Österreichische · Sniper Rifle

Steyr HS .50

Name: Steyr HS .50
Brand: Österreichische

Bolt action · 12.7x99mm NATO · introduced 2004

Also known as Steyr Mannlicher HS .50, HS50

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About the Steyr HS .50

The Steyr HS .50 is an Austrian single-shot, bolt-action anti-materiel sniper rifle chambered in .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO). Introduced by Steyr Mannlicher in 2004, it uses a manually operated bolt with a cold hammer-forged, fluted barrel and a heavy muzzle brake to manage the recoil of the powerful cartridge. Designed for long-range engagement of materiel targets such as light vehicles, equipment and unprotected emplacements out to around 1,500 metres, it is fed one round at a time in the base model.

Shortly after its introduction, a controversy arose when Austrian-exported HS .50 rifles were reportedly found in the hands of insurgents in Iraq, prompting diplomatic friction between Austria and the United States.

Steyr HS .50 specifications

General

Type: Sniper Rifle
Action: Bolt action
Firing mechanism: Striker-fired
Trigger: Single stage
Calibres: 12.7x99mm NATO
Magazine capacity: 1 rounds

Dimensions

Barrel length: 833 mm (32.8 in)
Overall length: 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Weight (empty): 12.50 kg (27.56 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Polymer
Finish: matte_black

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 850 m/s (2789 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 15100 J (11137 ft·lb)
Effective range: 1500 m

History

Introduced: 2004
Production status: In production
Country of origin: AT
Designer: Steyr Mannlicher

Features

Cold hammer forged barrel
Fluted barrel
Muzzle brake
Picatinny rail
Single shot breech
Adjustable bipod

Safety

Manual safety

Iran reverse-engineered and locally produces the rifle as the AM-50 'Sayyad', examples of which have appeared in regional conflicts. The HS .50 M1 variant replaces the single-shot breech with a five-round detachable box magazine.