It is very well established that the SAN rifle family we have here in Canada is not derived from the Sig 550, but rather the Sig 540. Both the PE-90 series of rifles and the Sig 550 are derived from the Sig 540.
Think of it this way....the Sig 540 is the mom and dad. The PE-90 and the Sig 550 are the children. The PE-90 and Sig 550 are related and do share commonalities, but neither is a variant of the other. They are variants of their (same) parent gun, the 540. More importantly, the PE-90 is the older child of the 550. So how it can it be a variant of something it predates?
Due to the rifles being cosmetically identical, sharing parts and even a manual in some cases.....don't you think that would have been the first thing the RCMP explored when this rifle was submitted for classification?
Someone made an overwhelming and irrefutable case for the PE-90s lineage 12 years ago. It's a non-issue.
Jager you are correct.
This was inspected and gone over before import was allowed years ago.
The 540 manufacturing was supposedly done so there was nothing to worry about.
The new 550 was starting production, so seeing the 550 in a magazine it was declared evil and banned.
Now the PE90 was declared to be derived from the 540, and so agreed the RCMP.
The 550 was also derived from the 540, but it was banned by name.
Of course they share lineage as they were both derived from the same firearm.
Should you peruse the PE90 FAQ in the black and green rifle section, there is a superb side by side comparison of a 550 to a PE90.
( Page 14, Post#136 by J996 of SA FAQ)
I can assure you that if the RCMP had any doubt, recall notices would have gone out eighteen months ago when all this began.
There may be similarities, but why try and take the time with all this investigation if they could not prove anything just yet?
So now they resort to tripping up the businesses and makers in word games in order to condemn.
Lately the RCMP have been asked to inspect the SAPR.
If they have not already, I suspect that they will shortly also be asked to review a 540 and a 542.
Often firearms are rejected not just due to their technical aspects, but more for their manufacturers claims in advertising.
Manufacturers must be cautious when claiming lineage and development.
The FAMAE SAF is also is derived from the 540. It is restricted only due to barrel length.
It is ok to bring in.
Now Steve has said that there were claims of Converted Auto lowers.
If there is merit to this, I am sure there would have been a widespread recall already or a massive recall to inspect all current PE90s.
It sounds as either something felonious has occurred, or less likely that some poor export controls were in place.
Especially given the near OCD aspects about the legally minded Swiss.
It is good to have a bit of healthy suspicion and to hold the RCMP accountable, but I will not launch myself off just yet.
I am going to walk away from this thread for a bit and let the blood pressure calm a bit.