16-Sep-2026
Few names in rifle making carry as much history as Steyr Mannlicher. The Austrian company traces its roots to the 1860s, gave the world the Mannlicher rotary magazine and the full-stocked Stutzen carbine, armed half of Europe’s armies, and then reinvented itself as a maker of some of the most distinctive sporting and precision rifles on the market. In Britain, the name still turns heads, and Steyr listings on Rightgun.uk range from pre-war Mannlicher-Schönauers to current SM12s and Scouts.
That breadth is exactly why buyers get confused. A “Steyr Mannlicher” for sale might be a 1920s stalking carbine, a 1970s police sniper rifle, a 1990s Safe Bolt System sporter or a rimfire from last year. This guide explains the main models UK buyers will encounter, what each is good for, and what to check before you buy.
The classics: Mannlicher-Schönauer and the SL, L, M and S
The Mannlicher-Schönauer of 1903 is the rifle that built the reputation: a beautifully machined bolt action with a rotary spool magazine, a split-bridge receiver and, most famously, a full-length Stutzen stock running to the muzzle. It was the rifle of choice for a generation of African and Highland stalkers, chambered in cartridges like the 6.5x54 and later .270 and .30-06. Original examples are collectors’ pieces today, prized for their engineering, and command prices to match when condition is right.
From the late 1960s, Steyr replaced it with the Model SL, L, M and S series, sized by action length and instantly recognisable by the butterknife bolt handle and the option of a full Stutzen stock. These are the Steyrs most UK stalkers of a certain age remember: accurate, elegant and built to a standard modern production rifles rarely reach. They still turn up in listings at reasonable money, often in .243, .270 or .308, and a well-kept Model M is one of the nicest stalking rifles you can own for the price.
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SSG 69: The sniper rifle that became a target classic
The SSG 69 (Scharfschützengewehr 1969) was Steyr’s rifle for the Austrian army and went on to serve police and military units around the world. Its rear-locking bolt, cold-hammer-forged barrel, green synthetic stock and rotary magazine were all unusual for their time, and the rifle set accuracy standards that rivals took years to match. In .308 it remains a superb target and long-range rifle, and its military pedigree makes it a favourite with collectors.
In the UK, the SSG 69 is a Section 1 firearm like any other bolt-action centrefire and is held for target shooting and, less often, deer stalking. Examples in good condition, particularly with the original magazines and factory rings, are sought after; check the bore carefully on ex-service rifles, which may have fired a great deal of ammunition.
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SBS, Pro Hunter and Classic: The modern sporters
In the 1990s, Steyr introduced the Safe Bolt System, a bolt with a four-position safety that lets the rifle be carried with a chambered round and the bolt locked, then unlocked for loading without taking the safety off. It underpinned a new generation of sporters: the Pro Hunter with a synthetic stock, the Classic and Luxus with walnut and, on the Luxus, a detachable magazine and higher-grade finish. The Pro Hunter in particular became a popular working stalking rifle in Britain, tough, accurate and unfussy.
These are the Steyrs most likely to appear as used rifles at sensible prices, and they are excellent value. Look for the SBS bolt operating cleanly through all its positions, check that the magazine seats and feeds, and confirm the barrel thread if a moderator is fitted, since threading was often done here rather than at the factory.
Browse: Steyr Mannlicher Pro · Steyr Mannlicher SBS · Steyr Mannlicher CL · Steyr Mannlicher Luxus · Rifle moderators
Scout: the general-purpose rifle Jeff Cooper asked for
The Steyr Scout was developed in the late 1990s with the American writer Jeff Cooper to his “scout rifle” concept: a short, light bolt-action with a forward-mounted low-power scope, integral bipod, spare magazine in the stock and back-up iron sights. In .308, it is a rifle designed to do everything adequately rather than one thing perfectly, and it has a cult following that keeps used prices firm.
For UK shooters, it makes a surprisingly good woodland stalking and foxing rifle, quick to the shoulder and very handy, though the forward scope position divides opinion and many owners mount a conventional scope on the receiver rail instead. Check that the integral bipod legs deploy and lock, that both magazines are present, and that the rail and iron sights are undamaged.
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SM12, Monobloc and Zephyr II: The current range
The SM12 replaced the SBS-era sporters and is the modern Steyr stalking rifle, with a manual cocking system that leaves the rifle uncocked until the shooter pushes the slide forward, a slick bolt, and a choice of walnut or synthetic stocks, including the full Stutzen. It competes with the Blaser R8 and Sauer 404 for the affections of driven and stalking shooters who want a European rifle with a manual cocking safety. The Monobloc takes the same thinking further with a receiver and barrel machined from a single billet.
At the other end of the range, the Zephyr II is Steyr’s rimfire, offered in .22 LR, .17 HMR and .22 WMR with a walnut stock and the traditional butterknife bolt handle. It is one of the more expensive rimfires on the market and one of the prettiest, and it appeals to shooters who want a small-game rifle that feels like their centrefire.
Browse: Steyr Mannlicher Zephyr II · Steyr Mannlicher rifles · Blaser R8 · Sauer 404 · CZ 457
Buying a used Steyr: What to check and what to pay
Steyr rifles are well made and most faults are wear rather than design. On any model, check the bore with a light for pitting and throat wear, cycle the bolt for smoothness and confirm the safety works through every position, especially on SBS and SM12 rifles where the system is more complex than a two-position safety. Rotary magazines on older rifles should index positively; replacements for the classics are expensive, so a rifle with a good original magazine is worth paying more for.
Prices vary enormously across the range, from affordable used Pro Hunters to collector-grade Mannlicher-Schönauers, and the differences come down to model, condition, originality and calibre. Compare recent Rightgun.uk listings for the specific model before making an offer, and remember that Steyr spares and servicing in the UK go through a small number of specialists, so a rifle with a documented service history is worth a premium.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Steyr Mannlicher rifles still made? Yes. Steyr Arms continues to build sporting rifles in Austria, including the SM12, Monobloc, Scout and Zephyr II, alongside its military and police products.
What is the difference between Steyr and Steyr Mannlicher? They are the same company. “Steyr Mannlicher” was the trading name for much of the twentieth century, honouring the designer Ferdinand Mannlicher; the sporting arm now trades as Steyr Arms, but the rifles are still widely called Steyr Mannlichers.
Is the Steyr SSG 69 legal to own in the UK? Yes. It is a bolt-action centrefire rifle and can be held on a firearm certificate with good reason, most commonly target shooting.
What is a Stutzen stock? A full-length stock that runs to the muzzle, a Steyr Mannlicher trademark since the Mannlicher-Schönauer. It suits short-barrelled woodland rifles and is still offered on the SM12.
Whether you are after a classic Mannlicher-Schönauer, an ex-service SSG 69 or a modern SM12, Rightgun.uk lists Steyr Mannlicher rifles from dealers and private sellers across the UK in one place. Browse the current Steyr listings, compare models, calibres and prices, and find the Austrian rifle that suits your shooting.
Further reading: Best hunting rifles UK: a stalker’s guide, Blaser R8 review for UK deer stalking, Mauser K98 UK buyer’s guide, What is a Section 1 firearm?, How to price a used rifle and How to choose the right scope for deer stalking.
