M4 vs Steyr AUG

[Slater]

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/5/nation/19381084&sec=nation

I'm not too familar with the AUG, but I don't think it can be accessorized to the extent that the M4 can. Correct?

Heck, never knew that Malaysia was making the M4 under license.

[Wes1977]

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/5/nation/19381084&sec=nation

I'm not too familar with the AUG, but I don't think it can be accessorized to the extent that the M4 can. Correct?

Heck, never knew that Malaysia was making the M4 under license.

I'd love to have both. A guy at my work just bought one.

[texasyid]

I have a Steyr AUG A1 905 series with roller carrier and closed end flash hider and absolutely love it. The platform and ease of maintainence is what appeals to me. Am I ready to get rid of my 6920? not at this point. If I had an AUG A2 and could mount my ACOG on it I would probably prefer the AUG. There is a lot to be said for both platforms. The split receiver and di system of the 6920 is minus for me but there are a lot of pluses for the 6920. At this point if I could only have one I would pick the AUG.

[PRGGodfather]

The AUG and M4 are examples of two different approaches to an issue. Which one is better? It depends...

The AUG is compact but usually heavier, and has an integrated optic in the carry handle. The AUG's bullpup design allows a longer barrel in a smaller overall length package. Shortstocking the AUG for CQB is not necesary, as it is nearly subgun length even with an 18-20" barrel. AUG barrels swap out very easily. AUG's are piston driven, easy to clean and a joy to shoot. They are very accurate, based on what I have seen ICE Agents bring to our rifle classes. They are fun.

The M4's popularity and modularity makes it like LEGO, as it is an excellent platform for multiple applications, depending on the situation. The M4's tenure and availability is such that 99% of the cops coming to our regional rifle course have the AR/M16/M4 or a variant. Accordingly, there are many more M4 parts to be found, as "parts is parts."

The AUG's ejection port location precludes true ambidextrous use of the rifle, so the support side fix is to shoot from the center of the chest or "roll out"... certainly not insurmountable.

Again, whatever quirks each platform possesses can be overcome, provided one has the will to do it. Both platforms are useful and reliable, so I would be pleased to have either issued to me.

Procurement decisions for me would be based on reliabilitly, dependability, availability, acquisition budget and training costs.

In the end, "Any gun will do, if YOU will do."

And we are NEVER good enough.

[Chief_Wiggum]

I just purchased a MSAR STG-556, and I also have a couple of ARs. The Aug is a great design, but I can't say that it has anything over the AR except for the compact size, which is exactly why I bought it. The quick change barrel feature is nice, but I can't see myself ever changing barrels. I use it quickly break the gun down to put it into a backpack or suitcase. I do like gas piston system.

One critical thing to remember about the AR is that it's so modular. With the Aug, if you don't like the position of the VFG, you're stuck. If you don't like VFGs you're stuck. The light goes on the right side...period. You _have_ to use a tape switch to activate it. The stock is the length it is, if it doesn't work for you...

All these issues are easily remedied with the AR. MSAR has added slightly more modularity with the side rails and various top optic rails, but you're still fairly locked into what you can do with it.

However, my 16" Aug is just a hair longer then my 10.5" AR with the stock collapsed, and it only weights 10oz more (8lbs 8oz empty).

https://www.m4carbine.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1087&stc=1&d=1215698106

[Neville]

I had a German M4 clone and went gladly to the Steyr AUG-Z (civilian version) because:

*less felt recoil = shot to shot speed while still being fairly precise
*great pointability & ability to use it one handed (in wounded shooter drills, CQB, etc.)
*KISS principle - the same lever for racking the bolt, malfunction drills, reloading
*surer & faster safety design (IMHO)
*reliability while being neglected without need for relubing (just from what I observed: several AUG-Zs went through 2000rds. in a carbine class without
being cleaned, while several Ar15s went down hard- due to loose gas keys- or chocked despite being relubed & cleaned by their owners)
*no gas in the face as my M4gery liked to throw (especially bad if you shoot with optical glasses)
*16" barrel ballistics while being only a bit longer than a Hk MP5
*higher QC due to only one manufacturer who invented it (Steyr)- no Lego guns possible (not true for the US market)
*less parts, almost no screws, etc.
*better issued magazines- never had one crack- equal to the PMag


One big disadvantage- right side ejection- can be handled: one can put the stock in the centre of the body while shooting around left corners.
The trigger will never be as good as a Gisele, but didn't people complain about Glock triggers too? I just wish the reset was more positive. Sadly
the "trigger tamer" makes reset even more mushy.


Size comparison of my two carbines (sold the M4gery):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/CatoY2k/Upload3.jpg

three AUG-Z in various configurations (mine is the one with the Aimpoint T-1)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/CatoY2k/AUG-Zs.jpg

As far as use in combat, Austria has had its high time a long time ago, but our army co-developed the Glock as well as the AUG and
uses them since 1977 (1980). Imgaine the step forward the AUG was- every soldier equipped with an optical sight. I blame failed marketing
and US laws for the special status the AUG has in US military & police circles. Steyr could never compete with Colt as far as price or mass
production abilities. Our special forces shoot them A LOT and (because the original design lacked rails) developed their own version instead
of going to the Colt M4:

http://www.msarinc.com/jagdkommando/stg77A2c.jpg

Peter Kokalis summed it up quite nicely:
http://www.remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/edit/augsof.htm

I am sure that for an American quality Ar15 carbines like the ones made by Colt, LMT or Noveske are the logical choice due to spare parts availability & incountry
manufacturers. But that aside, I find the AUG a strong competitor.