I am on the verge of ordering a Steyr SBS ProHunter stainless in 25-06. I have seen these rifles, but never actually handled one. Any info on accuracy, likes, dislikes etc. would be much appreciated.

A local dealer can put one in my hands for $700, does that seem reasonable?
daveinmt

I looked at one in 6.5 x 55 and although the workmanship was excellent, I didn't care for all of the do-dads in the bolt and safety system (simpler is better). Also if it breaks it goes back to the distributor or manufacturer in Austria so you better have a backup gun (it's going to be awhile the dealer said). I bought a like new Rem classic in 6.5 x 55 and am building a 6.5 x 55 custom sporter instead.

My brother has the new A-bolt synthetic in 280, and I have an older 700 BDL in 280 (early 80s like new), both are tack drivers. Mine's going with me to the promise land.

RJS

[This message has been edited by RJS (edited 09-14-2001).]

I ordered one for a customer last year and set it up and test fired it - 300 Win Mag. I thought it was an interesting design and had some nice features. The first three rounds would group sub MOA but would open up drasitcally after that as the barrel heated. I don't think the safety system, SBS, is really any better than a Winchester three position type. At least with Remingtons and Winchesters one can find a local gunsmith to tune them up a bit. The SBS didn't appear to lend itself to such tweaking.

I have owned numerous SBS in many calibers. Including 25-06. They all shot very well, the satey is no great wonder, the quality has always been good, fresh out of the box their trigger has always been better than acceptable.

The Stock seems a bit odd at first look, but once you pick it up and fire it, its design becomes quite understandable and very worthy of a quality rifle.

I find Steyr in general to be an awesome rifle manufacturer. Their sniper rifles are excellent, and as hunting rifles at a reasonable price go, so is the SBS.

$700 isn't a bad price at all.

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Live Free! Madison, Jefferson and all the boys paid for it, and so did our very own fathers.

I had one in 7 rem mag, sold it after a few weeks. Was interesting, but not my thing, fairly accurate. I bought one of thier P2K rifles when tehy were big $$$ now they are cheap, pissed about that.

To my knowledge(I may not have the facts straight) BMW (or someone) bought the factory and Steyr has to move thier equipment. I also understand that GSI isn't expecting any more shipments.

Some industry whores like CDNN, have very good prices one these things, shop around.

I know a professional stalker (read outfitter) who had a stainless synthetic SBS pro hunter in 243 that he sold after 2 years because he could not stop it throwing the 3rd shot. He said he had been told this was a problem with the model.

This is of course all hearsay but he is much more pleased with his Sako stainless synthetic.