Reaction To Why the Australian Military Chose the Steyr AUG Bullpup

Reaction To Why the Australian Military Chose the Steyr AUG Bullpup
This is my reaction to Why the Australian Military Chose the Steyr AUG Bullpup
In this video I react to the Australian military and their decision to use the weapon Steyr AUG Bullpup
Original Video - • Why the Aussies chose ...

[@spartan5921]

During my 30 years with the Australian Army as an Infantry soldier for the first part of my career, I used the SLR or L1A1, L1A2, and the 9mm pistol and Sub Machine gun. It took me almost a year to really get consistently proficient with the SLR, especially out to 300 meters. In 1988, after I had Corp changed I was posted to South Australia and at the same time we received the first of the F88 / Steyr AUG's. As anyone who served knows, we are always infantry first, no matter what Corp we are in. The first thing I enjoyed was the weight loss compared to the SLR, next was the length when in close country and third was the sighting. My first Steyr was a standard length rifleman's issue, it was OK but took me a little while to adapt to the peculiar optics. However, range practice was a marked improvement over the SLR at all distances and we even tried our luck out to 500m on one range. Almost 12 months after my first issue, because I was attached to the unit, I had to change weapons. At the time my issue was a complete fit out including the combat knife, as opposed to calling it a Bayonet 🤔This was unique in when it was coupled together with the sheath, it made up a wire cutter, but was still able to be attached as a Bayonet as well. Anyhow, it all had to go back and I was issued with the short barrel Carbine. I had a habit of shooting with the front grip folded up, left over from the days of SLR shooting I guess. Well, fortunately my first time on the range with this Carbine was in July and it was a bitter cold day. I had a couple of pairs of the Nomex flying gloves for use on patrol and shooting, so I wore them for the morning. I zeroed the little rifle in and then once that was done, I waited my slot in the serial shoots. The first set was the 20 rounds, 5 into each target ... in your own time - go on! It was amazing, I was transformed from an average shot to almost marksman standard, but why? The other thing was, damn my left hand was bloody hot... seems I would never shoot with the handle grip in the up position again while using a Carbine. I had burnt holes through because my thumb and index finger were so close to the flash eliminator 😂😂, scratch one left hand glove! As to the accuracy business, I was not the only one. The medics who now had been issued also improved about 50% as did some of the drivers. I ducked off and had a chat with a RAEME mate of my brothers, he was an Armourer and I asked him what he knew. Now I cannot confirm or deny this information, but he described the Carbine as a more stable barrel setup and greater accuracy out to 300m after that it was hit or miss. The standard rifle had an issue called barrel whip that they were rectifying and the results showed big improvements over the original release with accuracy out to 500m. There was also a change to the sights in store with the fixed sight of 1.5 being removed and a Picatinny rail fitted and a 4X optical sight being fitted. I am sure there is probably someone who has more info than I do on this, as I never saw the removable sights fitted. Still, I was a happy camper with my range practice days as I always finished in the top ten and confidence always builds your ability to improve.

[@Bob-t8l]

No way you typed that AJ.

[@Rusty_Gold85]

My mate was in the Army for 35 years and he said " We are not there to mow the grass down ". I can see why. They are trained really well and in numerous battles were outnumbered 10-1 and stood firm

[@logic.and.reasoning]

Oi oi oi❤

[@clintonscottwalsh]

Listen about the battle of long tan

[@williambristow9610]

Long tan kapion etc

[@jemxs]

I was a soldier from 1991 to 1999 and used the SLR 7.62, M16 5.56 short and the AustSteyr 5.56 long. The SLR was great, reliable and packed a boom! The Steyr though, was so versatile and also reliable and the rounds were more powerfull than the M16. Also the M16 was useless in muddy conditions! Just my experience!

[@EL_Duderino68]

I was serving before the Steyr. Used the M16 a bit but it seemed like a toy compared to the SLR.

[@jemxs]

@@EL_Duderino68 it was!

[@Buck_T]

@@EL_Duderino68 The Steyr 5.56 round is designed to tumble for max damage to its target, and at 300 meters put the sights on a person the little round circle in the scope pull the trigger youll hit the person in the chest. And the weapon is indestructible almost.:)

[@adamparker9765]

I would concur with what you just said there. Everyone loved the hitting power of the SLR , but man were they heavy and far more difficult to patrol with . You were also limited to 3 20 round magazines where the Steyr had 5 30 shot mags as standard front line . I to never experienced any problems with the Steyr , a pretty good rifle really.

