Steyr Aug A3 M1: Austrian Engineering At Its Finest

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is an Austrian-made rifle that has become iconic since its adoption by the Austrian Army in the late 1970s. The rifle has a distinctive, futuristic look and is often recognised as the bad guy's gun in 80s and 90s action movies. The AUG A3 M1 is the latest generation of the rifle, designed for civilian use and offering a range of features and benefits that have established it as a top choice for hunters, adventurers, competitive shooters, and self-defence advocates.

The Steyr AUG A3 M1's design and features

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is an iconic firearm, recognisable as the quintessential "bad guy's gun" in 80s and 90s Hollywood action movies like Robocop, Die Hard, and Commando. The rifle's design is so robust that it is still in service today, almost 40 years after it was first adopted by the Austrian military in 1978.

The AUG A3 M1 is the newest version of the AUG commercially offered, featuring a two-position gas regulator and a "pull-through" trigger system. The trigger is designed so that pulling halfway will fire a single round, and pulling the trigger all the way will fire full auto. The rifle also features a three-position safety, with a lateral push-through type that locks the trigger.

The AUG operates on an adjustable short-stroke gas piston, with the bolt riding along two full-length guide rods. The ejection port can be switched for left-handed use, but the charging handle is fixed to the left, favouring right-handed users. The magazine release is a long hinged button at the bottom of the stock, positioned for ambidextrous operation. The safety is a cross-bolt style, located just above the firing hand.

The AUG has a quick-change barrel system, allowing users to easily swap barrels and clean them. The rifle is incredibly clean-operating, designed to run with minimal to zero maintenance for thousands of rounds. The AUG also has the option of 42-round magazines, intended for use as a squad automatic weapon or light machine gun.

The AUG A3 M1 features Picatinny rails, allowing for the mounting of various accessories, such as illumination and target acquisition devices, as well as a variety of optics or night vision devices. The rifle is available in three colours: green, black, and mud.

How it compares to other rifles

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is a rifle with a lot of history and a distinctive design. But how does it compare to other rifles on the market?

Firstly, the AUG is an iconic firearm, recognisable from its appearances in 80s and 90s action movies as the "bad guy's gun". It has a distinctive bullpup design, with a short overall length, but a longer barrel. This makes it ideal for tight quarters. Its design is modular, allowing for quick and easy reconfiguration without tools, and it has a number of Picatinny rails for mounting accessories. The AUG also has a quick-change barrel system, which is useful for swapping between different types of ammunition.

However, the AUG does have some drawbacks when compared to other rifles. It is heavier than some other rifles, weighing in at 7.7 to 8.8 pounds. It also has a unique trigger system, which may take some getting used to. The trigger is also described as "sticky" by some users. The magazine release is in an awkward position, making magazine changes slower than with other rifles. The AUG also requires special magazines, which may be harder to find and more expensive than standard magazines.

When compared to other bullpup rifles, the AUG stands out for its iconic design and reliability. However, it does lack some of the modern features found on newer rifles, like the IWI Tavor X95. The Tavor X95 has more modern ergonomic features and is considered to be a more versatile rifle. It also doesn't require special magazines, which is more convenient and cost-effective.

Overall, the Steyr AUG A3 M1 is a fun and reliable rifle, with a lot of cool factors. However, it may not be the best choice for new shooters or those looking for a more modern rifle with more features.

Its reliability and performance

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is a highly reliable and versatile firearm that has been adopted for military use and is also available for civilians. Its performance and features make it a top choice for various users, including hunters, adventurers, competitive shooters, and those seeking self-defence tools. Here is an overview of its reliability and performance:

Reliability

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is renowned for its reliability in various conditions. Its short-stroke gas-piston system ensures smooth operation, and the dual gas-adjustment settings enable it to function even with dirty ammunition or in adverse environments. The rifle is designed to run with minimal to zero maintenance for thousands of rounds. The AUG's barrel can also be quickly changed, making it adaptable to different scenarios. Its synthetic receiver material enhances its durability and resilience against harsh conditions.

