Steyr Model GB 9mm Gas-Delayed Blowback Semi-Automatic Pistol & Mags, 1983
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 210714DJ04
Make: Steyr
Model: GB
Serial Number: P 09696
Year of Manufacture: July, 1983 (GTR 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”, with Steyr’s logo and “9mm Para”, the right side is marked “MADE IN AUSTRIA / P 09696”, with a proof mark, “NPv” and “GTR” date code, the top is import marked “Gun South, Inc., Trussv. AL.”. The right side of the frame is marked “P 09696” with two proof marks and the date code. The magazines are marked “ 6 / 12 / 18” next to three witness holes on each side.
Barrel Length: 5 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The pistol has a dot combat sight configuration. The front sight is a blade with a white dot integral to the slide. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched base with two white 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 grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the polygonal rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The slide has a few scattered minor marks, most notable at the left-front and minor thinning at some edges. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. 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, decocker and quick takedown lever. The slide has almost no play to the frame. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action has a smooth takeup with a little creep before breaking. 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: This pistol comes with a total of three 18-round magazines. Please note, no magazine will be included for purchasers who reside where they may not be legally transferred.
Our Assessment: Steyr’s gas-operated offers light recoil and better than average accuracy with its fixed barrel. It uses a gas delayed blowback system virtually identical to the last ditch German Volkssturm rifles. 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. Gas sealing rings are machined directly 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. The grip meets one hand like that of a best friend, the 18 round magazine capacity is completely awesome for a gun designed in the late ’60s, and this pistol looks ready to handle anything. For a 1983 duty class pistol, it has been treated well, while seeing a little bit of use. Please see the pictures and good luck!