Steyr SSG 69
- Thread starter Solingen
- Start date
I have posted quite a bit about these rifles over the years. Probably the best thread I started is this one:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/759463-To-quot-build-quot-a-1970-s-style-Austrian-Army-sniper-rifle-%28pictures%29
I used to have three SSG69s. Now I just have one, and I am happy with that. I spent a few years trying different ways to turn an SSG69 into a more modern type of precision rifle. Ultimately I concluded that the design wasn`t well suited for that task, and that it was better to just enjoy them for what they are: a historical design which is really fun to shoot, very accurate for what it is, but something that time has passed by a long time ago.
If you want it as a historical-type of thing, with a Khales 6x42 and that kind of thing, do it for sure. You won`t be disappointed. If you want it to try and compete for `hit your own bullet holes accuracy` with a modern high magnification scope - go with something else.
Pros:
- very cool, military heritage, a timeless classic like an old Porche 911. Not something you see every day at the range;
- superb barrel - probably some of the best barrel life of any rifle, and accurate, and consistent;
- great feel, and relatively light weight;
- the Khales ZFM is an exercise in effective simplicty.
Cons:
- Parts support is not stong. Accessories barely exist;
- If you use solvents on the barrel, they will seep down and `melt` the plastic magwell;
- I`ve never had a problem with the plastic mags, but they do not inspire a lot of confidence compared to modern mags;
- Integral dovetail optics mounts are cool but require special rings, which are hard to find. Replacing this with the picatinny mount raises scope height... the comb of thestock is not adjustable, etc. The rifle just wasn`t made for big optics.
- You simply cannot shoot a 6x42 optic with a `German` reticle as well as you can shoot a fine crosshair reticle with 12x or more... in terms of trying to hit your own bullet holes. The Khales ZFM 6x42 is, however, really great for shooting things like orange clay pigeons (3.5 inch across) (or something bigger) at distances way beyond a hundred yards or two.
The SSG69 has rear locking lugs, which is really weird and unique, and unlike almost everything on the market including all the `new` (SBS-type) Steyrs. The only other rifle people bring up as having rear locking lugs is the Lee-Enfield.
My SSG69 with my AW308:
This is about the best I can realistically do on the average day of shooting these rifles with decent quality ammo that they like (I`m using 168gr BTHP with the AW, and the 155 with the Steyr. The Steyr really likes that 155gr. Steel match stuff). The difference is probably more the scopes than the rifles, but as I say, the SGG69 is just not made to be used with a big high magnification scope in my view. With the ZFM you have to sight the shots in to impact above the line. For accuracy, I set it up so that the line just barely touches the thick black circle. Best consistancy that way. The `modern` way is... obviously you just put the reticle right on top of where you want the impact.
The inside diameter of the big circle is 2 and 1/4 inch. The inside diameter of the small circle is 1 and 1/8. Looking at this circle through the 6x ZFM at 100m, the whole circle is about as wide as the centre post on the reticle. You really have to concentrate to get the same point of aim... and even then.
Big difference in the results you can get with higher magnification and a fine reticle like this P4F (unfortunately can`t get much of a picture of it)
If I were going to try and go `all-out accuracy` with an SSG69, I would get the picatinny rail adapter for sure, and then replace the stock with a McMillan stock for SSG69 with adjustable comb. I would use a one-piece mount (AI-style) on a 30 or 34mm tube modern-type scope with whatever magnification you want. At that point, however, you don`t really have an SSG69. You have some kind of basterdized SSG barrelled action pretending to be something it isn`t
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/759463-To-quot-build-quot-a-1970-s-style-Austrian-Army-sniper-rifle-%28pictures%29
I used to have three SSG69s. Now I just have one, and I am happy with that. I spent a few years trying different ways to turn an SSG69 into a more modern type of precision rifle. Ultimately I concluded that the design wasn`t well suited for that task, and that it was better to just enjoy them for what they are: a historical design which is really fun to shoot, very accurate for what it is, but something that time has passed by a long time ago.
If you want it as a historical-type of thing, with a Khales 6x42 and that kind of thing, do it for sure. You won`t be disappointed. If you want it to try and compete for `hit your own bullet holes accuracy` with a modern high magnification scope - go with something else.
