With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nWhen the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n The new Steyr proved itself on the range and produced some impressive sub-MOA groups with most of the test ammo. Shooting such sub-MOA groups with a 16-inch-barreled carbine is impressive. With the 16-inch barrel, you can expect five-shot groups of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards on average with military-grade ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n The secret here is a combination of the high-quality barrel and the new Hybrid Trigger Module available as an option from Steyr Arms. The standard combat trigger is a good one for a battle rifle<\/span>. However, the Hybrid Trigger Module is simply mind blowing.\u00a0<\/span>This enhancement cuts the trigger pull nearly in half<\/span>; it goes from around 8 pounds to a very comfy 5.19 pounds on average<\/span>. <\/span>It<\/span> also brings a completely different feel to the AUG with its smooth take-up and a crisp break. This trigger option is a must for me.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new Steyr proved itself on the range and produced some impressive sub-MOA groups with most of the test ammo. Shooting such sub-MOA groups with a 16-inch-barreled carbine is impressive. With the 16-inch barrel, you can expect five-shot groups of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards on average with military-grade ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n Steyr has always been synonymous with mythical accuracy in my mind, and this one is no different. I\u2019ve shot incredible groups with my old AUG<\/span>. The AUG\/A3 M1, with its U.S.-made cold-hammer-forged barrel, proved to be just as accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The secret here is a combination of the high-quality barrel and the new Hybrid Trigger Module available as an option from Steyr Arms. The standard combat trigger is a good one for a battle rifle<\/span>. However, the Hybrid Trigger Module is simply mind blowing.\u00a0<\/span>This enhancement cuts the trigger pull nearly in half<\/span>; it goes from around 8 pounds to a very comfy 5.19 pounds on average<\/span>. <\/span>It<\/span> also brings a completely different feel to the AUG with its smooth take-up and a crisp break. This trigger option is a must for me.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new Steyr proved itself on the range and produced some impressive sub-MOA groups with most of the test ammo. Shooting such sub-MOA groups with a 16-inch-barreled carbine is impressive. With the 16-inch barrel, you can expect five-shot groups of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards on average with military-grade ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n Steyr has always been synonymous with mythical accuracy in my mind, and this one is no different. I\u2019ve shot incredible groups with my old AUG<\/span>. The AUG\/A3 M1, with its U.S.-made cold-hammer-forged barrel, proved to be just as accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The secret here is a combination of the high-quality barrel and the new Hybrid Trigger Module available as an option from Steyr Arms. The standard combat trigger is a good one for a battle rifle<\/span>. However, the Hybrid Trigger Module is simply mind blowing.\u00a0<\/span>This enhancement cuts the trigger pull nearly in half<\/span>; it goes from around 8 pounds to a very comfy 5.19 pounds on average<\/span>. <\/span>It<\/span> also brings a completely different feel to the AUG with its smooth take-up and a crisp break. This trigger option is a must for me.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new Steyr proved itself on the range and produced some impressive sub-MOA groups with most of the test ammo. Shooting such sub-MOA groups with a 16-inch-barreled carbine is impressive. With the 16-inch barrel, you can expect five-shot groups of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards on average with military-grade ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n Speaking of barrels, the Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 comes with a 16-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel<\/span>. It features six-groove, 1-in-9-inch, right-hand twist rifling. But, if you\u2019d like another barrel length, there are more options available on the market<\/span>. Those options include 18-, 20- and 24-inch pipes. There\u2019s even a 9mm conversion kit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Steyr has always been synonymous with mythical accuracy in my mind, and this one is no different. I\u2019ve shot incredible groups with my old AUG<\/span>. The AUG\/A3 M1, with its U.S.-made cold-hammer-forged barrel, proved to be just as accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The secret here is a combination of the high-quality barrel and the new Hybrid Trigger Module available as an option from Steyr Arms. The standard combat trigger is a good one for a battle rifle<\/span>. However, the Hybrid Trigger Module is simply mind blowing.