Advice on Steyr rifles

S

saltbait

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Hey all

Looking for some folks on here with experience behind steyr rifles.

I am looking at purchasing a steyr rifle in the next month or so..... choice is Steyr SSG 69 PIIK vs Steyr Pro Hunter Tactical.
The price between the two is fairly significant with the Steyr SSG 69 PIIK being over double the price of the Steyr Pro Hunter Tactical.

My main question is whether the SSG 69 is worth the extra money over the Pro Hunter Tac. What features does the SSG have that make it more expensive or is the rifle more of a collectors item than anything.

Really any comments regarding hands on experience with either rifle is welcomed or any advice to help with my decision.

Thanks

Ben
 
I happen to have a SSG 69, and absolutely love it. I have had it for over 30 yrs and it has been flawless. Never have I had an issue with it, never a hick up. By far this has been the best firearm I have ever had. I liked it so much, I ended up buying a couple of other ones.
Do your research on the internet, and you will find out why they are so good, and more expensive. One of the biggest reason, is that they don't make them any more, however, they were always fairly expensive, even 30 yrs ago.
Oh, and if you do get one, make sure you get the correct rings for the rifle and a ZF-69 or ZF 84 for optics. Those are the correct ones for it.
 
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I also have an older SSG69. It will always shoot better than I can. Don't know anything about the Pro Hunter.
 
Steyr rifles are top shelf firearms, i have a 69 and it's a rifle for top precision, no experience with the Pro hunter tactcal but my regular Prohunter 300WM is a tac driver.

Take a look at the Scout Steyr 308, if you hunt with your rifle, it will be the best for you.:ar15:
 
the SSG69 is capable of very good and very consistent accuracy. It is a rear locking action and the barrel tenon on the SSG69 is longer than the tenon on other rear locking Steyr actions of the same vintage. That is in part because the barrel tenon on the SSG69 is not threaded and it is a press fit into the action ... this method of barrel fitting apparently contributes to the accuracy of the system and as an aside it is also used on Anschutz rimfire target rifles. Naturally the SSG is designed to withstand MUCH higher pressures than an Anschutz so the actual fitting process on the Steyr relies on the longer tenon, great pressure and a heat/shrink bond. Contrary to what you may read online the other (non-SSG) Steyr rifles of the same action type (ie rear locking Model L, M, S) all have threaded barrel tenons and thread onto the action in the more traditional fashion. You will see if you compare an SSG action to a Model L action that the tenon on the Model L is much shorter.

Most of the weight of the SSG 69 (Particularly the PII versions with the heavier barrel) is in the action and barrel .. the stock is quite light. This makes for a rifle with excellent repeatable accuracy while remaining relatively light for field use. Compared to an AI-AX rifle -- they both shoot extremely well but one is a lot more robust while the other is a lot easier to pack over the hills.

However the trade-off is that the lighter stock on the SSG has a few known weaknesses that you should be aware of. One is that the trigger guard/bottom action (which is synthetic) can be cracked by tightening the action screws too tight and there are small synthetic tabs on this assembly to retain the magazine that can break. This is exacerbated by the use of some solvents and bug repellent which can hasten the deterioration of the stock material if you are clumsy. If you are aware of these factors and take a minimum of care while torquing the action screws and removing/replacing the magazine properly ... you will have years of trouble free shooting and will be blissfully unaware of these issues. If you are a ham handed idiot or are in the habit of throwing your firearm over cliffs or backing over it with your F350 ... then buy a Remington which is cheaper to replace.

As for the Pro Hunter ... There is a lot I dont know about that rifle ... However I do know it uses Steyr's 'SBS' action (Safe Bolt System) and this is the action that is used on most of the Steyr line now ... including the SSG04 and SSG08. It is also used on the Steyr M300 Match. All of these rifles -- and particularly the M300 Match -- are known to be extremely accurate. The M300 Match (no longer made) is of course of very special design - particularly how the barrel is fitted to the action -- but that is another story. So I would expect that the Pro Hunter will perform very well and I have never read of any complaints about accuracy with them. As far as I know all the SBS actions are designed for traditional barrel mounting - that is they are threaded, although the 'Scout' rifles have an interesting and unique method of assembly and the M300 - well is 'different' again.

