I was having a beer with some ex Army buddies the other day and one guy started talking about the Aussie SLR.
The standard iron sites leave a lot to be desired. They're good for maybe out to 200 yards.
Beyond that they're next to useless, well they were for me anyway.
Back in the 80s: To "qualify" you had to shoot and drop 10, 6 inch by 6 inch steel plates at 100 meters using only a 20 round magazine. I did it with no issues on the first go but a lot of guys (20 to 30%) couldn't do it & had to have additional training so they could qualify. Even then there was a significant percentage who just couldn't do it. When the Aust Steyr was introduced a Corporal who was an instructor at Kapooka (Basic training camp) told me that 99% of recruits were qualifying on the first try.
(Some of my comments from another thread)
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc_rufctr
Just some thoughts. I carried one for years...
1. They're heavy, significantly heavier than an M16 but not necessarily a bad thing because the weight helps with handling and felt recoil.
When marching it was best to keep the rifle close to your body. I usually cradled it across my chest with the magazine removed on long marches.
2. Recoil, yes plenty but I'm not big guy and I had no issues leaning in and firing the rifle.
With practice you can use its weight to your advantage and stay on target after each round has gone down range.
3. They are a proper rifle. Old School loveliness. They ooze quality and they're made of steel.
The breach block and slider and precision machined and they're matched to each other. (The butt and forward stock were wooden)
4. Stoppages are easily cleared and the gas system is adjustable. A well maintained rifle will never jam even when caked in dirt.
But always clean them when you get a chance.
Some time later I was posted to an Infantry battalion.
When I got there I was issue an M16 & a Browning high power, those were the standard weapons for a Medic.
Two completely different animals... With the SLR you got a proper "bang" when you pulled the trigger.
The M16 felt like a pea shooter in comparison.
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