SG 551 to 500yds: Practical Accuracy [French Special Forces Rifle]

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The SG551 has an interesting lineage as a well-used carbine for French Special Operations units like the Commandos Marines (French Naval Commandos / equivalent to US Navy Seals) and the famous GIGN... but there is a more interesting back story to this.
The SG551 was initially developed in conjunction with the SG550 under a Swiss Army requirement. Initially the concept of a main rifle (SG540 and then SG541) with a shortened Headquarters Carbine (SG543). However only the long SG541, and later the SG550 was a adopted and produced as a singular solution for the Swiss Army and the SG551 ended up as a rifle developed without adaptation by the Swiss Army. So how did it end up in French hands for special operations use?
How does the carbine shoot on a fixed course? We find out.
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[@9HoleReviews]

Huge thanks to Mike from Bloke on the Range and Žiga from Polenar Tactical for being a part of our video! Furthermore, MASSIVE thanks to William @Mishaco for making this happen!

[@TakNuke]

Now we only need the other western ak ie FNC to complete the series.

[@thalesofmiletus6162]

Speaking of rerunning some of the older videos, can we please please please get Josh to run some of these guns close range? Even the old bolt actions or the Martini Henry! I think it would be really fun and some good insight into the ergonomics and handling of a firearm under duress. I think watching Josh shred with a Winchester 1895 or an FG42 would be amazing content.

[@bestkoolaid1835]

The cold open of this video was just… perfect. As always the actual information about the firearm and shooting was exactly what we all come here for.

[@Palipilap]

How have I never noticed that Ziga is a dead-ringer for Zelenskyy?

[@jager6863]

Good job not killing the Deer at the 500 yard line. Nice rifle.

[@chrismathenia4825]

That was crazy when Henry shot the 500 yard target. The deer behind it never even flinched when the target was hit.

[@Lilskidmarks14]

Deer that don’t live in the mountains are so dumb. I live on Whidbey island and I had one walk right up to my target at the range, I was only shooting .22 but still lol

[@10mikemikeshooter]

I noticed it peeking its head up at the 450 target.

[@miketucker2817]

Yeah noticed that. Dumb deer.

[@allothecheekclapper]

When I shot trap deer would show up at the range and they didnt give a shit about us shooting in their direction. One time my brother shot a clay close enough that a peice of it hit a deer and it just didnt care

[@aregularperson7573]

@@Lilskidmarks14 here in Wisconsin they are everywhere and sometimes they wonder Into the suburb’s

[@B00024406]

The deer just behind the berm of the 450yds target at 8:12 is living a dangerous life. We can see its head popping out from behind...

[@mikecross2435]

@7:10 0 f's given.

[@JC_R8MEOW]

@@mikecross2435 caught it at the same time; was like "Wait WTF?!"

[@MellowFellowOfYellow]

Probably a button buck

[@joquin4618]

Good eye

[@randompanda876]

That Deer is battle hardened and knows what’s it’s like to be in the shit with rounds cracking all around him. I’m worried… but not for him

[@PolenarTactical]

That Zelensky fella looks kinda funny...

[@Scott-qq9jd]

Well he is a comedy actor. Makes sense he'd be funny.

[@gurugoguzhanson]

Yes he looks a bit effeminate 😁🤷‍♂

[@hoppinggnomethe4154]

@@Scott-qq9jd you missed the point

[@mattfleming86]

Little sexier than normal today. Must be eating right.

[@hernisavitri]

Its you lol 😂

[@jeffreyhallam5517]

I love these gun runner skits so much! Better than regular TV by miles and miles. I love how it’s just a small bit of character building each time but clearly the same character even when Henry is portraying different people. Also thank you for giving me the expression “Wi, the French, are zee hipsters of NATO”.

[@springbloom5940]

My favorite part was the overt corruption.

[@imichael2411]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@turk88]

Harry Cousin is the best cousin !

[@retiredrecon]

I like seeing how much more carbon has built up on your pack over the years. It looks so new in those M4 video clips.

[@sirrisdesign4]

I think Harry the gun dealer is my new favorite guntube character. These intros are great. That one on Administrative Results was one of the best.

[@Kevin-fj5oe]

Which admin episode if i may ask?

[@SPECIESUNKN0WN]

That deer peaking out on the 450 yard target tripped me out. Little guy likes to live dangerously. Respect.

[@FA_363]

Never realized how much of a dead ringer Ziga was as Zelensky! Did a double take at first.

[@madd-mattmitchell917]

Absoforkinlutely!

[@josedorsaith5261]

Bit suspect

[@nataliedeyton6829]

You are not only one 😂😂😂

[@JDSFLA]

I went bug-eyed.

[@vladimirmihnev9702]

Almost Ziga, but next time use more cocaine much much more!

[@g392_cs_echo5]

I love how elaborate the intros have gotten. 😂 Solid noise.

[@nataliedeyton6829]

Henry is a amazing shot especially with irons 😳 it’s crazy The skit was 👍

[@Braun30]

There was a theory that the shorter barrel of the 90 Kurz was more stable then the standard StG 90. The information fed to us was that the shorter barrel had less vibration, therefore giving better precision. Story of the early 1990s. I was issued the StG 90 in January 1990, the very first unit in the Swiss Army issued this weapon, Rgt Fant Mont 30, being Mountain Infantry Regiment 30.

[@billdont2458]

I would love to see some revisiting of some of the older runs. Course knowledge and shooter skills have become more advanced and thus could have an impact on performance. To what degree remains an unanswered question.

[@shawnsanders9450]

EXACTLY!! This is EXACTLY what I have been saying. Look at all his runs lately including a damn AK. He has just gotten better.

[@gregorypatzelt6964]

This is one of the best firearms channels on KZbin hands down. This guy has incredible skills.

[@manuelsandino9248]

Very freaking funny. Came in for the shooting, stayed for the comedy. Keep them coming.

[@bubbaphett3261]

The intro was awesome

[@DominicZelenak]

Best gun channel of the KZbin. The combination of marksmanship, firearm history, and buddy chemistry is lights-out. Awesome results compared to the 550. Credit to the consistency in your guys' capabilities.

[@9HoleReviews]

Thanks man! the rifles sure are nice to shoot!

[@boston7704]

@@9HoleReviews No joke. Every SIG rifle I've ever shot has been lights out. Well worth the money.

[@inahurrytooften3121]

That intro was so epic, it left me with chills.

[@JDSFLA]

Chills? Were you climbing the ladder back onto your yacht after a cold morning swim, lol.

[@badcornflakes6374]

@@JDSFLA You had to make it sound ghey, huh

[@rockyhays8448]

Yes, definitely re-do the older runs. I'd like to see the ar15 series of rifles re-run.

[@rring44]

I love how deer that live near gun ranges are totally desensitized to gunfire.

[@thibautcalvet3819]

The sig pattern rifles are still heavily used by France actually, they were in service in the armed forces anywhere water was involved because it’s apparently a design that does very well with water, hence the heavy use by the commando marine, 13RDP, even regular army divers, but not a heavy use by 1RPIMA for example. They are all railed up now and few guys still rock them even in desert, because they like them

[@romeobravo2023]

What do GIGN prefer to use?

[@frederiklers749]

CZ Bren in 7,62x39

[@zoiders]

@@frederiklers749 Only for rescue and siege work in very short range urban settings.

[@bmstylee]

Always good to see cousin providing such nice hardware.

[@MrBullet888]

Excellent. God bless for still being able to use iron sights at those distances. Longer range yesterday with a Colt 6920 with the fixed 3x prism. Getting old sucks.

[@springbloom5940]

You actually need to see your target???

[@frankmiller95]

"lf we live long enough, sooner or later all of us get old." George Mitchell.

[@patmarsons1108]

that deer out past the 500y target sure is tempting fate huh at least it knows to chill behind the berm lol

[@cottond62]

I loved the skit, not least because it hits close to home. It was a nice touch including Bloke on the Range. Cheers all around.

[@cadian122]

Really nice accuracy for a 14 inch 5.56 gun.. I prefer the 551 to 550 just because its so much more maneuverable and lighter

[@jammbbs1688]

First air rifle as a kid was this rifle always have wanted a real one

[@KirShizzle]

Also funny story, the theory why Russian troops are getting shellacked is exactly because procurement officers are opting for substandard equipment that comes with a free Yacht, instead of the good stuff that'll actually function/work.

[@JorgeOrtizIII]

I fully expect Zelensky to take a call from The Presidential Yacht, in the next installment. I come for the skits, and stay for the shooting, haha.

[@johnqpublic2718]

The Russians are getting shellacked, eh?

[@sys3248]

Lol the most corrupt procurement is in US military. They're second only to Ukraine in terms of corruption.

