The SIG SG711 from SIG Sauer AG is a modern sporting rifle based on Precision, safety and modularity sets. While the manufacturer sees it as a logical further development for shooting sports, the Swiss Shooting Sport Association (SSV) authorisation for competitions has been postponed for the time being. This leads to discussions about the integration of new weapons into existing structures.
SSV decision: Why was the authorisation postponed?
The SSV decided at the 2024 Presidents' Conference not to authorise the SG711 for competitions for the time being. This means that it is not included in the competition rulesuntil further discussions were held in 2025.
Reasons for postponement:
- Effects on competition structures: An immediate introduction would affect existing shooting plans, in particular the Federal Shooting Festival 2026.
- New category required? The SG711 does not fit seamlessly into existing rifle classes. It is more powerful than the Stgw57-03, but is not a classic service rifle.
- Comparability with existing weapons: A competitive advantage through better ergonomics and precision could influence fairness in category D.
- Authorisation for federal exercises & historical shooting: The SG711 is not authorised for federal exercisesas it is not an official regulation weapon.
At the Presidents' Conference Authorisation to be discussed again in 2025.
SIG Sauer AG: Criticism of the SSV's decision
The SIG Sauer AG regrets the delay in authorisation and emphasises that the SG711 based on the proven Stgw90 PE and a modern solution for shooters who prefer the GP11 calibre.
SIG Sauer attitude:
- Market launch despite postponement: Irrespective of the decision, SIG Sauer has not yet finalised the SG711 launched on the market on 1 January 2025.
- Use outside of competitions: The SG711 can be used on shooting rangesunless they are Federal exercises or SSV-regulated competitions deals.
- Commitment to the sport of shooting: SIG Sauer emphasises that the SG711 could improve the safety and competitiveness of sport.
🎯 Find out more about the SIG SG711 on the manufacturer's website
Advantages and disadvantages of the SIG SG711 at a glance
Advantages:
- Security: Shorter locking distance than the Stgw57 → lower risks
- Ergonomics & modularity: Comparable to the Stgw90, but optimised for GP11
- Accessory compatibility: Many Stgw57/03 attachments can still be used
- Availability of spare parts: Long-term spare parts and service supply by SIG Sauer
Disadvantages:
- Unclear competition allocation: No direct categorisation in existing categories
- Not authorised for federal exercises: Not an official regulation weapon
- Cost point: At CHF 4,950, the SG711 is above the average of popular alternatives
Technical data of the SIG Sauer SG711
| Feature | details |
|---|---|
| Calibre | GP11 (7.5x55mm) |
| Magazine capacity | 10, 15, 24 rounds (compatible with Stgw57 magazines) |
| Barrel length | 24″ (609.6 mm) |
| Total length | 1'010 mm |
| Weight | 4.1 kg |
| Shank material | High-quality wood |
| Sighting | Dioptre sight for precise aiming |
| Run | Cold-hammered for increased service life |
| Fire mechanism | Semi-automatic machine |
| Shoulder rest & hand protection | Original Stgw90 |
| Material | Robust steel and high-strength polymer |
| Accessories | Cleaning kit and carrying strap included |
| Price | from CHF 4'950.00 |
Conclusion: Wait and see or new competition class?
The SG711 is a Technological developmentwhich is aimed at sport shooters, but currently no place in official SSV competitions has. The crucial question remains: Should the SIG 711 have its own competition class or be integrated into existing structures?
The SSV will address this question again in 2025. Until then, the SG711 remains an interesting option for shooters who want to state-of-the-art technology and precision.
What do you think? Should the SG711 have its own class or be included in existing competitions? Share your opinion in the comments!
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Introduction with its own category, possibly with the Stgw 57-03 with the sports barrel!
Not easy to answer:
a) I am surprised that SIG developed the rifle without having sufficiently clarified the points now raised by the SSV in advance. It should have been clear from the outset that i) it would never be classified as an ordnance weapon unless the army (extremely unlikely) or the Border Guard or another federal authority officially recognised it as a service weapon (hardly, as they have more accurate sniper rifles with a scope; for comparison, however, see the now countless P76 models, for example, which are also classed as ordnance pistols according to the List of Accessories - so why not?); and ii) the SG711 cannot be assigned to field A (sporting weapons);
b) More categories in addition to A, D and E at shooting events? No, thank you! (I'm a regular member of the organising committee at our shooting events and know what I'm talking about);
c) The SSV urgently needs to rethink the entire categorisation, also and in particular with regard to the Stgw. 90, which can be upgraded from 2025. Packing these with sight line extension + ring front sight together with Stgw. 57-02 no longer fits. It would be better to pack Stgw. 90-03 (with sight line extension) together with Stgw. 57-03 - and then later also the Stgw. 711 in field D. Carbines from now on together with Stgw. 57-02, Stgw. 90-02 (incl. ring front sight, but without VL extension; easy to distinguish by the old sight drum) in field E (I am not a carbine shooter myself, but shoot in field A);
d) It remains to be seen whether the new SG711 is actually superior to the Stgw. 57-03 in terms of accuracy. From what we have heard so far, SIG still has a lot of catching up to do in terms of precision development. And it should be clear that there will soon be calls for sports barrels for the SG711.
Conclusion: There will still be a lot of water flowing down the Rhine and past SIG in Neuhausen am Rheinfall.