\u00a0<\/span>This enhancement cuts the trigger pull nearly in half<\/span>; it goes from around 8 pounds to a very comfy 5.19 pounds on average<\/span>. <\/span>It<\/span> also brings a completely different feel to the AUG with its smooth take-up and a crisp break. This trigger option is a must for me.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new Steyr proved itself on the range and produced some impressive sub-MOA groups with most of the test ammo. Shooting such sub-MOA groups with a 16-inch-barreled carbine is impressive. With the 16-inch barrel, you can expect five-shot groups of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards on average with military-grade ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more info on the AUG\/A3 M1, visit steyrarms.com<\/a> or call 205-417-8644.<\/span><\/p>\n","post_title":"Gun Review: Steyr Arms' AUG\/A3 M1 Bullpup","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:00:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:00:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/07\/02\/steyr-arms-auga3-m1-bullpup\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":117310,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2014-04-21 12:34:34","post_date_gmt":"2014-04-21 16:34:34","post_content":"\n\nRecently, I was fortunate enough to be able to receive and write about a pistol that I had heard about for a while but hadn\u2019t had a chance to handle until this opportunity presented itself. My editor located a Steyr<\/a> M-A1 pistol chambered in .40 S&W (an M40-A1) and asked me if I was interested in doing a piece on the gun. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance, and quick as a wink I had one of Steyr\u2019s fine pistols at my doorstep. One reason I wanted to get my hands on an M-A1 was that it looks really cool. Another was just personal and professional curiosity about Steyr\u2019s take on the polymer-framed pistol craze of the new millennium. Steyr has an exceptional reputation for making long guns<\/a>, and after handling this pistol, I remain completely satisfied with its polymer pistol line\u2014as represented by the M40-A1.\n\n\n\n Especially impressive on the AUG\/A3 M1 is the quick-change barrel with its collapsible foregrip. You can swap out the barrel assembly in just a few seconds by pressing a side release. Don\u2019t ask me how it accomplishes this, but the AUG\/A3 M1 will hold its zero after swapping out the barrel.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of barrels, the Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 comes with a 16-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel<\/span>. It features six-groove, 1-in-9-inch, right-hand twist rifling. But, if you\u2019d like another barrel length, there are more options available on the market<\/span>. Those options include 18-, 20- and 24-inch pipes. There\u2019s even a 9mm conversion kit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Steyr has always been synonymous with mythical accuracy in my mind, and this one is no different. I\u2019ve shot incredible groups with my old AUG<\/span>. The AUG\/A3 M1, with its U.S.-made cold-hammer-forged barrel, proved to be just as accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The secret here is a combination of the high-quality barrel and the new Hybrid Trigger Module available as an option from Steyr Arms. The standard combat trigger is a good one for a battle rifle<\/span>. However, the Hybrid Trigger Module is simply mind blowing.\u00a0<\/span>This enhancement cuts the trigger pull nearly in half<\/span>; it goes from around 8 pounds to a very comfy 5.19 pounds on average<\/span>. <\/span>It<\/span> also brings a completely different feel to the AUG with its smooth take-up and a crisp break. This trigger option is a must for me.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new Steyr proved itself on the range and produced some impressive sub-MOA groups with most of the test ammo. Shooting such sub-MOA groups with a 16-inch-barreled carbine is impressive. With the 16-inch barrel, you can expect five-shot groups of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards on average with military-grade ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when you\u2019re shooting match-grade ammo, you can expect sub-MOA groups. It does not get much better than this from such a short barrel. If you consider the AUG\u2019s overall length, it may be the most accurate military carbine measuring less than 29 inches long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the AUG\/A3 M1, you can quickly switch barrels and sights while remaining super accurate. The Steyr AUG\/A3 M1 should become a bestseller in a tactical market that\u2019s saturated with M4 clones. It\u2019s super accurate, configurable and incredibly cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
AUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
![\"Steyr](\"https:\/\/cdn.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2015\/06\/aug-a3m1-twa15-range.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