[@EL_Duderino68]

@@adamparker9765 Like I said never got to use the Steyr, wish I did. SLRs yeah damn heavy, and doing parade ground stuff with the bayonet fixed. I mate of mine got cut when someone fainted behind him and the bayonet fell into him. Wiggle your toes right:). I bet drill is much easier with a Styer.

[@soarmilo2703]

Aiustralians don’t drink fosters… haven’t seen it on shelf’s here for ages

[@markdowse3572]

shelves

[@mort8143]

It's always been piss. 🇦🇺👍

[@mort8143]

​@@markdowse3572elves? 🧚

[@adambydand1214]

BWS sell it, you sped. But, it really is kangaroo piss.

[@davidareeves]

Fosters is our gift to the world. Why give em good beer (we need to drink the good stuff) when we can sell the piss

[@jackeagles1637]

I think one of the big points of the video is that Steyer would allow local manufacture of the rifle in Australia while Colt of the USA would not. Australia has manufactured its own army rifles (and other infantry weapons) for 100 years.

[@seanlander9321]

112 years 😏

[@ChrisArmstrong-ir3fg]

You’re exactly right mate, This has been a major reason why the Australian military has the steyer. This system also applies to Artillery guns, Armoured vehicles. Colt was approached to allow Australia to build the M4 here, but Colt said no.

[@seanlander9321]

@@ChrisArmstrong-ir3fg Meanwhile, Australia has bought out Barrett 😏

[@ChrisArmstrong-ir3fg]

@@seanlander9321 Australian military do use a lot of weapons that aren’t manufactured here in OZ, but the numbers are very small and limited, such as the Barrat, M4, H&k etc. But for approval, weapons for the mass (in mass amounts) , they have to be able to be manufactured here in OZ

[@adambydand1214]

[9:29] No, it wouldn't be confusing to have a two-stage trigger for fire control. You're trained to use the weapon during recruit training, and you complete a weapons course annually, so the more you train with your weapon, the more muscle memory you build with it, and the more effective you become.

[@bendgeddes]

The EF88 has a much improved feel over the old F88

[@stevenmcguin5189]

From what I understand, the Australian SAS uses the M4 carbine because it has a collapsible stock which makes it easier to carry & they usually deploy with US special forces which gives them greater access to spare parts. I could be wrong though.

[@sociallyferal4237]

Yeah, I could see weapon choice for interoperability reasons.

[@clubsport9334]

Think you're right mate. Reg troops get the Steyr. SASR can prob select from a range of gear depending on mission.

[@bendgeddes]

More rail attachments on an M4 over the old F88. The EF88 improved on that though.

[@stevenmcguin5189]

@@bendgeddes A guy who used to come into my work was ex-ADF armourer. He said the old F88 trigger system was twitchy AF. He said the new one was light-years ahead. Good old Aussie ingenuity.

[@gregorturner4753]

@@sociallyferal4237 pretty much, they use the same weapons as the US in special forces because when they operate together it reduces the need to carry parts etc. the US is very good at logistics so it would be preferable to use weapon they do and get access to all the spare parts easily as well as armourers etc rather than having to get it all from Australlia.

[@bonghead6621]

I found the Steyr to be a brilliant weapon.

[@fc3d748]

Likewise, I was in the Army reserves for 13 years, the EF 88 is an excellent iteration of the F88. The inbuilt bipod and the spectre scopes made it great to shoot.

[@millennium677]

the special forces hate the steyr

[@daviddixon9458]

The M16 was the worst weapon I used during my time in the Australian Army. It would easily jam when hot.

[@lighteningrod36]

Mate that’s why they give you a bolt assist

[@daviddixon9458]

@@lighteningrod36 I still love the SLR. They never let you down.

[@PaxAlotin-j6r]

@@daviddixon9458 Give me an old Lee Enfield 303 Mk 4 - with a modern scope - or a Mark 5 - 'Jungle Carbine' ---------- that and a Bren gun.

[@daviddixon9458]

@PaxAlotin-j6r I have used both the 303 and the bren gun. Both are very good weapons. The m60 machine gun was better than the bren for jungle warfare.

[@PaxAlotin-j6r]

@@daviddixon9458 No doubt the M60 was better - that's why Aussies put them on troop-carriers in Nam. They'd use them to cut down the bush & anything hiding in it. Also great for making first rate lawn out of jungle

[@davidryall-flanders6353]

The Tupperware gun! And yes, Fosters is for foreigners.

