Steyr HS .50
Steyr Mannlicher GmbH · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2004
Also known as: Steyr Mannlicher HS .50, HS50
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 12500 g (440.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1370 mm (53.94") |
| Barrel Length | 833 mm (32.80") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Single Shot |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 15100 J (11137 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x99mm NATO · primary · 12.7mm NATO — also known as .50 BMG, .50 Browning, 12.7x99mm, .50 Caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Fluted Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Picatinny Rail, Single Shot Breech, Adjustable Bipod
Variants
- Steyr HS .50 M1 — Magazine Fed
- Steyr HS .460 — Alternate Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Iran · as AM-50 Sayyad
- Argentine Armed Forces
- Mexican Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 2004-present
Still in production by Steyr Arms; copied/licensed indigenously in Iran as the AM-50
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Steyr Mannlicher
Notes
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.
Background
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.