A3 On the Range<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
A3 On the Range<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast!<\/blockquote><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGUN DETAILS:<\/strong>\nI got the pistol in and opened the all-black polymer case. Inside was the pistol, two magazines and various other items that come with the handgun, including the manual, paperwork, two locks and a couple of keys used to unlock the manual safety child lock on the right side of the pistol. I looked at the M40-A1 before picking it up and was again impressed with the pistol\u2019s aesthetics. The thing is just cool to look at. I remember when the Steyr AUG was the bullpup to have due to its design, and I can see this pistol filling that same bill in the handgun arena. I then picked the pistol up and began my inspection.\n\nThe Steyr M40-A1 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .40<\/a>-caliber semi-auto with a completely steel slide assembly. It uses the Browning short-recoil method of operation with what is called a linkless design, but it actually does have a partial link attached to the bottom of the barrel. It has an external extractor, and the grip is one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve handled in a while. The bore axis is nice and low, and the pistol points perfectly. The pistol also has a paddle-type safety on the front of the trigger, like so many others of the genre today. The company calls its finish on these pistols Mannox-coated. The two included magazines<\/a> are constructed of steel, and each holds 12 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. The two biggest things that I noticed upon initial inspection were the sights and the rail under the slide. The sights are triangular and trapezoidal, and the accessory rail is a nice added feature.\n\nCLICK HERE to read about and watch the video of the Steyr Arms L9-A1 Pistol & AUG M1 Rifle! <\/strong><\/a>\n\nThe slide of the pistol is marked \u201cSteyr Mannlicher, Austria,\u201d but the frame has the markings of \u201cSAI, Trussville, AL,\u201d which is the importer for this pistol. The last two features I noted and liked were the loaded-chamber indicator and the really comfortable finger grooves in the grip\u2019s front strap. What makes the grip so great is a combination of things. The factors are reduced circumference, the high tang at the top of the backstrap, the angle of the grip, and the extended portion at the bottom of the backstrap, which serves two purposes\u2014it is a small magazine well, aiding in inserting a new magazine rapidly, and it has a hole for a lanyard attachment.\n\n\n\nThe rounded triggerguard is still large enough to accommodate someone wearing gloves, and, as I said earlier, the grip angle is one of the most comfortable I have felt in a while. Weight is 27 ounces unloaded, which is mostly due to the polymer frame and construction. Taking the gun apart and inspecting it before shooting revealed no surprises, save for how simple disassembly was on this excellent handgun. The pistol comes apart in a manner similar to other polymer-framed pistols, but with a few exceptions. The user first makes sure the pistol is clear, points it in a safe direction and dry fires the pistol. Built into the safety-lock feature on the right side of the pistol is a spring-loaded takedown lever that gets pushed in while rotating the takedown lever toward the floor\u2014and that\u2019s it! The entire upper now slides off the front of the gun, and you begin taking those sub-assemblies apart from there. The recoil spring and guide rod are one unit and encapsulated. Then the forged steel barrel (with partial fixed lug) comes out of the slide. One feature that I love is that the takedown lever rotates back up on its own when the slide is replaced properly and pulled to the rear. Traditionally, when reassembling pistols with a rotating takedown lever, the user is required to put the lever back in place manually, but that is not the case here.\n\nCLICK HERE for more Handguns!<\/strong><\/a>\n\nNow, the two main things that I was intrigued about on the Steyr M40-A1 deserve a little more detailed description: These are the trapezoidal sights and the grip angle. First, these sights are way different than standard notch and post, but that is not to say that is a bad thing\u2014it just took some getting used to. After a small amount of practice, I found them to be quite fast and easy to pick up. Second, this grip design is one of the best I have felt in a polymer-framed (or any other) pistol, period. The grip is smaller in diameter than those on a lot of competitors\u2019 pistols, and it has a nice high-grip recess in the tang of the pistol that reduces felt recoil much better than I expected. In short, it made this .40 caliber pistol shoot like a 9mm.