[@jevnope5718]

As a former infantry soldier I liked the Steyr for its compactness and the centre of gravity being basically at the pistol grip. It was good in cqb and the jungle. The modularity was okay on the f88 s but you got to remember you sign for the rifle but it’s never yours during my time we weren’t allowed to customise it to better fulfill your purpose. If you fitted things like your privately own optics, suppressor or magazines it was a very good chance you would be charged. Personally validate this from my own experience in recon. We weren’t allowed to paint them or anything. I liked the M4 for its modular ability too. But with a grenade launcher they get quite barrel heavy . I think the f88 trigger is garbage but you get use to it. I think the SF stuck to a system more fore interoperability with our allied SF units it makes sense for that as they deal with our allies more than anyone else. The only thing I could think would be good was to adopt AR mags compatible Steyrs so we are universal with our own SF and allies.

[@davejensen7922]

In world war 2 Aussies used the locally made Owen sub machine gun in the pacific campaign against the Japanese

[@adamparker9765]

And even in Korea and Vietnam . It was unstoppable in the most extreme conditions but like all submachine guns lacked knockdown power.

[@JanLotherington]

Evelyn Owen was from Wollongong. He'd come into my Mother's hairdressing salon to book an appointment for his Mother. Mum said he was a very shy, quiet boy. My Father used the Owen gun in New Guinea & Borneo after coming back from the Middle East where he fought & defeated Rommel's famous Panzars. LEST WE FORGET

[@adamparker9765]

@@JanLotherington My English grandfather fought against Rommel's forces to and my Aussie grandfather fought the Japanese in New Guinea. Tough places to fight .

[@JanLotherington]

Yes, they were horrific battles. Your Grandfather must have been part of the 8th Army in the Middle East. My Grandfather fought in WWI on the Western Front where he was gassed, lost an eye due to the gassing & had terrible stomach problems all of his life. My Father WW11 was shot in the arm at El Alamain & contracted malaria in the jungle New Guinea/Borneo. He suffered terrible bouts of malaria throughout his life. LEST WE FORGET

[@tjfishing2714]

I was a Australian Sapper in the 90 s . I preferred the M249 LMG than the Styr the longer barrel made it very accurate. Yes it's heavier to carry but well worth it.

[@BrendanNicholls-vu3hy]

Most Aussie Special Force operators run the M4 platform.

[@83Ironside]

The solution for a variable pressure trigger was pretty simple. There is a locking button that can be pulled out that prevents the trigger from depressing to full-auto mode... that said, trigger discipline is heavily drilled into diggers - to the point that 'stress' isn't really an excuse for not being able to handle your weapon.

[@PriestAU]

no one in Aussie sf use an m16, they use m4's as a base service weapon. Also, most service members in the infantry would far prefer an m4 especially after being Qual'd on them during courses. Just a much better weapon in my experience in terms of handling, modification and cleaning efficiency

[@bluedog1052]

I served for 25 years in the Army, it's a good weapon and the optics on it these days are much better. The conventional Army will rarely have the same equipment as the SF do, some Infantry Battalions might. The Steyr is much more suited to the conventional Army than other general service weapon.

[@adamparker9765]

Ok here's my thoughts , from a 16 year Aussie infantryman . The reason the AUG barrel lasts longer is because its hard chrome lined where as the M16 wasn't . The trigger is made heavy so you don't engage fully auto accidentally . I don't know of any competent soldier that accidentally went fully auto and no one uses the single shot lockout button , known as the "wuss" button as it actually makes the trigger even heavier. Are there better triggers ? Of course there is , but its a military rifle not a sniper system and the accuracy improvement over the iron sights on all other rifles at the time was impressive. You do have to keep them clean , like all rifles , but the close tolerances do make it less forgiving to extreme conditions. I never experienced failures with any of the rifles I was issued and I was there when they first came out. So why do SF prefer the M4 / M16? It comes down to the attachments that SF demand . Things like red dots, torches , laser pointers , suppressors , M203 grenade launcher , all the good stuff you can slap on an M4 , couldn't be mounted on the Steyer at the time. However the newer models have all the mounting points needed and solved the problem of the M203 grenade launcher shaking the rifle to bits. SF also have this thing where they always want something different to everyone else , it makes them feel more "special", they also work more closely with the Americans than the rest of us, so they may have wanted to be able to interchange weapons and systems with them. Being able to locally manufacture them was most definitely also a factor in choosing them.

[@JustIn-mu3nl]

I think I saw something about the difference for the guns years ago, iirc it was more that the M16 was a very common gun so spares were readily available anywhere and interchangeable with other countries units when on joint missions, also the simple design made them more reliable.

