Quick Summary

The East German SSG-82 is an enigmatic bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, designed for the Stasi for counter-terrorism and police roles. It features a 4x Zeiss Jena scope with a quick-detach mount and a 5-round magazine. Production was limited to about 2,000 units, with roughly 600 imported into the US.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the SSG-82
  2. 01:13Intended Use and History
  3. 01:46Markings and Manufacture
  4. 02:09Controls and Magazine
  5. 03:02Optics and Mount
  6. 03:29Stock and Barrel Construction
  7. 04:17Bolt Assembly
  8. 05:29Production and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the East German SSG-82 sniper rifle chambered in?

The East German SSG-82 sniper rifle is chambered in the 5.45x39mm caliber, which was also adopted by East Germany for the AK-74 rifle in 1982.

Who was the intended user of the SSG-82 rifle?

The SSG-82 was manufactured for the East German Ministry of State Security (Stasi) and intended for counter-terrorism and police sniper use, rather than frontline military service.

What type of optics does the SSG-82 typically feature?

The SSG-82 is equipped with a 4x Zeiss Jena scope, often featuring a simple German post reticle, and utilizes a unique quick-detach side-mount system.

How many SSG-82 rifles were produced and imported into the US?

Approximately 2,000 SSG-82 rifles were produced in total. Around 600 of these were imported into the United States by Century International Arms.

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