\n\nRANGE TIME:<\/strong>\nI reassembled the Steyr and got this pistol to the range to try it out. For the accuracy and reliability testing I used Winchester 165-grain full metal jacket (FMJ), Speer Lawman 180-grain FMJ and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ ammunition. The total round count was only about 150 rounds of ammo, which isn\u2019t a huge amount, but I still experienced no malfunctions. That should indicate that the gun is going to work when (or if) needed.\nNow, .40 S&W usually has a little sharper recoil than 9mm, but, on the M40-A1, the recoil was mild and easily managed no matter what ammo was being used. Handling and ergonomics were great, and all the controls were easy to manipulate. The Steyr pistol\u2019s magazine-release button is located in the traditional spot, just behind the triggerguard on the left side of the pistol, and it is a small, horizontal-shaped button. It is steel, just like the magazines, and is recessed just the right amount to avoid accidental activation yet remain accessible. The trigger broke at a clean 5.1 pounds according to my Lyman digital trigger-pull gauge. The trigger pull was short, smooth and lacked any sticking at any point. When the trigger reset, this gun really began to shine! Folks, there is hardly any take-up on the reset, and it is nice and fast! Following the fundamentals of taking out the trigger slack, a slow steady press and follow through made for a nice, accurate shot. However, it is after that first shot that you realize you are holding a different polymer pistol in your hand. I began to slowly allow the trigger to reset, and when immediately heard and felt a positive click, I knew the gun was ready for the next shot. As soon as I began to press again, the next shot broke cleanly. I am impressed with the job Steyr has done on their trigger for the M40-A1.\n\n\n\nAll of the shooting I did for the accuracy testing on the M40-A1 was from the 25-yard line in a benchrest position. All groups consisted of five consecutive shots at individual targets. The Winchester<\/a> 165-grain had the most accurate grouping, with a printing of exactly 3 inches for a five-shot group. The Speer was next with its 180-grain FMJ printing at 3.25 inches for its five-shot group, and Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ was third in line, printing a 4.5-inch group. I noticed an interesting phenomenon that I either haven\u2019t seen before or have utterly forgotten about. The very first shot I fired, regardless of ammo<\/a>, was every time separate from the rest of the group. I don\u2019t know if that is a result of the first round being hand-cycled and the others not, or if it was just me, but it still interested me. I also was intrigued by the fact that the most accurate group had two distinct two-shot groups whose holes were actually touching each other, aside from the first round fired. Again, I\u2019m not sure what that means, if anything, but it did give me pause when I saw it.\n\nFINAL THOUGHTS:<\/strong>\nAs it happened, I had this pistol in my possession considerably longer than is usual with a test gun. I admit to having a bit of pre-conceived notions about the pistol due to its being a relatively inexpensive handgun. Mark it down if you want, but I was wrong to think that this pistol might be any less than stellar simply because it doesn\u2019t cost as much as some others. For an affordable price, the customer can have an accurate, reliable pistol not only for concealed carry, but also for home defense or competitive shooting. The factory trigger is more than acceptable to the buyer right out of the box and can easily be mastered with a minimum amount of practice. If you are looking for an affordable, new-millennium handgun based on a time-proven design, I think you will be pleased with the Steyr M40-A1!\n\nFor more information on the Steyr M40-A1 .40 Handgun, visit steyrarms.com<\/a>.","post_title":"Steyr Arms M40-A1 .40 Caliber Handgun","post_excerpt":"The Steyr M40-A1 handgun delivers the respected company\u2019s well-known quality in a high-performance .40-cal. package. With its 12+1 rounds of firepower, ultra-advanced ergonomics, wear-resistant Mannox finish and integral rail, the pistol stands ready for duty.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 22:55:20","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 02:55:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2014\/04\/21\/steyr-arms-m40-a1-40-caliber-handgun\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":155890,"post_author":"521","post_date":"2013-10-15 14:21:09","post_date_gmt":"2013-10-15 20:21:09","post_content":"\r\n\r\nBullpup rifles are nothing new, having been around since World War I when France fielded the earliest conceptual self-loading rifle of this ilk, the \u201cFaucoun.\u201d Great Britain designed the EM1 and EM2 bullpup rifles after World War II, and during the late 1960\u2019s experimented with both AR-18 and Stoner 63 bullpup conversions prior to finally adopting what is today known as the L85A2 Improved.\u201d Then there is the French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor 21, the CIS 21 and many others... but nothing has ever compared with the bullpup rifle Austria\u2019s Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now Steyr-Mannlicher) had up its sleeve.