Specifications
Description
The Steyr SSG08 was developed with input from the world-class Austrian COBRA unit and is based around the Safe Bolt System (SBS) from Steyr Mannlicher, which is one of the safest bolt action rifle systems ever designed. In case of firing an overpressure cartridge or even with an obstruction in the barrel, the shooter is always protectd from injuries, and the rifle will survive the shot and be capable of shooting again. Steyr engineers routinely test the SBS bolt system of the SSG08 by shooting a full power round with a bullet obstructing the barrel.
The SBS also has additional relevant features, like grooves machined into the bolt that guarantees the reliable operation of the Steyr SSG 08 under the most extreme environmental conditions. It does so by capturing any particles that could get trapped during its operation between the bolt and receiver. The bolt has six massive front locking lugs directly behind the cartridge case. That alone is a departure from the older SSG69 bolt design, which had rear locking lugs. All Steyr rifles have a protruding cocking indicator in the bolt. On the SSG08, the bolt handle retracts and locks into the receiver. The bolt, receiver and barrel are the heart of any rifle and this rifle has one of the strongest hearts ever to power a precision rifle.
The barrel is also unique, being Steyr cold hammer forged. The accuracy of these barrels is outstanding and synonymous with reliability and long service. Cold hammer forging is a process in which the barrel is forged over a mandrel that has the lands and grooves imprinted into it. This forms the barrel with incredible precision and increased hardness, compared to traditional cut rifling methods. SSG barrels are known for their ease of cleaning and long life, due to an ultra fine finish of the interior of the barrel.