Performance

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 delivers exceptional performance through its customisable features and ergonomic design. Its multi-configurable nature allows users to tailor the rifle to their specific needs. The adjustable short-stroke, gas-piston operation, and adjustable gas settings provide flexibility for recoil management and bullet grain. The rifle's overall length of 28.15 inches, including its 16-inch heavy barrel, makes it highly manoeuvrable in tight spaces. The AUG's Picatinny rails enable the attachment of various accessories, such as scopes, lights, and foregrips, allowing users to customise their setup according to their mission requirements. The pistol grip provides excellent ergonomics and control, while the bolt release button facilitates swift reloading. The AUG's cold hammer-forged barrel ensures durability and accuracy, consistently hitting the mark.

The rifle's pros and cons

The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is a rifle with a distinctive design that has been a favourite among armed forces, competitive shooters, and enthusiasts for decades. Here is a list of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• The rifle is highly customisable, with multiple barrel length options to suit different shooting scenarios.
• It has a cold hammer-forged barrel, which results in exceptional durability and accuracy.
• The rifle is equipped with Picatinny rails, allowing for the attachment of various accessories such as scopes, lights, and foregrips.
• The receiver is made of highly durable synthetic materials, reducing weight and enhancing resilience in harsh conditions.
• It has a pistol grip and an easily accessible bolt release button for comfortable handling and swift reloading.
• The Steyr AUG A3 M1 has iron sights as a reliable backup aiming option.
• The rifle is versatile and reliable, simplifying gun maintenance and maximising effectiveness and lifespan.
• The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is ideal for both target shooting and self-defence.
• It has a quick-change barrel option, making it easy to swap barrels without tools.
• The rifle is semi-ambidextrous, allowing for conversion to either left or right-handed use with minimal problems.
• The Steyr AUG A3 M1 has a dual-gas system, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.
• It is a reliable gun that can handle mag after mag without malfunctions.
• The rifle is shorter than other assault rifles with the same barrel length, offering improved manoeuvrability in tight situations.
• The weight distribution reduces fatigue, as most of the weight is towards the back.
• The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is a must-have for gun collectors due to its futuristic and iconic design.
• It has different options for rail mounts, catering to both red dot sights and magnified optics.

Cons:

• The bullpup design may feel uncomfortable for newer shooters.
• The charging handle's position can make it slightly difficult to pull back, and it may cause knuckles to scrape against the top rail.
• The buttstock cannot be adjusted, which can make shooting uncomfortable for individuals with shorter or longer arms.
• The trigger pull is heavier than average, and the plastic-on-plastic feel may be sluggish for some shooters.
• The magazine release is behind the magazine, making reloading slower than on other assault rifles.
• The gas port is close to the supporting hand, which can be an issue if the shooter does not wear gloves.
• The rifle has a learning curve, and there is a lack of cross-over skills when switching from regular rifles to bullpup designs.

The Steyr AUG's history

The Steyr AUG (Armee-Universal-Gewehr, or 'army universal rifle' in German) is an Austrian bullpup assault rifle designed in the 1960s by Steyr-Daimler-Puch and manufactured by Steyr Arms GmbH & Co KG. It was first adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 or 1978 as the StG 77 (Sturmgewehr 77), replacing the 7.62x51mm NATO StG 58 automatic rifle.

The Steyr AUG is renowned for its futuristic design, which has seen it featured in many Hollywood films, including Die Hard, Robocop, and Commando. The rifle is also known for its extensive use of polymers and aluminium components, as well as its modularity. It can be quickly configured as an assault rifle, a carbine, a submachine gun, or an open-bolt light machine gun.

The Steyr AUG has been through several variations since its introduction, including the A1, A2, and A3, with each iteration introducing new features and improvements. The rifle has seen widespread adoption by military and law enforcement units worldwide and is considered an iconic firearm.

Frequently asked questions