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Many outstanding rifle actions have been crafted throughout history, and they continue to be favored by shooters globally. You and I both appreciate fine craftsmanship—perhaps even to the point of being picky—when it comes to rifles. Actions that are not accurate, strong, safe, and dependable simply don’t last in the long run.
Every time I’ve had the privilege of shooting with Steyr’s remarkable SBS action, it operates like silk—effortless and flawless. It consistently performs without a hitch, delivering precision every time. Additionally, the Safe Bolt System might just be the most secure bolt action ever engineered, excelling in mechanical trigger safety, jam prevention, and mitigating catastrophic failures.
History has seen a wealth of incredible rifle actions, such as the Winchester 70, which featured a controlled round feed bolt that was a joy to use—until it was altered in 1964. Then there are classics like the Marlin and Savage lever actions, the battle-proven Browning BAR, the Tikkas, and the Ruger 77 (a personal favorite of mine), along with the ever-popular Remington 700. Though many more could be mentioned, one action that deserves recognition, yet is often overlooked—likely due to lack of awareness and understanding—is Steyr’s SBS action.
The SBS action integrates the bolt, safety, and chamber into a system designed to prevent unintended discharges, guarantee smooth bolt operation even in the presence of dirt or grime, and protect you from disaster in case Uncle Earl decides to reload after downing a few six-packs.
The bolt body has a proprietary finish that’s slicker than P diddys after hours parties,and it’s designed with grooves that allow dirt and debris to settle, keeping them from jamming the action. The precisely machined edges inside the receiver are crafted to clear out those grooves when they fill up, meaning every time you cycle the bolt, it effectively cleans itself.
Constructed from durable bar stock steel, the bolt and two-lug bolt head offer maximum toughness. Secondary lugs located behind the primary locking lugs work with a rotating “pressure collar” to control any gas that might escape from one of Uncle Earl’s wild reloads, redirecting it safely through the bolt’s port holes instead of toward your brain box.
The Steyr's manual safety, positioned on the tang, operates via a three-position wheel-type toggle: fully back locks the bolt and secures the gun, one stop forward keeps it safe but allows the bolt to function, and fully forward engages the firing mode. You can feel each position, so no need to take your eyes off the target. A small tab must be deliberately pressed to move the safety forward. While fairly standard, pressing the bolt an extra half-inch down rotates the firing pin sear, physically disabling it from striking a primer, allowing you to safely carry a chambered round and easily return to firing by adjusting the safety. There’s another hidden perk: with the bolt locked, lifting it ever so slightly creates tension on the safety dial, preventing accidental rotation. This system would prevent most of the world’s people from being able to fire the gun unintentionally, because the only people who know about it are you, me, and the fella at Steyr that built the dang thing.
In conclusion, while the history of rifle actions is filled with legendary designs and innovations, the Steyr SBS action stands out as a marvel of modern engineering. Its blend of safety, precision, and reliability, paired with thoughtful features like the self-cleaning bolt and unique pressure management system, make it a rifle action deserving of much more recognition. For those who demand excellence from their rifles, the SBS offers not just cutting-edge technology, but peace of mind. It’s clear that this action, though not as widely known, is a true testament to Steyr’s commitment to quality and safety.
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