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Steyr SSG 69 Rifles

JFComfort

JFComfort

Major Hide Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 19, 2009
1,953
686
#1
I've been looking at buying a used SSG 69 P2, the seller says it was a local swat gun they turned in for new ones.. It has 2,500 rounds through it and Steyr told him their barrels are good for 20k rounds!

Is there really a barrel that can last that long? I've heard of .308's going 8k rounds but never 20k rounds

He's willing to give me a good deal on it with an old VX-3 3.5x10, should I bother buying? Do you think the thing still has enough life to shoot accuratly awhile longer?


Any help is much appreciated!!

 
#3
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

I bought mine around 1998 & it has approx 600-700 rounds through it. It still shoots as well as the day i bought it.

I can't comment if they are chromed lined or not but the original factory lit said it was Boheler steel.

If you end up buying it i have a spare original 6X Kahles ZF84 scope w/rings i'd be willing to sell. These are the orignal military scopes that were available with them back when i purchased mine. PM me if you are interested
 
#4
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Over here in Germany the SSG's have a VERY good reputation. I never heard of a burned out barrel. A German gun magazine wrote of some Austrian Army SSG's with over 10.000 rds with the first barrel without noticeable degradation.
Only issue is with the mag well, the plastic can develop hair fissures. Then the precision goes down. There is a gunmaker in Astria making replacements, Styriaarms.
I shot sometimes with the SSG of a friend, I wish it would be mine.
smile.gif
 
#5
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Magwells will melt if copper solvent gets on them but they are easily replaceable.

I got spares from Steyr several years ago because i spilled some copper solvent on mine & it melted.

Use a good O-ring sealed bore guide & the issue is resolved. If not get a spare magwell as well as a trigger insert. Both should be readily availble from Steyr.

Does anybody know if the 10 round magazines are available these days?
Also is the single shot follower available?
 
#6
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gol1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Steyr barrels are chrome lined so should be good never seen one burned anyway.

Good luck </div></div>
You may find this to be untrue!
 
#7
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Stay away from the 10-rounders. The plastic is very soft and, unlike the 5-rounders, bullet tips hit the mag during recoil. It does not take a long time before the bullet tips makes deep dents/holes in the mag. Then you get feeding trouble because some bullet tips get stuck in the dents while reloading. I partially solved the problem by reenforcing the mag by attaching a thin steel sheet inside at the front of the mag. The mags were still crap because feeding was bad in subzero temperatures. Something happened with the plastic. I think, but I'm not sure, the plastic in the 10-rounder is of lesser quality than the 5-rounders.
 
#8
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

TorF,

Do your 10 rounders have clear backs on them like the 5 rounders?

I have 2 different types of 10 rounders, clear backs & black color backs. The clear back ones require a dry lubricant inside of them to get them to feed properly. I haven't disassembled the black color back ones to see if the lubricant would get them to feed properly.

The black color ones have a matte finish on them but the locking tabs are gloss like the 5 rounders. These are stamped .308win

The clear back ones are stamped .308 win & have the steyr logo on them, they have a gloss finish like the 5 rounders.

None of my 10 rounders have the dents in them like you mentioned. I've never tried them in cold weather, just during the summer. They didn't feed w/o the dry lubricant & i put them in storage since the 5 rounders work perfectly.

I normally use a 5 rounder with a single shot follower installed for punching paper & only break out the 5 rounders when i head north.

The clear ones were purchased used many years ago & the black back ones were purchased new from the interim supplier here.

GSI was the steyr supplier here & when they stopped selling Steyr, there was an interim supplier beofer Steyr opened Steyr Arms here in the US. If i remember correctly the interim supplier sold air guns & i was referred to them by Steyr-Austria.
 
#9
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Steyr SSG`s are a high quality built rifles, very accurate. If it was a former Swat rifle, you know it was taken care of properly.

Magazines, scope mounts in 1" & 30mm, accessories can now be purchased online direct from Steyr. There`s a phone number given if you need any other spare parts.

As far as the trigger guard, floorplate cracking issue.. Don`t over tighten the action screws, and it wont be a problem.. as that part is made out of plastic.

http://www.steyrarms.com/
 
#11
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

TorF,

Thanks for the data!
I may try the ones with the black back to see if they work any better than the clear back ones. I doubt they will feed well but it is worth a try since i have them.