[@robertjames1324]

Great Video. Thank you. You want to have a look at "The Battle for Golden Road". I was there one year later I was at the Infantry Training School Singelton doing my initial employment training ( learning to be a grunt) in 1984. My platoon was part of SARP. The small arms replacement trial. Our platoon along with many others trialled the M16 A2, the Steyre, SS109 ammunition and the Minimi LSW. In Australia we must have capacity to manufacture our own under license, in case of blockade in times of war etc. So any manufacturer would be dismissed without our ability to manufacture. Who knows if Colt would or wouldn't allow. But I can furnish you with some facts. Aus Army individual weapon was L1A1 SLR made in Europe and UK as the Browning Fn i think. Same as the Brits carried except ours was semi auto and a couple of other minor differences and chanbered in 7.62 Standard NATO round. Big Army had decided that 5.56 was better because each soldier could carry more and one our allies the US carried the same 5.56mm. So interoperability. That sets the back drop. The Steyre was in virtually every tested area better and observably better than the M16a2 The mini was certainly not better than the MAG 58 or GPMG m60. I would say that the mini was not as good at mass killing as the other 2, and isn't that why you want a machine gun for? It had many great qualities about it but just didn't have the brutality of an MG chambered in 7.62. But the minimi was chosen as the Light Support Weapon. The question that really should be asked is. At the time of trial did the Aussie Army choose the best weapon in the World. No is the answer. Yes there were many issues with the Steyre. Because of that Special Operators went for m4 H&K just to name a couple. The other question. The steyre had its upgrades and believe that for a number of years it has been amongst the best in the world and maybe just that. Think about our new weapon from trial to now. Rifle Company Butterworth, Somalia, Timor, Iraq, Afgan Solomon Islands. 30 years of research and development.

[@adambydand1214]

Couple of quick corrections - The L1A1 was a COMMONWEALTH rifle, both manufactured under license from Belgian Fabrique Nationale (FN) at Enfield in the UK and Lithgow in Australia. They were semi-automatic in both countries. These were licensed copies of the FAL rifle, which had an automatic trigger group. the L2A1, again, manufactured by both Enfield and Lithgow, were also automatic with a heavier barrel. The L2A1 was used by the SASR in Vietnam. "Big Army" had a doctrinal change of instead of outright killing soldiers on the battlefield, using 5.56x45mm, which has a tendency to wound/incapacitate rather than kill. This effectively took *four* people off the battlefield (1x casualty, 1x medic, 2x stretcher bearers) instead of only the one you just shot and killed, therefore attritting the combat effectiveness of an enemy unit. The F89 Minimi is an Automatic Rifle, not a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). The makeup of an infantry section is 2x Bricks. Each brick is has 2x EF88s (Section Leader & Rifleman), 1x EF88/SL40 (Grenadier) and 1x F89 Minimi. That means there's two F89s in each infantry section. MAG-58s are *crew-served weapons*, issued to Weapons Sections.

[@Buck_T]

The fact its so easy to kill at 300 meters with a zeroed styre in almost anyones hands had a big part to play i believe. I have used it a few times at ASAM

[@OldFellaDave]

Also - the M4, HK416 etc chosen by SF was 15-20 years after the F-88 was chosen as the Standard Rifle

[@adambydand1214]

[8:00] The SASR, 2 CDO REGT and Navy CDTs use HK416s, not "M16/M4/AR-15" platforms. Those platforms are direct gas-impingement systems, where the HK416 is short-stroke piston-action, just like the Steyr.

[@Buck_T]

lol PRO TIP dont hold your fingers over the gas chamber

[@badpossum440]

nothing to do with the weapo being profitable, we learnt our lesson in Vietnam. We werer using the Charls Gustof AT launcher & Sweeden refused to sell us missiles so we had to go over to the american LAW.

[@alicewaria6215]

the marines that would come into the Mess hall I worked in as a civilian said they want our guns but hat was back in early 2000's. not sure if it still is.

[@mort8143]

Thanks Matt. Informative and interesting. Always a good combination, like deep fried Mars Bars on porridge. 🤣🇦🇺👍

[@Concerned_citizen_aus]

I was in for 10 years in the Aus Army, ‘08. I really loved the F88 in CQB. Terrible for 600m but could hit targets no problems if needed. But when we engaged overseas, the HK417 was my true love.

