SIG SG 510
Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) · Battle Rifle · Discontinued · 1957
Also known as: Stgw 57, Sturmgewehr 57, SG 510-4
Overview
The SIG SG 510 is a Swiss selective-fire battle rifle developed by Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft and adopted by the Swiss Army in 1957 as the Sturmgewehr 57 (Stgw 57). It uses a roller-delayed blowback action chambered for the full-power 7.5x55mm Swiss GP11 cartridge, and is noted for its heavy machined construction, integral folding bipod, flip-up diopter sights, and winter trigger. Export models designated SG 510-4 were chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and sold to Bolivia and Chile.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5700 g (201.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 609 mm (23.98") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 24 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 750 m/s (2461 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3177 J (2343 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 640 m (700 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.5x55mm Swiss · primary — also known as GP11, Gewehrpatrone 11, 7.5x55mm GP11
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Selector Lever
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Folding Bipod, Integral Grenade Launcher, Winter Trigger, Flip Up Diopter Sights, Muzzle Brake, Carrying Handle
Variants
- SIG SG 510-4 — Export 762nato
- Stgw 57 — Swiss Military
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces · adopted 1957 · as Stgw 57
- Chilean Army · as SG 510-4
- Bolivian Army · as SG 510-4
Conflicts
- Cold War (1957-1990)
Production
Estimated total produced: 600,000 · Production years: 1957-1983
Roughly 600,000 Stgw 57 rifles produced for Swiss service; export SG 510 variants in smaller numbers
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Rudolf Amsler
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
The Stgw 57 served as the standard Swiss service rifle until replaced by the SIG SG 550 (Stgw 90) beginning in 1990. Its rugged, precise build made it accurate but very heavy compared to contemporary battle rifles.
Background
Swiss conscripts famously kept their Stgw 57 rifles at home as part of the nation's militia system, and the rifle's reputation for precision made it a prized target-shooting platform long after military retirement.