A friend recently asked my opinion of these rifles - he's considering buying a used 270(I don't know which model). I couldn't tell him much. I've looked at couple of them over the years and have a catalog from a few years ago but have never owned or even shot one. Any experiences or insight?
Thanks. -WSJ

Hey,
A friend of mine purchased a Steyr this spring for his wife.It was a composite in 7mm-08.I saw one of the targets and it was about 3/8th".It is very well made imho.
1geejay
www.shooting-hunting.com

Howdy WSJ, I've got a Steyr Mannlicher model L? fullstock carbine in .243. It's very accurate and I love the set trigger. It does have a mildly European style stock and with the Bock QD mount system, it takes a high headed hold to feel right. Steyrs have a rear locking bolt like the rem. 788. Unlike the 788, they are butter smooth, but if they get water in the action and freezes you're in deep kimchee as it locks up tight. The newer SBS rifles had some new system designed to alleviate this problem. My reloads with standard dies get a little tight after 3-4 firings, some suggest small base dies for the Steyrs. The Bbl is hammer forged and slick as a whistle, i.e. easy to clean. I really enjoy mine and it's my go to whitetail rifle.

The Steyr line has changed fairly significantly over the years but I think they're still excellent rifles.

I've owned several--all vintage, not current models--and currently have a Model S in 458 Win Mag. It's a super-accurate rifle.

I had a 375 H&H about 15 years ago when I was stationed in Alaska, and stupidly sold it when I left. I sure wish I had it back.

The newer SBS line has gotten good reviews. Their Pro-Hunter series has a reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy.

Sometimes older models can be found on the gun auction sites.

Steyr is imported by GSI in Alabama, and their website is www.gsifirearms.com where you can see Steyrs and Merkels.

[This message has been edited by Nitro Express (edited 07-12-2001).]

The older models are not normaly as accurate as SAKOs. The stock can be very thin indeed at the magazine well. The barrels are very light and as previously mentioned the hog's back style gives scope/head alignment problems. I don't own one and these are the reasons why - having said that I have no doubt that at the right money they would make a very nice rifle.

The current SBS models come from the factory with a gaurntee to shoot 1" @ 100 yards or better. You don't see this often with factory rifles, the only other one I know of is Weatherby with thier 1.5" deal.