Sport Systeme Dittrich (SSD) is a German company specialized in making reproductions of historical German firearms. Besides that, they also make modernized versions of the legendary WW2 German paratrooper rifle, the FG-42. The SSD’s modernized FG-42s feature a number of upgrades such as railed handguards, modern pistol grips, muzzle devices, new finish, etc. They currently have two models (SG11 and SG12) chambered in .308 Win and a prototype model (SG13) that will most definitely break the hearts of purists as it is not only an FG-42 that has been fitted with modern parts but also is chambered in 7.62x54mmR and is fed from SVD magazines.

SG11 is a longer barreled version of SSD’s modernized FG-42 in .308 Win.

To be honest, I don’t hate guns like this. While I admire the historical firearms, I don’t see any reason why guns like this should not be made or experimented with unless it is done at a cost of ruining a rare historical firearm. Well, it looks like SSD guns are all newly made in house.

While chambering these guns in .308 Win is an understandable decision as in most parts of the world this cartridge is more readily available than the original FG-42 cartridge (8mm Mauser), I wonder if the 7.62x54mmR version is just a pure experiment, or is it aimed to a certain market. The civilian firearms market of Russia and post-soviet countries would likely prefer the 7.62x54mmR cartridge and SVD/Tigr magazine compatibility as both the ammunition and magazines are plentiful in these countries.

Sport Systeme Dittrich SG12 has a shorter barrel.

Tell us in the comments section what do you think about the Sport Systeme Dittrich guns. Would you acquire one if they were available in the stateside? If yes, what price point do you think would be justifiable?

Images from Sport Systeme Dittrich, www.ssd-weapon.com