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SSG-69: Steyr's Cold War Sniper Rifle (ad-free)
🕑 Added 2023-03-02 12:00:10 +0000 UTCIn the 1960s, Steyr Daimler Pusch developed a modern sniper rifle for the Austrian military (and also for commercial civilian sale). It was adopted as the SSG-69 (Scharfschützen-Gewehr; sharpshooter's rifle), replacing the SSG-98k in military service. Mechanically, the SSG-69 uses a bolt with six rear-mounted locking lugs in 3 pairs, giving it a short 60 degree throw. The stock is made of polymer and the barrel is cold hammer-forged, both fairly cutting-edge elements at the time of its design. It was a factory 1MOA rifle, also something considered typical today, but quite impressive ein the 1960s.
In its military configuration, the rifle used a 5-round detachable rotary magazine and a Kohl's ZF69 6x42mm telescopic sight, along with backup barrel-mounted iron sights. This example is a civilian one, differing from the military pattern by having a double set trigger, a black stock (instead of green) and by including a second trigger guard designed to use traditional box magazines. The basic action was made in a wide variety of other civilian configurations, ranging in caliber from .222 Remington up to .458 Winchester Magnum.
Make sure to also check out 9 Hole Reviews' field trial of the SSG-69 in military configuration out to 800 yards:
Comments
Peter F. Prowant
It's fascinating that Styer made a rotary magazine out of polymer for the SSG 69, as the company discontinued production of the Mannlicher–Schönauer hunting rifles in 1968, due to the expense of manufacture which made the rifle's price uncompetitive in the recreational market. Various sources state a "new" Mannlicher-Schönauer was available from the factory until around 1972, as parts were still in inventory. I do surmise, though, that the halt of actual production of Mannlicher–Schönauer parts coincides with the introduction of the SSG 69 with the polymer rotary magazine. Quite possibly, I think Styer used the SSG 69 to test the viability of polymer parts for its hunting rifles, particularly the rotary magazine.
Or? “Reach out and touch someone!”
Like the old AT&T commercials of the early 80s. “ Long distance” It’s the next best thing to being there!
My SSG is very sweet. I could shoot it all day. But won’t at anything under 300 meters.
Guido Schriewer
and the pinzgauer. so cute!
Bruce Brodnax
Steyr Daimler *PUCH*, not "pusch." One makes mopeds, the other makes political power grabs... 😉
Fred V PATTERSON
Thanks,I have seen those around over the years. Expensive Boom Stick.
Guido Schriewer
but it's kind of an awesome cool looking bolt action rifle.. what other had 10rd mags back then... that rifle would be way too good for me. doubt I could do it justice.
Sonny Hughes
Late 60s was apparently a good time for rear locking lugs. Remington was doing same thing with their 788 from about '67 to the early 80s I think. I don't have an SSG, but my Mod 788 in 308Win is very accurate.
Mick Gillen
Nice, I had just bought a civilian .308 wooden-stocked SSG-69 on eGun when Henrys vid dropped and now your one as well, thanks Ian.
Nice.
