steyr bringing the aug a3 to the us

[maw]

going to be built by sabre defense (yes that sabre defense). according to the guy who picked up the phone at steyr they should be selling by late summer.

can i get a big fcuk yeah!

oh, and mohica - you can kiss my ass!

[SMGLee]

Steyr been talking about this for approximately two years now. I hope they can make it happen.

[SilentType]

According to posts on another website Steyr Arms Inc. (SAI) of Georgia through Jack Riddle (major player) that Steyr will make an announcement within the next 30-40 days or so about the Steyr AUG A3 within the USA.

The machines have been shipped from the UK and that leads most people to speculate that the company Steyr has teamed up with is Sabre Defense who are well known for their military contract work and milspec firearms.

[LaoSexMachine]

I saw 3 AUGs at Jim Pruett's Guns and Ammo yesterday.

[maw]

According to posts on another website Steyr Arms Inc. (SAI) of Georgia through Jack Riddle (major player) that Steyr will make an announcement within the next 30-40 days or so about the Steyr AUG A3 within the USA.

The machines have been shipped from the UK and that leads most people to speculate that the company Steyr has teamed up with is Sabre Defense who are well known for their military contract work and milspec firearms.

hi SilentType, welcome to our little corner of the intertubes.
pj is already advertising us manufactured units for leo sales. i think he said delivery is expected to be 60 days out. if leo's are 60 days out then poor schmucks like me can't be much further out.

[SilentType]

hi SilentType, welcome to our little corner of the intertubes.
pj is already advertising us manufactured units for leo sales. i think he said delivery is expected to be 60 days out. if leo's are 60 days out then poor schmucks like me can't be much further out.

Thank you, thank you. :)

Good to be here.

That's great did PJ give a price for LEOs? I know that they we get another 11% tacked on automatic for tax, but I'm curious to see what the LEO rifles are going for price wise.

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

Isn't Microtech is making a version of the A1 available in the United States?

[maw]

Isn't Microtech is making a version of the A1 available in the United States?

emphasis on "version". the microtech (msar) aug "clone" uses proprietary mags internals, stock and a new forward assist. they're under pressure to come out with a less proprietary version and i believe they mentioned coming out with one that doesn't have the stupid forward assist and takes ar-15 mags. thereby screwing all the folks who bought the first version (watch resale values drop on the original config). check out the other us made aug from tpd. i'm very tempted by that one, just waiting for the green stock to come out.
sounds like you missed the epic thread we had regarding this topic last week. a microtech koolaid swilling fan boy pissed off some of the aussie/kiwi members here claiming the original version of the aug was crap and got himself banned.

[maw]

Thank you, thank you. :)

Good to be here.

That's great did PJ give a price for LEOs? I know that they we get another 11% tacked on automatic for tax, but I'm curious to see what the LEO rifles are going for price wise.

your welcome. the ad was on sturmgewehr of all places, it was only up for a day or so before it got pulled for some reason (i wonder why...). i seem to remember the price being $1,500-ish. i'm in fayetteville but i'm heading up to charlotte for the weekend, i might stop by and give pj a visit.

[SilentType]

Thank you Maw.

Would be awesome if you could find out some information from Pete as he is the American Godfather of the Steyr AUG.

Of course civilians get hit with that 11% tax added to LEO prices, but it would give us an idea of what they'll retail for and who pays retail these days? :)

The difference between the A3 and the American versions is like the difference between ARs built to milspec and those that aren't. Sabre Defense has a reputation for building things to milspec or better so I think we're going to see a very nicely built A3 between them and Steyr working to get the A3 out there. I remember reading on of Pete's posts where he stated that the AUG was a lot more difficult to build than it looks.

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

emphasis on "version". the microtech (msar) aug "clone" uses proprietary mags internals, stock and a new forward assist. they're under pressure to come out with a less proprietary version and i believe they mentioned coming out with one that doesn't have the stupid forward assist and takes ar-15 mags. thereby screwing all the folks who bought the first version (watch resale values drop on the original config). check out the other us made aug from tpd. i'm very tempted by that one, just waiting for the green stock to come out.
sounds like you missed the epic thread we had regarding this topic last week. a microtech koolaid swilling fan boy pissed off some of the aussie/kiwi members here claiming the original version of the aug was crap and got himself banned.

Thank you, sir.

