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STEYR AUG A1

Steyr's newest offering, the AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr), is a space-age assaultrifle with many appealing features. Based on the bullpup design, the AUG is

chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge.

The AUG is an ambidextrous rifle as the bolt is replaceable and the ejection port may

be moved to either side of the receiver. Even the carrying strap swivels may be

repositioned for convenient port-side carry.

The AUG functions in a gas-operated, semi-automatic firing mode (in selective-fire

configuration, it is the standard arm of the Austrian army). A gas-pressure adaptor

has a shut-off valve located on the barrel with two settings-for firing under normal oradverse conditions.

This high-tech assault rifle employs a

unique 30-round, lightweight

magazine made of transparent plastic

which leaves no doubt as to the

number of rounds one has left. The

one-piece, greenish-colored stock is

made of a durable plastic and houses

the receiver group, hammer

mechanism and magazine well. Thepistol grip is integral with the stock,

and a cross-bolt safety that locks the

trigger is conveniently located just

above the "rest" position of the

shooter's right thumb.

Three interchangeable barrel lengths are available-a 20-inch tube is standard while

16 and 24-inchers are optional. The cold hammer-forged barrel is chrome-lined and

locks into the receiver by rotating it 1/8th turn. The forward positioned folding pistol

grip is utilized to provide a handle to remove hot barrels which may be plunged into

water for immediate cooling without suffering any consequences. A flash hider is

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attached to the muzzle.

What appears to be a top-

mounted carrying handle

doubles as a 1.5X scope thathas full windage and elevation

adjustments. The AUG

quickly and easily breaks

down into six basic

component parts groups.

With the switch toward a heavier 5.56mm bullet, the AUG is ready with a barrel

which has six lands and grooves and a right-hand twist with one turn in nine inches,

which better stabilizes the heavier projectile. The lighter bullet - 55 grains - is better

suited to a one in 14.

The AUG is futuristic in both design and concept. It seems to have solved many of

the inherent problems with assault rifles, mainly overall size and weight. With the

20-inch barrel snugged into place, the AUG measures a compact 31 inches long and

weighs just a shade under eight pounds...

The above text is an excerpt from an article authored by Art Blatt and initially published in the 1983 edition ofCombat Arms,

Volume 1 Number 4