MSAR 556 or new Steyr AUG? what would you choose?

[Obin Robinson]

which would you choose? i've always liked the AUG and was thinking of picking up the MSAR. now that it seems like Sabre Defence will be manufacturing a new AUG i might be tempted to go with the Steyr. if you had to choose between one of the following which one would it be?

http://www.msarinc.com/stg556_sporting.html

or:

http://www.steyrarms.com/

which one and why?

obin

[vw_jason79]

So question, there is an A1, A2, and an A3 version of the AUG, correct? I was trying to compare the rates of fire just to try and find differences besides weight(probably the most important to me) and they were only showing automatic rate of fire for the AUG. The STG seems to only have a weight advantage and everything else seems to be better on the AUG. The gas operation is more complex on the AUG and seems like its more effecient as well.

The way it stands right now is Id pick the AUG. But Im gonna hold my vote for other peoples responses, then pick.

[Elbows]

AUG no question. If I could find a nice bull-pup for less than $2500+ I would definitely be looking into it.

My L85A1 (airsoft model) is full weight, and man, it is the most comfortable gun I've ever shouldered. The bullpup design puts all the weight back on your shoulder. It is monumentally better feeling than normal design rifles.

You also get a really long barrel in the same space. How is recoil on an AUG etc.?

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

Just a note: The Steyr and the MSAR pics are flipped.

I'd go for the Steyr AUG. The service record is very good, as is the production length. I know they field strip easily too.
I have a few Steyr rifles and a pistol and they have been superb.

I have to admit that I have not direct experience with the MSAR or Steyr AUG.

[TabulaVicious]

Is that MSAR the same as the Microtech 556?

I've tried one on at the gun store and it's comfortable as heck, a little on the spendy side.

I'd buy one over an AR though.

The only thing that concerns me is lack of reach when using a bayonet.

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

Quote, originally posted by TabulaVicious »

The only thing that concerns me is lack of reach when using a bayonet.

LOL!

[Obin Robinson]

Quote, originally posted by Elbows »

You also get a really long barrel in the same space. How is recoil on an AUG etc.?

the recoil on the AUG is nothing. there's an old video of my shooting a can from about 100 feet away. i was holding the AUG like a big pistol and shot it offhand. one shot and one hit! the ergonomics are incredible and the gun recoils very lightly. it's almost addictive to shoot.

i've been thinking about the MSAR because it's an AUG clone but i didn't like that goofy forward assist (which is totally unnecessary but was added by someone at Microtech who loves ARs too much ).

obin

[B3-VR6]

Quote, originally posted by Elbows »

AUG no question. If I could find a nice bull-pup for less than $2500+ I would definitely be looking into it.

I've always thought the FN FS2000 were neat... And I think they run around $2100 ... And I'm not 100% sure, but I think they might accept AR mags, which would be a big plus...

[Obin Robinson]

i've shot the FS2000 before and it is a pretty nice gun. they take AR mags 100%. the one i shot had Magpul mags in it. though the FS2000 is a nice gun i still like the feel of the AUG better.

obin

[YF19EX]

Man, well like any other guns, finding an MSAR is again next to impossible. I am looking into one, because, I always like bullpups. But before I could own one, I was too young and when I could, they were banned. Now they are available in CA again!

I was debating the FS2000 or the MSAR. I liked the FS2000 with scope because its a SciFi gun to me. Something the Master Chief would carry. But at price tag of $2500 keeps me away. I have liked the AUG since I first saw Die Hard. With the scope they are still around $1800 if you can find one. And I will find one...

[TabulaVicious]

Jeez, my gun shop has 3 of those AUG wannabes and they're all $1699 + tax.

[54-46]

AUG.

That MSAR just looks awkward.

[SchrickVR6]

Steyrs don't seem to like being held vertically. The way they're designed seems to make you want to hold it at a 5-10 degree angle. Or maybe it's just me.

[sg207ptg]

... bump.

Since the AUG/A3 is now in stores, has anyone seen one or tried one? Any update?

[RogueTDI]

I just got an MSAR, set up just like an original Stg77 A1 (minus the optic rail, bolt catch release, and other minor differences) - 20" barrel version, green stock.

I voted MSAR because as much as the genuine article is probably better, the MSAR has been quite good so far, although, initially it was giving me FTF/FTE problems. Otherwise, it's quite good, and if the price is lower than the Steyr, it's definitely attractive. I like having a bolt catch, but would also like to have the AUG's forward assist. I prefer a simple optic rail too, not sure the AUG offers that. But for engineering quality, I'd prefer the Steyr.

Modified by RogueTDI at 3:19 PM 5-3-2009

[RogueTDI]

Quote, originally posted by Elbows »

AUG no question. If I could find a nice bull-pup for less than $2500+ I would definitely be looking into it. My L85A1 (airsoft model) is full weight, and man, it is the most comfortable gun I've ever shouldered. The bullpup design puts all the weight back on your shoulder. It is monumentally better feeling than normal design rifles. You also get a really long barrel in the same space. How is recoil on an AUG etc.?

I've definitely fallen in love with the bullpup design. A 20" barrel in something shorter than an M4, and the balance is great. The recoil on my MSAR is awesome too - better than an AR15 in my opinion. It's more random, and therefore predictable, with less muzzle rise. The AUG style flash hider vents upward, for some braking effect. I'm overall very happy with my MSAR STG556 - shot 130 rnds of both brass and steel case, in no particular order the other day, and it functioned flawlessly. Also seemed to be more accurate than my 16" ar15 carbine, but that's a subjective impression.

For sure, the MSAR is a quality weapon and does due justice to the Steyr design.

[RogueTDI]

Quote, originally posted by Obin Robinson »

... i've been thinking about the MSAR because it's an AUG clone but i didn't like that goofy forward assist (which is totally unnecessary but was added by someone at Microtech who loves ARs too much ). obin

They got rid of the forward assist. Mine doesn't have it. Just a bolt catch, which I would think is an upgrade.

[SchrickVR6]

I kinda want the new MSAR in 9mm that's supposed to be released this summer.

[sg207ptg]

How much did you pay for your MSAR?

The AUG A3 is $2295, according to one online dealer.

[RogueTDI]

Got my kalifornerized A1 clone for like $2100, already higher than typical price in the country. So, it could probably be had for 1600-1800, this market notwithstanding.

I'd say, the features versus price ought to be the biggest factor in the decision. The MSAR is basically a Steyr-licensed design. It's true to the original, with mods, and it's been essentially top quality for me so far. I'm pretty sure the current MSAR also takes original AUG mags.


Modified by RogueTDI at 8:17 AM 5-5-2009

[sg207ptg]

Resurrected from the dead...

Photos of the new VLTOR Cold-Hammer-Forged A3
http://www.pjs-steyraug.com/AUG-A3-Pictures.html

[Elbows]

I was pretty excited about the AUG...and then found that they're using 1/9 twist barrels from FN. I couldn't believe it...hoping perhaps someone was mistaken.

I think I'd consider either one, but I'd probably trust the AUG sooner than I would trust an MSAR. Just silly superstition. Also, MSAR went bankrupt, and apparently is back...but won't accept warranty work on their old gun unless it is unfired, or you have a proof of purchase/receipt? That's pretty stupid.

I do like that MSAR has an available brass-deflector (AUG/MSAR....not so useful on weak-side transitions).