This rifle truly is a rare bird in the United States. Manufactured in the late 1970s by Manurhin in France as the commercial version of the SIG Sauer SG 540 Rifle. The .243 Winchester caliber choice by SIG was made as a work around for the ban on military caliber weapons in many European countries, meaning this gun was never meant to be marketed in the United States in this caliber. The other extremely rare caliber for these rifles is .222 Remington, an example of which is up for sale in this auction as well. This specimen is the only example in the United States that the writer is aware of. Due to the 1989 import ban on "Assault Type" weapons it unlikely that any others will be appearing in the U.S. as this rifle exhibits three of the features specifically listed by the ban, detachable "large capacity" magazines, "conspicuous" pistol grip, and attached bipod.. Mechanically it is the same as the SG 540, operating via a gas piston with adjustable gas block. Two position right thumb safety, four position drum style rear sight, and post front sight. The upper receiver is marked "SIG (in oval)", "MANURHIN (logo)", then "C.S.A. - MR .243 Win. 60037", and St. Etienne proofmarks at the rear. The lower receiver and bolt carrier are both marked with just the serial number. There are also French proofmarks on the under side of the barrel at the chamber. The furniture is two different green tones, the buttplate is of black rubber, permanent sling studs on the left side of the buttstock and forend, and the classic folding bipod under the forend. The Hensoldt Wetzlar SG 542 scope with three post reticle and rubber lens caps is mounted on a quick detachable base that allows for easy access to the iron sights.

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original matte grey finish, light overall handling evidence, and some rub wear along the right side of the upper receiver. The forend and stock are also very fine and show light handling/use evidence, some light crackling of the finish on the stock, and some minor dry cracking on the rubber buttpad. The pistol grip shows a small crack at the back that extends across the middle to the opposite edge. The scope optics are sharp. Mechanically excellent. A potentially once in a life time chance to own this rifle and complete your SIG collection!