Steyr Zephyr

[planetmobius]

I have a chance to pick up a very nice Steyr Zephyr. It looks like a fitting addition to my German/Austrian sporting rifle collection. It has great wood, peffect bore, double set triggers and appears to have no mechanical issue. Although I have inspected it, I won't get a chance to shoot it before the deal is done. Anyone have any experience with this weapon? How does it stack up against other rimfire sporters?

 

[mlkdvm]

I am about to find out. I bought one a few days ago on Gun Broker. It was shipped today. It is a 1958 full stock with a single trigger. Some people consider it to be the ultimate rimfire sporter, but there are some other good ones out there. The Anschutz 54, Winchester 52, Remington 40X and 541-S and Kleinguenther K22 all have their proponents.

Zephyrs were made from about 1955 to 1971, with single or double triggers and full or 3/4 stocks. About 4,000 to 6,000 were built before production ceased. I hope it shoots as good as it looks. You may wait many years before you have another chance to get one.

 

[planetmobius]

MLKDVM

Keep me posted and give me a field report if you can.

 

[mlkdvm]

The gentleman from whom I purchased my Zephyr had 3 of them. He still has a 3/4 stock and a full stock, both with double triggers. I would rather have double triggers but beggars can't be choosers. He told me that he bought mine about 30 years ago and can't remember ever having shot it.

The main attraction of the Zephyr is not necessarily inherent accuracy but something more difficult to quantify, namely elegance. I plan on using iron sights only and with my not so young anymore eyes I won't really be able to get more than a general idea of the accuracy potential of the rifle.

I'll let you know what I think of it when I get it which should be just a few days from now.

 

[planetmobius]

You sound like a man after my own heart. Iron sights are the way to go with these old beauties. For years I've been collecting Mannlicher Schoenauer rifles and it pains me to see the ones with six bolts holding on a side mount and an after marker rubber butt plate. There is something gratifying about fielding a high quality vintage rifle the way it was meant to be.

 

[mlkdvm]

The Zephyr just arrived. I'll try to send a picture later. My first impression is that it has the smoothest action of any rifle I've ever handled. It is built like a Swiss watch. It shoulders nicely and comes to the intended target nicely. Barring the unforeseen, I will shoot it this weekend and will let you know what I think.

 

[SwampWolf]

So what'd you guys pay for your little Zephyrs, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[mlkdvm]

I paid more than I wanted to but less than I would have.