These two rifles are the latest variants of the Steyr AUG assault rifle. The model at the top is the Steyr A3 developed by Steyr-Mannlicher. Modified to include a range of Picatinny accessory rails, it's pictured here with a scope, fore-handle and tactical light. Modern polycarbonates and high grade alloys improve on the original bull-pup design, the weapon is now being considered as the assault rifle of choice for military and police forces world wide. Available in 5.56mm and 9mm versions.
The bottom picture is ADI Limited's "improvement" of the standard Steyr AUG A1/A2. Whereas Steyr-Mannlicher redesigned the stock and accessory rails from scratch, ADI have modified the existing A2 design and incorporated a range of civilian and military off-the-shelf components to improve and enhance the capabilities of this weapon. Unfortunately for ADI, the limitations of it's manufacturing licence preclude modifications to the basic design of the plans that were purchased in the early 90's. This means ADI is stuck with continual tweaking of the design to keep the weapon at least as good as your standard civilian purchased weapon available anywhere in the States and most of Europe and Asia.
Eventually ADI will be at the extent of strap on improvements, and have to accept the limitations of a 30 year old design. When capabilities such as FN's SCAR, HK's XM8 and the Barrett 6.8mm upper receiver conversion for the M4 are commonly available, it's time to move on.
Personally, I like the look of Steyr's A3. ADI's looks contrived and like a dodgy gun shop job.
where could I buy the front end of the aug a3 and how much will it cost?
Posted by: coz | Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 06:02 AM
I love the front on the a3 where can I buy it?
Posted by: Anthony | Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 07:33 AM
Eventually ADI will be at the extent of strap on improvements, and have to accept the limitations of a 30 year old design. When capabilities such as FN's SCAR, HK's XM8 and the Barrett 6.8mm upper receiver conversion for the M4 are commonly available, it's time to move on."
I agree, and I have to use ADI's plasticky AUG 'toy'!
HICKS
OZ LAND
Posted by: CPL HICKS | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 11:31 AM