Regards,
awp762
 
#13
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

The Steyr SSG is a great rifle with some short comings as mentioned above. One of them IS NOT the barrel. It is one of the best barrels that I've EVER seen on a factory rifle. It is not chrome lined but it does have a mirror smooth finish as it is hammer forged corretly. I have one that I shoot a lot and I have no fear of washing out the barrel.
 
#14
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

awp7.62, I ended up getting a lightly used one with a ZF-95 Swarovski. How much are these scopes worth? I was thinking of getting rid of it and getting a different one, something with more elevation adjustment.

I've read they are really good scopes. I just dont know much about them.
 
#15
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Hi

i would have thought as its hammer forged it will be very hard wearing indeed!
I know parker hale barrels are sposed to last for ages & they say dont peak in accuracy untill 10 000 rounds !

see here
http://www.armalon.com/public/static/page/4

ive no idea the amount of lead thru my Parkerhale M84 but i doubt its anywhere near that!

cheers Andy
 
#16
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

JFComfort,

Which reticle do you have in it; the 103,104, or 105?
Is it 6x or 10x?

The Kahles family managed and ran the company until 1974. With no heir in the family to take over the company, an ailing Fredrich Kahles sold the business to his friend Daniel Swarovski. From 1974 through 1988 Kahles was a subsidary of Swarovski. In 1989, Kahles Limited G.M.B.H. was registered as an independent company within the Swarovski Optik Group.
Now marketed in the United States as a brand within the Swarovski Optik North American product line.


AWP762
 
#17
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: awp762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">JFComfort,

Which reticle do you have in it; the 103,104, or 105?
Is it 6x or 10x?

The Kahles family managed and ran the company until 1974. With no heir in the family to take over the company, an ailing Fredrich Kahles sold the business to his friend Daniel Swarovski. From 1974 through 1988 Kahles was a subsidary of Swarovski. In 1989, Kahles Limited G.M.B.H. was registered as an independent company within the Swarovski Optik Group.
Now marketed in the United States as a brand within the Swarovski Optik North American product line.


AWP762 </div></div>

AWP762,

Its a 6x scope with marking on the elevations turret to 800 meters. I'm not sure on the reticle, I will have to let you know when I get the thing the end of this week. Heres the best picture I can provide right now.

JFC

pop_wm_1418083.jpg


pop_wm_1418081.jpg
 
#19
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

JFC,

The scope appears to be a Kahles ZF84, not a swarovski.

These are excellent scopes, especially for any low light shooting.

It should be a 105 reticle. But that depends upon if it is the last batch produced or the earlier version. I have one of each & am willing to sell my NIB one.

You scope is definatly a european model because of the 3 screws on the adjustment knobs. US models had a coin slot on them.

Value is all in the eye of the beholder. I have seen a NIB one go for $1300 & used ones go for $800-$1000 both w/o rings. Pricing is dependant upon condition on them.

They come up for sale very rarely because most people keep them because they are a military contract scope & people want them for their collections.

It appears that your rifle is coming with a parker Hale bipod, look on the right side of the spigot mount on the bipod to see if it a Parker Hale. Your Bipod is worth $300 new.
 
#20
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Parallax,

I've seen the new rails they offer, they are on Steyrs website for sale. My only concern on mounting them is the 4 set screws used to tighten up the rail to the receiver. I would think they would make a mark on the receiver when they are tightened up.

Have you personally tried the mount? Did it mark your receiver?
Very curious to find out these answers if anybody has firsthand knowledge.

This is a great option for those who don't want to use factory Steyr rings. I have all 3 sets of factory steyr rings (26mm, 1" & 30mm) therefore i do not need this rail.
 
#21
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

AWP7.62,
I thought it was a versa-pod bi pod, but when I pick up the rifle I will take a look. I'll post better pictures of the scope as well. Thank you for you help..


Parallax,
I've heard that U.S. Optics is making a 20 MOA base for the SSG, gunsmithing required. Don't quote me on that though, I'll try and confirm it. I'm at work right now so I can't really dig around for it.

Thank you guys for your help


JFC

 
#24
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: awp762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">JFC,

Could you enlarge the images from GA & post them here?

</div></div>

Yes sir!

pop_wm_1335306.jpg


This was the only picture.
 
#26
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JFComfort</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: awp762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">JFC,

Could you enlarge the images from GA & post them here?

</div></div>

Yes sir!

pop_wm_1335306.jpg


This was the only picture. </div></div>

JFC,

Thank you very much! If the glass & seals are good then if parallax wants one of these he should get it. That is the best price i've seen on a used one, even if the tube has some dings or ring marks; get it.