[@insanogeddon]

Plenty of producers have test weapons of higher quality than production items and utilise bribes. At same quality of manufacture and cost point anything modular will be less robust and weigh more. Armourers had to work ROUND THE CLOCK to fix those buggers, hell even the stocks melted in heat after shooting or bits warped out. After what seems like a billion iterations Australians fixed all the issues so NOW it is top notch.

[@OwenBell-cy5ex]

Spent 9 year in the Australian infantry, I never has a problem with it the new version has a bolt release near the magazine well. One thing I didn't like that they fixed on the new version was if you are shooting off hand brass smacks you in the face. The reason I was told SF use M4 is the availability of parts when working with the US and others partner forces.

[@seanlander9321]

The bull pup solves the greatest design fault of all modern automatic military rifles in that the magazine isn’t extended to the front which causes the shooter to expose more of themselves, particularly when firing from a trench or in the prone position. To equip soldiers with a weapon that causes more of their body to be exposed, let alone their head, is stupidity on a scale that’s very difficult to understand.

[@BassMatt1972]

We have been using these for years, they have a specific Australian version.. Its an awesome weapon.. Works well in mud, water, sand, etc.. Everywhere the M-16 DOESNT. And modular, for multiple roles. And yes, we wanted to make them under contract/license, and Colt wouldnt allow it. Their loss.

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

Special forces prefer conventional carbines because one can fire it from either arm depending which way a door is hinged that they are storming through. Where as a Steyr has to be converted by a armourer if a soldier wants to fire it from their left arm. The latest version I think has resolved this by sticking a little lump on the side just behind the ejection hole so the ejecting cartridge no longer goes straight back but rebounds off the lump, making able to be fired in an critical situation from the other arm without an armourer conversion, without a firer getting empty cartridges flung in his face. That may have been the original reason why the fancy boys preferred the Armalite.

[@gregorturner4753]

I haven't fired a Steyr in reality, but was lucky enough to be allowed to go to the virtual firing range one night as i worked at at a military facility and they had a small group who needed to requailfy I asked if i could go and they didn't have any issues so got to go to one of the sydney ranges and have a fire, real rifle on a virtual target. weapon was so nice that after only a couple of shoots, bar one round that went a little astray i could have qualified on the weapon.

[@Danger_Mouse3619]

Lithgow is pronounced lith-go

[@taoistauditor1483]

The Slinger isn't going to Ukraine. Someone looked at the website and made stuff up. However the Remote weapon system from that company is being used by Ukraine on the Bushmasters donated by Australia. The Ukrainians like the system as they can put a hole in a can at 800 meters. The Dutch have donated YPR-65's(?) which will have that RWS installed. The Styer is called the Tupperware gun here. The body is plastic. Check out the Owens submachine gun. That's the best aussie gun.

[@richardthomson4693]

Dunno where you get that from. EOS announced back in a 2023 press release, they were purchased by the US DOD (via northrop grumman) and mounted on RAM trucks. you can find the press release on their site

[@taoistauditor1483]

@@richardthomson4693 I asked.

[@trevorkrause7220]

Weapons like the Steyr Bullpup were designed to most effective when used by trained soldiers not yippee shooters or those just off the street with next to none or no prior training. The Australian army is not a conscript army but a volunteer force whose soldiers would have been expected to have had extensive training in operating and maintaining their issued squad weapons long before they were in any actual combat zones. Therefore your opinion as a non-shooting civilian of any aspect of operating a clearly military only weapon is probably not applicable or even relevant to its use in combat or a trained soldier's most effective use of it. If one is properly trained in thr use of all the correct functions and modes of the Steyr's trigger system then there should not be any major problems with its use, even under the duress of expected combat conditions.

[@monkeychief-nk7se]

your wrong, AUG is designed for conscript armies. Thats why its a simple tool.

[@trevorkrause7220]

​@@monkeychief-nk7seNot with that trigger system it wasn't. Maybe you are thinking more of the Mattel toy gun, the AR15 and its many variants. Even dumb yippee shooter Americans seem to be able to point that weapon in the right general direction although precision accuracy still seems to be a problem. In one of the latest televised incidents from America the shooter could not even hit a large tub of lard in a telling way.

[@ChrisArmstrong-ir3fg]

The F88 Steyer, wasn’t a bad rifle for certain applications, but in reality the rifle does have major issues. One of the mods that came in 20 odd years later, after it was introduced, was the adaptation system for accessories (F90) which was a big win. But unfortunately the major faults were never sorted.