\r\n\r\nWith development beginning in the early 1970s, the 5.56x45mm NATO Universal Infantrie Waffen (Universal Infantry Weapon, or UIW) soon came to be known as the Armee Universal Gewehr (Army Universal Rifle, or AUG). With a 20-inch barrel, the AUG\u2019s 31.1-inch overall length was complimented by a totally modular system that remains one of the most ergonomic rifles in the world. Using a receiver cast from lightweight aircraft alloy and a bolt group not unlike that of the AR-18, the AUG also uses a dual recoil spring system reminiscent of the AR-18. The AUG\u2019s recoil springs, however, are captive inside hollow operating rods. The short-stroke (tappet) gas piston impinges on the front end of the right operating rod and the end of the left rod is in contact with the rifle\u2019s non-reciprocating\u00a0cocking handle (it is also used to clean the gas cylinder). Two long steel pins in the back of the stock provide compression against the recoil spring plugs to return the bolt group forward. On the tip of the original cocking handle was a button that allowed the handle to be used as a forward assist.\r\n\r\nRotating just 22.5 degrees to lock and unlock, the bolt of the AUG operates by a cam pin connecting it to the bolt carrier. To prevent the bolt from prematurely rotating during the feeding cycle is a special spring-loaded collar with splines that ride forward between the locking lugs of the bolt. As the bolt enters the barrel extension, the opposing lugs of the extension force back the splines, freeing the bolt to rotate into battery at the last instant.\r\n\r\nWhen the last shot has been fired, the bolt will remain held open by a conventional hold-open device, but the bolt can also be kept in the open position by pulling back the cocking handle and rotating up out of its track into a recess in the receiver. In either case, to close the bolt it is necessary to use the cocking handle by pulling it slightly to the rear and releasing it, or pushing it back down into its track to allow it to run forward.\r\n\r\nBeing extremely ergonomic, the AUG\u2019s stock is molded of fiber-reinforced Polymide 66 with its two halves permanently friction-welded together. The first such stock to incorporate a full hand triggerguard, the AUG\u2019s stock accommodates mittens in cold weather. A contoured foregrip can be used folded, or deployed to the vertical position where it locks via a central spring-loaded pin. Pulling the grip down unlocks it and allows it to fold forward, where it is held by a d\u00e9tente.\r\n\r\nAlthough most main firing components of the AUG are made of steel or lightweight alloy, as many parts as possible are made of extremely strong synthetic \u2014including the fire control group. Not only is the body of this modular unit made of plastic, but also the sear, hammer, disconnector\u2014everything except pins and springs.\r\n\r\nHousing all main elements of the rifle, the stock has two ejection ports to accommodate right- or left-handed users. To convert the rifle for a left-handed shooter, the port cover is moved to the right port and a left ejecting bolt is installed with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes in the field. A stock with only a right port has also been offered as well as stocks in olive green, tan, white and black. The newest addition is a stock in desert digital matching current U.S. Army ACU camouflage. A compartment in the butt houses a cleaning kit.\r\n\r\nLocated behind the pistol grip, themagazine well uses a rear-mounted ambidextrous magazine release to hold the AUG\u2019s proprietary 30-round or 42-round magazines. Made of tan translucent plastic, these magazines allow remaining ammunition to be seen at a glance if ambient light permits.\r\n\r\nQuick-Change Barrel<\/strong>\r\nAs unique as anything about the AUG is its quick-change barrel system, which allows the rifle to be converted from a short 14-inch barrel \u201cCommando\u201d weapon to a heavy 24.5-inch barrel sniper rifle or light machinegun (LMG). Made by cold hammer-forging, the bore is also hard chrome-lined for long life. Each barrel contains a gas block with a 3-position gas plug. Two positions are for operating under various conditions while the third is the \u201coff\u201d position for launching rifle bullet-trap grenades. With the gas cylinder being part of the barrel, a fresh, clean cylinder and piston come with a fresh barrel.\r\n\r\nStandard AUG barrels use a combination flash suppressor\/grenade launcher and a bayonet mount can also be attached. The heavy LMG barrel has a special muzzle brake on which an adjustable\u00a0bipod is mounted. Although all standard AUG rifles operate from a closed bolt, LMG variants are available firing from an open bolt to prevent cook-off.\r\n\r\nIntegral with the original standard AUG receiver is an integral combination carrying handle with a 1.5x22mm optic with a circle-dot reticle, and atop the scope housing is a set of fixed emergency open back-up open sights. However, by submitting Steyr\u2019s Special Receiver for the standard one, other optical sights can be mounted. Yet another AUG receiver is offered with only a rear sight mounted on the carrying handle with a front sight mounted on the barrel.