East German SSG82 5.45x39mm Sharpshooter Bolt Action Rifle & Scope, 1994
SOLD FOR:$3,225
LSB#: 231102DM003
Make: VEB Fahrzeung-Und Jagdwaffenwerk “Ernst Thalmann” Suhl (Fajas)
Model: SSG82
Serial Number: 1324
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1982, commercial proof 1994.
Caliber: 5.45x39MM
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle W/ Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 1/2” (60cm), Cold Hammer Forged
Sights / Optics: The receiver has a quick-detach mount for a Zeiss Jena ZF4/S 4x scope with German #1 reticle. The scope has some minor wear in the body with fairly clear glass. There is no provision for iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hardwood with textured grip areas, finger-grooved forend, contoured pistol grip, monte-carlo comb with cheek piece and a checkered black plastic buttplate with five 1/4″ spacers. There is scattered wear in the textured grip areas and a few other light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. There is a CAI import mark on the bottom of the barrel at the muzzle-end.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is minor operational and handling wear with a few minor marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The two-stage trigger has a smooth takeup followed by a light, crisp break. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one detachable 5-round magazine and the installed scope as described.
Our Assessment: While the Soviet Union attempted to ruin the world with communism, they were not able to prevent the Germans, even the East Germans, from producing outstanding firearms. The SSG82 or Scharfschützengewehr 82 (Sharpshooter’s Rifle) was developed when East Germany received the Technical Data Package for the 5.54x39mm cartridge. Intended for the Ministry of State Security (Stasi), the rifles were based primarily on smallbore rimfire target rifles, leading to a familiar form-factor for marksmen as well as a more accuracy-oriented platform built around the cartridge of the AK-74. Approximately 2,000 of these rifles were made and they are quite scarce here in the United States. With a cold hammer forged barrel, a nice two-stage trigger, and a Carl Zeiss 4x scope, the rifles were intended for counter-terrorism and security, able to place precise shots using the same cartridge as the Soviet service rifles of the time.
This example is in Fine-plus condition with a bright, sharp bore, light wear on the stock and about 97% metal finish remaining. Commercially proofed in 1994, the rifle was imported by Century Arms International. It has its Zeiss scope with proprietary quick-detach mount as well as a single 5-round magazine. This is a rare find and will be a great addition to any collection. It should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
