SIG SG550, SG551 (Stgw 90) and SG552 Commando 5.56 mm assault rifles (Switzerland), Rifles

Development
The SIG 5.56 mm SG550 and SG551 assault rifles were developed to meet a Swiss Federal Army specification and were accepted as the Swiss Army assault rifle in early 1984 under the type designation Stgw 90. The SG552 Commando was first revealed in mid-1998.The SG550 is the standard model with a folding butt and bipod, while the SG551 is shorter and lacks the bipod. There is also a SG551 SWAT (see below). The SG550/551 SP is a semiautomatic sporting rifle produced for the Swiss civilian market - over 20,000 have been sold. The short-barrel SG552 Commando is intended for use by special forces at ranges up to about 300 m.

Description
In designing the 5.56 mm SG550 and SG551, SIG paid particular attention to weight saving, making extensive use of plastics for the butt, handguard and magazine. The magazine is made of transparent plastic, allowing a check to be kept on the ammunition supply even when firing. It is provided with studs and lugs on the side which allow a number of magazines to be clipped together, so that changing from an empty to a full magazine is greatly facilitated. The butt folds to one side, and it is claimed that, even in this configuration, the weapon's optimum weight distribution and ergonomically convenient shape allow accurate firing in all positions. SIG states that accuracy at 300 m is equal to that of the Stgw 57.The SG550 is provided with a three-round burst controller and a trigger guard which can be rotated when rifle grenades are fired or so that a user wearing Arctic mittens may have direct access to the trigger. When the last round in the magazine is fired, a hold-open device operates; a new magazine is inserted, the lock catch is actuated and the weapon is ready to fire once more.The combined dioptre and alignment sight mounted on the breech housing is adjustable for traverse and elevation. The alignment sight has luminous spots for aiming during night firing and when the daylight sight is adjusted the night firing sight is adjusted simultaneously. The foresight, with its tunnel and swing-up night-firing sight with luminous spot, is permanently mounted. Telescopic

The complete article appears in the following publication:
Publication Title Jane's Infantry Weapons
Publication date May 12, 2009
Section Rifles
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