Keefe Report: Welcome to the AUG Pound

by
posted on November 3, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
augpound.jpg

Different folks say it different ways, but “Awg” seems to be the most common outside of Birmingham, Ala., where Steyr Arms opened a new headquarters last year. The company was set up to import Steyr rifles and handguns into the United States. What many don’t know is Steyr Arms assembles the latest iteration of its iconic semi-automatic-only AUG—the A3 SA—right in Bessemer, Ala. And as you can see, there are plenty of them. Steyr has a complete selection of 5.56x56 mm NATO AUG bullpup carbines, in a host of configurations and stock colors. (And in the interest of full faith and credit, my friend and one of the best writers in the business Terry Wieland coined the phrase "AUG pound.") 



But behind the showroom is a small assembly facility where AUG/A3s are assembled. The gunsmiths there use components from Austria (bolts and bolt carriers bearing marks from the Austrian proofhouse), while top-tier makers (including FN America and VLTOR) produce parts here in the United States that are put together by skilled gunsmiths that have worked on Steyrs for literally decades.

Actions 
Yep, those are made-in-the-U.S.A. Steyr AUG/A3 SA actions awaiting assembly. Due to import restrictions, the AUG has to be made here with a specified number of American-made parts to be 922(r) compliant. 





Barrels
Cold-hammer-forged barrels come from FN in South Carolina—a good choice as Steyr in Austria was the pioneer of hammer-forged barrelmaking. And FN makes good barrels in Columbia—most U.S. machine guns wear them these days. 

Stocks
Among the parts awaiting assembly are the AUG’s distinct polymer stock—offered in different colors. The AUG was one of the first successful bullpup rifles, dating back to the 1970s, and it was adopted by the Austrian, Australian and quite a few other militaries.

Scopes
The integral 1.5X Swarvoski optic built into the carry handle isn’t made by Swarovski anymore, and the carry handle is detachable, interfacing with a strip of Picatinny rail on the receiver’s top. But Steyr offers the optic with different magnifications for those who prefer the look and handling of the original.

 





Latest

Supreme Court 2022 F
Supreme Court 2022 F

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wolford v. Lopez Decision is Striking

In Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court ruled that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Leupold Celebrates USA 250th With Limited-Edition "Mark 250" Riflescope Package

Leupold has commissioned a Limited-Edition Mark 250 Riflescope Package to commemorate the United States semiquincentennial, and it is now available exclusively through Scheels.

A Successful Friends of the NRA Dinner at Compton Hunting & Fishing Club

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Compton Hunting & Fishing Club in Southern California hosted another outstanding Friends of the NRA dinner.

President Trump Touts the NRA and National Concealed Carry Reciprocity

At the Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa., President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the National Rifle Association as well as his support for national right-to-carry legislation.

Rifleman Review: Savage Arms Revel Classic

Offered as an affordable, rimfire, takedown design, the Savage Arms Revel line of lever-actions has expanded to include several popular chamberings, as well as a deluxe version.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.