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BESSEMER, Ala. — Introduced at the 2018 SHOT Show, the Steyr Zephyr II rimfire rifle has won the 2019 American Hunter’s Golden Bullseye for Rifle of the Year. This is the first time that a rimfire rifle has won the award from the magazine in the 17 years that it has been presented. The announcement was made Dec. 27.
The Zephyr II was selected by a seven-member committee consisting of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff based on outstanding performance, innovation and value, according to a release from NRA Publications Executive Director Doug Hamlin
American Hunter Field Editor Richard Mann wrote, “The Steyr Zephyr II is a call back to the day when blued steel and walnut were the foundation on which firearms were built. This rifle will shoot with rimfires costing twice as much, while looking better and weighing less. It is the prodigy of a legend and maybe the gateway to the other excellent Steyr firearms that come out of Austria ... The Zephyr II is the rimfire the gun world needs to help it truly understand that a good .22 rifle is indeed something of value.”
Taking many design and functional cues from the original Steyr Zephyr, which was produced from 1955 through 1971, the Zephyr II was met with great enthusiasm from American shooters. Featuring a classic European walnut stock with a Bavarian cheek piece and fish-scale-pattern checkering on the grips and handguard, the Zephyr II also boasts the typical Steyr Mannlicher bolt handle and a tang safety.
Available in .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 WMR, the Zephyr II has a cold-hammer-forged 19.7-inch barrel with an overall length of 39.2 inches. The rifle weighs 5.8 lbs., including a five-round detachable box magazine. The Zephyr II has a suggested retail price of $1,075 (add an additional $24 for 1/2x28 threaded barrel).
Be sure to visit the Steyr Arms USA booth (#10246) at SHOT Show to see the Zephyr II.
About Steyr Arms
Established in 1864, Steyr Mannlicher, GmbH, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious firearms manufacturers. Steyr’s comprehensive lines of premium hunting rifles and precision sporting and tactical firearms are technically mature, and their subtle elegance also communicates the harmony between appearance and substance. Steyr’s legendary SBS actions and cold-hammer-forged barrels are distinctive and unparalleled. Steyr Arms is the subsidiary headquarters of Steyr Mannlicher in the U.S., and it is also the exclusive importer for Merkel firearms, JAGDHUND and X JAGD apparel. For more information, contact Steyr Arms at 2530 Morgan Rd., Bessemer, AL 35022; call (205) 417-8644; or visit www.steyrarms.com.
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Editorial Contact:
Mike Nischalke (703) 380-3595
Karen Lutto (830) 755-4308