The iconic bullpup-style Steyr AUG has been one of the most recognizable rifles in the world since its adoption by the Austrian army in 1977 and is now available for civilian use as the Steyr AUG A3 M1, a semi-convertible ambidextrous rifle platform with an adjustable short-stroke, gas-piston operation chambered for 5.56x45mm (.223 Remington) ammunition in stock 10-, 30- or 42-round magazines.
The multi-configurable M1 variant of the AUG A3 platform is the latest generation of the venerated bullpup platform. Utilizing an optics attachment platform similar to the rare and much-sought-after AUG A2, the AUG A3 M1 is available from the factory with an Extended Rail, but optional Short-Rails, High-Rails, 1.5X or 3X Optics will ship separately. The AUG A3 M1 Optics version has a more traditional AUG scope tube with exceptionally bright and clear optical elements, modernized with the addition of three Picatinny rail sections to accommodate accessories like a close-quarters holographic sight. With 16 numbered slots, the High-Rail version was designed to accommodate the widest range of optic choices, and the 11-slot Short-Rail version was designed for use with a reflex sight or a longer-eye relief optic. The rail and optics platforms on all three AUG A3 M1 versions are interchangeable via the three base screws that thread from the underside of the top of the receiver.
The AUG A3 M1 boasts an overall length of just 28.15 inches, including its 16-inch heavy barrel, making it at least 8 inches shorter than an M4 carbine with a comparable-length barrel. The short-stroke gas-piston operation of the AUG runs exceptionally cleaner by nature because all of the operational exhaust gas vents out of the front of the rifle. The AUG’s matching, yet opposed, stainless steel operation and guide rods affixed to the bolt carrier glide effortlessly inside the receiver for unparalleled smoothness in operation as well as exceptional reliability. Dual gas-adjustment settings ensure its operation, even with the dirtiest ammunition and in adverse conditions.
The AUG A3 M1 has all the classic features and benefits that established it as the pinnacle of modern rifle design, including expedited disassembly as well as simple conversion to left-hand operation, which requires replacement of the standard bolt with the optional left-eject bolt and swapping the ejection-port cover. It also features a quick-change barrel with a collapsible forward grip as well as a two-position cross-bolt safety that locks the trigger.
The receiver was also updated to replace the permanently affixed front sling swivel with a VLTOR Quick-Disconnect Sling Swivel, which makes two-point sling attachment or removal extremely fast and easy, and users of single-point slings can remove the front sling swivel entirely, if they so desire.
The AUG A3 M1 stock, cocking piece and forward grip are made of highly durable synthetic and are available in Black, Green, Mud and White colors. The rifle is available in either the standard version that accepts genuine Steyr AUG magazines or as a NATO version that accepts standard STANAG (AR) magazines.
Specifications:
Model: Steyr AUG A3 M1
Purpose: Target shooting, military & law enforcement, multi-gun competition
Manufacturer: Steyr Arms USA, Bessemer, AL 35022
Operation: Adjustable, short-stroke, gas-piston, semi-automatic
Magazine type/capacity: Polymer double-stack detachable box/30 rounds (10- and 42-round avail.)
Receiver material: Hard Eloxal-coated aircraft aluminum
Caliber: 5.56x45mm (.223 Remmington)
Barrel: 16.375-inch mannox-lined (nitride) CHF barrel (18.375 inches with muzzle brake)
Rifling: 6 grooves, 1:9 RH Twist
Sights: Short 11-slot rail, High 16-slot rail, 1.5X optic or 3X optic
Safety: Two-position trigger-blocking
Trigger type: Single-stage
Pull weight: 9 pounds, 8 ounces
Stock material/type: White Black, OD Green or MUD synthetic/bullpup
Length of pull: 15 inches
Drop at comb: 0.435 inch (Short
The information below comes from our Gun Caliber Dictionary and is for
general reference only. It does not describe the specifications of this
particular item.
The 5.56X45mm NATO cartridge was designed by James Sullivan, a member of Eugene Stoner's engineering team that developed both the M16 rifle and its original cartridge. The 5.56X45mm NATO was adopted by the U.S. military in 1964 and by NATO in 1980. With bullet diameter of .224-inch, the original M193 military cartridge used a 55-grain bullet at 3250 fps; the current M855A1 cartridge, developed by FN, uses a 62.5-grain bullet at 3020 fps, offering greater range and better penetration. The civilian version of the 5.56X45mm is 223 Remington; the cartridges are dimensionally identical but military chamber dimensions and specifications for military brass are different. It is considered safe to use 223 Remington ammo in a 5.56X45MM NATO chamber, but not a good idea to use 5.56X45mm ammo in a rifle specifically chambered for the 223 Remington. Although the stopping power of .22-caliber bullets remains controversial the 5.56X45mm has served well in now multiple generations of M16 rifles.
—
Craig Boddington
