AUG
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Real Steel Information
The Steyr AUG is a Bullpup configuration 5.56mm assault rifle designed in Austria. It is said to be very reliable, and is considered one of the better bullpup rifles.
Unique in its design, the AUG is manufactured largely from modern hi-tech polymers. This extends further than the obvious stock that most people appreciate, but even into the internals. The trigger mechanism, for example, is contained in a plastic open topped box, and manufactured largely out of plastics, with the only metal parts being the pins and springs, drop safety, and the bolt catch. This is expected to last 100,000 rounds before failure.
Another excellent feature of the AUG is its ambidextrous nature. Whilst the SA80 has no provision for left handed shooters (Due to the MOD turning down Enfields offer) the AUG can simply have a reversed extractor built, and the cover seen on the left side of the weapon removed and replaced on the opposite side.
The AUG also has an unusual forward bolt assist feature. By depressing a button on the cocking handle, the bolt can be rammed forwards into battery. This allows the weapon to be cocked silently.
The weapon can be fitted with M203 Grenade launchers, and on some examples there is a clamp fitted halfway up the barrel. This is to facilitate the fitting of a bayonet, which the Austrian army opted out of, and so this is not apparant on their examples. The same is true for the airsoft versions.
Airsoft Versions
There are 2 versions in airsoft
- The 'military' discontinued by Tokyo marui, but recently released by Classic Army as the AUG A1 - with inbuilt 2x scope in the carrying-handle; it has an olive stock.
- 'civilian'/'special receiver', with a picitany rail allowing the users choice of optics, and black stock; The CA version is called the AUG A2.
There are also clones of the military and civilian versions from BE, the civilian version from the very popular and reliable clone company Jing Gong, and doubtless many other clone companies.
In airsoft form it is a very capable skirmishing tool, providing the accuracy of an m16 length barrel in a compact package. It shoulders well and is very ergonomic. A folding vertical foregrip is part of the standard configuration.
The build of the Tokyo Marui versions is very solid with no wobble or creaking such as in their M16 or G3 rifles. It is said to be practically indistinguishable from the real thing which itself has a polymer stock. (one obvious giveaway is the transparent magazine showing BB's, when using Hi-caps). One nice feature is the dissasembly procedure mimicking that of the real thing;
Customization & Accessories
A 'SMG' kit is available, with no exposed barrel length - the stock contains an M4 length (363mm) barrel in this configuration, yet the weapons is as about as compact as an MP5. If one can source a spare barrel assembly, swapping between the SMG and regular configurations is possible with no tools, as is the case with the real thing. Another popular mod is the Phantom kit, adding a long silencer and RIS rails.
Battery
The original Marui AUG would only take a 600mAh small battery, but with minor modification to the internal plate in the rear compartment, it is possible to fit a custom 9.6v 1500mAh pack in a 2x2x2 cell configuration.
Popularity
Despite being the most successfull export bullpup rifle in the world, in use with many national armies, including the Austrian army, the Irish IDF, the Australians, and several police forces, the AUG does not feature as heavily in film & TV as the more recognisable fireams (M16, AK47, MP5). However it is the most commonly seen Bullpup in films outside of the SA80, with appearances in such films as "Die Hard" and "The Usual Suspects". The fact that in hollywood, the AUG is a fairly unusual weapon, and the usually rather large price tag (Often around £200) makes the weapon a somewhat uncommon choice amongst airsofters, particularly in its Military configuration. Its 'futuristic' appearance tends to polarize people; the ergonomic, rounded plastic lines are not what most associate with modern assault weapons, although many recent designs such as the G36 continue the trend toward the used of such materials, and many recent designs such as the SAR21 and Tavor are heavily influenced by the AUG.
