Introduction
The Fass 57, also known as the Sturmgewehr 57 (or Stgw 57), is an assault rifle that has left its mark on Swiss military history. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, it was the standard service rifle of the Swiss armed forces from the late 1950s until the 1990s, when it was replaced by the Fass 90. Renowned for its ruggedness, precision and distinctive design, the Fass 57 remains a respected and appreciated weapon among collectors and gun enthusiasts. This article explores the technical features, history and impact of this iconic weapon.
History of Fass 57
The development of the Fass 57 dates back to the 1950s, when the Swiss army was looking for a modern assault rifle to replace the Schmidt-Rubin K31a hand-repeating rifle in use since the 1930s. Designed by SIG (Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft), the Fass 57 was officially adopted in 1957, hence its name. This weapon was used for several decades as the Swiss army’s main service rifle, until its gradual replacement by the Fass 90 (Sig 550).
One of the special features of the Fass 57 is that it was designed specifically to meet the needs and preferences of the Swiss army, particularly in terms of precision and durability. Its use extended far beyond Switzerland’s borders, and it is still appreciated today for its reliability and build quality.
Fass 57 technical specifications
The Fass 57 boasts several unique technical features, making it a high-performance, reliable assault rifle.
Main specifications :
– Caliber: 7.5×55 mm GP11, a powerful and precise Swiss caliber.
– Firing mode: Selective, with semi-automatic and automatic firing options.
– Barrel length: Approx. 23.3 inches (590 mm), contributing to accuracy.
– Weight: Approx. 6.5 kg with full magazine, quite heavy for an assault rifle, but improving stability.
– Magazine capacity: 24-cartridge magazine.
– Recoil system: Operates with a long-recoil rotary breech system, which helps reduce the recoil perceived by the shooter.
The Fass 57 is also equipped with integrated bipods, which is unusual for an assault rifle, but meets Swiss requirements for long-range precision shooting. The quality of its construction, together with its unique recoil mechanism, make it the weapon of choice for stable, precise shooting.
Use of Fass 57 in the Swiss Army
The Fass 57 was the Swiss army’s main service weapon for almost 40 years. Its accuracy and durability have made it a reliable assault rifle, capable of withstanding the rigors of Swiss military training, often carried out in demanding mountain conditions. Although it weighs more than modern assault rifles, its stability contributes to its accuracy, an important asset for Swiss soldiers.
The Fass 57 has also been designed to suit Swiss shooting practices, where precision is a priority. Swiss soldiers have been trained to use it effectively in semi-automatic fire, and the weapon has even been used as a sniper rifle in some units.
Comparison with Fass 90
The Fass 57 was gradually replaced in the 1990s by the Fass 90 (or Sig 550), a lighter, more maneuverable and modern rifle. Here are some of the main differences between the Fass 57 and its successor, the Fass 90:
– Weight: The Fass 57 is heavier, making it more stable but less maneuverable in mobile combat situations. The Fass 90 is lighter, making it more suitable for fast movement.
– Caliber: The Fass 57 uses the more powerful 7.5×55 mm GP11 caliber, while the Fass 90 uses the 5.56×45 mm NATO caliber, which is more standardized and easier to supply.
– Accuracy: Although the Fass 90 is equally accurate, the Fass 57 is often considered superior in terms of long-range shooting precision.
– Modularity: Fass 90 is more adaptable to modern accessories (optics, handles) than Fass 57, which has a more classic design.
Despite these differences, the Fass 57 remains a popular assault rifle, and many Swiss collectors still own examples as a souvenir of its service in the Swiss army.
Fass 57 for collectors and enthusiasts
Today, the Fass 57 is sought after by collectors and gun enthusiasts for its historical significance and manufacturing qualities. In Switzerland, many civilian shooters continue to use the Fass 57 in shooting competitions, thanks in particular to its accuracy and robustness.
Its caliber, the 7.5×55 mm GP11, is appreciated for its power and accuracy, although it is less common than modern calibers. This rarity makes the Fass 57 even more prized by collectors and enthusiasts of Swiss military weapons. Despite the evolution of weapons standards, the Fass 57 remains a respected collector’s item, symbolizing Swiss military engineering.
Conclusion
The Fass 57 is much more than just an assault rifle: it’s a piece of Swiss military history. Designed to meet the precision and durability requirements of the Swiss armed forces, it has served with honor for decades. Although it has been replaced by the Fass 90, it remains a respected and sought-after weapon among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
With its robustness, unique mechanism and precision, the Fass 57 continues to represent a symbol of Swiss military engineering. Whether for collectors or history buffs, this assault rifle remains an emblematic model and a testament to the evolution of Swiss military weapons.
