My First and ONLY Rifle -- Pictures Page 1/20/25 -- Range Review Page 28 --

Shooting a .308 indoors at 20 meters? What really would be the point of this kind of shooting? That thing looks like it is going to want to stretch its legs. I really like the mono pod setup. The only thought I have on that though is a setup like that with a folding stock might have a little play in it? Either way looks like you went all out for your first gun. Good luck on the optics search.

I know, it sounds stupid, but my indoor club has Wednesday night shoots with a Centerfire as well as .22 LR but think about it this way, it has the entire rest of the week to stretch its legs :) I just like the Wednesday nights because it is good fun and also a good social event at the same time :) As for the folding stock, I am not concerned about it, it is a button that is more like a rod you are pushing down, also the stock is not composite it is Aircraft Aluminum as well as Steel. Only time will tell I guess? But I am not concerned at this point.

Great pics, I'm sure it'll be a shooter!

Awesome choice for scope as well. The Premier Heritage has super reviews from Sniper's Hide. Not a cheap toy, that's for sure. :)

Yea it isn't cheap, but if you're only going to do it once, you might as well do it right! Thank you I feel the scope choice is a good one, even if they aren't the most known.

WOW!!! Nice rig. Looking forward to the range report. Congats on your purchase!

Cannot wait to make the range report, and thanks!

Wow, you don't d*ck around do you. Well done!

No I don't :) Thanks.

First, let me say congratulations on making a purchase that you're pleased with (so far). You're an admitted Steyr fanboy and I respect your bias here.

Secondly, I want to say that I won't be surprised if I see it listed on the EE within the next 6 months or less.

For what you said you've wanted to do with this rifle, I don't believe you couldn't have made a poorer choice.

Your apparent lack of inexperience or knowledge in rifle shooting has allowed you to make an emotional, personal, purchase decisions strictly on what you wanted as opposed to what you needed.

If you plan on doing most of your shooting off-hand then why would you want an overly cumbersome, heavy, pistol grip stock with a barrel that is not only long but has the added disadvatage of extra weight via the muzzle brake? How well do you think this rifle is going to balance? Not well, I suspect.

Without a sling? Why? A high quality sling will do nothing but improve your shooting in the standing position.

What do you hope to gain or proove by shooting at 20m-50m?At those distances, everything from Norinco surplus to Federal Gold Medal Match is going to produce "one hole groups". Do you belong to a club? I hope it's not indoors! Depending on range layout (if outdoors), you may have safety issues here. You'd have been far better off with a .22RF at those ranges.

Your selection of scope is top notch but extremely over-kill for your apparent useage. Again, it's a want vs. need issue. If you've got money to throw around and just want the scope without putting any real thought into it, then have at it. Have you considered paralax issues at shorter ranges? Most scopes aren't paralax free until 100m/100yds.

I could go on but I think by now you're getting my point. I'm not slamming you here by any means and this isn't meant to "make it personal". I believe you're setting yourself up for real disappointment here.

You'd have been better served by making purchase decisions based on sound merit and experienced judgement of others to help guide you. I read your other thread and for the most part, I don't think it produced useful information.

Fan boy was by far not the deciding factor, is just what put it on the list in the first place, as I read reviews, talked with people, etc... that is what convinced me.

Then I guess you will be surprised when it isn't listed on EE in 6 months :)

I guess we will disagree and I will respond to your opinions with my own :) Please don't take anything personally as I haven't taken any of yours that way :)
So lets begin:
1. The rifle is extremely well balanced, I thought weight would be an issue at first too but it feels great in the hands and I feel like I could carry it all day. The muzzle break is detachable if for whatever reason I didn't want to use it. Without bipod the rifle is around 10-11 pounds which to me is a pretty good weight, and you could remove side rails with ease to lower that a bit more. It uses a two stage trigger which helps in not having "surprises" (adjustable pull length, etc). The barrel is actually concidered on the short end for 800-1000 meters, but due to the twist rate, it can handle heavy loads not to mention the cold forged barrel will help with accuracy. But most of my shooting will be done in the 300 to 800 meter range (which should be the rifles sweet spot).