[@KirShizzle]

@@johnqpublic2718 certainly performing less than would have been expected for a force of that size and strength.

[@USN1985dos]

lol, dude. Even our own media reporting from the front is stating that Ukrainian corruption is leading to drastic shortages for Ukrainian troops on the front line. US, Canadian & British advisers and volunteers are talking about how the equipment we're donating for free is being sold to the Ukrainian troops. How they're being sent to the front with no anti-tank weapons. How even the hospitals in Kharkiv are turning around and selling the humanitarian aid in their pharmacy rather than giving it away as was intended. I mean they even sold one of our HIMARS to the Russians, the enemy they're fighting. And if the Russians are so ill-equipped and incompetent, then why does the front line keep moving westward? Why did the Ukrainian counter-offensive fail to secure a bridgehead in the Kherson region? This corruption is exactly why we need to install an oversight program for the weapons we're giving Ukraine.

[@martinmorehouse9645]

Enjoyed the report, the skit was a nice icebreaker. I first though 'John Cleese' when Mike showed up for the MOD.

[@bc30cal99]

Greetings from southern BC gentlemen. The intros are simply wonderful, sincere thanks for all of the content. Stay well.

[@alphakilo9066]

The Colt M4A1 with the SOCOM heavy 14.5 barrel would be an excellent comparison to this SIG 551.

[@tedhodge4830]

The M4 with the Matech BUIS was a dumpster fire (40/40) compared to this.

[@rileyharville8379]

@@tedhodge4830 I think they should redo that run as they were saying in the debrief it has probably has less to do with the rifle and more to do with Henry's skill as a shooter.

[@shawnsanders9450]

@@rileyharville8379 EXACTLY!

[@lutherpayne9957]

Your short stories are as spot on funny as your debriefs are informative. Cheers.

[@Freeman_Gunner]

Did a double take when I saw the deer just chilling in the background at 8:14

[@AlreadyDeadInside83079]

Great episode! That's by far one of my favorite rifles ever manufactured.

[@conservation4africa293]

Coming from a swiss sharpshooter....Sigs 550 family are on point! They weapons are accurate , heavy and reliable.

[@andersjjensen]

Thanks Henry and Josh! I feel validated now because you listened to the paramount argument that you two are getting (obnoxiously) good, and that needs to be accounted for! Can't wait for the reruns! :D

[@samcruickshanks6856]

I love the skits Henry, they add so much to the video overall.

[@billyraydavis3400]

Excellent review thank you for all the hard work

[@MrVulcan1963]

OMG, this video made what was already a great weekend. Well done.

[@universalrandomizer405]

How on earth this channel has only 375k subscribers is beyond my understanding

[@andreivaldez2929]

KZbin throttling gun content and people more interested in ".50 caliber versus washing machine" videos when it comes to gun content, too.

[@zoiders]

Because a lot of gun tubers and their audience are racist nationalist ass hats. Henry is the opposite of that, plus he's actually served which undermines their prejudices. He's not what they expect so it frightens them away. Its not a conspiracy, his channel just weeds out the dicks we wouldn't want to share the comments with anyway.

[@fenriswolf3874]

Great skit and run! Great to see cameos from your friends! You guys keep up the good work!

[@PilgrimXXII]

I remember when I first got my SIG "Classic Green Carbine" (Essentially a SIG551SB), It took some time to get the manual of arms down, but when that was sorted I was as fast with that rifle as many are with ARs. I believe the 55X series of rifles to be the finest contemporary service rifles in the world. I'm dating myself a bit, but when I reached out to 500m with both irons and the ACOG TA01NSN It was as you demonstrated. I used PMC X-TAC M855 ammo to make the hits. I found that round to be more consistent. NOTE: This was back in 2008 here in Canada when we didn't have the insane draconian laws we do now (They were still plenty draconian then, however). I miss that rifle, I regret having sold it, but I got a Colt Canada SA15.7 to make up for it!

[@brianrodman1033]

@-9 Hole Reviews I thoroughly enjoyed the skit in this episode. Also for not knowing anything about the subject of this episode going into it you guys quickly made me a big fan and its now been added to wish list. Shame about the price though. Cheers.

[@jimsiress9687]

Most entertaining & not lacking whatsoever in regards of historical value. High FIVES 🖐️ & FIST bumps 👊 to all involved. Love this content !

