The CROSS TRAX, a new addition to the CROSS rifle family from SIG Sauer, is a minimalist design that embodies the essence of the SIG CROSS receiver. This lightweight and compact rifle is an ideal choice for deer hunters seeking a portable firearm.

The Cross rifle platform was introduced by SIG in late 2019, just before the SHOT Show. A heavier version weighing 14 pounds was released last year, but now, a new variant has emerged at the other end of the spectrum. The CROSS TRAX bolt-action rifle, chambered in .308 Winchester, complements the backcountry long-range style of the CROSS family of rifles.

This model enhances the original CROSS bolt-action rifle with new lightweight or low-profile features. The first of these is an ultra-lightweight skeletonized 11.5-inch handguard that free floats around the stainless steel barrel, equipped with a Picatinny rail.

The second new feature is the Minimalist folding stock. It is a truly minimalist option, offering less bulk than the stocks of other CROSS rifles, yet still meeting Sig’s standards. The third new feature is the low-profile no-snag design of the bolt knob and handle, reducing the risk of snagging while in the field.

Other modifications, such as the Rattler pistol grip and the smaller bolt handle, may seem less significant, but collectively, they contribute to a lighter rifle. The standard Cross in .308 with a 16-inch barrel weighs 6.5 pounds, while the CROSS TRAX (only available as a 16-inch .308) weighs just 6.1 pounds.

The CROSS TRAX bolt-action rifle features a 16-inch tapered Precision stainless steel barrel, which appears to be threaded for the addition of a suppressor or a muzzle brake. The frame, made of aluminum with a black anodized finish, ensures the rifle is both durable and light.

This sleek bolt gun also boasts a SIG Rattler grip from the company’s MCX line, and a low-profile “no-snag” bolt handle with a two-stage adjustable match trigger. The rifle feeds from a five-round AICS detachable box magazine, and the threaded muzzle is suppressor-ready. An optics rail can accommodate any scope rings the hunter prefers.

The rifle measures only 26 inches when folded, extending to a total length of 35 inches when unfolded. With some online retailers listing it as “coming soon” with a price tag of $1,399.99, hunters should keep an eye out for this next-generation lightweight compact hunting rifle.