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SIG SG 540
Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sanandros · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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SIGSG540

Assault Rifles · Switzerland · 1977
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SIGSG540

SIG SG 540
SIG SG 540 Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sanandros · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Firepower
75
Accuracy
70
Effective Range
65
Controllability
80
Reliability
85
Ergonomics
75
Modularity
70
Weight
70
Versatility
75
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin Switzerland
ManufacturerINDEP
CategoryAssault Rifles
EraCold War
In service1977–2002
Operators24 countries
Quantity542
Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
75
Assault Rifles MASS Rating
6/83
Cold War
41/279
All-Time
Assault Rifles · 10 axes scored
Firepower
75
Accuracy
70
Effective Range
65
Controllability
80
Reliability
85
Ergonomics
75
Modularity
70
Weight
70
Versatility
75
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
SIG SG 540
Prime contractor
Production
1977–2002
Quantity
542
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ASSAULT RIFLES · COLD WAR
6
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
75
assault rifles category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the assault rifles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • First Production Year1973
  • Service Entry Year1977
  • DesignerSchweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft
  • Weight (Empty)3.52 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
  • CartridgeSG 540, SG 543: 5.56×45mm NATO; SG 542: 7.62×51mm NATO
  • Calibre5.56 mm
  • Case Length45 mm
  • Bullet Weight3.56 g
  • RimfireNo
  • Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
◇Ballistics2MOD.2
  • Muzzle Velocity980 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)400 m
◆Barrel & Sights3MOD.3
  • Barrel Length460 mm
  • Sight TypeRear: rotating diopter drum; front: hooded post
  • Iron SightsYes
▲Production & Cost3MOD.3
  • Production Start1973
  • Production End2002
  • Variants4
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1945First deployment: Cold War
  2. 1977Production started
  3. 1988Sale: Portugal
  4. 2002Production ended
49
years in service
25
years in production
542
units produced
24
countries operating
04 / Conflicts
SIG SG 540 · CONFLICTS SERVED IN0% win
Total Conflicts
1
Victories
0
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
SIG SG 540SALES1records
YearBuyerQuantityAmountPresent Value (2025)
1988Portugal———
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
A pistol feature allowing it to fire grenades or projectile rounds.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Assault Rifles entry →