2012 Steyr AUG A3 (vltor)

[JSGlock34]

I have read about a LOT of quality issues regarding the Australian rifle vs. the Austrian rifle.

Oh, agreed. Just interesting to see how the Australians are trying to update the platform.

[Todd.K]

Some interesting AUG variations coming from Australia...

It looks like the shorter rail height (that we get here and bitch about) would have been a better choice for optics with mounts that are AR height.

And if you are going to update the rifle why not put a real trigger guard on?

[JSGlock34]

Everything is a compromise. I think optic height is one factor, but even my short experience with the AUG showed that charging handle clearance can be problematic. I imagine it gets only more complicated as military users seek to add IR designators for night use.

[Ed L.]

I have read about a LOT of quality issues regarding the Australian rifle vs. the Austrian rifle.

If I remember correctly it had to do with Australia setting up a new production line and not getting some things right with production and materials. IIRC the first few thousand Australian produced AUGs had to be trashed. The AUG is not a simple gun to produce compared to an AK or even an AR. This is why it is good that Steyr is directly involved in US production. With Australia Defense Industries, Steyr sold them the licensing rights, but did not have as much to do with setting up and running production as they did with Sabre and as they are doing with Vltor.

[MountainRaven]

Yeah, I don't think anyone would have thumbs long enough to reach it otherwise. I personally use a TLR1 and I run the toggle with my trigger finger. Not ideal, but I typically don't use my AUG for hunting bad guys anyway.

Seems like an odd place for it... I'll wait for the CQC model!

[BillR]

I stand corrected. The SDI A3's are chrome lined. From what I recall though, the barrel steel was not their CMV they were famous for nor were they CHF.

I asked on another forum and the answer from Pete Athens was 4150 button rifled. So they did use the good stuff.

[BillR]

Thank you, that is good to know.

That is the impression I was given when I bought it and was seriously bothered when informed otherwise. You just saved me a lot of money to upgrade the barrel.

I'll probably still buy a 24" Hbar though, maybe a 20" as well.

If your ever unsure about specs for the AUG rifles contact Pete Athens at PJs Steyr Aug. He has the knowledge and all the parts.

[SteyrAUG]

Seems like an odd place for it... I'll wait for the CQC model!

I assume most people would use tape switches. Keep in mind you need to keep it to the rear a bit if you wish to be able to remove the barrel.

[MountainRaven]

Next questions:

What height mount is needed for a Micro on the .mil rail, and;
Anyone know where I can get a set of the AUG iron sights*?

*Like these:


I suppose that I could just wait for the military A3 scopes, but hey.

ETA: Irons look a lot like LPAs. I guess I should start there.

[MountainRaven]

Looks like the only option for those sights is to buy the airsoft version of the AUG. Not a good one.

So. Onto the next question:

Is there any reason, aside from cost, why one would buy the standard AUG A3 over the CQC model? Obviously, a couple of us already have, but I'm curious to know why.

Thanks!