2. I may try sling shooting eventually, but I prefer everything being up to me (besides quality rifle and optics). If I were to get a sling would probably be a TAB elite sling or something of similiar quality. The rifle comes with sling mounts which is great if I ever want to get into it.

3. I'm not hoping to prove anything at 20-50 meters (because there is nothing to prove at these distances?) besides that my groups aren't opening up at those distances? I hope I will be fortunate enough to see one hole groups... that should be suggestive of seeing good groups at greater distances. At 20-50 meters I hope to make more club friends who I will end up going for outdoor events with. Maybe even get some sage advice from the elders there in terms of reloading among other stuff? Also if 20-50 meters is only Wednesday night, and days when too snowy to go outdoors, how many days does that leave me to shoot at much greater distances? Many!!

4. Uhhh if a Premier Reticle is overkill for 100 - 1000 meters then yes... I went overkill on my scope (which is again something I will only have one of). And BTW it is Parallax free from 50 meters to infinity. And this is why I have a thread trying to figure out what scope/sight to use from 20 to 50 meters if you haven't seen it posted here the few times I did here it is again, maybe you will have some insight? http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3904466&posted=1#post3904466

5. Please do go on.

6. I have made my decisions on sound merit and judgement, from talking to people at my club, people in the USA who have shot with one or one of its sisters (like the SSG 04), if you fully read my post you (it is long so cannot blame you for missing something) would see I have been researching this for well over a year and my decision was not made lightly. This website is not the only source I used to obtain information.

Please try to remember... this isn't some new company, or company that cheaps out, or company that doesn't live up to things like warrenty or company that hasn't proved itself time and time again. This is a quality company, a company that helped forged the first long range precision rifles in the world (next to Sako). And the SSG line has proven it's abilities since 1969. You may or may not want to do some research of your own on the Heritage of Steyr, or even of the SSG (Green Gun). This rifle particularily was designed with help by Austria's Elite COBRA unit, and they have infact adoptetd it. The Canadian forces are actually using Steyr's HS 50 as well (which I know is not the same rifle -- but I think it is a fun fact).

Hopefully I didn't miss anything you mentioned, if I did it's not because I'm trying to "dodge" it.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you,
- Koshy
 
Glad you didn't take my comments offensively. If you're happy with it, then that's all that matters.

My opinions are based on what you claimed your intended useage was going to be. To that end, there are better suited and more cost effective platforms available than what you purchased. Obviously, cost wasn't a factor for you.

I'm fully aware of Steyr's existnace and the SSG line.

Yes, it's best to buy once, cry once when buying optics. Optics selection could be more important than the rifle selected.

Tell us what you think of it after you've put 10,000 rounds through it.

Can you provide exact CAF documentation where they have adopted the Steyr .50 BMG in any capacity? I'm sure others on the board would have referenced that by now and I do not recall having it seen mentioned anywhere.
 
Glad you didn't take my comments offensively. If you're happy with it, then that's all that matters.

My opinions are based on what you claimed your intended useage was going to be. To that end, there are better suited and more cost effective platforms available than what you purchased. Obviously, cost wasn't a factor for you.

I'm fully aware of Steyr's existnace and the SSG line.

Yes, it's best to buy once, cry once when buying optics. Optics selection could be more important than the rifle selected.

Tell us what you think of it after you've put 10,000 rounds through it.

Can you provide exact CAF documentation where they have adopted the Steyr .50 BMG in any capacity? I'm sure others on the board would have referenced that by now and I do not recall having it seen mentioned anywhere.

Well now that I made more clear what my intended uses are, what would you say now? Any other concerns/conclusions? Also made elude to what you feel a Steyr SSG's intended uses are?

