Current desirability and value of pre-89 Steyr AUG A1?

[TED]

I have the opportunity to get a used but excellent condition Steyr Aug A1 for $1495. I t has no box or orignal documentation at all. Just the gun and one mag.

I already have an A3.

For $1495 + a few hundred more, I could get another brand new A3 or even an M1.

Why should I bother with this thing and why does it keep singing siren songs at me?

TED

[halmbarte]

If you want an old one bad enough...

But that would almost get you another new AUG, with a warranty and a fresh barrel with a full life in front of it.

H

[Hkbeltfed]

Sad, but true.

[lowprone]

I have a 905 series and have fired every round that ever went through her.
I know her history !

[JoshNC]

I would buy it, especially if it is a 905 or higher prefix.

[TED]

I would buy it, especially if it is a 905 or higher prefix.

What is the significance of the 905 or higher pre-fix?

TED

[STG77]

The bolt carrier roller debuted with the 905 series and they enclosed the flash hider in the tulip design instead of the three prong,
for the same reason the early M-16 rifles went to a enclosed flash hider, to keep twigs and vines out of the muzzle.

The new STG77 was going to have the open prong flash hider from the initial design. Steyr Mannlicher vetoed the idea because, "the prongs can bend resulting in a bullet strike", being why the open prong flash hider was discontinued.

[TheAlsatian]

Thats a good price for a 900 series. As I understand it, the roller bolt was only an advantage in full auto. I have had a 906 series black 16 inch AUG since the late 80s. Great rifle.