Steyr Arms

About Steyr Arms

Steyr Arms traces its origins to April 16, 1864, when Josef Werndl and his brother Franz founded "Josef und Franz Werndl & Company, weapon factory and sawmill in Oberletten" in Austria.

Josef Werndl had trained as a journeyman gunmaker in Vienna, Prague, Bavaria, and at Remington and Colt factories in the United States before returning to Austria in 1855 to run the family business.

By 1867, the company achieved major success when the Werndl-Holub breech-loading rifle became the standard rifle of the Austrian Army.

The company grew rapidly, employing 45,000 workers and producing 622,000 rifles per year by 1872, establishing Austria as a major firearms manufacturing center.

Today, Steyr Arms continues this legacy of Austrian engineering excellence from their headquarters in Sankt Peter in der Au, Austria, with U.S. operations in Bessemer, Alabama, serving military, law enforcement, and civilian markets worldwide.

Popular Steyr Arms Features

Safe Bolt System (SBS)

• This patented safety system features multiple protection levels including 3-position roller tang safety, four forward locking lugs, and safety bushing tested to 120,000 psi.

Cold Hammer Forged Barrels

• These barrels deliver superior accuracy and durability through precision manufacturing processes that enhance barrel life and consistency.

Mannox® Finish

• This patented corrosion-resistant surface treatment provides protection impenetrable to rain, moisture, sweat, and blood for extreme durability.

Bullpup Configuration

• Pioneered with the AUG rifle, this design places the action behind the trigger for compact overall length while maintaining full barrel length.

Modular Design

• Steyr firearms feature interchangeable components and accessories that allow customization for specific missions and applications.

Austrian Precision Engineering

• Manufactured to exacting tolerances, Steyr firearms deliver reliability and accuracy through traditional Austrian craftsmanship and modern technology.

Best-Selling Steyr Arms Rifles

Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr)

• This revolutionary bullpup rifle introduced in 1977 was adopted by the Austrian Army and is now used by militaries worldwide for its compact design and reliability.

Steyr Scout/Scout II

• Developed with Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper in the 1990s as the ideal "scout rifle," this compact, lightweight, versatile rifle is perfect for general-purpose use.

SSG Series Sniper Rifles

• Including the SSG 69, SSG 08, and SSG M1, these precision rifles are renowned for extreme accuracy and used by elite anti-terrorism units worldwide.

Pro Hunter Series

• These popular hunting rifles feature the Safe Bolt System and are designed for various hunting conditions and game types.

Classic II Rifles

• Traditional hunting rifles that combine classic European styling with modern Steyr engineering and the patented Safe Bolt System.

AUG A3 Variants

• Modern semi-automatic versions of the military AUG rifle designed for civilian tactical use and sport shooting applications.

Steyr Mannlicher 12

• A straight-pull bolt-action rifle featuring innovative design and exceptional accuracy for hunting and precision shooting.

Popular Uses for Steyr Arms

Military and Law Enforcement

• Steyr rifles serve military forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide, with the AUG adopted by multiple international armies and SSG rifles used by elite units.

Hunting Applications

• From small game to large dangerous game, Steyr hunting rifles are designed for all types of hunting conditions including alpine, mountain, and driven hunts.

Precision Sport Shooting

• Competition shooters choose Steyr rifles for their exceptional accuracy and consistency in long-range precision shooting sports and competitions.

Tactical and Defense

• Civilian tactical users rely on semi-automatic Steyr rifles for personal defense, tactical training, and recreational shooting applications.

Collecting and Investment

• Both historical and modern Steyr firearms are sought after by collectors who appreciate Austrian engineering excellence and the brand's rich heritage.

Steyr Arms FAQs

QUESTION: What makes Steyr Arms rifles different from other firearms manufacturers?
ANSWER: Steyr Arms combines over 150 years of Austrian engineering tradition with innovative features like the patented Safe Bolt System and Mannox® corrosion-resistant finish.

QUESTION: Are Steyr AUG rifles available for civilian purchase in the United States?
ANSWER: Yes, semi-automatic versions of the AUG rifle are available for civilian purchase through authorized dealers, subject to federal and state laws.

QUESTION: What is the Safe Bolt System on Steyr hunting rifles?
ANSWER: The Safe Bolt System is a patented safety mechanism featuring multiple protection levels including a 3-position safety, four locking lugs, and pressure relief ports tested to 120,000 psi.

QUESTION: Where can I get Steyr Arms rifles serviced or repaired?
ANSWER: Steyr Arms USA provides comprehensive service and repair through their facility at 2530 Morgan Road, Bessemer, AL 35022, with over 50 years combined experience.

QUESTION: What calibers are available in Steyr Scout rifles?
ANSWER: Steyr Scout rifles are available in various calibers including .308 Winchester, with specific availability varying by model and current production.

QUESTION: Do Steyr rifles come with a warranty?
ANSWER: Yes, Steyr Arms provides warranty coverage on their firearms, with a 30-day refund policy and comprehensive repair services available.

QUESTION: Are Steyr SSG sniper rifles available to civilians?
ANSWER: Yes, civilian versions of SSG precision rifles are available for sport shooting, hunting, and collecting through authorized dealers.

QUESTION: What makes Steyr barrels so accurate?
ANSWER: Steyr uses cold hammer forging processes that create superior barrel accuracy and durability through precision manufacturing techniques.

QUESTION: Can I mount optics on Steyr rifles?
ANSWER: Yes, most Steyr rifles feature Picatinny or Weaver rail systems for mounting optics, with some models designed specifically for forward-mounted optics.

QUESTION: What is the history behind Steyr Arms firearms?
ANSWER: Founded in 1864 by Josef Werndl in Austria, Steyr Arms has been manufacturing precision firearms for over 150 years, including the famous Werndl-Holub rifle adopted by the Austrian Army.