Steyr Mannlicher SSG 69 PIV Police Sniper 16.1″ .308 Winchester Rifle, 1994

SOLD FOR: $3,611.89

LSB#: LSB251202KM023

Make: Steyr Mannlicher

Model: SSG 69 PIV

Serial Number: 262797

Year of Manufacture: 1994 (ADF date code)

Caliber: .308 Winchester

Action Type: Bolt Action fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 16.1″ (409mm), approximately 20.5″ to the front of the flash suppressor, Hammer Forged

Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver is slotted with 1? rings holding a Zeiss Diavari-C 3-9×36 scope with duplex reticle. The scope has scattered light wear in the body with clear glass.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is checkered black synthetic with a pistol grip, a sling bar on the left of the buttstock, a swivel on the front of the forend, and a solid black rubber Steyr buttpad with four installed 1cm spacers. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original, serial-matching bolt.

Bore Condition: The bore is moslty bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn fouling at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few minor nicks and light scratches, most notable on the left over the forend. The bolt shows light operational wear and the knob has minor handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety locks the bolt and disengages the trigger. There is a cocking indicator in the rear of the bolt sleeve. The trigger has a smooth, very light takeup followed by a crisp break. 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: Included is the previously described scope, one Steyr 10-round Gen1 magazine (clear back plate), three 5-round Steyr rotary magazines, and a Steyr SSG branded cleaning kit. Two of the 5-round magazines are marked 308 Win., the third is marked 7,62 x 51 and is notably more matte colored.

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.

The original has a fairly light profile hammer-forged barrel with iron sights but also has provision for mounting optics. This is the PIV, designed for police/SWAT sniping. It has a shorter, heavier 16.1″ barrel with no provision for iron sights. The barrel is threaded at the muzzle with a thread-protector, but is also threaded about 5″ back from the muzzle for the use of an Allen Engineering suppressor. Currently installed is a factory flash suppressor which installs on the rear threads. By having a thread attachment so far back from the muzzle, the Allen suppressor could run the expansion chamber backward over the barrel, giving more chamber volume for the additional length added by the suppressor body. Along with its 1:10″ twist rate, this made it ideal for shooting heavier projectiles suitable for use suppressed in a police role.

This model is no longer in production and would be a great opportunity for anyone who always wanted an SSG 69 PIV but hasn’t managed to get their hands on one. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it comes with a scarce 10-round magazine, Steyr SSG cleaning kit, as well as three 5-rounders. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Bud