I can offer that I like the SBS action magazines and that 10rd magazines are generally far less expensive and more readily available than those for the SSG69.

Cost ... while the SSG is not inexpensive it is interesting that when the rear locking action style of Steyr rifles were first designed and introduced -- it was because the previous front locking rifles produced (the Mannlicher Schoenauer 1961 and Model 72) had become very expensive to produce and the new 'rear locking' actions were significantly cheaper to build .... you will be surprised how inexpensive the early model M's were compared to more recent prices. It looks like the SBS rifles were also introduced because they provided some economies/efficiencies ... but certainly not lesser capabilities.

I have an SSG69 PII and a M300 Match. I dont see any reason to sell them and I know if I dont shoot well its not the equipment. But the reality is I would shoot a lot better with a 'lesser' rifle and more practice time. I have a friend who can pick up any rifle I own - including hunting rifles - and shoot it significantly better than I can.

In the final analysis -- your choice should be based on an emotional decision. Pick the one you really want ... then buy the other one later :)
 
One of the best replies I’ve received in this forum! It’s great to know there are members on here like yourself that have the practical knowledge and in addition, are willing to share that information gained from hands on experience.

I’m leaning more towards the ssg 69 piik right now as it’s a rifle with more of a background and seems to be one that has been tested and approved much more thoroughly than the pro hunter tactical. I’m confident the extra coin spent on the ssg will price to be worthwhile.

Ben
 
AP said:
the SSG69 is capable of very good and very consistent accuracy. It is a rear locking action and the barrel tenon on the SSG69 is longer than the tenon on other rear locking Steyr actions of the same vintage. That is in part because the barrel tenon on the SSG69 is not threaded and it is a press fit into the action ... this method of barrel fitting apparently contributes to the accuracy of the system and as an aside it is also used on Anschutz rimfire target rifles. Naturally the SSG is designed to withstand MUCH higher pressures than an Anschutz so the actual fitting process on the Steyr relies on the longer tenon, great pressure and a heat/shrink bond. Contrary to what you may read online the other (non-SSG) Steyr rifles of the same action type (ie rear locking Model L, M, S) all have threaded barrel tenons and thread onto the action in the more traditional fashion. You will see if you compare an SSG action to a Model L action that the tenon on the Model L is much shorter.

Most of the weight of the SSG 69 (Particularly the PII versions with the heavier barrel) is in the action and barrel .. the stock is quite light. This makes for a rifle with excellent repeatable accuracy while remaining relatively light for field use. Compared to an AI-AX rifle -- they both shoot extremely well but one is a lot more robust while the other is a lot easier to pack over the hills.

However the trade-off is that the lighter stock on the SSG has a few known weaknesses that you should be aware of. One is that the trigger guard/bottom action (which is synthetic) can be cracked by tightening the action screws too tight and there are small synthetic tabs on this assembly to retain the magazine that can break. This is exacerbated by the use of some solvents and bug repellent which can hasten the deterioration of the stock material if you are clumsy. If you are aware of these factors and take a minimum of care while torquing the action screws and removing/replacing the magazine properly ... you will have years of trouble free shooting and will be blissfully unaware of these issues. If you are a ham handed idiot or are in the habit of throwing your firearm over cliffs or backing over it with your F350 ... then buy a Remington which is cheaper to replace.

As for the Pro Hunter ... There is a lot I dont know about that rifle ... However I do know it uses Steyr's 'SBS' action (Safe Bolt System) and this is the action that is used on most of the Steyr line now ... including the SSG04 and SSG08. It is also used on the Steyr M300 Match. All of these rifles -- and particularly the M300 Match -- are known to be extremely accurate. The M300 Match (no longer made) is of course of very special design - particularly how the barrel is fitted to the action -- but that is another story. So I would expect that the Pro Hunter will perform very well and I have never read of any complaints about accuracy with them. As far as I know all the SBS actions are designed for traditional barrel mounting - that is they are threaded, although the 'Scout' rifles have an interesting and unique method of assembly and the M300 - well is 'different' again.

I can offer that I like the SBS action magazines and that 10rd magazines are generally far less expensive and more readily available than those for the SSG69.