[@paullaws4965]

I served in somalia and the steyr was a great weapon i don't think I ever had any stoppages firing live rounds but with blanks you would have a few due to the carbon build up

[@tugdumbly1927]

Bull pup is perfect for smaller folks and also enclosed spaces like APC, helo or urban CQBT spaces. Also I think it’s a modified Oz steyr rather than a standard European Steyr

[@Businessbasics3.14]

I had the honor of being in the air force fighting for this beautiful country. To give back to the vets could you please react to - The Insane Engineering of the F-35B by Real Engineering. A lot of my pals that worked on this plane. I was unlucky and got stuck working on the f15.

[@BassMatt1972]

10:50 That 'training" they are doing is actually in one of our big shopping centres, Marion Westfield.. I recognise it..They use it out of hours sometimes for training missions for hostage situations etc.

[@loufrost824]

Yeah mate, theres an old closed mental hospital in Goubourn thats maintained and kept for training. Still has power, lots of big and small buildings, so its perfect for replicating a large town to assault. Super spooky place with perfectly maintained lawns and no broken windows despite being completely devoid of life.

[@Warspite03]

Just remember this decision was made for the regular forces in the 1980s the M-16A2 is a far cry from the M4A1 we saw introduced 20 years later let alone what the AR-15 system can be today such as the HK416 or LMT MARS-L. It had several flaws that were highlighted in the GWOT. The 2 stage trigger might have been a problem with the AUG, but they were comparing it to a 3 round burst of the A2. So it was comparatively an advantage. It was also a foot shorter, had a magnified optic and most importantly and this can not be understated as to the main selection criteria .... it was featured in Die Hard!!

[@SpeKterDesigns]

The Steyr is going to be replaced in the immediate future with an M4 style weapons for both Special Forces and regular infantry for compatibility reasons and overall increased performance in the M4/AR family of weapons. Also if the USA rolls out its change of caliber off course the Aussie forces will look at being involved with that too.

[@davidareeves]

All our Military should use systems that not only good, but be made here. Words from both my grandfather, father, and mates who served

[@michaelkaderle228]

The reason why the special forces used the M4 was mainly for two reasons. When first adopted the Styer, the Australian Defence produced special ammunition for the Styer which had Improved ballistic and hitting power, much like the US is doing with the new service rifle, so they adopted the M4 to be more operable with other partner countries and the second point was the first generation rifles were crap in water operations which was fixed in later models but the doubt was sown. Special forces units did use the Styer in Afghanistan in later operations but again went to the M4 due to ammunition shortages and using other countries ammunition. The first generation Styer didn’t like NATO standard ammunition and led to stoppages and fouling, ask New Zealand.

[@lwyeang2011]

Can you change the barrel quickly without tools?

[@johnbernarddavis5137]

I loved the Austeyr. It was the fact that it had more of a chance of gravely wounding the enemy, which in turn removed more opposition from the field of dispute. Don't get me wrong, it can kill. But it takes more people to tend to and remove the wounded than it does to care for the dead during a contact situation.

[@monkeychief-nk7se]

This thing hit targets at 500 meter easy with a scope. Very powerfull 556. The original 1:7 barrel twist. The gas settings . The quick barrel change. But most important you can use it with gloves on, trigger and safety are easy to manipulate with wintergloves on. Its Artic proof. Yet in deserts it performs very well. The reason is the AUG is EXPENSIVE.

[@alittlecreepywhenyou]

My total highest kill number in BF4 was with this weapon. Also, I'm an Aussie. GFYS

[@thomasconc]

I have used it in the Australian Infantry, even had a peripheral role in some of the trials. Good weapon. The trials were fair, documented and major faults in M16A2 were reliability and robustness v's the Steyr version that was trialled. Read the key results through, the result then is clear. Since then both AR and our F88 have moved on, with the HK416 a superior weapon and the new EF88 also an excellent weapon the blokes tell me. Has a lightened and improved drop forged barrel, new trigger pack and many more rails as well as improved GL. The use of M4 and now HK variants by SF is all about interoperability from what my Commando mates tell me, and plus all the gucci add on's with slight preference for traditional magazine forwards ergonomics.

[@EveryoneWhoUsesThisTV]

I think people use the M16 if that's what they're already used too. Or if they just joined the special forces club and everyone else is an M16 lover, then you won't buck the fashion and will use the M16. A lightweight weapon will be welcomed by most soldiers, if you can't have the firepower of the SLR, then why not the compactness and lightness of the AUG? :)

[@andrewcombe8907]

In trials the AUG shat on the M16A2.

