Steyr Safebolt Question

[Timwinjr]

I have a Steyr Safebolt in 25-06 I picked up 5 years ago and have really enjoyed it. Shoots lights out and i have killed several whitetail and one mule deer with it. I like it enough to purchase another, particularly in 308 win. I do not know much about Steyr other than I really like the functionality and quality. I’ve been looking on gunbroker and other places to purchase one, and the one that looks the most similar to mine is the “Steyr Pro Hunter” - mine says “Safebolt” on the receiver, and the rifles I’m looking at all day Pro Hunter. Does anyone know if there is a difference? I’m assuming the Pro Hunter is just a newer version? Thanks all!

 

[Phillipsmikes]

I believe the difference is just stamping when Steyr sold 20 years ago and importers changed (ASI/GSI) and they setup a shop in the US to augment European operations.

Actions should be the same and are all the SBS safe bolt system. I have a pro hunter 308 that is stamped ASI with Austrian proof marks. Love the rifle shoots better than any othe pr rifle I have whether custom or factory, and is only rifle I own I don’t hand load for. Shoots .25” all day long with whatever factory ammo I feed it.

I’ve had mine about 7-8 years. Not sure if that helps but actions should be the exact same.

 

[Timwinjr]

Thanks for the great info! Very helpful.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

I bought my first Steyr SBS Pro Hunter brand new in 2008. It is chambered in 7mm Rem Magnum and is my favorite factory rifle I have shot. I love the trigger. I love the bolt/safety, I love the two position magazine, and I love the small groups it shoots. It has a bunch of mulies and elk under its belt.

A couple years ago I grabbed a gently used Pro hunter in 300wm. Guy chopped the barrel from 25.6" to 21.5" to make it more handy for his kid. However his kid couldn't handle the recoil. I stole it for $450.

Steyr makes great firearms. I just wish they would get with the times and chamber the newer cartridges. I would love to have a factory Steyr in 6.5prc or the recently announced 7prc. I'll likely rebarrel the 300wm to 6.5prc or 7prc because I don't see them releasing those cartridges any time soon.

My 7RM will stay as it is until it cannot shoot any longer.

 

[hodgeman]

The Stery action is the SBS 96, "Safe Bolt System". You'll find them marked SBS 96, Safe Bolt, Scout, Pro Hunter and probably some more. But they're all the SBS 96 action.

 

[Wapiti1]

The Stery action is the SBS 96, "Safe Bolt System". You'll find them marked SBS 96, Safe Bolt, Scout, Pro Hunter and probably some more. But they're all the SBS 96 action.

That isn't quite true. The Prohunter is an evolution from the SBS 96. The 96 was the last press fit barrel action they made. Prohunters (I and II) have threaded receivers. The Scout has an aluminum receiver and uses a barrel extension like an AR, or Browning BLR. I wish they used a Scout style receiver in a trim lightweight hunting rifle.

I shot Steyr an email asking them to detail the different actions since their website is not terribly helpful. I wanted to know which ones I could rebarrel if I found a deal on an older model.

Jeremy