\r\n\r\nAfter exhaustive testing, the AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the Sturm Gewehr 77 (Assault rifle 77, or StGw 77). Not long after the AUG was first fielded, a roller was added to the top rear of the bolt carrier to eliminate to eliminate friction from the top of the carrier being pushed up against the inside of the receiver by the hammer. With this improvement, the designation of the rifle was changed to AUG\/A1.\r\n\r\nNo exterior selector is found on the AUG except for a crossbolt type safety\/fire control. The selector is found on the fire control group and can only be switched from semi- to full automatic or 3-shot burst by first removing the group from the rifles buttstock. At about the same time, a semi-automatic only version of the AUG\/A1 was designed for civilian consumption. Called the AUG-SA, this rifle differed from the assault rifle version by not being able to accept any of the selective fire components.\r\n\r\nIn the mid-1980\u2019s Steyr began marketing a new version of the AUG-SA in the U.S. Designed especially with law enforcement in mind, this rifle was called the AUG-P (Police), and came with a 16-inch barrel making the overall length of the AUG-P just 27 inches. A selective-fire assault rifle version of the AUG-P was also offered to law enforcement and government agencies only. This version could be had with two fire control groups specific to the selective fire AUG. One group allowed the standard selective fire settings while the other provided semi-automatic only operation.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A2<\/strong>\r\nAfter offering 9mm conversions and dedicated selective fire submachine guns and SA carbine versions of the AUG, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced a new version of the 5.56x45mm NATO version in 1996. Called the AUG\/A2, this rifle came with the standard style 1.5x optical sight, but this sight was mounted on a sliding rail-mount on the receiver and could be quickly removed. In its place could be mounted a rail of the Mil-Std-M1913 type that would accept virtually any optical sight system.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its new rail system, the AUG\/A2 differed from its A1 counterpart in its cocking handle, which pivoted forward to activate a forward assist feature. The AUG\/A2 replaced the AUG-A1 and included a version designed to accept the NATO STANAG M16 magazine, but few were imported to America. In addition to Austria, the AUG is used by a number of other countries\u2014including Ireland and Malaysia. In 1988 it was adopted by Australia as the AUSTEYR F88 where it is produced and also sold to New Zealand.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3<\/strong>\r\nIn 2008 Steyr-Mannlicher introduced two new variations of the AUG, the AUG\/A3 and the AUG\/A3 SF. The AUGA3\/SF version differs in having a raised Mil-Std-1913 type rail, and is not offered in the SA version or imported to the U.S. The AUG\/A3 has a full-length top rail based on the Mil-Std-M1913 rail, and is not only offered in the SA version, but since it too cannot be imported, the AUG\/A3SA is now made right here in America. Produced on Steyr-Mannlicher tooling for Steyr USA by Sabre Defence Industries LLC, the AUG\/ A3 is made by the same maker of some of the highest quality AR-15\/M16 variants in the world. The rifling of the Sabre barrel is cold-formed using the button process prior to being hard-chrome plated, and this U.S. AUG\/A3SA is every bit as high quality as any AUG ever made.\r\n\r\nThe US AUG\/A3SA has a 10-inch uninterrupted Mil-Std-1913 rail monolithic with the main receiver with 25 numbered cross notch mounting positions. Evidence that this rail is the real thing is that ARMS #17 ThrowLevers lock to perfection on the AUG\/A3\u2019s rail.\r\n\r\nSimilar to earlier AUG\u2019s, a sling swivel is mounted low on the top\/front of the receiver, and a 2-inch accessory rail is rigidly mounted on the angled right portion of the receiver above the triggerguard. On the left side of the magazine well above the magazine release is a manual bolt release, which can be pushed in to release the bolt when it is held to the rear by the automatic hold open device when the last round is fired. The lock-back notch for the charging handle is superior to that on previous AUG rifles. The other notable difference in the AUG\/A3 is an improved muzzle brake\/flash hider that also serves as a suppressor mount.\r\n\r\nAlthough the AUG\/A3-SA comes without sights, flip-up open sights can be mounted on its top rail, as can any variety of optics. After mounting a set of A.R.M.S. new #71L polymer sights, I also tried the Aimpoint Comp M4 Red Dot Sight, The new EOTech XPS3 and a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR\/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Scope on the AUG\/A3-SA top rail using ARMS #17 ThrowLever 30mm Rings. The Leupold was used for all accuracy tests.