[@Spectre-tv7wi]

Under Land 159 Tranche 2, the ADF is actually looking into a new “close combatant assault rifle”. This may mean the EF88 would get replaced or it could be used together with the new rifle. So far the confirmed rifles being competed to be chosen are the Sig MCX Spear 6.8mm rifle and the newly developed Australian Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR) developed by Thales, the same company that created the EF88. Absolutely looking forward to seeing an Ar-15 in the Australian Army usually not a fan of bullpups.

[@richardthomson4693]

Rumors that we are buying a heap of new barrels for EF-88 , chambered for 300blk with suppressors for use during training to protect the hearing of the grunts and for use by some units like the Pre Landing force

[@clintonscottwalsh]

Does Lithgow firearms make the Aug here in Australia tonsuit the army

[@astrapsyche]

Special forces operate in concert with each other and away from main bodies and so may need common spares and ammo etc.

[@grant209]

Hy Mate, your own British military used a Bullpup Rifle since the 1980's in the SA80 L85A2

[@southboundaustral]

Don't clean the piston face! Clean the piston face! Don't clean the piston face! It was resolved. Oi OP the Irish had it too.

[@millennium677]

the special forces hate the Austeyr because its to hard to reload under stress

[@CrazyAustrianInAustralia]

The gun isnt called "bullpup". A bullpup is a rifle where the magazine is actually behind the trigger. This means the overall length of the rifle is much shorter but the length of barrel is the same. 😉

[@troystaunton254]

Cappy from tasks and purposes is awesome. Also habitual line crosser is awesome if you want to laugh and keep up with geopolitics

[@videonaj]

As an Australian I have never seen a Fosters. I have tried nearly every brand on the shelves and never seen a Fosters. I'm guessing it was cheap and nasty and went out of business a long time ago.

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

Yes he did call Australia, Austria!

[@awolffromamongus875]

Haha. Whyalla's "Westlands Shopping Centre"! Crackheads beware 😂😂

[@user-kq5ke5yb6k]

One would expect the military rankings to be: USA > UK > Canada > Australia > NZ But the real rankings are: USA > UK > Australia > Canada > NZ

[@artistjoh]

Canada was once much more powerful, but decades of dithering and not wanting to spend money has wrecked their military and they continue to slide down the rankings. Both Canada and New Zealand suffer from the little brother syndrome. They both think they can cheap out on military spending in the belief that their big brother close neighbor will save them if necessary. This is very shortsighted, because in the event of a major conflict, probably with China and Russia, Australia and the US will be stretch just defending their own territory. They will do all they can to defend their little brothers, but realistically that won't always be possible. Both Canada and New Zealand need to invest in submarines, and New Zealand needs to plan on replacing frigates and buying jet fighters (F16 would be a good choice.) This is urgent and needs to be done yesterday.

[@mangoandguavafruitsmoothie4352]

@@artistjoh dude. There like 5 million of us only in NZ, we dont have that kind of $$. However I do agree that our military needs better gear. Our training is (or was atleast) pretty damned good,just need the toys.

[@artistjoh]

@@mangoandguavafruitsmoothie4352 That is nonsense. Finland has the same size economy as New Zealand. They are currently replacing their 62 F18 Hornets with 64 F35. Singapore, which has about the same population as New Zealand has one of the most powerful militaries in the region. The idea that New Zealand cannot afford reasonable defense is propaganda BS from political parties who choose to cheap out on defense and keep their fingers crossed that Australia’s citizens, who do make the necessary sacrifices to have credible defense, will spend some of their own hard earned cash on defending you. Doesn’t sound reasonable when you put it like that does it? There is almost certainly, also a Chinese influence operation in effect, that is encouraging the asinine idea that you cannot afford it. It benefits an authoritarian regime under Xi that appears hell bent on dominating the region, and maybe, eventually the World. Australia already experienced a Chinese attempt to wage economic war. Despite lots of threats about making Australia a missile target, China was surprised that not only did they damage their own economy, but Australia embarked on a military expansion program. We cannot afford a huge military, like China is building, but we can make ourselves sufficiently credible to stand up for our selves and be independent long term. After China’s initial bluster over the nuclear submarine program, Australia/China relations have improved dramatically. Their previous bullying has subsided. Presumably due to the stronger defense posture. It is not about a lot of absolute dollars. Around the world, most countries accept that 2% of GDP is reasonable as a defense spending level. New Zealand can easily afford to do that. It simply chooses to not do it, and sponge off other countries to put it bluntly. 2% would buy you a couple of dozen F16, three or four new frigates, three or four submarines, a defense maintenance industry that would be good for the economy, and a priceless amount of national pride. Plus the ability, if China at some point tries to cut off cargo shipping through South East Asia, to contribute meaningfully to the multinational effort to face up to the bigger enemy and keep our imports and exports flowing. Sorry to be so blunt, but this is the new reality we are facing. Twenty years ago New Zealand could get away with the ‘we can’t afford it’ BS. We were all complacent once the Soviet Union fell. We are now in a very different world. While it is Russia that is actually invading other countries, China is a far greater long term threat. They are militarily bullying the Philippines and Vietnam, and you have your head in the sand if you do not see where this is headed. None of us, including New Zealand, has any choice but to make the necessary sacrifices and invest in defense. 2% is a reasonable expectation. Back in the ANZAC days, New Zealand was proud of the size and quality of its defense forces relative to its small size. Recent governments have gutted that proud history. We all want to see you regain some of that fighting spirit and rejoin the international reality. As an import/export nation you cannot keep on thinking that what happens in the world has nothing to do with you.

