Steyr Model GB 9mm Luger Gas-Delayed Blowback Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1983

SOLD FOR: $1,225

WOA#: WY240309GJ013

Make: Steyr

Model: GB

Serial Number: P 08069

Year of Manufacture: February, 1983 (LTR 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 of the slide is marked “Mod. GB”, Steyr logo, “9mm Para”, the right is marked “MADE IN AUSTRIA / P 08069” with Austrian proofs and “LTR” date code. The right of the frame is marked “P 08069” with Austrian proofs and “LTR” date code. The top of the slide is marked “Gun South, Inc., Trussv. Al.”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/4”

Sights / Optics: 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 panels with a dull black finish for glare reduction. The grips have a few minor marks, most notable at the top of the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the polygonal rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some of the leading edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus 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.

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 Fine-plus 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, showing little sign of use. Even better, it comes with three magazines, and they’re getting harder to find every day. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud