Steyr, Gun South Import Model GB M-GB Gas-Delayed Blowback, Polished & Crinkle Blued 5 ¼” DA/SA Semi-Automatic Pistol, Box & 2 Magazines

LSB#: 160133WM54

Make: Steyr

Model: GB

Serial Number: 13169

Year of Manufacture: 1994 (BTF Date Code)

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Double Action / Single Action DA/SA, Semi-Automatic, Gas-Delayed Blowback Operated, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Decocker

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Mod. GB / 9mm Para”, with Steyr’s logo, the right side is marked “MADE IN AUSTRIA / P 13169”, with a proof mark, “NPv” and “VTF” date code, the top is marked “Gun South, Inc. B’Ham, AL.”. The right side of the frame is marked “P 15384” with two proof marks and the date code. The magazines are marked “ 5 / 12 / 18” next to three witness holes on each side. The factory box reflects the serial number, caliber and model of this pistol.

Barrel Length: 5 ¼”

Sights / Optics: The pistol has a three light-red dot combat sight configuration. The front sight is a black blade with a light red insert; the blade is aligned with a second blade, integral to the barrel lock cap. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched base with two light red countersunk dots, the base is dovetailed onto the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are impact-resistant checkered synthetic grips with a dull black finish for glare reduction. The panels have Steyr’s logo on the flanks, with smooth areas surrounding the checkers. The panels only have the faintest of scuffs which look to have been from storage, the checkers are sharp and there are no losses; please see our pictures. The grips rate in about Excellent Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Matte, Polished and ‘Crinkled’ Blue

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the polygonal rifling is richly defined with only the faintest hints of use. Two holes are found in the barrel for the pistol’s gas-delayed blow-back system. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The matte and polished portions of the slide have scuffs and scratches; the flanks show clusters of swirled marks. The crinkled finish does not show any major marks and hides any scuffs with its texture. The serrations show light marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol features a gas-delayed blow back system, fixed barrel, decocker, low profile serrated hammer, extended slide release and quick takedown lever. The slide has minor play in the frame fit, the double and single action modes work smoothly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are two 18-round magazines (WE CANNOT SELL THESE MAGAZINES TO ANY CALIFORNIA RESIDENT, OR RESIDENT OF ANY STATE WITH MAGAZINE CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS) that show scuffs from use, rating in about Fine Plus condition. The original factory box is included showing wear from storage and impact marks on the bottom half that go through the cardboard. The inside has a velvet mould that is set up with two cleaning brushes, a patch loop and cleaning rod; the brushes appear to be far too big for a 9mm pistol, our research shows that this is what Steyr shipped with their GB pistols. The cleaning equipment appears to be lightly used if at all. The owner’s manual, a test target sticker (with an unknown number of rounds at 10m, showing an impressive group) are included as well.

Our Assessment: From http://www.forgottenweapons.com/other-handguns/steyr-gb/ “Steyr’s design was quite a good one, offering both light recoil and better than average accuracy. It did this by utilizing a gas delayed blowback system virtually identical to the last ditch German Volkssturm Gustloffwerke (VG1-5) rifle. Basically, the front half of the slide acts as a gas piston, and ports in the barrel allow gas into that piston while the bullet is still in the barrel, thus slowing down rearward movement of the slide. In the photo below, you can see the gas sealing rings machined into the barrel, to prevent that gas from venting down around the recoil spring. The piston sleeve rotates to unlock from the slide for disassembly.” This is a unique design and this example is in Excellent condition in its original factory box. The bore has polygonal rifling and has very little evidence of use outside of the factory. The matte and polished portions of the slide have scuffs and scratches with 98% of the finish remaining. The frame and barrel have ‘crinkled’ finish that reduces glare, just like the synthetic grips. In all this is a great find for Steyr collectors. Given the magazine capacity (WE CANNOT SELL THESE MAGAZINES TO ANY CALIFORNIA RESIDENT, OR RESIDENT OF ANY STATE WITH MAGAZINE CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS) this would make a great duty or home defense pistol. Please see the pictures and good luck!