Originally Posted by
Fuel Fire Desire
As stated above, aftermarket support is limited. Along with that, Steyr isn’t that supportive of the civil market (along the lines of H&K). Aftermarket parts like a drop in trigger pack are uncommon, and when you find one they disappear quick and go for $400-$600. Though, the 2020 sear I have is very reasonable, and leaves the trigger better than any GI AR trigger I’ve felt. It’s almost as good as an entry level drop in trigger (mine feels like a slightly more heavy CMC AR trigger). A gas plug from Steyr, when they’re available, are $100. The muzzle device I have for it is a $200 part. If you ever need a barrel, a 16” goes for ~$1200. A 24” (if you can even find one) go for $2500. A bolt, which is very similar to an AR bolt, is $250 from Steyr. Picatinny rails, which are simple and bolt right on, are ~$120. And on and on...
But.....aside from changing the charging handle and the sear, there isn’t much that needs to be done to make the AUG better. It really is an excellent rifle out of the box. Top notch quality on everything, with excellent ergonomics. Even the 33 year old pistol and fore grip were so well thought out from the beginning they feel perfect, which can’t be said for the other big players (original AR, AK, and FAL). Ergonomically speaking, my only complaint is the charging handle on the A3 models (with the rail instead of the fixed optic). It you charge it overhand, you can drag your knuckle along the edge of the rail. It’s harder to do the HK slap with the A3 as well if your optic is mounted next to the stop. This wasn’t an issue with the fixed scope rifles though, there was more work area around the handle. A Manticore charging handle, which it canted down and folds instead of fixed up like the factory one, completely fixes both issues though. I find I’m much faster with the Manticore as well, since I prefer to do HK/ MP5 style reloads (lock charging handle back, change mag, slap handle to close bolt). Mine is the NATO model, so it lacks a bolt release. Standard models have an AR style bolt release next to the mag you can smack with your palm. Rumor is a new NATO model is coming with a bolt release included.