Steyr AUG: Difference between revisions

The '''Steyr AUG''' ({{Lang-Langx|de|Armee-Universal-Gewehr|lit=army universal rifle}}) is an [[Austria]]n [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] chambered for the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] [[intermediate cartridge]], designed in the 1960s by [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]], and now manufactured by [[Steyr Arms]] GmbH & Co KG.

The ban [[SunsetFederal provision|sunsettedAssault Weapons Ban]], passed in 1994, further prohibited the manufacture of additional Steyr AUGs or their copies. The ban expired in 2004, and in 2008, [[Steyr Arms]] worked with [[Sabre Defence]] to produce parts legally in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Steyr AUG A3: The Incomparable, Futuristic Carbine |language=en-US |work=RECOIL |url=https://www.recoilweb.com/the-incomparable-steyr-aug-a3-117210.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=NRA Staff |date=2010-05-11 |title=Steyr AUG/A3 SA USA |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/steyr-aug-a3-sa-usa/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |work=American Rifleman}}</ref>

The AUG has a 1.5× telescopic sight that is integrated with the receiver casting and is made by [[Swarovski Optik]]. It contains a simple black ring [[reticle]]. The sight cannot be set to a specific range but can be adjusted for windage and elevation for an initial zero and is designed to be calibrated for 300&nbsp;m. It also has a backup iron sight with a rear notch and front blade, cast into the top of the aluminium optical sight housing, in case of failure or damage to the primary optical sight. The sight is also equipped with a set of three illuminated dots (one on the front blade and two at the rear) for use in low-level lighting conditions. In order to mount a wide range of optics and accessories, a receiver with a [[NATO]]-standard Picatinny rail and detachable carrying handle was also developed and introduced in December 1997.<ref name="ezell_224" /> Modern AUGs are equipped with, or can have the Picatinny rail swapped out with, an A3SF 60mm height x3 optic with optional riser and additional crosshair within the "donut" black ring. This specific optic can be piggybacked with other optics on top, as is the norm with Austrian special forces, due to the Picatinny rail included on top of the optic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://steyr-arms.us/product/aug-optics/ |title=AUG Optics }}</ref>

[[File:AUG A2 407mm klein 03.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG A2 with a {{convert|417|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel and a Picatinny rail on the upper receiver insteadin place of the integral optic]]

*The '''Steyr AUG A1''' is fitted with an integral 1.5x optic and is available with a choice of olive or black furniture.<ref name="aug-a1-a2" />

*The '''Steyr AUG A2''', introduced in December 1997, features a redesigned charging handle and a detachable telescopic sight which can be replaced with a [[Picatinny rail]] and was introduced in December 1997. DueIts tomodularity its modularity,allows a 24.4-inch barrel canto be used, and athe Picatinnyfolding rail sectiongrip can be fittedreplaced insteadwith ofa thePicatinny foldingrail gripsection, whereto which a bipod can be installed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Armamento utilizado por el Ejército Nacional del Uruguay - Taringa!|url=https://www.taringa.net/posts/info/19285398/Armamento-utilizado-por-el-Ejercito-Nacional-del-Uruguay.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424172458/http://www.taringa.net/posts/info/19285398/Armamento-utilizado-por-el-Ejercito-Nacional-del-Uruguay.html|archive-date=24 April 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref>

**The '''Steyr AUG A3-CQC''' was a cancelled prototype development of the AUG A3 and was first displayed by Steyr at the SHOT Show in 2006 and 2007. It differs in having a railed handguard attached ahead of the receiver and features an {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel. DueBecause tothis theextra needrailed tosection removeneeded thisto extrabe railed sectionremoved to strip the rifle for cleaning, itthe left side featured a quick detach lever mounted on the left side to remove the rail. Due to the concerns over the extra cost and weight, along with potential issues with the reliability and consistency of the detachable handguard, the prototypes received little interest and were last seen promoted by Steyr in 2008.<ref>{{Citation |title=The most desirable AUG - Steyr AUG A3 CQC | date=21 August 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kueCU9QB_M8 |access-date=2023-05-15 |language=en}}</ref> In 2012, the American company PJA obtained the five original prototypes from Steyr and reverse engineered them in order to produce a US-made AUG A3-CQC and conversion kits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AUG A3-CQC |url=http://www.steyrauga3cqc.com/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.steyrauga3cqc.com}}</ref>

The '''Steyr AUG HBAR''' (Heavy Barrelled Automatic Rifle), also known as the AUG LMG ([[light machine gun]]), is essentially an [[automatic rifle]] variant of the AUG. It features a heavier and longer {{convert|621|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel with an integrated bipod, and the standard AUG receiver with 1.5× magnification scope. It fires from an [[open bolt]] design to allowbe more suitable for sustained fire, and mitigatemitigating accidental cook offs. To accomplish this, it uses a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger mechanism with sear are used.<ref name="auto1" />