Cost ... while the SSG is not inexpensive it is interesting that when the rear locking action style of Steyr rifles were first designed and introduced -- it was because the previous front locking rifles produced (the Mannlicher Schoenauer 1961 and Model 72) had become very expensive to produce and the new 'rear locking' actions were significantly cheaper to build .... you will be surprised how inexpensive the early model M's were compared to more recent prices. It looks like the SBS rifles were also introduced because they provided some economies/efficiencies ... but certainly not lesser capabilities.

I have an SSG69 PII and a M300 Match. I dont see any reason to sell them and I know if I dont shoot well its not the equipment. But the reality is I would shoot a lot better with a 'lesser' rifle and more practice time. I have a friend who can pick up any rifle I own - including hunting rifles - and shoot it significantly better than I can.

In the final analysis -- your choice should be based on an emotional decision. Pick the one you really want ... then buy the other one later :)
Click to expand...

The SSG PIV 16" barrel is threaded and can be replaced in the future rather than going back to the factory.

Agree that the plastics are dated and fragile. Updated stocks were available several years ago. It is possible to replace the plastic with a bottom metal which will allow the use of more standard magazines. There were a couple of makers for the metal bottoms a few years ago. SSG magazines are plastic and are expensive. I've seen them fail. The box magazines are crazy expensive.

The SSG 69 series is a great rifle but is dated. Many other precision rifles offer similar performance with fewer issues.
 
I would really advise AGAINST both.

Unless you have very deep emotional connection with 69 it is bad for everything. It is heavy to hunt with. Stock magazines are amazing junk, you will break at no time it or it will melt from most of cleaning solutions, aftermarket bottom metal will cost you more than a full Tikka rifle, if you can get it (mine came over $600 with all the duties, shipping, custom order and so on). 69 is press fit barrel so you will never re barrel it, so it is not a good fit for any precision sport. Standard stock and its plastic are way outdated to even speak of. Inlet is special for 69 so you won't find any good aftermarket stock, or you will have to order custom McMillian which will cost you triple. And its discontinued for several years now, any parts will be custom order from Austria if you even will be able to do it at all. The only reasonable excuse to buy 69 are collecting, strong emotional history (you were trained or deployed with it or something) or you get it secondhand for really really really cheap.

Now Steyr pro hunter tactical. Its neither hunter no tactical. Lowest price I can see is $USD 1341 at irunguns before getting to Canada. Stock is still pretty basic. Aftermarket stock options - like none. Magazines - hard to get, plastic. Parts - good luck. And all that for what? Rolling wheel safety and magazine disconnect are not that important to lock yourself into this. Upgrade paths - none, cost high, resale value like zero, parts scarce, design and features outdated by a decade at least compared to modern trends. Pro hunters are an old line for Steyr, so they will be discontinued soon.

Why do you think you want these Steyrs? If you just want Steyrs its fine, but if you are looking for some... objective advantages there are none. With all due respect. SSG 08 and its mods are a great sniper rigs, unreasonable pricing. Steyr new Monoblocs are cool by totally unrealistic. Steyr Scouts are one of a kind package if you are into that. But Pro hunter is just pretty bad for the money and 69 is just antique by now.

PS
One thing I want to note about magical properties of 69 rear locking and press fit barrels. Steyr themselves stopped doing this after 69. No one else does it. People can claim anything, but real life has real arguments. No military rifle before or after 69 has these "features". Dedicated built from scratch army rifles like Accuracy International or money no object custom built precision rigs do not use this and still outshoot 69 by far. If 69 had any magical ingredient going Steyr would continue with this design, but they do not. And no one else does the same. Do be naive. If you want 69 because you like it - buy it, no argument. But don't kid yourself with some accuracy or "military grade" arguments. There are not true. 69 was a good rifle for its day. These days are long gone, competition and tech moved forward a lot.
 
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saltbait said:
Really any comments regarding hands on experience with either rifle is welcomed or any advice to help with my decision.
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The Pro would be the better choice, especially with Manners and McMillian stock options from the factory. I have used pretty much everything in the steyr line up, the new SBS guns are the way to go over the old 69s (even though I have 2 right now). (in recent years I owned an SSG04A1, SBS Prohunter, SSG69s, Elite, and some of the vintage rifles as well [maybe 10 steyrs]).

