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SIG 710-3



Overview


SIG 710-3

Standard production model SIG 710-3 with plastic grip and metal stock.
Source: www.gun-world.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Switzerland
Type
Machine gun
Entered service
Mid to late 1960's
Status
Obsolete
Development
1955 - 1965
Developer
Switzerland - SIG
Production
1965 - ?
Producer
Switzerland - SIG
Designations
MG55
MG-710
SG-710

Description


Introduction

The SIG 710 is a Cold War era machine gun of Swiss origin. It was developed in the 1950's by SIG as a universal machine gun using the successful retarded blowback mechanism of the SG-510 battle rifle. Although being a high quality weapon the SIG 710 was not very successful and only small quantities have been sold.

Design

Design elements of the German MG45 machine gun and SIG SG-510 battle rifle were combined to develop the SIG 710. The layout is similar to the MG45, while the retarded blowback mechanism was derived from the SG-510 battle rifle. The SIG 710 is an all metal weapon, except for the earlier production models that had wooden stocks and grips. The SIG 710 is fitted with iron sights and a 2.5x telescopic sight may is optional. The SIG 710 is fitted with a bipod which may be folded to the rear. Alternatively the full size SIG L810 tripod what weighs 10 kg can be used.

Firepower

The SIG 710 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round from continuous link or disintegrating belts at a rate of fire of about 900 rounds per minute. The effective range is quoted as 800 m from the bipod and 2.200 m from the L810 tripod. To allow for sustained fired the barrel can be quickly changed in a similar manner as the MG3.

Users

The SIG 710 was never adopted by Swiss forces and other Western nations. Many nations were satisfied with the new machine guns such as the MG3 and MAG they had already acquired. Export sales were made to several nations in limited numbers.

Variants


SIG 710-3

Right side view of early production model SIG 710-3 showing quick change barrel mechanism.
Source: www.gun-world.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Prototypes and production

The SIG 710-3 is the only model of the SIG 710 development that was put in quantity production. The SIG 710-1 in 6.5mm Swedish and SIG 710-2 in 7.92x57mm were produced in very limited quantities. Both models differ both in look and specifications from the SIG 710-3.

List of variants

SIG 710-1
Prototype in 6.5x55mm Swedish.
SIG 710-2
Prototype in 7.92x57mm Mauser.
SIG 710-3
Production model in 7.62x51mm NATO.

Details


Facts SIG 710-3
General
Origin
Switzerland
Type
Machine gun
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x51mm NATO
Feed system
Belt fed
DM1 or M13 belt types
Barrel length
559 mm
Muzzle velocity
790 m/s
Operation
Action
Retarded blowback, fires from open bolt position
Locking
Roller locking
Fire selector
0 - F
Rate of fire
800 - 950 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed
Length
1.143 mm
Weight
9.25 kg empty
0.8 kg belt box
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, blade front and tangent leaf notch rear sight
Adjustment
100 to 1.200 m with 100 m increments
Sight radius
412 mm
Optics
Optional 2.5x optical sight (1.45 kg)
Accessories
Bipod
Fixed folding bipod
Tripod
Optional SIG L810 tripod (10 kg)
Quick change barrel
Yes

Media


Related articles


SIG SG-510

The SIG 710 uses an operating mechanism that is partially inspired by the SIG SG-510 battle rifle.

Rheinmetall MG3

The SIG 710 looks somewhat similar to the MG3 due to the slotted barrel shroud. However, both weapons function in a different manner.