Steyr SSG 69

Steyr SSG 69 PI
Steyr SSG 69 PI
	; Steyr SSG 69 PI
Type	Sniper rifle
Place of origin	Austria
Service history
In service	1969-present
Used by	See Users
Production history
Manufacturer	Steyr Mannlicher
Produced	1969-present
Variants	SSG 69 PI, SSG 69 PII, SSG 69 PIV
Specifications
Weight	4 kg (8.82 lb) (SSG 69 PI); 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) (SSG 69 PII); 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) (SSG 69 PIV)
Length	1,119 mm (46.7 in) (SSG 69 PI); 1,119 mm (46.7 in) (SSG 69 PII); 1,003 mm (39.5 in) (SSG 69 PIV)
Barrel length	650 mm (25.6 in) (SSG 69 PI, SSG 69 PII); 409 mm (16.1 in) (SSG 69 PIV)
Cartridge	7.62x51mm NATO, .243 Winchester, .22-250 Remington (SSG 69 PII)
Action	Bolt-action
Muzzle velocity	Varies by type of round used.
Effective range	800 m (875 yd)
Maximum range	3,700 m (4,046 yd)
Feed system	5-round rotary magazine.
Sights	Varies by user preference.

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The SSG 69 (Scharfschützengewehr 69= Sniper Rifle 69) is a bolt-action sniper rifle produced by Steyr Mannlicher and serves as the standard sniper rifle for the Austrian Army.^[3]

Adopted in 1969 (hence the designation), it was ahead of its time with the use of synthetics and cold hammer-forged barrels for accuracy. SSG-69 is the Austrian Army's standard issue sniper rifle, the PI is the civilian version of the same weapon. The SSG-69 is also used by several police agencies. The SSG is extremely accurate and several international competitions have been won using an SSG-69 with accuracy being sub .5 MOA.

There are several variants made with mostly cosmetic differences, the only anomaly being the SSG-PIV using a 409 mm barrel with a 1:250 mm (1:10 inches) twist designed to handle heavy subsonic ammunition.

The bolt action uses rear-locking (in common withe the SMLE), rather than the more common front-locking lugs. This, and the fact that it is only produced in the 'short action' length limits the chambering to non-magnum calibres, a legacy of a military weapon designed only to fire the 7.62 NATO cartridge. It is essentially a target/police/military weapon, not produced with thought of hunting usage.

An unusual feature is the standard rotary 5-round magazine. An accessory 10-round staggered box is available. Both are transparent-backed, immediately showing remaining capacity.