SIG CROSS Spec-Out with ODIN Works

Did you know ODIN Works makes upgrades for the SIG SAUER CROSS rifle? We took some of their options and built an incredible SIG CROSS package in a custom Pelican case. Let’s check it out!

Disclaimer

Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.

About ODIN Works

ODIN Works is a world-class manufacturer of full rifles, AR-15 components, suppressors, accessories, and tools.

From ODIN Works:

ODIN Works makes products that our team has personally experienced a need for or that we have seen an improvement we could make and use ourselves.

We have developed some of the most cutting edge designs on the market today. Some designs may look similar but it is really when you get your hands on our product that you experience the difference.

Part of our mission statement is to make our customers better shooters through the use of our products.

“FORWARD with PURPOSE”

The ODIN Works team are competitive shooters that are constantly improving and advancing our products. As we use them the process continues.

SIG CROSS Package Overview

Laser cut foam inside a Pelican Vault case holds the SIG CROSS rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, equipped with an Element Optics Nexus Gen II scope in ODIN Works scope rings.

It also has the ODIN Works TANGENT X forend and Enduro suppressor installed.

Separate spaces hold two ODIN Works pre-fit barrels, the bolt, an ATLAS compensator, PRIZM bipod, suppressor end-cap, suppressor tool, and action wrench.

This is a package we put together.

SIG CROSS Rifle and ODIN Works Upgrades

There are several variations of the SIG CROSS available. I started with the basic model chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (18” barrel).

This precision bolt action rifle weighs under seven pounds and is designed for hunting. It has a folding stock, 20 MOA rail, two-stage adjustable trigger, and is designed and built in the U.S.

The SIG CROSS is incredibly popular, but there is always room for improvements. ODIN Works offers 22” pre-fit SIG CROSS barrels in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6 GT, and 22 Creedmoor.

This greatly expands the array of calibers from SIG’s basic CROSS .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor factory offerings.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a 1:8 medium barrel. The 6 GT is a 1:7.5 twist heavy barrel and the 22 Creedmoor is a 1:8 twist medium barrel. The 6mm Creedmoor 1:8 medium contour is the newest in the lineup. ODIN Works is actively looking for feedback! Call them to let them know what chamberings you would like to see offered for the SIG CROSS.

ODIN Works’ new TANGENT X 15.5” forend is currently available for pre-order. This 6061 aluminum free-float forend features a skeletonized design made to help with weight reduction and barrel cooling. Its top cut also provides increased clearance for scopes with large objectives.

Enhanced ergonomics provide a more intuitive grip while integrated ARCA and M-LOK slots allow for a variety of accessories. Having ARCA is a must-have for me on all of my rifles—this forend has an 11” ARCA rail compatible with Area 419 and Seekins Precision ARCA Clamps. The first 4.5” of the forend have no ARCA for improved maneuverability, but M-LOK slots in this location makes it possible to extend the rail.

We also have some ODIN Works accessories compatible with a variety of rifles.

The Enduro multi-caliber suppressor has a modular design with 9mm baffles.

It measures 9.7” in length (all baffles) and 1.500” in diameter and works with calibers from .22LR to .338 Lapua.

ODIN also makes a series of ATLAS titanium sleeve compensators. They are easy to time/tune and available in a variety of calibers.

Our three-inch 6.5 compensator has ⅝-24 threading and weighs 4.4 ounces. I used ODIN American-made 30mm scope rings to mount the Element Nexus GEN II.

They are made of 7075 aluminum and are type III matte anodized. ODIN also offers them in 1” and low, medium, and high heights.

Perhaps my favorite ODIN accessory is the PRIZM fully-adjustable precision bipod. It has a lever ARCA clamp and is adjustable from 4.0” to 14.5” in height. We also have a prototype ODIN action wrench.

Installation

In order to install the forend, I first had to remove the scope rail.

(There is a spring underneath — be careful not to lose that!)

Loosening four screws on the underside of the handguard frees it from the barrel nut.

After reinstalling the scope rail, I proceeded to mount the Nexus Gen II. I used a variety of Wheeler tools including their professional gunsmithing kits and F.A.T. Stix.

Swapping the barrels was a matter of removing the bolt, scope, bipod, muzzle device, scope base, and forend.

(It is helpful to remove the plunger under the scope rail as well to prevent it from falling out when you flip the rifle over in the vise.)

Cracking the barrel nut freed the installed barrel and I added some grease to the threading of the barrel to be installed.

I then went about putting everything back together by reversing my earlier process.

I removed the forend screws all at once, but I torqued them to 17.5 inch-lbs. in a criss-cross pattern when I returned them.

Each time I installed a new caliber, I verified the headspace with go and no go gauges.

Shooting Results

I shot each caliber prone at 100 yards, recording my shots with the Longshot Ranger and collecting data with Caldwell’s Velociradar.

Keep in mind that I became more comfortable with the rifle the more I shot it. The CROSS is designed for hunting and while the buttstock is lightweight and compact, it takes a bit of practice to use consistently.

Berger’s 140 Grain 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition yielded a 1.526” five-shot group with the Enduro suppressor.

Another five-shot group, this time shot with the ATLAS compensator, measured 1.043”, just under one MOA.

I also fired Hornady 100 grain ELD-VT factory ammunition and Federal 120 Grain Trophy Copper factory ammunition. These had less impressive results.

Thinking back to my 22 Creedmoor build, I suspected the heavier bullets wouldn’t stabilize in the 1:8 twist barrel. I had mixed results with the ODIN CROSS pre-fit barrel and Hornady’s 22 Creedmoor 80 Grain ELD-M Match Ammunition and 80 Grain ELD-X Precision Hunter Ammunition. Suppressed, the ELD-M’s measured 1.340” at 100 yards. The suppressed ELD-X group almost cut that number in half, at 0.771”.

Switching to the compensator, four ELD-X bullets landed into 0.400”. The fifth was a flyer outside the group, bringing the size to 1.130”. I look forward to testing some lighter bullets.

I used my own handloads in the 6GT barrel: Berger 6mm 109 grain hybrid target bullets with 34.6 grains of Varget.

Remember, do not use my data— always consult multiple reputable reloading data sources! I only shot this ammunition suppressed as I had a limited amount, but my first five shot group went into 0.535”.

Aside from comparing the accuracy results, I also reviewed velocity data from the Velocirdadar.

Conclusion

The 6GT was my favorite of the three barrels. I believe it has a lot of potential beyond the results I observed and I want to load Berger 6mm 105 grain bullets for it in the future. I was unable to shoot any of the cartridges past 100 yards due to fire hazards, so I plan to expand upon that as well.

Creating a custom case for the CROSS, ODIN upgrades, and accessories was a fun and useful project. It kept everything neatly organized for easy barrel swaps and transport.

The CROSS was a new platform for me, but I can wholeheartedly say the ODIN TANGENT X forend has already made a huge difference. ARCA compatibility and the ability to run an optic with a larger objective closer to the action makes this upgrade an incredibly versatile one.