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ATF Comments and Memos Pertaining to the SIG AMT and 550 Series
From a July 6, 1989 ATF memo entitled : Report and Recommendation on the Importability of Certain Semiautomatic Rifles and represent notes from a meeting held on December 10, 1968.
The Firearms Evaluation Panel did briefly comment on whether a model BM59 Beretta, 7.62mm NATO Caliber Sporter Version Rifle was suitable for sporting purposes. Minutes of the Firearms Advisory Panel, December 10, 1968. Attachment 3. It was the consensus of the Panel that this rifle did have a particular use in target shooting and hunting. Accordingly, it was recommended that importation of the Beretta BM59, together with the SIG-AMT 7.62mm NATO Caliber Sporting Rifle and the Cetme 7.62mm NATO Caliber Sporting Rifle, be authorized for importation. (The Beretta RM59 and the Cetme, the predecessor to the HK91, are two of the rifles whose importation has been suspended. The SIG-AMT is no longer being produced.) However, the Panel recommended that importation of these weapons should include the restriction that they not possess combination flash suppressors/grenade launchers.
.... A model BM59 Beretta, 7.62mm, NATO Caliber Sporter Version Rifle was presented to the panel and their advice sought as to their suitability for sporting purposes. It was the consensus that these rifles do have a particular use in target shooting and hunting. Accordingly, it was recommended that importation of this rifle together with the SIG-AMT 7.62mm NATO Caliber Sporting Rifle and the Cetme 7.62mm NATO Caliber Sporting Rifle be authorized for importation. Importation, however, should include the restriction that these weapons must not possess combination flash suppressor/grenade adapters with outside diameters greater than 20mm (.22mm is the universal grenade adapter size).
From a July 6, 1989 ATF memo entitled : Report and Recommendation on the Importability of Certain Semiautomatic Rifles
RIFLE: SIG 550SP and 551SP MANUFACTURER: SIG, Switzerland IMPORTER: Sigarms, Inc., Herndon, VA. DESCRIPTION: 5.56mm caliber semiautomatic rifle. Gas operated, detachable magazine, weight 9 pounds (550SP), 7.7 pounds (551SP), Overall length 39.3 inches (550SP), 32.5 inches (551SP), barrel length 20.8 inches (550SP), 16 inches (551SP). CRITERIA ELEMENTS 1 - 5 1. Does the weapon have a military configuration? Yes, identical in appearance to SIG 90 military rifles. a. ability to accept a detachable magazine. Yes, 20 round standard. b. folding/telescoping stock. Yes, folding stock standard c. pistol grip. Yes, receiver design and stock configuration dictate the use of a separate pistol grip. d. ability to accept bayonet. Yes, available as accessory. e. flash suppressor. Yes, integral with barrel. f. bipod. Yes, standard g. grenade launcher. Yes h. night sights. Yes 2. Is the weapon a semiautomatic version of a machinegun? Yes, semiautomatic version of STG 90 selective fire rifle. 3. Is the rifle chambered to accept a cartridge case having a length of 2.25 inches or less? Yes (5.56mm/.223 Remington) Cartridge case length 1.76 inches. 4. How has the rifle been advertised/marketed? 1 Sigarms advertisement used. Only advertisement available is for selective fire military version. 5. Technical Writers Descriptions: No technical articles available.
SIG 550 SP TYPE
6. What is the rifles reported use by importers?
a. Number of affected importers responding 0.
b. Number who recommend for hunting use 0.
c. Number who recommend for competitive shooting 0.
7. Do State game commissioners allow the use of the rifle to
hunt?
a. Number of State Game Commissions responding 42.
b. Number of State Game Commissions who permit use of
high power semi-automatic rifles 42.
c. Number of State Game Commissions who do not permit
use of high power semi-automatic rifles 0.
8. Do hunting guides recommend the rifle?
a. Number of hunting guides who responded 706.
b. Number of hunting guides who listed rifle as being
used by their clients 0 .
c. Number of hunting guides who listed rifle as one
they supply to their clients for hunting use 0.
9. Do hunting/shooting editors recommend the rifle?
a. Number of hunting/shooting editors who responded
14.
b. Number of hunting/shooting editors who recommend
this type of rifle for hunting 0.
c. Number of hunting shooting editors who recommend
this type of rifle for competitive shooting 0.
10. Is the weapon used in competitive target competition?
a. Number of hi power rifle associations who responded
53.
b. Number of hi power rifle associations who listed
rifle as used in competition 0.
c. Number of hi power rifle associations who indicated
rifle was suitable for use in competition 53. **
* Use of rifle is permitted provided magazine capacity
restrictions, where applicable, are complied with.
** Permitted for use in the "Any Rifle" category.
SIG 551 SP TYPE
6. What is the rifles reported use by importers?
a. Number of affected importers responding 0.
b. Number who recommend for hunting use 0.
c. Number who recommend for competitive shooting 0.
7. Do State game commissioners allow the use of the rifle to
hunt?
a. Number of State Game Commissions responding 42.
b. Number of State Game Commissions who permit use of
high power semi-automatic rifles 42.
c. Number of State Game Commissions who do not permit
use of high power semi-automatic rifles 0.
8. Do hunting guides recommend the rifle?
a. Number of hunting guides who responded 706.
b. Number of hunting guides who listed rifle as being
used by their clients 0.
c. Number of hunting guides who listed rifle as one
they supply to their clients for hunting use 0.
9. Do hunting/shooting editors recommend the rifle?
a. Number of hunting/shooting editors who responded
14.
b. Number of hunting/shooting editors who recommend
this type of rifle for hunting 0.
c. Number of hunting shooting editors who recommend
this type of rifle for competitive shooting 0.
10. Is the weapon used in competitive target competition?
a. Number of hi power rifle associations who responded
53.
b. Number of hi power rifle associations who listed
rifle as used in competition 0.
c. Number of hi power rifle associations who indicated
rifle was suitable for use in competition 53. **
* Use of rifle is permitted provided magazine capacity
restrictions, where applicable, are complied with.
** Permitted for use in the "Any Rifle" category.
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Imported Part Description for Sig 550-1SP |
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|
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1 |
Frames,recievers,
reciever castings, forgings or stampings
|
X |
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2 |
Barrels |
X |
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3 |
Barrel Extensions |
X |
|
4 |
Mounting Blocks, Trounions |
|
|
5 |
Muzzle Attachments |
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6 |
Bolts |
X |
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7 |
Bolt Carriers |
X |
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8 |
Operating Rods |
X |
|
9 |
Gas Pistons |
X |
|
10 |
Trigger Housings |
X |
|
11 |
Triggers |
X |
|
12 |
Hammers |
X |
|
13 |
Sears |
X |
|
14 |
Disconectors |
|
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15 |
Buttstocks |
X |
|
16 |
Pistol Grips |
X |
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17 |
ForeArms/ Handguards |
X |
|
18 |
Magazine Bodies |
X |
|
19 |
Magazine Floorplates |
X |
|
20 |
Magazine Followers |
X |
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Total
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17 |
Last Modified on
May 3, 1999
aalbert@biggerhammer.net