WATCH: Steyr AUG, King of the Bullpup Rifles
Quick Answer
The Steyr AUG is the bullpup rifle that helped define the class. Adopted by Austria in 1977, it is the longest-serving bullpup in military history. It is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and uses a short-stroke gas piston with a quick-change barrel. In the US, Steyr Arms sells the semi-automatic AUG A3 M1, which pairs a 16-inch barrel with an overall length of about 28 inches — roughly 8 inches shorter than an M4 with the same barrel length.
Steyr AUG: quick facts
What caliber is the Steyr AUG?
5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington), typically with a 1:9 twist that stabilizes both M193 and M855/SS109 loads.
Why is the AUG so compact?
Its bullpup layout places the action behind the trigger, so a full 16-inch barrel fits in a rifle about 28 inches long — much shorter than a conventional carbine.
Is the Steyr AUG still made?
Yes. The semi-automatic AUG A3 M1 has been produced in the US by Steyr Arms since 2014 and accepts optics via a Picatinny rail.
When was the Steyr AUG introduced?
It entered Austrian service in 1977 and remains one of the most recognizable rifles in the world.
How much is that bullpuppy in the window? I don’t care; I want it.
Hold up–do you know what month it is? No, it’s not August; it’s #AUGust! In celebration, we made a little video about the best bullpup out there, the Steyr AUG. Selected by the Austrian army in 1977, the AUG A3 M1 is a civilian-legal variant that boasts all of the features demanded by Austrian defense forces. (Except full-auto fire capability, naturally.) For the last 42 years, the AUG has reigned supreme as the King of the Bullpups.
Best part? For the next few days, you can win one! Right now, Steyr’s Elite Experience Giveaway is still ongoing…and will be through August 31, 2019. Three lucky winners will receive either a Scout, a THB (Tactical Heavy Barrel), or an AUG–and an expenses-paid class at the Steyr Academy to help you get the most out of your new gun. Click here to enter!
I have one and really like it. It garners looks from the AR crowd. Jealousy, I’m sure.
Oh, and that would be “dual” rather than “duel” gas.
I got one 7-8 years ago. Love it. Wish I’d had one in 1966.
I’d love to shoot one, let alone own one. Way outside this retiree’s budget. If I’m remembering correctly, the big blonde terrorist in Die Hard, used an Aug whe he was attempting to hunt ol’ Bruce down. I still think it’s the coolest gun Steyr ever put out. 40+ years later, it still the sexiest Bullpup on the market. It screams Tactical and CQB.
Yes, that was Karl (played by Alexander Godunov… Internationally known Russian ballet dancer and actor, who caused a diplomatic incident between the US and USSR when he defected to the US in 1979) . In Die Hard, he played Hans Gruber’s right hand man.
The AUG was also the weapon of choice for “The Governor” in The Walking Dead TV series.