[@sergiozammel8261]

@@artistjoh I really can't understand the perceived wastage of equipment in OZ. We are entering a period of great instability. We went and sold the legacy F18 's to Canada, which is fine but all those platforms like the tiger heli , and the Anzac class frigates would be better arming our relied upon neighbours..IMO. We could have worked out a deal on these, same as bushmasters sent to youcrane. We need everything here !!! Also for New Zealand the Sth Koreans have made a small jet fighter FT 50 I think ..This would be a good cheap aircraft to have as a trainer and light attack. for NZ. And yes F16 also would be a great choice for NZ.

[@grahamy3400]

It is interesting that NZ dropped the Steyr and went for the M4.

[@logic.and.reasoning]

F youtube censorship

[@cl1ff892]

Ef88 not to bad. Old one is shite. Can't adjust a bullpup buttstock. M4 is better

[@perryschafer5996]

How do they accommodate left-handers?

[@jemxs]

The Steyr is easily converted to lefthand fire. There is an ejection port on both sides. The one not in use has a cover over it. To make it left hand fire you need a slide configured with a L H extractor to left hand fire!

[@Buck_T]

just switch the port

[@chadjcrase]

I hate all bullpups, but from someone who has never even fired an assault rifle, I know my opinion counts for nothing. 😉

[@jobajo7418]

I think you need to do the colour grade. The screen looks grey-tone and pale.

[@AndyTran-j7z]

at least lm glad task and purpose lm glad say mate

[@steveevans4565]

How can you trust your life with an inferior weapon made in another country

[@diggergaming7174]

I made a video on this from my perspective using this weapon if anyone would like to check it out

[@andrewbayada2475]

I have heard the Ukrainian army also uses this weapon. Can anyone say one way or the other?

[@adamparker9765]

They would be using any weapon they can get their hands on . However they actually have their own locally produced Bullpup rifle . All its internals are basically an AK 47 but its squeezed into a plastic bullpup stock making a pretty good weapon . Im pretty certain its in 7.62 X 49 , the older soviet chambering , not the 5.45mm

[@MowMowMowDiittyMow]

Good things...weve given 120 Bushmasters to the Ukraine and spent in the vicinty of 890 million taxpayer dollars in their aid. I guess Aussies are happy to see their money spent on worthwhile thing, we'd love to be supporting war while we are in a cost of living crisis. And yes I'm sure he said "Austrian" when he meant to say Australian. And the weak ass reference to offical documents because it has a Kangaroo on it. Brah? Put the link in the descrption. Otherwise this comes off as propagandist

[@captaindouchebag1703]

It's almost a Simpson's gag.....An Austrian Rifle adopted by the Australian Army!

[@markdowse3572]

We Aussies have rather UNIQUE needs for our standard military gear, given the size of our nation, local temperatures 🔥 and where we all live. We have to choose carefully... A modular weapon with a 42-round mag is certainly handy! 😁👍 Special Forces, in contrast to basic and LOCAL infantry, must be more selective - they work GLOBALLY. M 🦘🏏😎

[@adambydand1214]

Funny you should say that... the Marines on Rotational Detachment Darwin salivate over the Patrol Order gear our infantry gets... JPC carriers, Wendy EXFIL helmets, Crye-type uniforms...

[@adamparker9765]

The only Steyr that has a 42 round mag is the AR version . The standard is a 30 round mag . But it is cool that its translucent enough to see how many rounds you have left . Being plastic it was surprising just how reliable they were .