Pros:
- very cool, military heritage, a timeless classic like an old Porche 911. Not something you see every day at the range;
- superb barrel - probably some of the best barrel life of any rifle, and accurate, and consistent;
- great feel, and relatively light weight;
- the Khales ZFM is an exercise in effective simplicty.
Cons:
- Parts support is not stong. Accessories barely exist;
- If you use solvents on the barrel, they will seep down and `melt` the plastic magwell;
- I`ve never had a problem with the plastic mags, but they do not inspire a lot of confidence compared to modern mags;
- Integral dovetail optics mounts are cool but require special rings, which are hard to find. Replacing this with the picatinny mount raises scope height... the comb of thestock is not adjustable, etc. The rifle just wasn`t made for big optics.
- You simply cannot shoot a 6x42 optic with a `German` reticle as well as you can shoot a fine crosshair reticle with 12x or more... in terms of trying to hit your own bullet holes. The Khales ZFM 6x42 is, however, really great for shooting things like orange clay pigeons (3.5 inch across) (or something bigger) at distances way beyond a hundred yards or two.
The SSG69 has rear locking lugs, which is really weird and unique, and unlike almost everything on the market including all the `new` (SBS-type) Steyrs. The only other rifle people bring up as having rear locking lugs is the Lee-Enfield.
My SSG69 with my AW308:
This is about the best I can realistically do on the average day of shooting these rifles with decent quality ammo that they like (I`m using 168gr BTHP with the AW, and the 155 with the Steyr. The Steyr really likes that 155gr. Steel match stuff). The difference is probably more the scopes than the rifles, but as I say, the SGG69 is just not made to be used with a big high magnification scope in my view. With the ZFM you have to sight the shots in to impact above the line. For accuracy, I set it up so that the line just barely touches the thick black circle. Best consistancy that way. The `modern` way is... obviously you just put the reticle right on top of where you want the impact.
The inside diameter of the big circle is 2 and 1/4 inch. The inside diameter of the small circle is 1 and 1/8. Looking at this circle through the 6x ZFM at 100m, the whole circle is about as wide as the centre post on the reticle. You really have to concentrate to get the same point of aim... and even then.
Big difference in the results you can get with higher magnification and a fine reticle like this P4F (unfortunately can`t get much of a picture of it)
If I were going to try and go `all-out accuracy` with an SSG69, I would get the picatinny rail adapter for sure, and then replace the stock with a McMillan stock for SSG69 with adjustable comb. I would use a one-piece mount (AI-style) on a 30 or 34mm tube modern-type scope with whatever magnification you want. At that point, however, you don`t really have an SSG69. You have some kind of basterdized SSG barrelled action pretending to be something it isn`t
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Unfortunately, ghostie's comment regarding bastardized SSG's is also true, in spades, for some of the goofy versions available now...such as the two pictured above. I had an original one many years ago, and at the time it was considered (and was!) an extremely accurate rifle, but reproducing that level of accuracy with today's modern guns is easy and cheap. The SSG today, and I'm talking about the classic rifle/scope package, is the precision rifle world's equivalent of a Harley Davidson: it's cool, it's iconic, it has an indescribable and undeniable appeal to some folks, especially those of a "certain generation" 
, and it offers a total experience and feel that is difficult or impossible to replicate...but for someone who is looking for the ultimate in quantifiable, measurable performance, it just doesn't cut it. When an attempt is made to make it competitive today, whether by a guy bubba'ing his gun in the basement, or by the manufacturer themselves, you end up with neither fish nor fowl. Nobody is happy, neither traditionalists nor cutting-edge guys.
, and it offers a total experience and feel that is difficult or impossible to replicate...but for someone who is looking for the ultimate in quantifiable, measurable performance, it just doesn't cut it. When an attempt is made to make it competitive today, whether by a guy bubba'ing his gun in the basement, or by the manufacturer themselves, you end up with neither fish nor fowl. Nobody is happy, neither traditionalists nor cutting-edge guys.
Unfortunately, ghostie's comment regarding bastardized SSG's is also true, in spades, for some of the goofy versions available now...such as the two pictured above. I had an original one many years ago, and at the time it was considered (and was!) an extremely accurate rifle, but reproducing that level of accuracy with today's modern guns is easy and cheap. The SSG today, and I'm talking about the classic rifle/scope package, is the precision rifle world's equivalent of a Harley Davidson: it's cool, it's iconic, it has an indescribable and undeniable appeal to some folks, especially those of a "certain generation"
This sums it up perfectly.
