SSG 82
VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk Ernst Thälmann · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1982
Also known as: Scharfschützengewehr 82
Overview
The SSG 82 (Scharfschützengewehr 82, 'Sharpshooter's Rifle 82') is an East German bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in the unusual choice of 5.45x39mm Soviet cartridge. Designed and manufactured by VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk Ernst Thälmann in Suhl, the rifle was primarily issued to the Stasi (Ministry for State Security) during the 1980s. The SSG 82 features a cold-hammer forged receiver and free-floating semi-bull profile barrel with a target crown, providing excellent accuracy for its caliber. The bolt uses four locking lugs with a 60-degree bolt rotation, and the adjustable two-stage trigger pulls between 3 to 4 Newtons. The rifle is equipped with a Ziel4/S 4x32 telescopic sight mounted using a quick-detachable Suhler claw mount base. The wooden stock resembles that of the Kleinkalibersportgewehr 150 target rifle, featuring a raised comb and stippled pistol grip. Only approximately 2,000 units were ever produced, making it one of the rarest Cold War-era sniper rifles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5000 g (176.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1108 mm (43.62") |
| Barrel Length | 585 mm (23.03") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 3.5 N (0.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1328 J (979 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45 Soviet, 5.45x39mm M74
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Semi Bull Barrel, Target Crown, Adjustable Trigger
Service history
Operators
- East German Ministry for State Security (Stasi) · adopted 1982
- East German National People's Army
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,000 · Production years: 1982-1989
All manufactured at the Ernst Thälmann factory in Suhl. Production ceased with the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Discontinued: 1989
Notes
The SSG 82 is notable for being one of the very few bolt-action sniper rifles ever chambered in the 5.45x39mm cartridge, which is typically associated with assault rifles like the AK-74. The choice of this relatively low-powered intermediate cartridge limited the rifle's effective range compared to full-power rifle cartridges, but was adequate for the Stasi's intended urban and short-range security operations. After German reunification in 1990, many SSG 82 rifles were destroyed, though some entered the collectors' market.
Background
The SSG 82 remains one of the most enigmatic Cold War sniper rifles. Primarily issued to the feared East German Stasi secret police rather than the regular military, its existence was largely unknown in the West until after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Its unusual 5.45x39mm chambering in a bolt-action platform makes it a true oddity in firearms history.