I'm actually not terribly knowledgeable on the aug. That's why I try to ply the experts for more information :)

[SilentType]

Appears that the Steyr AUG A3 has bolt release located in a position similiar to the MSAR STG 556 (obviously MSAR took this from Steyr and not the other way around). There is also a rumor that they will offer nato stocks that will accept AR magazines (I hope they too will have the bolt release).

There are three basic configurations of the AUG A3 the Commando (Looks like 14" or 16" barrel), the Standard A3 (18" barrel), and the Marksman (looks like a 20 or 24" barrel). In 2006 at SHOT there were Steyr brouchers that stated 6.8 SPC was a possibility. The A1 and A2 can be converted into a 9mm SMG version so it's possible we could see that as well for the A3.

The Steyr website claims that all A3s are toolless modular so the barrel must still be be able to be removed without tools, but it doesn't appear to be as quick to change as the A1 and A2.

I also wonder if they couldn't drop weight on the A3 by going with flutted barrel and/or carbon fiber rail? Seems like you could drop at least a half pound that way.

[SilentType]

UPDATE:

It is now official, Steyr Arms has announced via their US Website that the "New AUG" will be available for US Civilian Purchase at a license dealer near you (if you live in the U.S.).

I emailed Jack Riddle of Steyr Arms and received asking whether the full railed A3 version would be available with a full rail system. He suggested that I check back at the website for further details soon.

Those who visited the Steyr Arms booth at SHOT 08' and at the NRA Convention reported that Steyr's MSRP goal was between $1700-$1900. Inside sources report that 100 AUG rifles have already been produced by Sabre Defense and are currently going through testing and evaluation before full scale production is approved.

See www.steyrarms.com (http://www.steyrarms.com) for the announcement. It has been 19 years since Steyr was able to sell AUGs in the United States so this a truely joyful event.

[maw]

sweet. thanks for the update.

[SMGLee]

Hope they don't screw this up like SIG did to the SG556......

[LaoSexMachine]

UPDATE:

It is now official, Steyr Arms has announced via their US Website that the "New AUG" will be available for US Civilian Purchase at a license dealer near you (if you live in the U.S.).

I emailed Jack Riddle of Steyr Arms and received asking whether the full railed A3 version would be available with a full rail system. He suggested that I check back at the website for further details soon.

Those who visited the Steyr Arms booth at SHOT 08' and at the NRA Convention reported that Steyr's MSRP goal was between $1700-$1900. Inside sources report that 100 AUG rifles have already been produced by Sabre Defense and are currently going through testing and evaluation before full scale production is approved.

See www.steyrarms.com (http://www.steyrarms.com) for the announcement. It has been 19 years since Steyr was able to sell AUGs in the United States so this a truely joyful event.


Fvck that!!! I wait for the SCAR.

[Ghetto Defendant]

I better start saving...Maybe I qualify for Govt. cheese handouts?

[D-gin]

Fvck that!!! I wait for the SCAR.
Damn right.

[Engine Mech]

A local gun shop in nz has a couple of aug's for sale. 10,000 dollars nz each. What makes them so expensive.

[LaoSexMachine]

A local gun shop in nz has a couple of aug's for sale. 10,000 dollars nz each. What makes them so expensive.

Goddaaammm! That's alot of pesos!

[wildcat]

I think the steyr is sooo ugly I will call it fugly. I remember back in 1998 firing a steyr aug. as for that 10K in nz man, you would have to be a real sucker to pay that for one.

[digrar]

That's New Zealand sheckles? That would be about 7 grand US.

[LaoSexMachine]

Digs, that is alot of money. Seven grand is about the same price for a Barrett .50 cal.

[D-gin]

Digs, that is alot of money. Seven grand is about the same price for a Barrett .50 cal.

You can get one from CDNN for five without optics, hell, they even toss in a carrying case.

[SilentType]

Haha, wow.

I update folks about a new firearm coming to market and most the responses are negative? Hahaa, did not see that one coming.

If you don't like the AUG then don't pruchase one. Why make a point of sharing your dislike for the AUG? Isn't it a good thing that a rifle that hasn't been available fresh from the factory since 1989 is now going to be sold again? Aren't more firearms and greater selection a good thing?

If you think the SCAR is going to be less than the projected $1700-$1900 mark you're dreaming. If you want a SCAR though get a SCAR. They are two very different rifles and if you're not a bullpup fan than you're probably more likely to buy a SCAR, ACR, XR, and so forth.

