barnbwt
member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2011
- Messages
- 7,340
I've got a thing for unique, interesting, and forgotten mechanical designs, so I'd like to acquire one of the less common autoloaders for my collection. Purely a range toy and curiosity, so size and practicality (and to a certain extent, ammo availability) are non-issues.
I've been eyeing two relics from Steyr in particular; the gas-delayed GB, and the clip-fed Steyr Hahn. The former is basically an H&K P7 with 18rnd magazine and better DA trigger (allegedly) in 9mm, and the latter the next evolutionary step beyond the C96 Broomhandle Mauser; clip fed through ejection port, 8 round capacity, rotating barrel lockup like the PX4, but in 9x23 Steyr. Two very different guns, each equally unlikely to be seen on the range.
The 1912 Steyr Hahn (Hammer) with its awkward "bleeding edge of technology" look (still pretty slab-sided for guns of that era, though) and distinctive stripper clip. I have to imagine shoving a clip down into a pistol is even cooler than sliding a box-mag up its bell-end ;D
The GB; beaten out of nowhere by upstart Gaston Glock at the peak of its debut in the 80's
Obviously the 70-years-more-advanced GB is the "practical" of the two choices, but that's not the point here. I'm looking for the most "weird" for my buck, but for something that still functions properly as an auto loader (the 1912 is reputed to be fairly reliable, and more importantly, safe to use with its 9mm Steyr chambering). My lean is toward the 1912, since other than a manual of arms that has become obsolete, it seems to be a pretty thought-out piece. However, the GB is such a brilliantly simple mechanism, that along with its large mag capacity (though mags seems scarce) and easy ammo sourcing, it vies for my affections as well.
If anyone with experience with either could chime in with range reports, reviews, or words of caution I'd sure appreciate it. That, and suggestions for other rarely-seen semis of interesting design in the <500$ budget category
TCB
I've been eyeing two relics from Steyr in particular; the gas-delayed GB, and the clip-fed Steyr Hahn. The former is basically an H&K P7 with 18rnd magazine and better DA trigger (allegedly) in 9mm, and the latter the next evolutionary step beyond the C96 Broomhandle Mauser; clip fed through ejection port, 8 round capacity, rotating barrel lockup like the PX4, but in 9x23 Steyr. Two very different guns, each equally unlikely to be seen on the range.
The 1912 Steyr Hahn (Hammer) with its awkward "bleeding edge of technology" look (still pretty slab-sided for guns of that era, though) and distinctive stripper clip. I have to imagine shoving a clip down into a pistol is even cooler than sliding a box-mag up its bell-end ;D
The GB; beaten out of nowhere by upstart Gaston Glock at the peak of its debut in the 80's
Obviously the 70-years-more-advanced GB is the "practical" of the two choices, but that's not the point here. I'm looking for the most "weird" for my buck, but for something that still functions properly as an auto loader (the 1912 is reputed to be fairly reliable, and more importantly, safe to use with its 9mm Steyr chambering). My lean is toward the 1912, since other than a manual of arms that has become obsolete, it seems to be a pretty thought-out piece. However, the GB is such a brilliantly simple mechanism, that along with its large mag capacity (though mags seems scarce) and easy ammo sourcing, it vies for my affections as well.
If anyone with experience with either could chime in with range reports, reviews, or words of caution I'd sure appreciate it. That, and suggestions for other rarely-seen semis of interesting design in the <500$ budget category
TCB