or rearward, then retightened. Even the angle of the buttpad is adjustable.

There’s a PRS polymer pistol grip, and the handguard is held in position by six screws that secure to the receiver, making it easy to remove. The stock also folds with the push of a button, and when folded its overall length is 36 inches. That’s good for backpacking and traveling. However, it’s stiff and requires effort to operate, although it locks in place securely when folded or deployed.

At the range, the gun proved to be accurate with a mix of hunting and target loads. The SIG managed groups as small as 0.6 inch, and it consistently grouped at or under an inch. The flat-face trigger is outstanding. It’s user-adjustable and came from the factory set right at three pounds. I like the two-stage design, and once you’re familiar with the trigger it’s very predictable.

The muzzle brake also does an excellent job dampening recoil. Combined with the rifle’s 8.9-pound weight—scoped and loaded it will weigh around 10.5 pounds, depending upon your scope option—this is a precision hunting rifle that doesn’t beat you up in the field.

Operation

The bolt handle projects directly from the side of the rifle and is easy to access, thanks especially to the oversize knob, and I like the right-side safety/thumb rest. It’s hard not to love the stock, too, although traditionalists may find its many buttons and rails a bit industrial for their tastes.

The ability to use AICS magazine makes this rifle quite versatile, but I suspect the magazine release will be a contentious point for some shooters. It’s not as easy to access as the larger paddle-style designs. It’s protected inside the trigger guard, and while it’s on the small side—and hence theoretically there’s less chance it will contact rests or debris—it’s functional.

The receiver design can make it challenging to single-load the rifle should you choose to do so, and while reliability was good—there’s an extractor mounted on the outboard lug of the bolt and a plunger-type ejector—the rounds would sometimes hang up on their way out the receiver if the bolt was not cycled with gusto.

The real question is whether a nine-pound rifle is something that will truly attract hunters. SIG makes clear that this rifle was designed for hunters, and depending upon the circumstances it could work quite well. However, there are a lot of lighter guns out there, and with the Cross Magnum’s unfolded overall length of 45.2 inches, even a relatively short suppressor will put overall length above 50 inches.

Style and Application

If the SIG Cross Magnum does fit with your hunting style, though, it’s an excellent gun. It’s also better suited for long-range shooting than light mountain rifles. Is it an ideal hunting rifle? That depends on the nature of your hunt.

SIG Sauer Cross Magnum Specs

• Type: bolt-action centerfire
• Caliber: .300 Win. Mag.
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 24-inch steel, 1:7 twist; threaded 5/8x24, radial brake
• Overall Length: 45.2 in., 36 in. folded
• Weight: 8 lb., 14 oz.
• Stock: SIG Precision adjustable for cheek height, length of pull, recoil pad cant
• Finish: coyote anodized, black nitride
• Trigger: two-stage, 3.1 lb. pull (measured)
• Sights: none; 20 m.o.a. Picatinny rail
• MSRP: $2,500
• Manufacturer: SIG Sauer, SIGsauer.com

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