I think it's a wonderful thing. For 19 years the AUG was banned by name by the BATFE because of it's evil cosmetic features and soon this "evil" rifle will be available for sale again.

Good times.

[LaoSexMachine]

Haha, wow.

I update folks about a new firearm coming to market and most the responses are negative? Hahaa, did not see that one coming.

If you don't like the AUG then don't pruchase one. Why make a point of sharing your dislike for the AUG? Isn't it a good thing that a rifle that hasn't been available fresh from the factory since 1989 is now going to be sold again? Aren't more firearms and greater selection a good thing?

If you think the SCAR is going to be less than the projected $1700-$1900 mark you're dreaming. If you want a SCAR though get a SCAR. They are two very different rifles and if you're not a bullpup fan than you're probably more likely to buy a SCAR, ACR, XR, and so forth.

I think it's a wonderful thing. For 19 years the AUG was banned by name by the BATFE because of it's evil cosmetic features and soon this "evil" rifle will be available for sale again.

Good times.

Never said I hated it. I wouldn't mind owning one but the price is steep. Besides this whole forum is about giving opinions. Good or bad but they are opinions.

[LongShot]

Its a good deal that it is coming, Ive never worked with one myself (and wouldnt, dont like bullpups) though I have heard its a quality weapon and more variety is good for everyone.

[Kilo1-1]

Cool news...a bit pricey though. I do like the ergonomics though when I handled the similar American clone version (I can't remember what it's called, but it has the forward assist, etc).

[Createdeemcee]

I hear shooters favor the MSAR, compared to the AUG. Chen I know you have an AUG. How do you favor the MSAR?

[SilentType]

The advantage to the STG-556 MSAR over the Steyr AUG A1 and A2 is that it has a bolt release and the A1 and A2 don't even though they have the last round bolt hold open feature. This is a non-issue now with the A3 since the A3 has a bolt release that's actually more ergonomic and streamline than the STG-556's bolt release.

It's hard to comment about the finish or quality right now of parts since the final Sabre Defense production A3's have not been seen by anyone as all the A3's at SHOT were imported for the show.

I will say that as an STG-556 owner I found the mag release to be very stiff and hard to use compared to my AUG A2. The polymer for the STG-556 doesn't have as nice of a finish as the A2 since you can see where the stock's been joined on th STG-556 very clearly...sort of a rougher look. However, the STG-556's receiver is a lot nicer than my A2's. However, my A2 is a rifle that was made 20 years ago by Steyr and my STG-556 isn't even two years old so we'll see how the A3's final product looks.

The internals are different with the STG-556 and the AUG as well. The STG-556 is not built to AUG specs and you can not interchange parts. So the STG-556 can't really piggy back on the 30 years of combat proven experience of the AUG.

At $1700-$1900 I feel it is very nicely priced when you consider when the FS2000, STG-556, and the TPD AXR came out they were all over $2,000. You can buy a short top rail only STG-556 for around $1700 (not counting FFL and shipping costs of course) and the AXR is still over the $2,000 mark. The FS2000 I've seen are still going for around the $1800 mark as well.

When the ACR and SCAR come out I doubt they'll be less than $1500 right off the bat. Bushmaster has already pulled back from the early estimates of $1400 by Magpul.

[SMGLee]

I hear shooters favor the MSAR, compared to the AUG. Chen I know you have an AUG. How do you favor the MSAR?

My AUG has always been very ammo sensitive, it loves 62gr M855, and nicely loaded facotry 55gr. most of the reload are just not as reliable except for the Blackhill blue box, it seem to have the least failure...

As far as accuracy, the 16incher is dead on, I can nail approx. 3MOA at 100 with the standard donut reticle shooting 62gr M855.

As far as egronomics, i just prefer a standard rifle but the AUg is just hellacool...

the STG556 don't use standard AUg parts, nit even the magazine, that is just kind of disappointing... but for the price, and if I am in the market to choose a 5.56 rifle.....and it is betweent he AUG or the SCAR,


I would take a SCAR!

If I were to choose from ne wAUG or the MSAR...new AUG...

Pimping my good ole hellcool AUGA2

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/cltactical/icons/AUGScout-001.jpg (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/cltactical/large/AUGScout-001.jpg)


some pics of the MSAR I took at the Shot...

