If the AR were not an option....

[pointblank4445]

Barring any of the AR15 platforms from the equation, what would be your next choice as a go-to platform to fulfill the M4 carbine 0-200m role if price and availability were not an issue?

What would be your choice (again, not considering price) if you were bound to a non-NFA, Title 1 weapon?

[Jason Falla]

Barring any of the AR15 platforms from the equation, what would be your next choice as a go-to platform to fulfill the M4 carbine 0-200m role if price and availability were not an issue?

What would be your choice (again, not considering price) if you were bound to a non-NFA, Title 1 weapon?

I think that with my intimate knowledge of the AUS Steyr (F88) I would have to select that as an option to an AR15 style rifle. I would choose the Steyr A3 over other variants as that company has made some significant improvements over previous models. One improvement in particular is the bolt catch/release not present on standard models. The rail interfaces are a great improvement also and allows for modern accessories such as combat optics, flashlights and lasers.

Although the trigger is not as responsive as an AR standard trigger, with some time and practice you can deliver pretty quick splits.

One of the great features of the bullpup design is that you have a rifle length barrel in a combat format. This means that you have all the maneuverability of an SBR combined with the long range performance of a rifle. Totally sweet!

On the down side are the magazines that do not drop free! I am pretty good at changing mags on the Steyr so this is not much of a big deal.

The Steyr A3 would be the weapon of choice for me should I not have access to an AR15 platform.

I would also consider an SBR FAL. I have a couple of FAL variants including a full length DSA 58 with 16" barrel and forward rail interface. This a pretty big gun to be bringing indoors and a large caliber to have to control. It's not impossible but the Steyr is a better choice for this. To reach out to 400m with some good punch the DSA 58 is a good choice and has good penetration against intermediate barriers and soft cover.

So I might even throw the A3 in the back pack and sling the DSA 58!

Both run on common calibers that are highly prevalent in the U.S so availability of ammo is too easy.

[loganp0916]

I have heard conflicting answers so I'm asking this here.

On Steyr's website, the A3 says it has a 16" barrel and a flash hider that makes the barrel 18.375" overall. The rifle is 28.25" long overall and I'm just wondering if the flash hider needs to be that long for some kind of NFA regulation? If that is not true, what is the point of having a flash hider that is that long?

[Jason Falla]

I have heard conflicting answers so I'm asking this here.

On Steyr's website, the A3 says it has a 16" barrel and a flash hider that makes the barrel 18.375" overall. The rifle is 28.25" long overall and I'm just wondering if the flash hider needs to be that long for some kind of NFA regulation? If that is not true, what is the point of having a flash hider that is that long?

I just spoke with Steyr today and discussed this question with them. The answer is as follows:

The barrel length is 16" and with standard Steyr flash suppressor fitted the length is indeed 18.375" There is no reason for the length of the current flash hider. Surefire make a variant for use with an SF can which would be my preference as a replacement.

When shooting the weapon suppressed, the normal gas setting should be used until the firer experiences any gas stoppages, the gas setting should be moved to the adverse setting after the second gas stoppage.

There is no NFA rule regarding the overall length of the Steyr A3 it is a legal civilian weapon. So long as the barrel length is 16" from the bolt to the threads it is legal.

Interesting note: Steyr has dumped Sabre Defense after they went bankrupt and have now partnered with a US company to produce all barrels and weapon bodies. All barrels will be cold hammer forged.

[Fjallhrafn]

Sorry for the necro, but how would you set up the Steyr A3? I'm curious because the rail does not appear to readily lend itself to mounting BUIS and a light.

Thank you!