\r\n\r\nSteyr added the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s side rail in order to mount other accessories, such as a tactical light or laser. For a sling I tried both a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear, and a Giles Sling from Wilderness Tactical, and found both to be excellent choices for the AUG.\r\n\r\nNew Rail System<\/strong>\r\nNot long after I received my sample AUG\/A3-SA, I was notified by Steyr USA that a brand new rail system had been developed for it and all AUG\u2019s. This rail system replaces the AUG\u2019s folding vertical foregrip with a bottom 5-inch long bottom rail and a left side rail of about the same length. Like the top rail, these are based on the U.S. Mil-Std-1913 rail. After removing the AUG\/A3\u2019s folding foregrip, I attached the new dual rail to the grip mount, and it was ready to use an endless variety of accessories.\r\n\r\nWhile the new AUG rail mount was conceived to use any vertical foregrip, the one that makes the most sense to me is the GripPod, which is standard issue with the U.S. Army, USMC, Delta Force, FBI, DEA, Great Britain, Israel and is approved for individual purchase by the LAPD. The GripPod not only instantly becomes a robust bipod, but also accepts a single or double rail system of its own that can mount almost any tactical weapon light.\r\n\r\nThe light system I have found to be safest, lightest and best for the price is the SureFire G2 LED mounted on the GripPod rail in a Vltor Ring Mount. The G2 is operated with only the support thumb and NOT the index finger. I mounted this system on my AUG\/A3-SA along with SureFire\u2019s L72 Weapon Laser, which I\u00a0attached to the AUG\u2019s side-rail. I used a SureFire plug-in remote pressure switch attached to the right side of the GripPod with the brand new GripPod Sleeve from Manta Rails.\r\n\r\nIn cooperation with Steyr Arms, SureFire has designed a suppressor mount for its FA5.56K and Mini models with a left-hand thread for all versions of the AUG. With help from Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, the new SureFire AUG\/A3-SA mount replaced the factory AUG\/A3-SA flash hider, allowing the rifle to accept the K or Mini SureFire suppressor. With the suppressor mounted (in about 3 seconds), the AUG\/A3-SA had less muzzle report than a .22 LR cartridge, and was quite comfortable to use out in the open.\r\n\r\nAUG\/A3 NATO<\/strong>\r\nThe latest and even bigger news from Steyr is a brand new NATO stock that takes standard M16 NATO magazines. Made especially the AUG\/A3, this stock will not fit previous AUG models. Steyr USA sent us the first sample of the new NATO stock, to be imported along with its NATO trigger group, with its slightly longer hold-open lever in order to lock the bolt group back with an empty magazine in place. The new NATO stock replaced the standard one in seconds.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its NATO-sized magazine well, the new AUG\/A3 NATO stock has a side-locking system compatible with the M16 magazine with a magazine release button-lever protruding from the stock when a magazine is in place. A righthanded shooter can use this side release, but the standard type back release is also retained, and this one acts to cam the sidelock out of engagement. Left-handed shooters will likely use the rear magazine release when the rifle is converted for them.\r\n\r\nDown Range<\/strong>\r\nThe excellent accuracy and reliability of the Steyr AUG is renowned and there were no surprises with this new \u201cMade in USA\u201d sample. In testing every M16 type magazine with the AUG\/A3-SA NATO conversion, every one worked smoothly and reliably\u2014including the new IK-520 40-round magazine with its molded-insteel lips from Mounting Solutions Plus. Of course there was no difference in the AUG\/A3-SA\u2019s overall superb performance using the NATO stock, and 100-yard groups averaging 2-inches was standard with a couple of even smaller groups achieved from the bench.\r\n\r\nAs this reaches newsstands, both the AUG\/A3 and AUG\/A3 NATO stocks will be offered in US Army type ACU Camouflage. The improvements to the AUG platform found in the AUG\/A3 have given an already great, proven rifle a quantum leap in 21st Century technology\u2014but the new AUG\/A3 NATO Stock is truly \u201cicing on the cake!\u201d The AUG\/A3-SA remains the finest bullpup rifle I have ever used and is once again a rifle for the future.","post_title":"Steyr Aug\/A3 NATO 5.56mm (Gun Test)","post_excerpt":"The Steyr AUG\/A3 NATO 5.56mm is the definitive combat bullpup. Tactical-Life.com tests the latest 5.56mm from Steyr Arms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 19:57:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/10\/15\/steyr-auga3-nato-5-56mm-gun-test\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
A3 On the Range<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAUG\/A3 M1 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n