Steyr Mannlicher Model L Carbine 20″ .308 Winchester Bolt Rifle, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: WY240730GH004
Make: Steyr Mannlicher
Model: L Carbine
Serial Number: 30558
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .308 Win.
Action Type: Bolt Action with Detachable Magazine & Dual Set Triggers
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “308 Win”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SILESIA” upside-down with a Steyr logo and “STEYR-DAIMLER-PUCH A.G. STEYR MANNLICHER MOD. L.”. The right side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN AUSTRIA” behind the ejection port with “30558”, two proof marks and “71” in front. The right side of the chamber is marked with proofs and “71”, the right of the barrel in front of the rear sight has a steel batch marking. The bolt is marked with assembly numbers, “58” and proofs.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver-colored beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to a base mounted to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece bases and 1″ rings installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a skipline checkered walnut full stock with steel nosecap, capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, ventilated brown rubber Steyr recoil pad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has some light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable in the belly. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ and 14 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has light wear. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there are a couple of patches of stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks, most notable on the bottom edge of the bolt handle. The handle has a plum hue. The action shows light operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. There are no cracks in the polymer trigger guard assembly. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed ring and a single 5-round rotary magazine. The magazine has no cracks.
Our Assessment: The Steyr SSG 69 was developed as a purpose-built sniper rifle for the Austrian armed forces, one of if not the first such factory-produced sniper rifles. It featured a hammer-forged barrel which had a long engagement with the receiver, locking lugs on the rear of the bolt with a short, 60 degree throw, detachable rotary box magazine with a transparent rear face allowing the user to visually check how many rounds remained, and featured a synthetic stock and some synthetic parts for weight reduction. As the model designation indicates, the rifle was adopted by Austria in 1969 and continued in production through 2015 with a few different variants.
This is the Model L Carbine, a member of the SSG family, it is the small action of the design and was chambered for the 5.6x50mm, 5.6x57mm, .22-250, .243, 6mm Rem., or .308 cartridges. This .308 Winchester example one has iron sights, a spiral hammer forged 20″ barrel, checkered walnut full stock and double set-triggers. This model is no longer in production and would be a great opportunity for anyone who always wanted a Steyr but hasn’t managed to get their hands on one. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