Please remember that ZF84 scopes are not covered under the Kahles lifetime warranty because they were military contract scopes, at least that is what Kahles told me.
 
#27
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Forgive the crappy pictures. I didnt get to bring her (Ivonka) home because I didn't get off work in time for them to call it in. I will get to bring it home Friday!!

riflerside.jpg


AWP7.62, you were right its is a Parker Hale bipod.

scope.jpg


Back of the scope says Swarovski-Kahles ZF-84, it has a 1" tube

crappyshotofscoperside.jpg


The reticle is just a fine cross hair, not dots or hashes to give you a measurment.

AWP7.62, so I just undo the three little screws to zero the turrets?

I have one very American rifle and one very European rifle, this new one is going to take some getting used to.
 
#29
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

JFC,

Glad it has the parker hale! They are a little bit heavy but a great bipod. If you don't like the weight, they used to sell a harris adapter for the rail. I have the adapter but use my parker hale.

Send a good pic of the scope & markings including the S/N when you get her home. It looks like it says ZFM on the scope. The reticle is a 6F. Once i have a good pic of it i'll reasearch it further & get you some more info.

You are corrrect, to zero the rifle:
Shoot & adjust the knobs as you would a normal rifle.

If you need more adjustment to get it zeroed, remove the 3 screws. They are very small so get a screwdriver that fits them perfectly. These are steel screws that screw into brass. be careful when you tighten them so you don't strip the threads.
There should be a plastic locking ring around the screws, just a small piece of plastic that acts as a thread locker. If it isn't there don't worry about it, just DO NOT overtighten the screws.

Once the screws are out, pull upwards on the cap. There is an o-ring sealing/keeping it on. rotate the knob in the direction you need & push the cap back on making sure it lays flat when in its full down position. Install the 3 screws but just get them a little bit snug DO NOT overtighten them. Once all is adjusted properly for your load, zero the turet so it aligns with the 100 meter line.

Make sure you get a good o-ring bore guide. If copper solvent leaks down into the trigger guard, it will melt it & the trigger insert. You would have to replace these 2 parts if that happens. Regular bore solvent (w/o ammonia) doesn't seem to affect it but get the o-ring bore guide.
 
#30
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

AWP7.62, you are correct it says ZFM. I will take better pictures Friday. Do you know what weight bullet the elevation turret is calibrated for?
 
#31
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

JFC,

You have a Kahles ZFM not ZF84, very little difference but it isn't the military contract one. I'll wait for the pics before doing any more research on it.

If the turret is the standard one, which i'm not 100% sure it is because of the reticle, it is calibrated for:
308Win 9,3g (144gr) FN SS77 Von FN (100-800m) 856 m/sec 2808 ft/sec

What did you pay for your rig?
 
#33
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

JFC,

I need to correct my instructions:

When the cap that is held on by the screws comes off set it aside. Then the turret will be removed by pulling upwards on it. The turret is the part sealed with the o-ring.
 
#34
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: younggun22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">im an idiot </div></div>

What, why? Did I miss something?
 
#35
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SAPPete</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice find, grats JFC ! </div></div>

Thank you. Sonic Sammy is helping me out with some test rounds so I will get to shoot it saturday morning!
 
#36
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

AWP7.62,
I have the thing home and got to put some rounds through it. I am extremely impressed!

The scope says:

Swarovski-Optik
TIROL

ZFM
6x42

#601686

My rifle has a 23" barrel. Does it still have the same 1-12" twist? I though the SSG 69 P2 had a 26"

I was running some handloads through it today. They were 155 Lapua Scenar's with 43 grs Varget in a Lake City case. They shot really well out of the rifle. I got some 167 Scenar's today so I'll have to load some rounds and play with that.


 
#37
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

JFC,

The Barrel is "Shrunk" into the receiver approx 2.5". The actual length is 650mm long which is 25.59" long. If you very carefully put a cleaning rod into your muzzle (don't damage the crown) with a closed bolt & pushed it to the bolt, removed it & took the measurement you would find the correct length. If you just measure on the outside (like i think you did) you will see the 23" measurement.

It has the 1 in 12" twist/1 in 305mm (12.00784") twist.

I'll get more data for your scope next week. Gut feel it is a later version of the ZF 84 probably the only difference is the reticle. I think It was made after swarovski took full control of Kahles since it is marked Swarovski & not Kahles. They probably used whatever parts they had left over from the military contract & put a few together.

