Steyr AUG HBAR-T
Steyr Mannlicher · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1990
Also known as: AUG HBAR-T, StG 77 HBAR-T, AUG Heavy Barrel Target, AUG LMG-T
Overview
The Steyr AUG HBAR-T is a designated marksman variant of the legendary Steyr AUG bullpup rifle system, featuring a heavy 24.4-inch (621mm) barrel and a STANAG-compatible optics rail replacing the AUG's iconic integrated optic housing. The 'T' designation stands for the telescope/optics rail configuration, which allows mounting of dedicated precision optics such as the Schmidt & Bender 4x25 or Kahles ZF69 6x42 telescopic sights. The heavy barrel profile provides improved accuracy and sustained fire capability compared to the standard AUG barrel, while the bullpup layout keeps the overall length to just 900mm despite the extended barrel. The short-stroke gas piston system with rotating bolt delivers clean, reliable cycling, and the progressive two-stage trigger -- a hallmark of the AUG system -- provides both semi-automatic and automatic fire modes depending on trigger pull depth.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 900 mm (35.43") |
| Barrel Length | 621 mm (24.45") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Progressive Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1000 m/s (3281 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2000 J (1475 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 680 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 228 mm (8.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Olive Drab |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Heavy Barrel, Stanag Scope Mount, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Folding Vertical Grip, Quick Change Barrel, Transparent Magazine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Austrian Armed Forces · adopted 1990 · as StG 77 HBAR-T
- Australian Defence Force · as F88S-A1 LMG/DMR
- Irish Defence Forces
Production
Production years: 1990-present
Produced in limited quantities as a specialist variant within the AUG family.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Horst Wesp
Notes
The HBAR-T differs from the standard AUG HBAR in its receiver configuration: while the HBAR retains the integrated 1.5x optic of the standard AUG, the HBAR-T replaces this with a flat STANAG rail for mounting dedicated precision, thermal, or electro-optical sighting systems. The 24.4-inch barrel extracts maximum velocity from 5.56mm ammunition, achieving approximately 1000 m/s with standard NATO ball. The rifle accepts standard AUG 30 or 42-round translucent polymer magazines. In Austrian service, the weapon is designated StG 77 HBAR-T. The quick-change barrel system allows the HBAR-T barrel to be swapped with standard AUG barrels in seconds without tools.
Background
The AUG HBAR-T was one of the first bullpup rifles adapted for the designated marksman role, proving that the compact bullpup configuration could deliver precision at extended ranges when paired with a heavy barrel and quality optics.