SIG SG 543
SIG Arms AG · Carbine · Discontinued · 1977
Also known as: SG 543, SIG SG-543
Overview
The SIG SG 543 is the short-barreled carbine member of the Swiss SG 540 family of 5.56x45mm NATO rifles developed by Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) of Neuhausen in the early 1970s. Built around a gas-operated, long-stroke piston system with a rotating bolt, the SG 543 trades the full-length barrel of the SG 540 for a compact 300mm barrel and a side-folding stock, making it well suited to vehicle crews, paratroopers and close-quarters use. Like its siblings it was offered in selective-fire configurations including an optional three-round burst, and many examples were license-produced abroad by Manurhin of France.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 805 mm (31.69") |
| Folded Length | 569 mm (22.40") |
| Barrel Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1445 J (1066 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Stamped Steel Receiver, Side Folding Stock, Three Round Burst Option, Short Carbine Barrel, Translucent Magazine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Chilean Armed Forces
- Bolivian Armed Forces
- French Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
Production
Production years: 1977-1990s
Produced by SIG in Switzerland and under license by Manurhin in France; superseded in the SIG line-up by the SG 550/SG 552 family.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Notes
The SG 543 is the carbine variant of the SG 540 rifle and the SG 542 (chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO). SIG outsourced much of the series' production to Manurhin in France to keep its own lines free for the Swiss-issue Stgw 90 (SG 550).
Background
The SG 540 series was conceived as an export-oriented design that SIG could sell freely on the world market, since Swiss export restrictions and domestic priorities limited sales of the military-issue rifles. The compact SG 543 found a niche with armies and police forces wanting an SG-pattern carbine for crews and special units.