Mine likes anything from 144gr to 168 gr but doesn't like 175 gr.
From memory my load is 43.5gr Varget 168gr SMK's seated as long as the mag permits. I'll have to see how much jump that is & get back to you. Remember to always work up slowly on your loads.

I've been real busy working on both of our cars, & updating my shooting logs. I actually need to get some pics of my 6.5 grendel groups for another hide member but the cars & updating the books have put me behind. Ok i was lazy & didn't update my books this summer. I spent more time developing loads for a few rifles & chronographing them.
 
#38
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

I can't comment on a SSG but I have a Steyr Scout in .308, it's a brilliant little gun. It is capable of .25 moa with handloads.

The overall quality is the thing that stands out about Steyr rifles.

Rath
 
#39
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Would anyone be intrested in the Swar. Scope, Steyr rings and Butler Creek Scope caps? I'm going to list it for sale at the end of the week once the new stuff gets here.


JFC
 
#40
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

167 Lapua Scenar/ 45.5 Varget/ C.O.L 2.88"

167grains.jpg


This target has a 5 round group with the 167's, its the one farthest from my POA

The other 5 round group is with the 168 A-Max's and its closer to my POA

Shooting at a slight angle in a full value 7-10 mph wind

168amax.jpg


Here is the new set up with the picitanny rail from Steyr USA, my Mk 4 Leupold and Mk 4 low rings.

newsetup.jpg
 
#42
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Seporith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice shooting! Looking at that base & the US Optics as well. Anthony </div></div>

The US Optics one is sweet because of the 20 MOA it gives you. I went with the SteyrUSA one because it didnt require gunsmithing
 
#43
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Nice shooting. Been using 168gr SMK with 43.5gr Varget seated .002" off of the lands. The 175 SMK's didn't group as well as the 168's.

Have you measured to see how much additional height the picitanny rail adds? Just curious.
 
#46
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

Thanks for the data on the rail guys! I'm trying to figure out how much lower the scope would be with the rail & low rings versus Factory 30mm Steyr rings.

I also am wondering if Steyr changed the height of their rings over the years.

I want to figure out a way to get an apples to apples comparison between the 2 different setups that could easily be measured. I have several ideas that would work but not easy to do.

Any Ideas?

Maybe after some more coffee i'll find an easy way to measure it.
 
#47
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

I have been reading this post and I believe the Steyr SSG PII has built in MOA already. Not sure how much. If you put an accurate level on the scope base and one on the barrel, you'll notice they read the same. We know the barrel is tapered. With the bore level you will notice the scope base has the same angle as the barrel.You can also mic the cut out for the base and see the differance. This is the case for a new Steyr, not sure if the old ones are this way or not.
 
#48
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fabfoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been reading this post and I believe the Steyr SSG PII has built in MOA already. Not sure how much. If you put an accurate level on the scope base and one on the barrel, you'll notice they read the same. We know the barrel is tapered. With the bore level you will notice the scope base has the same angle as the barrel.You can also mic the cut out for the base and see the differance. This is the case for a new Steyr, not sure if the old ones are this way or not.

</div></div>

I think you are correct. I just doped in my new S&B 4-16X42 on my SSG69 PIV, and I only had to make slight adjustments. I know the PMII comes from the factory set up for a 20moa cant. I had to bring it up less than 2 mils, so I believe the receiver must have some built in cant.
 
#49
Re: Steyr SSG Barrel life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Steyr SSG is a great rifle with some short comings as mentioned above. One of them IS NOT the barrel. It is one of the best barrels that I've EVER seen on a factory rifle. <span style="color: #FF0000">It is not chrome lined </span>but it does have a mirror smooth finish as it is hammer forged corretly. I have one that I shoot a lot and I have no fear of washing out the barrel. </div></div>

WRONG... The Barrel absolutely IS Chrome Lined.
I've owned 4 of them and here are the short-comings as I see them. The synthetic stock is a little flexible which sometimes allows the floated barrel to touch when using a bipod (usually when hot or on a hot day if left in the sun). This can affect accuracy. The trigger guard/Mag well is plastic and easy to crack... even if you don't over-tighten it. The Magazine itself is also plastic. As it ages plastic just degrades and eventually WILL crack and then fail. There was a model made with an HS Precision stock (PIII) which was much better (I bought one from dlc356 here on the Hide and wish I still had it!). You can also get a really nice stock from McMillan for it. The magazine issue has yet to be solved. I had mags from the 80's that were useless because they basically fell apart from age and use.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the SSG for its accuracy and innovation. Plastic just doesn't hold up in adverse conditions.
 
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