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0270_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0270_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0276.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0276.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0278_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0278_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0279_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0279_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0280.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0280.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0282_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0282_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0283_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0283_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0284_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0284_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0286_1.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0286_1.JPG)

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/icons/DSCN0289.JPG (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2008/huge/DSCN0289.JPG)

TDP
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2007/icons/TPD009.jpg (http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/ss2007/huge/TPD009.jpg)

[Createdeemcee]

Hella Cool!!! ^^^^ As you Cali guys say.

[SilentType]

If you're looking for a traditional rifle you'll go with the SCAR, but keep in mind the SCAR to be civi legal with its folding stock and 16" barrel without having to be SBR'd is going to be six (6) to four (4) full inches longer (depending on stock length adjustment) than the Steyr AUG A3 with an 18" barrel and eight (8) to six (6) inches longer than the AUG A3 with a 16" barrel.

To get the SCAR shorter you have to SBR the sucker and in some states that's a no go and even where you can do it you're looking at $200 plus the cost of the barrel and the months of wait time along with time you put in to get the paper work done and sent in.

So if you're looking for a shorter home defense firearm the bullpup Steyr would defintely have that OAL issue going for it.

Do we know the SCAR price for sure? Or is everyone just assuming that the SCAR will be cheaper than $1700-$1900 AUG A3 price estimate?

If you're not a bullpup guy though you're probably better off going with the SCAR. I do think it is nice though to have the "King of the Bullpup" back in the US for sale. I am a serious SCAR fan though as well and believe the two rifles to be different enough that they don't really directly compete with one another. Bullpup guys will get the AUG A3 first and traditional rifle config guys will get the SCAR or ACR or whatever first.

[LaoSexMachine]

Everytime I see an AUG reminds me of Die Hard uno.

[SMGLee]

So if you're looking for a shorter home defense firearm the bullpup Steyr would defintely have that OAL issue going for it.

Do we know the SCAR price for sure? Or is everyone just assuming that the SCAR will be cheaper than $1700-$1900 AUG A3 price estimate?

Try to transition from strong to support side with a bullpup, its impossible, and having the ability to switch shoulder in CQB environment is paramount.

SCAR should be in the 1800-2000 range....

[SilentType]

With respect I disagree with the whole argument that the ability to transition to the weak side is paramount to CQB.

Transitions work best when you have the time to transition like outside when trying to limit exposure around a building corner. I would not advocate transitions inside the tight confines of a home where seconds and even miliseconds count for home defense. Better to commit than to risk a reduction in accuracy (your accuracy already falls to 30% of what you're capable of under a static range shoot during the stress of a live action) and that can be critical when you may have family members in harms way. Also while your making your transition your rifle is under less positive control and if someone were to rush you that would not be good.

The advantage to the bullpup in the tight confines of a residential building is that the short OAL helps reduce the amount of the rifle exposed when you turn corners while allowing you to shoulder the rifle in a correct position better than a longer rifle. A closer retention of the rifle will also help improve your chances of weapon retention should someone attempt to grab the rifle. Ask any current Marine about how they have to "short stock" their rifle in CQB situation...it isn't ideal.

You can watch SWAT, ERT, SRT, SEALs, SAS whatever and you'll see it's rare that they transition once inside a building while clearing it. Their tempo is too quick and you'll see them commit to an entry more than just poke their rifle around the corner of a hallway to see what's up.

I understand though if someone places a high value on the ability to do a weak side transition, but I don't. To me I'd rather have that short OAL and the benefits outweight the loss of the weak-side transition to me as a person who could outside of a range use his rifle in home defense. Like I said SBR'ing a rifle is either a) a pain in the butt, or b) impossible for civilians. I think the bullpup A3 makes an excellent home defense firearm. The SCAR will make a great OMG Russians are invading, zombies look out, or competition rifle for civilians and a good home defense rifle if it can be SBR'd.

[SilentType]

UPDATE:

The receivers for the US AUG A3 will be made from cnc machined receivers from a block of aircraft billet aluminum.

Guess that means we should expect A3 receivers very close in quality to the Mircotech Small Arms Research STG and the Tactical Product Design AXR receivers. The main difference right now appears to be that that AXR and STG have flutted barrels and the A3 does not, but who knows if that will remain the case? The AUG A3 polymer stocks are going to look a little nicer than the STG stock and since the AXR uses Steyr stocks about the same if not slightly better since these stocks will be recently produced.

Price estimates not yet available, but rumor is between $1700-$2200 now, which I know isn't very narrow. We'll just have to wait until Septemeber or October to hear more.