Steyr-Mannlicher SBS "Light Tactical" - Out of the Box

Guns Magazine, July, 2003 by Jim Gardner

Introduced to appeal to the law enforcement market, the SBS Tactical series rifles were an outgrowth of the earlier SBS ProHunter. Principal modifications were the addition of an over-sized bolt knob, as well as an optional high-capacity (10 round) magazine assembly. Both light and heavy-contour barrels were available.

This exact model no longer appears in the current Steyr-Mannlicher product catalog. Nevertheless, this rifle may still be found new on some dealer's shelves, and the basic design, with some differences in available calibers and sighting, is currently offered as the Steyr ProHunter Mountain.

My previous excellent experience with a Steyr SSG, as well as the relatively light weight, compact dimensions and convenient 10-round detachable magazine of this rifle enticed me to purchase one some time ago. As it happened, the rifle remained unfired until this test. For optics, an old but trustworthy Leupold 3.5-10 Vari-X III "Police" scope was mounted.

Very Euro - Very Comfortable

The rifle is extremely comfortable and ergonomic. The slight hollow behind the pistol grip gives a very secure feeling, and the flat forend is stable off the bags, yet comfortable in the hand. The stock is furnished with flush-mounted Millett QD sling loops - a very nice feature.

Removable spacers underneath the buttpad allow the length of pull to be tailored to perfection. Oh, if only every rifle had this capability! Adjusted to my needs, the rifle comes to the shoulder in a flash.

The double-column, double-feed magazine functions with perfect reliability and feeds smoothly. The detachable box magazine is extremely handy for a number of reasons, but don't misplace it - replacements run about $100 (ouch!).

The novel safety system of the SBS rifles has been discussed at great length. The short version is that it's a three-position safety, and in the full forward position not only locks the bolt, but the striker as well. I have no doubt you could pitch one of these off the roof with a round in the chamber, and it would be perfectly safe from accidental discharge.

Can You Say "Creep?"

The trigger pull on the test rifle, while pleasingly light at 3.5 pounds, exhibited an unacceptable degree of creep (roughly .060-inch of movement at the trigger). Two adjustment screws can be seen on the face of the trigger, but neither of these reduce sear engagement, which is what seems to be needed.

Punching Holes

So, how did it shoot? The final verdict - not in the same class as my much-loved Steyr SSG, but quite satisfactory. Due to the light barrel contour, three round groups were fired at 100 yards from the bench. The worst performance was a PA-inch cluster from Black Hills moly-coated, 168-grain BTHP. Best showings came in at 314 inch from the Remington 168-grain BTHP, and 7/8 inch from the Black Hills Gold 150-grain Nosler ballistic tip load.

After a little more break-in and perhaps some handloading development, I wouldn't be surprised to find this rifle will perform even better than this. The Steyr hammer-forged barrels are world renown for their accuracy, and with good reason.

Final Thoughts

Other than the trigger, there's little not to like about this rifle. A "roll oft" trigger can be learned, and if this were your only rifle, you might not even notice it after a short while. But should a $900 rifle come with a less than satisfactory trigger?

The SBS Light Tactical or currently offered ProHunter Mountain are accurate, extremely comfortable and quite possibly the safest bolt action out there. However, if you're demanding about such things as I am, just be sure to check the trigger on that rifle before you reach for your wallet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dynamit Nobel-RWS

[201] 767-7971

www.dnrws.com.

RELATED ARTICLE: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL: SBS "Light Tactical"

CALIBER: .308 Winchester

WEIGHT: 8 lbs., 15 oz. with scope

BARREL: 20"

CAPACITY: 10 rounds

STOCK: black synthetic, adjustable

MSRP: $939 (ProHunter Mountain)