There is alot of outdated info in this thread and on the net; you can get after market stocks (wood and synthetic) for SBS based guns, you can get new mags for 69s made of the newer material steyr used for its SBS mags (including new 10 rounders), parts for 69s are dead easy to get if you understand how to use the innernet, even if you understand how to use the dealer network on this site, you can buy 69 bottom metal, and aics mag adapters, you can buy the 'easily cracked' plastic trigger guards (or just be less of a gorilla, my two vintage 69s are still in one piece, even though the bs on the innernets tells me they break if you even look at them), you can buy every part for a 69 you want, easily, you can buy pic rail adapters for 69s, so being stuck with the old qd rings and 1970s glass is insane, etc, etc etc. I am not even gonna touch the rebarrelling bs...
 
Do you understand costs and time frame and pains of ordering all those "easily available" stocks and parts and all that? God, well, some people want to believe in magic.

You want a Steyr, fine, buy this one

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1983649-Steyr-SSG04-A1-308

already in one piece, already with all the rails, already more or less usable stock, no taxes, no 6 month wait or anything. Forget this 69 delusion with upgrades and addons you will "easily make", its not worth it.
 
The SSG 69 is one of the more available and affordable vintage military/police sniper rifles from the 1970's IMO. Accurate rifle with a lot of nostalgia appeal, but not everyone's cup of tea.
 
owlowl said:
Do you understand costs and time frame and pains of ordering all those "easily available" stocks and parts and all that? God, well, some people want to believe in magic.

You want a Steyr, fine, buy this one

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1983649-Steyr-SSG04-A1-308

already in one piece, already with all the rails, already more or less usable stock, no taxes, no 6 month wait or anything. Forget this 69 delusion with upgrades and addons you will "easily make", its not worth it.
Click to expand...

You understand that those hard to get stocks for the SBS rifles are available on the guns right from the factory now? That was my point. Factory option, order the SBS Pro from the US through an importer, to your door with a manners or mcmillian stock in a month or two.
As for parts, we have forum sponsers who carry, in stock, or usually no more than a month or two away, pretty much everything. Or if you need a firing pin etc, try the internet, Australia, Germany etc, can all have them to your door in a week or two. 69s are so ease to get parts for its absurd. SBS likewise.
 
Absolute junk plastic stock compared to the competition...obsolete design...durability issues with the stock and magazines...excellent accuracy, but not significantly better than many other precision rifles made today...almost no aftermarket support...hard to justify buying one of these if you are strictly a practical person looking for the ultimate precision/sniper rifle that you can buy.

Having said that, I recently picked up an SSG69 to replace the one I idiotically sold several decades ago, and will never let this one go. I have in the interim owned more accurate rifles, more comfortable/adjustable/durable stocks, guns that were by definition "better" in every way, and sold them all after playing with them for awhile. Always thought to myself "Well...it's not an SSG69..."

If you think you want one...then you probably should get it. If you are mistaken and decide to sell, it will move on the EE quickly; they always do. The SSG04-A1 mentioned above has been in the EE for months now, along with one or two others. It's better than the SSG69 in every quantifiable way...but...

Finally, owlowl has mentioned the indisputable "fact" that Steyr has discontinued the rifle because of all its problems...as he does in every thread about the SSG69. There are a multitude of wonderful rifles that have been discontinued by their manufacturers, for a multitude of reasons. Advances in manufacturing make old designs less efficient to construct than newer ones which were created starting with a clean slate and with an eye towards fast and cheap construction. Does that make those old beauties bad firearms? Of course not; it just means that the bean counters saw a way to save a buck by building something that is "just good enough".

The SSG69 is far more than merely "good enough".
 
The Steyr Mannlicher SSG 69 rifles were and are still, let's say, different. Very accurate but not too heavy. Very tough cold hammer forged barrels. Stock adjustable enough. Plastic parts. Yes plastic parts all over that sometimes break but never ever rust and they can be replaced fast if you already have your SSG 69 parts. It's always a good thing to have replacement parts for a-n-y rifle. Always.

And yes, they don't stay long on the EE. Why ? But why ?
 
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