From muzzleloader to modern assault rifle
Precision weapon manufacturing in Neuhausen looks back on over 170 years of development history. Over 1.5 million weapons produced stand for the special know-how and great innovative spirit of the traditional company:
1853
Pioneers of industrial history: The SIG Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft is founded as the “Swiss Waggon Factory near Schaffhausen”.
1860
Start of weapon production: “Prélaz Burnand” system, muzzleloader conversion from smooth to rifled barrel.
1863
Successful product launch: Production of the infantry rifle, 15,566 delivered by SIG.
1864
Ahead of the times: The SIG “Milbank Amsler” breech-loading system confidently prevails against 24 competitors.
1869
A milestone in history: The “Vetterli repeating rifle” was the best rifle of its time. By 1899, almost 250,000 of them were sold to the Swiss Army and 105,000 to Italy.
1927
A flyweight conquers abroad: Finland, Chile, Peru, Colombia and China order the KE7 machine gun, which weighs just 8 kg, in large quantities.
1949
Birth of a legend: The P 210 was implemented in the Swiss Army with 113,000 pistols.
1953 – 1957
Indestructible guarantee of success: The multifunctional “SIG Sturmwehr 57” impresses the Swiss Army across the board – they buy over 700,000 units. 100,000 pieces manufactured in caliber 7.62 x 51 for export.
1970 – 1975
Expansion: Purchase of the companies Hämmerli AG Lenzburg (CH), Hämmerli / Tiengen (D) and SAUER & SOHN GmbH / Eckernförde (D). The SIG pistol models P 220 and P 230 are two classics that are still successful today.
1975
Reliable and precise: The P 220 cal. 9 mm Para is adapted as the “Pistol 75” to the special requirements of the Swiss Army. Around 172,500 pieces will be delivered.
1976 – 1980
A new era is dawning: range expansion to include the models P225, P226, P228, P229, P232, P239. At the same time, licensed production of the new family of gas-operated assault rifles SIG SG 540 and 543 in .223 caliber and SIG SG 542 in 7.62 mm NATO caliber begins in Neuhausen.
1986 – 1999
The wave of success continues: 450,000 SIG assault rifles 90 (Stgw 90) are delivered to the Swiss army. In addition, around 35,000 “SIG Stgw 90 PE”, the civilian single-shot version of the SIG assault rifle 90, will go into production. Development of the SIG Pro pistol. 4,000 pieces of the new 40 mm grenade attachment “GwA 97” are being purchased by the Swiss Army.
2000
Far-reaching changes: SIG sells all divisions, with the exception of the “packaging machines” division. The “handguns” division is taken over by the Lüke & Ortmeier Group and renamed SAN Swiss Arms AG.
2006
Innovative combat value increase: Thanks to new target and white light devices, an increase in combat value of the SIG Stgw 90, SIG Stgw 90k and SIG Stgw 04 is achieved. The range of SIG SAUER sport pistol models is being expanded.
2007
Forward-looking addition to the range: Delivery of the SIG SG 553 to the Swiss Army to equip the parachute troops. Based on the platform of the SIG SG 5XX family, the precision rifle SIG SAPR, caliber 7.62 mm NATO is developed. The first rifles go to Romanian special forces.
2009 – 2011
New family members: After successfully completing test phases of the new SG 751 SAPR, the final market launch will take place. The product family was expanded by adopting the SAN 511 (.50 BMG). The SG 553 gets a new facelift. New materials and compatibility with other systems (AR-15 magazines) round off the proven modular design.
2013
Family extension:
With the SG553 R, SAN has designed/created a 553 in caliber 7.62 x 39 which also accepts almost all conventional AK 47 magazines.
2017
Platform is renewed:
Our platform is expanded again with the SG 553 BK in caliber .300 AAC Blackout (7.62 x 35) and with its own SAN silencer. The reflex silencer specially developed for the SG 553 BK allows for a compact weapon that is ideal for subsonic and supersonic ammunition.
2018
Extension:
Increase in production area by 100%
2019
First test phases:
The new SG 751 Creedmoor in caliber 6.5
2020
New naming:
SAN SWISS ARMS AG becomes SIG SAUER AG
2021
View our Swiss Arms items here
Manufacturer: website