The '''Steyr AUG 9mm''', also known as the AUG Para, is a [[submachine gun]] variant of the AUG chambered for the [[9×19mm Parabellum]] cartridge and has been produced since 1988.<ref name="hogg2002" /> It differs from the rifle variants by having a unique {{convert|420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel with six right-hand grooves at a 250&nbsp;mm (1:9.8&nbsp;in) rifling twist rate, with a recoil compensator, a slightly different charging handle, and a magazine well adapter enabling the use of [[Steyr MPi 69]] 25- and 32-round box magazines. It is a [[blowback (arms)|blowback]]-operated model thatand fires from a closed bolt, andomitting doesthe not use theoriginal rifle's gas system.<ref name="9mm">{{cite web|title=Steyr AUG 9mm|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_9mm_press_01.pdf&t=1244186229&hash=6cfc561eebb60151883a5ec12f877966|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214623/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_9mm_press_01.pdf&t=1244186229&hash=6cfc561eebb60151883a5ec12f877966|archive-date=13 July 2009|access-date=4 June 2009 |publisher=Steyr Mannlicher |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="REMTEK 9mm">{{cite web |title=AUG 9mm |url=http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/aug9/aug9mm.htm|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714061534/http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/aug9/aug9mm.htm|archive-date=14 July 2009|access-date=4 June 2009|publisher=REMTEK|df=dmy-all}}{{Self-published source|date=February 2015}}</ref> A conversion kit used to transform any assault rifle configuration into the submachine gun configuration is also available. The conversion kit consists of a barrel, bolt, adapter insert, and magazine.

* The '''Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS''' is a 9×19mm variant of the AUG A3. It hasfires at a cyclic rate of fire of around 650–720 rounds per minute. It is available in either a {{convert|325|mm|in|1|abbr=on}},<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS |url=http://www.steyrmannlicher.ro/pdf/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_9mm_XS_press_01.pdf}}</ref> {{convert|350|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{convert|365|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{convert|420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel lengths, and features similara Picatinny rail system foundsimilar onto the AUG A3.<ref name="steyr-aug-catalogue" />

* The '''Steyr AUG 40''' is a [[.40 S&W]] variant of the AUG A3 9mm XS that uses compatible [[Glock]]-compatible double -stack .40 S&W magazines. It is offered inwith a {{convert|332|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel length.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-20 |title=AUG 40 - STEYR ARMS |url=https://www.steyr-arms.com/en/military-law-enforcement/assault-rifles/aug-40/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120131249/https://www.steyr-arms.com/en/military-law-enforcement/assault-rifles/aug-40/ |archive-date=20 January 2022 }}</ref><ref name="aug-40" />

*The '''StG 77 A2 Kommando''' is the designation given by the Austrian Special Forces ([[Jagdkommando]]) for the Steyr AUG A3 SF when it was adopted in late 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-01 |title=POTD: The 1st of AUGtober - Sturmgewehr 77 A2 - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/10/01/potd-1st-augtober/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sturmgewehr 77 A2 Kommando | date=29 March 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UI-FUzpYJ8 |access-date=2023-05-15 |language=en}}</ref>

*The '''StG 77 A1 MOD''' is the Austrian Army's designation of a further modified StG 77. A total of 14,400 rifles will be issued to both the militia and cadre presence units.<ref>{{Cite webnews |date=2023-03-09 |title=Austria Begins Issuing Upgraded Steyr AUG Rifles |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2023/03/09/austria-begins-issuing-upgraded-steyr-aug-rifles/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=Overt Defense |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=redaktion |first=spartanat |date=2023-02-17 |title=STG77 A1 MOD: MODIFIZIERTE STURMGEWEHRE FÜR DIE TRUPPE |url=https://www.spartanat.com/2023/02/stg77-a1-mod-modifizierte-sturmgewehre-fuer-die-truppe/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=SPARTANAT |language=de-DE}}</ref>

*The '''F88 Austeyr''' was the standard -issue rifle that had a barrel length of {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="ArmyNews1988"/>

