Notes: This is the sniper rifle version of the Swiss SG-550 assault rifle. The SSG-550 Sniper was developed primarily at the behest of police departments in Western Europe and a few other countries, primarily for SRT-type units, to be a short to medium-range marksman’s weapon; in the circumstances where the SG-550 Sniper is intended for use, the shortcomings of the 5.56mm NATO cartridge in a sniper’s weapon is not a great disadvantage.

The SG-550 Sniper differs from a standard SG-550 assault rifle in several respects. First, it has no automatic fire capability. The barrel is cold hammer-forged instead of being a standard SG-550 barrel, and it is heavier than a standard barrel, lengthened to 25.6 inches, and has no flash suppressor. The trigger is two-stage, match quality, and more sensitive than the standard SG-550 trigger at 3.3 pounds of pull weight. The SG-550 Sniper is equipped with a light alloy bipod which folds and is also adjustable for height and cant. The stock is also made from light alloy, but includes a buttplate adjustable for length of pull and height (and somewhat for angle) and has a rubber recoil pad. The cheekpiece is adjustable for height. The stock folds, but this is only recommended for transport or storage, as the folded stock is in the way of the trigger, pistol grip, fire controls, and most of the magazine. The pistol grip, made from polymer, is adjustable for angle and includes an adjustable handrest as well as a small counterweight to the long barrel. On top of the receiver is a MIL-STD-1913 rail for optics mounting, which extends down the ends of the handguards; there are no iron sights. (The standard scope for Swiss forces, and the one which is sold with the rifle, is a special version of a Hendsoldt 1.5-6x telescopic sight which was designed specifically for the SG-550 Sniper.) An anti-mirage band is optional, but when mounted it covers the part of the MIL-STD-1913 rail on the handguards.

Notes: This weapon was purpose-built for military and law enforcement snipers, as well as for professional target shooters. The SSG-2000 is a highly modified version of a civilian rifle, the Sauer 80/90 (also known as the STR, Scandinavian Target Rifle). The SSG-2000 is in use by Swiss police, Jordan, Hong Kong police, Taiwan, and some British police forces.

The SSG-2000 is known for its smooth bolt action and efficient muzzle brake; locking and unlocking also make use of a non-rotating bolt, resulting in a cocking handle turn of only 65 degrees. The 24.1-inch barrel is heavy and hammer-forged, and tipped with a combination flash suppressor/muzzle brake. The trigger group includes a low-weight firing trigger with a pull of 4 pounds and a set trigger which reduces the trigger pull weight to only 0.5 pounds. (0.5 pounds is considered a good pull weight for competition shooters, but way too light for snipers.) The safety allows the bolt to be opened and the weapon unloaded and loaded, but the bolt cannot be closed again until the weapon is taken off safe again. There is also a chamber-loaded indicator which can be felt as well as seen. The stock is of fine wood and is of the thumbhole-type; it has a buttplate with a recoil pad and which is adjustable for length and height. The SSG-2000 has no iron sights, but is equipped with sight rings for most Western telescopic sights. The standard telescopic sights sold with the SSG-2000 are a Schmidt & Bender 1.5-6x42 or a Zeiss Diatal ZA 8x56T.

Twilight 2000 Notes: Though heavy and complicated, the SSG-2000 was often a feared weapon, particularly among Italian soldiers, Chinese soldiers facing Taiwanese snipers and members of the Hong Kong Garrison, and anti-government forces in Britain.

Merc 2000 Notes: The SSG-2000 was considered too heavy, complicated, and expensive to be a popular weapon.