SIG AMT
SIG (Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft) · Battle Rifle · Discontinued · 1960
Also known as: SG 510, SG 510-4, Stgw 57, American Match Target, AM 55
Overview
The SIG AMT (American Match Target) is the semi-automatic civilian US-export variant of the SIG SG 510-4 - itself the 7.62×51mm NATO export version of the legendary Swiss Stgw 57 battle rifle designed by Rudolf Amsler. The SG 510 family employs a roller-delayed blowback system derived from the wartime Mauser StG 45(M), but where the German design used true rollers, the Swiss substituted pivoting flaps for tighter tolerances and longer service life. Imported into the United States between 1969 and 1989 in numbers estimated at roughly 3,000, the AMT delivered Swiss-watch-grade machining, integral folding bipod, perforated barrel jacket, winter trigger, and renowned softness of recoil to American shooters at then-staggering prices ($1,700 by 1978). Reviewers consistently rank it among the finest 7.62×51mm semi-auto battle rifles ever produced - outshooting contemporaries like the HK91 and FN FAL with ~2 MOA accuracy from iron sights.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 505 mm (19.88") |
| Sight Radius | 533 mm (20.98") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3300 J (2434 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Staggered Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Winter Trigger
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Fluted Chamber, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Integrated Folding Bipod, Winter Trigger, Rubber Buttpad, Recoil Buffer In Stock, Micrometer Adjustable Iron Sights, Kern 4x Scope Mount Optional, T Shaped Charging Handle
Variants
- SG 510-1 / Stgw 57 — Swiss Military
- SG 510-2 — Lightweight
- SG 510-3 — 7 62x39 Finnish Trial
- SG 510-4 — 7 62 Nato Export
- PE-57 — Civilian Swiss
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian US sport/collector market · adopted 1969
Production
Estimated total produced: 3,000 · Production years: 1960-1983 (SG 510 family); 1969-1989 US imports
1,440 confirmed US imports 1969-1978; estimated ~3,000 total. US importers included Benet Arms, SARCO, Osborne Brothers, Mandall, SIGARMS, Golden State Arms.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Rudolf Amsler
Discontinued: 1989
Notes
AMT is the civilian US-import semi-auto only variant; military Stgw 57 / SG 510-4 are select-fire. Source variance on weight: ModernFirearms 4.25 kg (510-4 base) vs biggerhammer.net 4.5 kg (AMT) - likely reflects French walnut furniture density. Approximately 1,440 confirmed imports 1969–1978; estimated ~3,000 total before 1989 import ban. SG 510 family production ended 1983.
Background
Reportedly one of the most expensive infantry rifles ever fielded - the Stgw 57 served the Swiss Army from 1957 until replaced by the SG 550 in 1990. The pivoting-flap roller-delayed system traded straight-roller wear for Swiss-watch tolerances, and the perforated barrel jacket plus integral bipod gave it a distinctive silhouette unmistakable on a 1980s American gun-show table.