I have a vintage SSG69 that I bought for purely nostalgic reasons. Its a very capable rifle but there are better choices for a "daily driver".
The one nice thing about them is that Steyr keeps making them, and providing them in different configurations. If you are looking for one I would consider a US import, it always seems like more models are available from down south.
I actually prefer that setup, perfect for adding laser and NV/Thermal and still has traditional stock, either that or I would drop the guts into a Mcmillian stock as well! I guess I should have had the distinction of PII in their as well.
It's exactly what I did to get my SSG PII back in 2010 - via Prophet River Firearms. Mr Clay Smiley was most helpful, to say the least, but there is another way to get Steyr Mannlicher rifles in Canada. Yes, there is.
Solingen,
I don't know what to make of it. It's new to me - and very bad news if true.
So, yesterday, I tried to get in touch with Mr Oliver Bauer, International Sales - & Export, Compliance Manager, at Steyr Mannlicher GmbH but he is out of the office for X-mas holidays. He is supposed to be back on 6th, January 2014. Mr Bauer should know about it, more than anybody else on the planet - I think.
I have not been able to find any more information about that would be cataclysmic event on Steyr Mannlicher site (www.steyr-mannlicher.com) or on Steyr Arms Inc. site, Trussville, Alabama (www.steyrarms.com).
The Steyr Mannlicher SSG 69 PII and PIV rifles are still available - or so it seems.
The SSG PI (like mine, shown in my photos above) - olive green stock, iron sights, butterknife bolt handle, .308 or .243 - has been discontinued for a long time. Mine is a 2004, and I think that is about as late a model as you will come across.
The SSG PII - ususually a black stock, but sometimes olive green, no sights, tactical bolt handle, .308, .243 or .22-250 - is,or at least was, being made as recently as a year ago.
Phil O'Dell had or has some olive green PII's in .22-250. I was really interested in getting one but I never did. Maybe I will get onenext year if he still has any left.
These were some of the rifles he brought in awhile ago. The top one is the PIV, which are available in.308 only and have the short barrel.
The SSG PII - ususually a black stock, but sometimes olive green, no sights, tactical bolt handle, .308, .243 or .22-250 - is,or at least was, being made as recently as a year ago.
Phil O'Dell had or has some olive green PII's in .22-250. I was really interested in getting one but I never did. Maybe I will get onenext year if he still has any left.
These were some of the rifles he brought in awhile ago. The top one is the PIV, which are available in.308 only and have the short barrel.
Solingen and ghostie,
Good news !
Yesterday, I sent an email to Phil O'Dell, who is our (ghostie and me and others) trustworthy go to dealer when we are talking SSG 69 rifles. Phil responded muy pronto last night and he wrote - verbatim : "The SSG 69 is not discontinued". That simple.
Phil has good connections directly with friends at Steyr Mannlicher GmbH and if he says that "The SSG 69 is not discontinued", well, it is not. Case closed, as far as I am concerned.
By the way, Phil still has a couple of PII rifles with olive green stocks, caliber .22-250, and one PIV rifle for sale.
P.S. My first paragraph is not imply that I am the equal of ghostie. No, ghostie is our Steyr Mannlicher SSG 69 rifle scholar. Me, I am a standard SSG 69 addict ...
Good news !
Yesterday, I sent an email to Phil O'Dell, who is our (ghostie and me and others) trustworthy go to dealer when we are talking SSG 69 rifles. Phil responded muy pronto last night and he wrote - verbatim : "The SSG 69 is not discontinued". That simple.
Phil has good connections directly with friends at Steyr Mannlicher GmbH and if he says that "The SSG 69 is not discontinued", well, it is not. Case closed, as far as I am concerned.
By the way, Phil still has a couple of PII rifles with olive green stocks, caliber .22-250, and one PIV rifle for sale.
P.S. My first paragraph is not imply that I am the equal of ghostie. No, ghostie is our Steyr Mannlicher SSG 69 rifle scholar. Me, I am a standard SSG 69 addict ...
Has a Steyr SSG PII in black years ago that I bought new, wasn't that impressed with the accuracy with it so I eventually sold it, one of you guys probably own it now. I think that they are over rated but still popular because of the perceived Steyr SSG cool factor, but to each his own, enjoy guys.
