Steyr Elite
Steyr Mannlicher · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2003
Also known as: Steyr Scout Elite, Steyr Scout Tactical Elite, Elite
Overview
The Steyr Elite is an Austrian military and law enforcement sniper rifle evolved from the Steyr Scout platform, designed by legendary firearms designer Jeff Cooper's Scout Rifle concept. More robustly constructed than the civilian Scout, the Elite is optimized for urban tactical roles with an extended Picatinny rail, integrated bipod, cold hammer forged match barrel, adjustable cheek piece and butt plate, and a spare magazine stored in the stock. Available in .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum, the Elite delivers consistent sub-MOA accuracy from a platform that remains notably compact and lightweight compared to dedicated tactical sniper rifles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1070 mm (42.13") |
| Barrel Length | 570 mm (22.44") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 13 N (2.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3592 J (2649 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Butt Plate, Integrated Bipod, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Spare Magazine In Stock, Suppressor Ready, Scout Style Forward Rail
Variants
- Steyr Elite 08 — Improved
- Steyr Scout — Base Platform
- Steyr SSG 08 — Successor Tactical
Service history
Operators
- Austrian Federal Police
- Austrian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Manufactured in Steyr, Austria.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Notes
The Steyr Elite bridges the gap between Jeff Cooper's Scout Rifle concept and a purpose-built tactical sniper platform. The rifle retains the Scout's forward-mounted optics rail but adds a conventional full-length Picatinny rail for traditional scope mounting. The integrated bipod deploys from the forend without the need for separate attachment hardware. The spare magazine compartment in the buttstock is a distinctive feature carried over from the Scout platform, providing an immediate backup magazine without additional pouches. The Elite 08 variant introduced further refinements including an improved stock design and updated rail system.
Background
The Steyr Elite descends from Jeff Cooper's revolutionary Scout Rifle concept -- a lightweight, compact general-purpose rifle that Cooper believed represented the ideal individual weapon. While the civilian Scout was designed for versatility, Steyr adapted the platform into the Elite specifically for law enforcement sharpshooters who needed a compact, fast-handling precision rifle for urban environments where the bulk of traditional sniper rifles was a liability.