There’s been a trend in the rifle industry over the last 20 years to build the least expensive rifles possible. Many are surprisingly accurate, and most of them work to a reasonably high standard even if they don’t pass the envy test. Meanwhile the centuries-old Steyr company of Austria—which also has a facility in Bessemer, Ala.—has trended in the opposite direction. While its most recognizable gun remains the ever-futuristic-looking AUG tactical bullpup first made in 1977 and still used by militaries worldwide, Steyr also makes handguns and hunting rifles. Its Pro Hunter III SX rifle is an all-around hunting rifle and a great example of Steyr quality, a trait much easier felt than described. I’ll try it anyway.
My test unit was chambered in .308, with a 20-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel that features a light spiral pattern for a touch of class and threading at the muzzle for a touch of blessed noise reduction if you opt for a suppressor. The first three shots I sent downrange were practically kissing. A half-inch group, just like that. When a rifle tells you it likes a certain diet, I don’t normally argue, but I did anyway by running everything from 152-grain all-coppers to 175-grain Noslers through it. It averaged .75 inch with all of them, making it one of the most consistent hunting-weight rifles I can ever recall testing.
The action itself is butter smooth. Steyr’s Safe Bolt System (SBS) is superbly engineered, and it’s arguably one of the safest bolt actions ever made. It’s also intuitive. A simple, quiet roller safety is embedded in the tang. All the way back, and the gun is on safe with the bolt locked. Roll it one stop forward and the gun’s still on safe, but you can work the bolt. Roll it all the way forward and you’re ready to fire, indicated by a red dot. A small tab mandates that you must consciously press it down to roll the safety forward.
But there’s more to the SBS than just those three positions. With the safety all the way back and the bolt in battery, you can push the bolt handle down an additional nickel’s width into the stock recess. This rotates the firing pin sear, physically preventing it from striking the primer. It’s a clever, almost hidden layer of safety, allowing you to carry a chambered round with supreme confidence knowing that it’s physically incapable of being struck by the firing pin.
The bolt body is slicked up, while all the external metal parts are coated in a proprietary corrosion-resistant finish called Mannox. The bolt’s flutes lend dirt and grime a place to go, ensuring the action cycles smoothly even in conditions that would make wimps like me stay home. The machined edges within the receiver actually help clean these grooves as you work the bolt, effectively making the action self-cleaning. And if the worst happens—say, an overpressure round or a barrel obstruction—the SBS has another failsafe: Behind the primary locking lugs are secondary lugs that engage a rotating “pressure collar.” This design directs any gas that might explode rearward in a controlled fashion through port holes in the bolt, protecting you from potential injury.
The detachable, four-round box magazine is another smart touch. You must depress two tabs to remove the mag so that your prized rifle won’t turn into a single-shot when you’re busting through brush; it can be inserted by shoving it straight up, no rocking required. Plus, it’s got a first-stop position that lets you hand-feed a round directly into the chamber while keeping a full magazine in the well. Smart stuff. Finally, if you miss with this rifle, it will not be due to the trigger. It’s adjustable and as crisp as a carrot.
The synthetic stock on the Pro Hunter III is as good as stocks get for those in the $1,500 price range and below. An aluminum bedding chassis provides a rock-solid foundation for the action, no doubt contributing to its accuracy. Externally, it’s got rubberized grip panels that are quiet and sticky. I like the green on black color. The forearm is squared off yet trim, which makes it stable when you’re resting it on a pack or a tree limb, but it tapers down so it’s not obnoxious to carry.
As for negatives, there’s not but two I can find. While safe and functional, the bolt handle is inelegant compared to the rifle’s otherwise sleek lines. And due to its Gonzo’s nose-like curve, it can make some compact scopes with large-diameter eyepieces tricky to mount without resorting to overly high rings. That can compromise your cheekweld and overall shooting comfort, which leads to my last complaint: Why not add an adjustable comb to the stock to remedy any scope height issues? No huge worries though; most scopes fit this rifle fine.
In a world full of rifles in the $800-$1,200 range, the Steyr Pro Hunter III stands out. It’s a hunting rifle of the perfect weight for most scenarios so it’s easy to shoot with good recoil mitigation but light enough to sling on your back and forget about it. It delivers consistent precision, and is as safe as any bolt gun ever made. If a buddy came to me looking for a do-all hunting rifle for around a grand, I’d point him straight to the Pro Hunter III.
Steyr Pro Hunter III SX
- steyr-arms.us
- Type: bolt-action centerfire rifle
- Caliber: .223 Rem., .243 Win., .308 Win. (tested), 7mm-08 Rem., .270 Win., .30-06 Sprg., 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Win. Mag.
- Magazine: detachable; two-stage
mechanism; 4-rnd. capacity (standard), 3-rnd. capacity (magnum) - Barrel: 16", 20" (tested), 22", 25"; medium contour; cold hammer-forged; 1:12" RH twist; light spiral patterned; threaded muzzle ½x28" TPI
- Trigger: two-stage; adjustable pull weight 2.4 lbs.-5 lbs.
- Sights: none; drilled and tapped for optics
- Safety: tang; Safe Bolt System (SBS)
w/three-position roller - Stock: straight comb; synthetic; green
w/black rubber inlays; 14" LOP - Metal Finish: Mannox
- Overall Length: 41.9"
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
- Accessories: trigger lock
- MSRP: $1,349
