Steyr SSG 08
Steyr Mannlicher · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2008
Also known as: SSG 08, Steyr Scharfschützengewehr 08
Overview
The Steyr SSG 08 is a modern bolt-action precision rifle developed by Steyr Mannlicher as the successor to the legendary SSG 69. Designed to meet the Austrian military's requirements for a next-generation sniper system, the SSG 08 features an aluminum folding chassis stock, Steyr's Safe Bolt System (SBS) action, and a cold hammer-forged barrel. The rifle is available in .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum, making it a versatile platform for engagements from urban police distances to extended military ranges.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5500 g (194.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5900 g (208.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1180 mm (46.46") |
| Folded Length | 908 mm (35.75") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 14 N (3.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 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 | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| 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
- .338 Lapua Magnum · 8.6x70mm — also known as 8.6x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag, .338 LM
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cocking Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Adjustable Buttpad, Suppressor Ready, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Side Accessory Rails, Versa Pod Bipod Adapter, Safe Bolt System, Adjustable Trigger
Variants
- Steyr SSG 08-A1 — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Austrian Armed Forces · adopted 2008 · as SSG 08
- Austrian Police (Cobra) · adopted 2009
- Indonesian Armed Forces (Kopassus)
- Malaysian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Primary customer is the Austrian military and law enforcement.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Notes
The SSG 08 uses Steyr's proprietary Safe Bolt System which features a four-lug rotating bolt with 60-degree throw for rapid cycling. The aluminum chassis stock folds to the right side for compact transport. The trigger is fully adjustable from 1.0 to 2.0 kg pull weight. The rifle uses AI-compatible AICS-pattern magazines in .308 Winchester. In .338 Lapua configuration, the rifle weighs approximately 6.2 kg. The SSG 08-A1 variant adds an improved handguard with M-LOK attachment points.
Background
The SSG 08 was developed as a worthy successor to the SSG 69, one of the most influential military sniper rifles of the Cold War era. Steyr's Safe Bolt System, which prevents the bolt from opening unless the trigger is fully released, is one of the safest bolt-action mechanisms ever designed and originated from Steyr's century-long tradition of Austrian military rifle innovation.