Keefe Report: Welcome to the AUG Pound

by
posted on November 3, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
augpound.jpg

Different folks say it different ways, but “Awg” seems to be the most common outside of Birmingham, Ala., where Steyr Arms opened a new headquarters last year. The company was set up to import Steyr rifles and handguns into the United States. What many don’t know is Steyr Arms assembles the latest iteration of its iconic semi-automatic-only AUG—the A3 SA—right in Bessemer, Ala. And as you can see, there are plenty of them. Steyr has a complete selection of 5.56x56 mm NATO AUG bullpup carbines, in a host of configurations and stock colors. (And in the interest of full faith and credit, my friend and one of the best writers in the business Terry Wieland coined the phrase "AUG pound.") 



But behind the showroom is a small assembly facility where AUG/A3s are assembled. The gunsmiths there use components from Austria (bolts and bolt carriers bearing marks from the Austrian proofhouse), while top-tier makers (including FN America and VLTOR) produce parts here in the United States that are put together by skilled gunsmiths that have worked on Steyrs for literally decades.

Actions 
Yep, those are made-in-the-U.S.A. Steyr AUG/A3 SA actions awaiting assembly. Due to import restrictions, the AUG has to be made here with a specified number of American-made parts to be 922(r) compliant. 





Barrels
Cold-hammer-forged barrels come from FN in South Carolina—a good choice as Steyr in Austria was the pioneer of hammer-forged barrelmaking. And FN makes good barrels in Columbia—most U.S. machine guns wear them these days. 

Stocks
Among the parts awaiting assembly are the AUG’s distinct polymer stock—offered in different colors. The AUG was one of the first successful bullpup rifles, dating back to the 1970s, and it was adopted by the Austrian, Australian and quite a few other militaries.

Scopes
The integral 1.5X Swarvoski optic built into the carry handle isn’t made by Swarovski anymore, and the carry handle is detachable, interfacing with a strip of Picatinny rail on the receiver’s top. But Steyr offers the optic with different magnifications for those who prefer the look and handling of the original.

 





Latest

2026 Golden Bullseye Awards
2026 Golden Bullseye Awards

Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.

Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR

Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.

Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries

Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.

Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Heirloom Accuracy: The Springfield Armory Garrison Target

Springfield Armory expanded its "heirloom-quality" line of Garrison 1911s with an all-new target model chambered in either 9 mm or .45 ACP.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.