If you have any optics feelings for me please post on this thread: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415276

I will be sure to tell you once I put 10,000 rounds through it in however long it takes ;)

I cannot provide any documentation... so you are welcome to disregard it if you wish. It is just something that came up when speaking with people associated with Steyr. I know I am being vague but I don't know if I could get anyone in trouble :p

Thanks,
- Koshy
 
I don't think you going to see one of those rifles on sales here in the Forum, 6month or a year, it a very nice looking, well balance, one of a kind rifles, I got to say, that I was lucky enough to have shoot 2 round out of it, even with ball ammo, 155grain, there was no problem shooting gong out to 500meter, from the time that I got set up, and shoot around 20 round down range, my rifles was quite warm, compare to the Styer SSG 08, also if you going to spend that much money on a rifles, buying a styer SSG 08 is one of a kind(not many Around), if you ever thinking about parting with it down the line, let me know.
 
Yea when I first looked at it, it was rough going, trying to let it all sink in, handling it like a new born child, etc :p

The scope is still kind of up in the air, due to the fact that I need two scopes, one for 20 - 50 meters and one for outdoor ranges at 100+ meters. IF possible I want to have same eye level with both, but that is easier said then accomplished. If you would like to try and help please visit this link:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3903150&posted=1#post3903150
I will not be purchasing the PR until I figure out the other, but the plan is to have it before the new year or right after :)



I will for sure let you know how it shoots! I am anxious to shoot it for realz :p
It does appear to use AR grip although I have not tested this theory (The stock is a McRee) :p

Thanks,
- Koshy

Are you sure that a McRee Stock, it does have very similar feature?
 
That is a very, very sweet rig. I have to say, as one of the members who was responding to your whole Sako/SSG thread I was beginning to think you were full of it but you put your money down and you have a nice new toy so well done. A bit of free advice though - get yourself another practice rifle to learn the distance stuff on ( say, a HB Savage .223 ) and a rimfire bolt for that indoor range of yours. You will benefit from the variety and the ammo savings will pay for the initial costs over time.

Again - well done !
 
So Who did you get the rifle from?, it is CRAFM or Wolverine?

Target Sports Canada in Gromley, Ontario might still have one :)

That is a very, very sweet rig. I have to say, as one of the members who was responding to your whole Sako/SSG thread I was beginning to think you were full of it but you put your money down and you have a nice new toy so well done. A bit of free advice though - get yourself another practice rifle to learn the distance stuff on ( say, a HB Savage .223 ) and a rimfire bolt for that indoor range of yours. You will benefit from the variety and the ammo savings will pay for the initial costs over time.

Again - well done !

Hahaha thanks, and no not full of it :) Yes, a .22 is in my future so I can shoot and have my score count on Wednesday Nights ;) But to me, the Steyr will still be my one and only Rifle.

Optics, I would go as you say 10x top end, but keep the scope to a low profile, not those high turrets, something lower with a side focus, balance is king, and snag free:D

At this point I will not be hunting, but who knows what the future holds instore, especially when I will have this rifle for 10+ years :) If I were to go with a hunting rifle, I think Kahles is the only way to go :)

Thanks,
- Koshy
 
At lease you spend the money on Quality rifles, one of a kind.

It is "one of a kind". Sufficient to say there are less of these in people's hands in Canada then Porsche 911 Anniversary Editions :)

But that aside, I chose it for the precision potential it has, long life it will have, adaptability that it has and the fact that Steyr gives me a chubby :p To me, the rarity is just gravy :)

The reason you see me posting every 5 minutes is because I am going crazy, I am just dying to take it to the range, sight it in, and see what it is made of! I gotta keep remembering, SOON!!! SOON!!!

Thanks,
- Koshy
 
Ohhh I almost forgot the best part, the Original grouping:

So they sent me a card...

At 100m using 168 gr Federal Gold Metal, the 3 shot group was 0.5 MOA
Not bad! For the first 3 bullets outta the rifle, with no setup :p

I'm hoping to top it!

My end goal is 3-5 shot group sub 1/4 MOA at 100m

Will it happen? I have heard of it happening before ;)

Hope you enjoyed this little tid bit :)

Thanks,
- Koshy
 
Ohhh I almost forgot the best part, the Original grouping:

So they sent me a card...

