| |
This weapon was developed in response to a Swiss need for a new service rifle to replace the STGW-57; in Swiss service, this assault rifle is called the StG-90. It was adopted in 1984. The weapon was designed for light weight, balance, and accuracy, using plastics for the buttstock, handguard, and pistol grip, as well as the magazines. The stock is folding and skeletonized to reduce weight. The magazines are clear so ammunition levels can be checked, and are equipped with studs and lugs so that up to three of them can be clipped together for rapid changing. The sights consist of day and illuminated night rear sights (one flips the sights to change between the two), and a hooded post-type front sight (also with a tritium inlay). The sights are adjusted for elevation and windage from the rear sight only, and when either the day or night sight is adjusted, the other sight is simultaneously adjusted. There is a STANAG-compatible sight mount for optics of the NATO sort, and this mount can also accept a MIL-STD-1913 rail. The SG-550 is notable for its long 20.8-inch barrel; in addition, a bipod is standard equipment. Various Western-type 40mm underbarrel grenade launchers may be mounted. |
