SIG SG 553
SIG Sauer AG · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2005
Also known as: SG 553, SG 553 Commando
Overview
The SIG SG 553 is a compact assault carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, developed by SIG Sauer AG (Swiss Arms) as a member of the SG 550 family aimed at special forces and law enforcement requiring a short, lightweight weapon for close-quarters use. Unlike the long-stroke gas piston of the parent SG 550/551/552 series, the SG 553 introduced a redesigned short-stroke gas piston with a rotating bolt, improving reliability over the very compact SG 552 Commando it replaced. It feeds from 30-round detachable translucent polymer magazines that can be coupled together, features a side-folding stock, a two-position gas regulator, and Picatinny rails for optics and accessories.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 730 mm (28.74") |
| Folded Length | 501 mm (19.72") |
| Barrel Length | 226 mm (8.90") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 875 m/s (2871 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1531 J (1129 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Rotating Fire Selector
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail, Two Position Gas Regulator, Ambidextrous Controls, Translucent Polymer Magazine, Magazine Coupling
Variants
- SIG SG 553 LB — Long Barrel
- SIG SG 553 SB — Short Barrel
- SIG SG 553 R — Semi Automatic
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces
- GIGN
- GSG 9
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Romanian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 2005-present
Adopted by various military special forces and police tactical units worldwide.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: SIG Sauer AG (Swiss Arms)
Notes
Overall and barrel length figures cited are for the standard short-barrel configuration (approximately 730 mm extended, 501 mm folded). The SG 553 LB long-barrel variant has a longer barrel and greater overall length. The R designation denotes semi-automatic-only civilian/export models.
Background
The SG 553 is the spiritual successor to the troubled SG 552 Commando; SIG reworked the compact gas system to cure the 552's reliability issues, producing a carbine favored by counterterrorist units such as GIGN and GSG 9 for entry and close-quarters work.