Thursday, August 5, 2010

Steyr Arms' M-A1 And S-A1 Pistols Return To The American Market

TRUSSVILLE, Alabama (August 5, 2010) - Steyr Arms has announced that it is bringing back the popular Steyr M-A1 and S-A1 semi-automatic handguns to the United States. The first batch of these pistols has already arrived at the Steyr Arms headquarters, and the pistols will begin shipping to dealers later this month.

Nearly identical in form and function, the M-A1 is the full-size series with a 4-inch barrel, while the S-A1 is the compact series with a 3.6-inch barrel. Chambered in either 9x19mm Luger or .40 S&W, the M-A1 and S-A1 achieved a great deal of regard among American shooters for their comfortable ergonomics, remarkable safety features, intuitive sighting system, amazing accuracy and extreme reliability.

Both pistol series feature innovative polymer frames that offer shooters unparalleled ergonomics with a high grip and low barrel axis that mitigates muzzle rise as well as a perfect grip angle for a very natural point of aim. The frames include Picatinny rails for mounting illumination and laser-aiming devices. An integrated trigger safety with a Reset Action System trigger requires positive finger pressure to operate the double-action-only design. The striker-fired pistols also incorporate a keyed safety lock.

The fixed, low-profile sights present a unique triangle/trapezoid configuration for exceptionally fast target acquisition, as the triangular shape of the front sight naturally directs the shooter's eye toward the target. The barrels are cold-hammer forged with polygonal rifling, and the chambers are fully supported.

"Almost every day for nearly two years, we have received calls and e-mails from customers asking when we were going to bring back the Steyr M- and S-series pistols," said Steyr Arms CEO Scott O'Brien. "I am very pleased that today we can say, 'The time is now.'

"Like the return of the AUG last year, we're extremely excited to reintroduce yet two more iconic and highly desired firearms for American shooters."

The suggested retail price for either the M-A1 or S-A1 is $649.

Established in 1864 in Steyr, Austria, Steyr Arms is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious firearms manufacturers. Steyr's comprehensive lines of premium hunting rifles, precision sporting and tactical rifles, and striker-fired handguns 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 also the U.S. importer for Merkel firearms and Anschutz precision rimfire sporting rifles. For more information, contact Steyr Arms at 7661 Commerce Lane, Trussville, AL 35173; call (205) 655-8299; or visit www.steyrarms.com.

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Steyr Arms Pistol Specifications

Model: M-A1

Purpose: Self-defense, competition

Manufacturer: Steyr Mannlicher GmbH

Kleinraming, Austria

Importer: Steyr Arms, Inc.

7661 Commerce Lane

Trussville, AL 35173

(205) 655-8299

www.steyrarms.com

Operation: Semiautomatic

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger, .40 S&W

Slide material: Steel

Magazine type/capacity: Double-stack steel box/17 rounds (9x19), 12 rounds (.40)

Barrel: 4-inch cold-hammer-forged

Rifling: Polygonal, 6 grooves, RH twist

Sights: Fixed triangular/trapezoid iron

Finish: Mannox

Trigger type: Reset Action System (DAO with integrated safety)

Pull weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces

Frame material: Reinforced polymer

Checkering: Anti-slip stippled texture

Weight, empty: 1.7 pounds

Overall length: 7.2 inches

Height: 5.1 inches

Width: 1.2 inches

Included accessories: Owners manual, lockable box, safety key, extra magazine

MSRP: $649

Model: S-A1

Purpose: Self-defense, competition

Manufacturer: Steyr Mannlicher GmbH

Kleinraming, Austria

Importer: Steyr Arms, Inc.

7661 Commerce Lane

Trussville, AL 35173

(205) 655-8299

www.steyrarms.com

Operation: Semiautomatic

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger, .40 S&W

Slide material: Steel

Magazine type/capacity: Double-stack steel box/10 rounds

Barrel: 3.6-inch cold-hammer-forged

Rifling: Polygonal, 6 grooves, RH twist

Sights: Fixed triangular/trapezoid iron

Finish: Mannox

Trigger type: Reset Action System (DAO with integrated safety)

Pull weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces

Frame material: Reinforced polymer

Checkering: Anti-slip stippled texture

Weight, empty: 1.5 pounds

Overall length: 6.7 inches

Height: 4.8 inches

Width: 1.2 inches

Included accessories: Owners manual, lockable box, safety key, extra magazine

MSRP: $649