[@pratyushojha]

I learnt about Sig firearms early 2000s. But have really seen quality content on the firearm only in past few months. It's really very good.

[@Darwinist]

Bloke on the Range does Chap at the Ministry really well. He really nails that smarmy upper class British civil servant accent to a tee.

[@Shimazusama]

These skits have been awesome keep it up

[@davidkohler7454]

I must add ..The Skit at the beginning was awesome. I love those. Well played.

[@mikhailgregovszki7478]

Always enjoy the humor on your videos... then the serious discussion. Interesting to hear the history and challenges of these modern arms.

[@straighshooter]

Most informative and entertaining gun channel on KZbin.

[@LeonardoFSI]

Great run and great analysis, cannot wait for a closer ranger run with the shortened rifle

[@Blackstone9x19]

Damn now that you mention it, Ziga does resemble President Zelensky. Probably the best intro so far, bravo!

[@andreivaldez2929]

Seriously. Would like to see him do the character more often.

[@seraph-m]

the longer discussion videos have been amazing. also just recently bought some slate grips and an SVG, extremely happy with it for my shooting style. amazing work chaps

[@bunnyoperator]

I laughed really loud when Žiga popped on the screen. You sly foxes you. 🤣 Great work, fellas. I wasn't surprised at the results of of the run. The result of truing at longer distances was interesting for sure. I'm excited for your barrel swap. Will chat about more that offline later.

[@brianfoley4328]

Always fun to watch, great and intelligent shooting.

[@MichaelVanHeemst]

Žiga fits the role almost perfectly lol

[@frankjrmuchnok2647]

Great video start to finish !

[@A8vscRrabbit]

Epic. Love this channel. Sg55x favorite family of rifles

[@wglnaeclipse8715]

Another Saturday morning enjoyed with excellent shooting, engaging commentary, cheesy skit (keep 'em coming) and good coffee! #newslettergang

[@MurrayC]

I wasn't expecting the Ronin appearance, great bonus. I guess the French film armourer had easier access to the SG551 due to it being in French service. Same idea as Star Wars using Stirling submachine guns

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

SIG 556

[@Mithradates_of_Los_Angeles]

👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻Awesome video, loved the knowledge and information you shared on the sg 551 ! I would love to see Henry re run some of the more important rifles you did early in your channel because I know Henry’s skill and marksmanship have drastically improved and would love to see the difference, also would love to see the difference modern optics would make on some of those runs.

[@stuartbennett7614]

The best intro yet gentlemen as you yanks say OUTSTANDING

[@medicineman6454]

New to the channel, just wanted to say I love the way the intros are setup, music and all.

[@peterseisa2605]

Great content ! Start to finish I really enjoyed the skills , entertainment and the debrief. Keep it coming guys thank you , tally ho.

[@MikailStoner]

Such a gorgeous rifle

[@karsonbranham3900]

Excellently done! Love the cameos! Very 😆

[@AverageJoe4063]

Really like the skits! Keep it up!!!

[@fatcat3211]

It never occurred to me how good Ziga is at doing a Zelensky impression. 😆

[@texhooligan1660]

listened to you on trex arms podcast, this was the first video i watched.... SUBSCRIBED

[@2010GT500]

Would really like to see a retest of the M4 and M16 rifles. The conditions were awful for those tests

[@jacobgill4808]

I can run to 500 yards with my colt m4 le6920 in 10 shots using a 1-8 primary arms platinum m2 reticle....and the 400 yard target at my range is an 8 inch circle. The rest of the targets however are full size silhouette I can get headshots out to 300 it was a one MOA rifle out the box well that's a lie it was a one MOA rifle after I put a Wilson Combat trigger in it

[@Polarbear-nq9nd]

my 6921, a factory 14.5 is 1-1.5 moa👍

[@thedoubleop]

Awesome people on this video collab!

[@tuck234]

God I love the SG551 and the short and quirky 552 (cuz of CS 1.6 and Rainbow Six) lol It's really a holy grail gun and one I so wish I could own. Hahah. Really good run and can't wait to see it come back with the shorter barrel.

[@brucewilliams6292]

OMFG, this was soooooo great!! lol thank you for the giggle. Delicious! I even like the commercials. Thank you for all the good work you do.

[@redrider999]

Did anyone notice the deer at 500 yards

[@cadian122]

Awesome intro and an amazing gun

[@ericlance9057]

Great run!! Great rifle!!!

