SIG Sauer have announced that Orlando Police Department have selected their SIG Sauer Virtus Patrol Rifle. The modular SIG Virtus weighs just under 8 lbs and is available in 5.56x45mm and .300 BLK with a 16-inch barrel and a choice of buttstocks.
According to local news reports, the Orlando Police Department, which has more than 700 officers, will purchase 800 new rifles from SIG Sauer, Orlando PD officers are currently using the SIG P226 as their duty pistols. Back in November 2018, it was reported by Orlando news sources that the new rifles would replace 500 Bushmaster rifles currently in service. The contract was estimated to be worth $1.34 million and Orlando PD spokesman, Eduardo Bernal, said:
We always look to better our capabilities and upgrade when appropriate. We strive to provide our residents and visitors with a safe environment, and one way we do that is by providing our officers with equipment that will help them succeed
Here’s SIG Sauer’s statement on the contract:
SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the Orlando Police Department has adopted the SIG Virtus Rifle as part of their standard issue equipment for the department’s uniformed officers, detectives, watch commanders, and sergeants. The Orlando Police Department is comprised of over 700 sworn officers protecting over 275,000 citizens in the City of Orlando.
Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. began, “SIG has a strong partnership with the Orlando Police Department that began with their adoption of the SIG P226 and has now extended to the SIG Virtus rifle. The Virtus is a significant upgrade to their existing platform, bringing the latest in rifle technology that will enhance their capabilities, improve accuracy, and allow them to become more effective and expeditious in their response.”
The SIG Virtus is a modular rifle engineered for the demands of special operations forces. The rifle features a free-float M-LOK™ handguard, ambidextrous AR-style controls, a telescoping or folding stock, and can be easily suppressed.
“We are honored that the Orlando Police Department has entrusted SIG SAUER equipment for the men and women of the Orlando Police Department, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the department and supporting their mission,” concluded Jankiewicz.
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