Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
SIG SG 540
Category
Country
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)
—
ⓘ 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
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesselective fire
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity30
- Cyclic Rate of Fire650
◇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
▤Construction2MOD.2
⬢Features3MOD.3
▲Production & Cost3MOD.3
- Production Start1973
- Production End2002
- Variants4
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1977Production started
- 1988Sale: Portugal
- 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
Operator Countries24country
SIG SG 540SALES1records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | — | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
06 / MASS Score
ASSAULT RIFLES RANKING Assault Rifles · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
41ASSAULT RIFLES6COLD WAR · ASSAULT RIFLES21SWITZERLAND · ALL WEAPONS66PERFORMANCE/PRICE · ASSAULT RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theAssault Riflescategory.
📖 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