The Sig 550 Sniper

Published on February 7, 2021
Duration: 18:43

This video provides an in-depth review of the rare SIG 550-1 Sniper rifle, a 5.56x45mm Designated Marksman Rifle variant. The presenter, with apparent expertise in firearms, details its unique Swiss manufacturing, long-stroke piston system, and specific technical features like its 25.6-inch barrel and 1:10 rifling twist. The review covers its history, importation challenges, and performance observations, including critiques of its trigger and accuracy compared to its high cost.

Quick Summary

The SIG 550-1 Sniper rifle is a rare Swiss Arms 5.56x45mm DMR featuring a long-stroke piston, a 25.6-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist rate, and a sealed operating system for enhanced reliability. Designed for police use, it was intended for specific GP 90 ammunition due to Swiss concerns about standard NATO 5.56 terminal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to SIG 550-1 Sniper
  2. 00:20Swiss Arms Manufacturing & Family
  3. 00:30Long Stroke Piston System
  4. 00:40US Importation History & Ban Impact
  5. 00:53Pre-Ban Pricing
  6. 01:08Unique Sniper Variant Features
  7. 01:1025.6 Inch Barrel
  8. 01:14Police & Jordanian Contract Design
  9. 01:245.56 vs. 7.62 for DMR
  10. 01:38Side Folding Stock Configuration
  11. 01:45Original Adjustable Stock
  12. 02:14Backup Sights
  13. 02:21Barrel Rifling Twist Rate (1:10)
  14. 02:33GP 90 Ammunition (63 Grain)
  15. 02:40Swiss Approach to 5.56 NATO
  16. 03:16Swiss Projectile Design Philosophy
  17. 03:39Heavy Barrel Construction
  18. 03:49Handguard & Bipod
  19. 04:15Trigger System Review
  20. 04:48Pistol Grip
  21. 04:54Optic & Mounts
  22. 05:18Backup Sight Mechanism
  23. 05:40AK-Type Bolt & Operating System
  24. 05:55Sealed System for Reliability
  25. 06:11Proprietary Magazines
  26. 06:27Bolt Lock Open Feature
  27. 06:551913 Rail
  28. 07:09Adjustable Gas Valve
  29. 07:21Disassembly Process
  30. 07:43Trigger Mechanism Details
  31. 08:21Bolt Carrier Group Removal
  32. 08:50Gas System Removal
  33. 09:09Operating Rod & Spring
  34. 09:15Handguard & Barrel Inspection
  35. 09:23Recoil Spring Assembly
  36. 10:04Reassembly - Barrel & Handguards
  37. 10:21Reassembly - Recoil Spring & Gas Valve
  38. 10:36Reassembly - Bolt Carrier Group
  39. 11:09Reassembly - Receiver Locking Tabs
  40. 11:44Magazine Capacities
  41. 11:47Ammunition Considerations
  42. 12:05Range Test Introduction
  43. 15:46Accuracy Impressions & Group Sizes
  44. 16:02Best Group Achieved
  45. 16:07Ammunition Tested
  46. 16:12Stabilization Issues with Heavier Ammo
  47. 16:20Average Group Size
  48. 16:30Value for Money vs. Accuracy
  49. 16:38Trigger Contribution to Accuracy
  50. 17:00Handguard Ergonomics
  51. 17:03Suitability as a DMR
  52. 17:11Impact of Proper Ammunition
  53. 17:28Overall Accuracy vs. Cost
  54. 17:30Reliability Assessment
  55. 17:42Threaded Barrels & Suppressors
  56. 18:04Least Popular Model in Series
  57. 18:12Impracticality of Long Barrel
  58. 18:14Sales Contracts (Swiss/Jordanian Police)
  59. 18:22Collector's Item Value
  60. 18:25Current Market Pricing
  61. 18:30Thank You & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the SIG 550-1 Sniper rifle unique?

The SIG 550-1 Sniper is unique due to its rarity, with very few produced and imported into the US. It features Swiss Arms' high-quality manufacturing, a long-stroke piston system, a 25.6-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist rate, and was designed for police use rather than military application.

What ammunition was the SIG 550-1 Sniper designed for?

This rifle was designed around Swiss-made GP 90 ammunition, which uses a 63-grain full metal jacket projectile. This was a departure from standard NATO 5.56 ammunition, as the Swiss had specific concerns about terminal performance and humane engagement.

How does the SIG 550-1 Sniper's operating system enhance reliability?

The SIG 550-1 Sniper's operating system incorporates polymer or rubber seals around the bolt path. This design effectively seals the system, preventing dirt, debris, and filth from entering and potentially causing malfunctions, thereby enhancing its reliability in various conditions.

What were the accuracy results during testing of the SIG 550-1 Sniper?

Accuracy testing showed mixed results. While advertised as sub-MOA, the best group achieved was 0.8 inches. The average group size was around 1.5 inches. Factors like the trigger pull and potential ammunition incompatibility were cited as impacting performance.

Is the SIG 550-1 Sniper a valuable collector's item?

Yes, the SIG 550-1 Sniper is considered a significant collector's item due to its rarity and unique history. Prices for these rifles can command extreme amounts, often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 on the collector's market.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from SmallArmsSolutions

View all →