At 100m using 168 gr Federal Gold Metal, the 3 shot group was 0.5 MOA (Half an Inch)

Not bad! For the first 3 bullets outta the rifle, with no setup :p

Cannot wait to top it :)

My end goal is 3-5 shot group sub 1/4 MOA at 100m

Will it happen? I have heard of it happening before ;)

Hope you enjoyed this little tid bit :)

Thanks,
- Koshy

3-shot groups won't tell you a great deal. 5-shot groups are more relevant and will give you a better idea of what you and the rifle are capable of.

For example, with my custom Rem 700 I can easily put (3) 155 Lapua Scenars at .4" or less but my average for (5) is around .650". This is not an unusual situation for most shooters.

I personally think you're being unrealistic in your expectations for 1/4" groups. For one thing, this isn't a bench rest rifle by any standard. Secondly, the vast majority of shooters fine tune their ammunition to their rifle through handloading, something you have not started to the best of my knowledge. You're setting yourself up for disappointment. Remember my comment about seeing it listed on the EE within 6 months? Starting out as you are, if you can keep 5-shots of Federal GMM within 1.5" at 100 yds. then that'll be something for you to build on.

Keep in mind you're going to have to shoot a lot of ammo down range for you to become familiar with the rifle and hone your shooting technique. My advice to you is to go out and buy a variety of match ammunition and try it through your rifle. Whatever is best, copy down the lot number and see if you can buy at least a case of it. Save all the brass for when you start to reload eventually.

Remember, it's the Indian, not the arrow that makes the difference.
 
At this point I will not be hunting, but who knows what the future holds instore, especially when I will have this rifle for 10+ years :) If I were to go with a hunting rifle, I think Kahles is the only way to go :)

Thanks,
- Koshy


you do know you'll have to replace the barrel at some point, don't you?
 
you do know you'll have to replace the barrel at some point, don't you?

Why would you suggest that? I personally doubt he'll ever wear the barrel out through use. He'll get bored of it and move onto something else long before that happens.
 
3-shot groups won't tell you a great deal. 5-shot groups are more relevant and will give you a better idea of what you and the rifle are capable of.

For example, with my custom Rem 700 I can easily put (3) 155 Lapua Scenars at .4" or less but my average for (5) is around .650". This is not an unusual situation for most shooters.

I personally think you're being unrealistic in your expectations for 1/4" groups. For one thing, this isn't a bench rest rifle by any standard. Secondly, the vast majority of shooters fine tune their ammunition to their rifle through handloading, something you have not started to the best of my knowledge. You're setting yourself up for disappointment. Remember my comment about seeing it listed on the EE within 6 months? Starting out as you are, if you can keep 5-shots of Federal GMM within 1.5" at 100 yds. then that'll be something for you to build on.

Keep in mind you're going to have to shoot a lot of ammo down range for you to become familiar with the rifle and hone your shooting technique. My advice to you is to go out and buy a variety of match ammunition and try it through your rifle. Whatever is best, copy down the lot number and see if you can buy at least a case of it. Save all the brass for when you start to reload eventually.

Remember, it's the Indian, not the arrow that makes the difference.

I am not new to shooting, I am new to optics, and I have personally seen 3-shot 0.24 grouping // 0.33 grouping at 100m with Federal Premium Match...

These aren't expectations... no where did I state, I expect to do it, it is simply a goal and would be something I could have my mouth drop over ;)

What is unrealistic for you to say is I cannot do better then what the factory accomplished...

I know it is not a benchrest rifle.. and I will never shoot it as such.

I for sure will save the brass :)

you do know you'll have to replace the barrel at some point, don't you?

Yes? But you do know a Cold Forged Barrel on old school Steyr's easily last on average 15-20,000 rounds before the groups start to open up right? So I assume the same will be true for mine so long as I am not putting hot rounds through. The barrel doesn't have the "twist" on the outside for aesthetics... it is from forging the barrel.

Why would you suggest that? I personally doubt he'll ever wear the barrel out through use. He'll get bored of it and move onto something else long before that happens.

Ever the skeptic and negative thinker ;)

Blows my first rifle I bought at 16, a Parker Hale 30-06 Midland off Canadian Tire.
Mind you I spent less than $200 on it.

Nice rifle, have a blast.

Thanks :) What do you shoot now? :)

Thanks,
- Koshy
 
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