The '''EF88''' (Enhanced F88) was developed by [[Thales Australia]] for the Australian Defence Force under Project LAND 125 Phase 3C to replace the F88 Austeyr.<ref name="EF88">{{cite web |title=Enhanced F88 Austeyr |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/project/enhanced-f88-austeyr |website=Department of Defence |access-date=5 May 2023 |date=November 2021}}</ref><ref name="ArmyNewsFeb2012">{{cite news|last1=Hetherington|first1=Sgt Andrew|title=Light, accurate, modular |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1275/1275.pdf |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=16 February 2012|publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=5|issn=0729-5685|edition=1275 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227190155/http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1275/1275.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ADMSept2015">{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Julian |title=Land Warfare: EF88 debuts in the ADF |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/land-warfare-ef88-debuts-in-the-adf |access-date=5 May 2023 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=2 September 2015}}</ref> Thales Australia offers an export version of the EF88 the '''F90'''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=McLennan |first1=Lt Col Benjamin |title=ADF gets new rifle enhanced F88 EF88 |journal=CONTACT Air Land & Sea |date=September 2015 |issue=47 |page=34 |url=https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/free_contact/contact47/contact47.pdf |access-date=5 May 2023 |publisher=Contact Publishing |location=Minnamurra |issn=1449-2385}}</ref><ref name="SteyrSL40">{{cite press release |title=Steyr Mannlicher grenade launcher chosen for new Australian rifle |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/australia/press-release/steyr-mannlicher-grenade-launcher-chosen-new-australian-rifle |website=Thales Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403021759/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/australia/press-release/steyr-mannlicher-grenade-launcher-chosen-new-australian-rifle |archive-date=3 April 2014 |date=21 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The EF88 is produced at Thales Australia's [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory|Lithgow Arms]] factory.<ref name="Thales2015">{{cite press release |title=New era as F90 assault rifle enters Australian Defence Force service |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/press-release/new-era-f90-assault-rifle-enters-australian-defence-force-service |website=Thales Group |access-date=5 May 2023 |date=4 August 2015}}</ref> The contract to develop an improved lighter version of the F88 Austeyr was signed with Thales Australia in December 2011.<ref name="ArmyNewsFeb2012"/> In September 2014, Thales Australia was awarded a [[low rate initial production]] contract after achieving provisional design acceptance.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Innovative F90 Assault Rifle to enter Low Rate Initial Production |url=https://www.lithgowarms.com/innovative-f90-assault-rifle-to-enter-low-rate-initial-productionx/ |website=Lithgow Arms |access-date=5 May 2023 |date=26 September 2014}}</ref> In June 2015, EF88s from the low rate initial production were issued to the Army infantry battalion [[1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|1 RAR]] to trial before the anticipated rollout of the EF88 in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McLennan |first1=Lt Col Benjamin |title='Exceptional' weapon |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1353/1353.pdf |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=18 June 2015 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=3 |issn=0729-5685|edition=1353 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20151020162404/http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1353/1353.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="ADMSept2015"/> In July 2015, the ADF placed an initial order of 30,000 rifles in two versions a standard rifle with a {{Convert|20|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel and a carbine with a {{Convert|16|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel.<ref name="Thales2015"/><ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews |title=Government approves contract to maintain ADF small arms manufacturing in Australia |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2015-07-06/minister-defence-government-approves-contract-maintain-adf-small-arms-manufacturing-australia-6-july-2015 |website=Department of Defence Ministers |date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="EF88"/>

In July 2020, a second order was placed for an additional 8,500 rifles.<ref name="EF88"/><ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds |title=Morrison Government invests in additional Australian made soldier capability for Defence |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2020-07-13/morrison-government-invests-additional-australian-made-soldier-capability-defence |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=6 May 2023 |date=13 July 2020}}</ref> Internally and externally the EF88 is still similar to the Steyr AUG, although it has received many distinctive upgrades and changes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://modernfirearms.net/assault/austr/f90-e.html|title=Modern Firearms – Thales EF88 / F90 assault rifle (Australia)|website=modernfirearms.net|date=14 February 2013|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> The colour that was chosen was a black-finish compared to the two-tone colour with a "dark khaki undercarriage and a light brown upper" finish of the F88A2s.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=60}}

*The '''Steyr USR''' is an AUG A2 modified to meet the former Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) (or Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act) regulations. The primaryUSR differencehas a thumb hole stock molded in gray polymer. The barrel is themade omissionby ofGSI theInc flashand hideris a 20” bull barrel. No threads so no muzzle device. The barrel takedown button has been cut off.

* The '''[[STG-556]]''' was introduced at the 2007 [[SHOT Show]], it was manufactured by [[Microtech Small Arms Research]] Inc. (a subsidiary of [[Microtech Knives]]) an AUG A1 clone significantly re-engineered in its working system and principle as it features a bolt hold-open device as seen on the M16 rifle; otherwise the MSAR STG-556 retains the original AUG features, such as feeding from proprietary translucent plastic magazines and having the quick-change barrel option. The STG-556 can be converted from either having a telescopic sight or a Picatinny rail. It is available in either civilian (semi-automatic only) configuration, and military and law enforcement (selective fire) configuration.<ref name="Choat">{{Cite journal| last = Choat| first = Chris| title = Microtech's STG-556 An Exclusive First Look| journal = The Small Arms Review| volume = 11| issue = 6| pages = 43–50| date = March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = MSAR – Microtech Small Arms Research Inc.| publisher = Microtech Small Arms Research| url = http://www.msarinc.com/home.html| access-date = 12 October 2007}}</ref>

* The '''AXR''' was revealed at the 2007 SHOT Show, manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc. as an AUG A2 clone capablecapab le of semi-automatic only fire, aimed for both the civilian and law enforcement markets, and fed by STANAG magazines; the manufacturer sells clear plastic magazines which are STANAG 4179 compliant and will readily fit in any rifle with a compatible magazine catch.<ref>[http://www.tpdusa.com/products.php?cat=5 TPD-USA – Tactical Products Design Inc.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017065225/http://tpdusa.com/products.php?cat=5 |date=17 October 2007 }} Retrieved on 12 October 2007.</ref> The rifle does not have the integral scope, allowing users to use any kind of scopes or laser sights on the Picatinny rail.<ref>[https://modernfirearms.net/en/civilian-rifles/u-s-a-civilian-rifles/tpd-axr-rifle-eng/ Modern Firearms' TPD AXR Rifle.] Retrieved on 033 August August20192019.</ref>