[@WolfgangBrehm]

If they are actually Tritium dots, you just need to wait 12.32 years for them to be half as bright.

[@thomaswhite2802]

Wicked cool video I’ll keep watching

[@kovlovski7851]

"Miles protector" for ever

[@SaginawGS]

Gorgeous rifle

[@user-om2do9bk2v]

Best gun intro on youtube period.

[@Swisswoods]

Great video thanks.

[@davidstevens6117]

That is my Holy Grail rifle. There is one for sale locally, but I just can't justify the $$. Really enjoyed this segment!

[@richardgorringe8947]

Your skit may cut a bit close to the bone! Always enjoy the history behind these firearms.

[@chrisdevries2208]

ah finaly the audio is fixed so i hear you from both ways instead of the terrible directional stuff while yall standing still. hope it stays like this

[@JDSFLA]

30:42 I love the movie, "Ronin", and I always wondered what assault rifle Robert De Niro was using in this scene. Now I have the answer - SG 551. Thanks!

[@Peter-der-gute-vegane-Hirte]

Great movie

[@Swisshost]

It's crazy how many games and movies the SG rifle are still used. Latest movie I spoted the rifle is in The Gray Man (2022).

[@HankScorpio86]

@@Swisshost No Time to Die had an SG 552 as well. Billy Magnussen’s character uses it from within the vehicle towards the end of the film. That’s the most recent one I’ve seen.

[@LYLEWOLD]

Nice run, and discussion. Way to wrap things up with reference to the Historical Document, "Ronin", one of my all-time favorites.

[@yam83]

I still don't know what color the boathouse at Hereford was/is.

[@MADZULU27]

Henry you're just showing off now. It definitely takes skill to shoot that well using iron sights. Well done Sir, well done!!

[@0bserver416]

Now it's officially Zigalensky... 😅😅😅 As for Sig 551, one can say it's a Lexus of AK world.

[@hermatred572]

Crying rn thank you

[@ErulianADRaghath]

These intro bits are getting so good that they might as well become a short film!

[@samuelschmitt7068]

Cousin Harry lore expands. This is the best intro yet.

[@southpaw7426]

Brilliant.

[@RobinRobertsesq]

You got everyone in on this one.

[@Broney-tw3vy]

7:08 The deer just chilling out and living his life behind the berm at 550!

[@bassettraceengines]

Great shooting, great looking gun.

[@roughneckactual2646]

man this is one of my dream rifles

[@craiglesher6172]

I half expected the UK to offer the L85 instead of the AK.

[@NM-wd7kx]

Maybe we'll 'help out' the Russians with some aid

[@sys3248]

UK doesn't have that much serviceable L85 and they're standard service rifles of their own infantry. Doesn't make sense to give them out unless they ordered new batch or transitioning to new service rifles.

[@josedorsaith5261]

I think we tried that, judging by the pics of Ukrainians training on the l85. Sadly for us, they're too smart and wouldn't accept that hunk of junk

[@BlokeontheRange]

@@josedorsaith5261 I've not seen any pics of UKR troops training on L85. The UK procured Yugo AK's for training them.

[@martinhowell3475]

@@BlokeontheRange he's seen the photos of Ukraine troops training with L85 fitted with blank firing attachments during CQB training.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

Totally agree with redoing runs

[@parallel-knight]

that was one of the best ontros ive ever seen!!!1

[@madd-mattmitchell917]

Damn, guys, this skit was good! You need to put out something along the lines of an hour-long program using this premise as the basis. I'm not sure who the brains behind the plot is, but they are brilliant! I do love seeing this type of collaboration between my favorite Gun-Tubers. There is some real talent here with you guys. Absoforkinlutely love it. Thanks a million for things like this. Please don't quit doing this type of collaboration work!

[@9HoleReviews]

Thanks man! It really was from a funny conversation between BOTR and I, then roping Žiga into it and testing it with Ian and Calvin to see if we're crazy or not :)

[@BlokeontheRange]

@madd-matt Mitchell there may also have been a Ziga/Zelensky lookalike meme I made involved, which set off the conversation that sparked the idea :)

[@madd-mattmitchell917]

@@9HoleReviews Well....Crazy or not, it was really good.

[@madd-mattmitchell917]

@@BlokeontheRange Based on what I've seen from you over the past few years, I can totally see you coming up with something like that lookalike meme. Then between you and Henry, it just took on a life of its own. Yeah! That fits perfectly! I love the insanity of it all!