View source for Steyr SSG 69

{{Short description|7.62 mm sniper rifle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Steyr SSG 69
| image              = Steyr SSG 69.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Steyr SSG 69 PI
| origin             = Austria
| type               = [[Sniper rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1969–present<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn21-e.htm|title=Modern Firearms|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901214440/http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn21-e.htm|archive-date=1 September 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
| used_by            = see ''[[Steyr SSG 69#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = [[Lebanese Civil War]]<br/>[[Sino-Vietnamese War]]<br/>[[Salvadoran Civil War]]<br/>[[Croatian War of Independence]]<br/>[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3jbNepN6kM&t=9m40s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/y3jbNepN6kM |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Ground Zero: Syria (Part 7) – Snipers of Aleppo – YouTube|publisher=youtube.com|access-date=5 September 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><br/>[[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)]]<br/>[[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]<br/>[[Saudi–Yemeni border conflict (2015–present)]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[Steyr Mannlicher]]
| production_date    = 1969–2015
| number             = 
| variants           = SSG 69 PI, SSG 69 PII, SSG 69 PIV
<!-- General specifications -->| weight             = {{convert|4|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} (SSG 69 PI)<br /> {{convert|4.2|kg|abbr=on}} (SSG 69 PII)<br /> {{convert|3.8|kg|abbr=on}} (SSG 69 PIV)
| length             = 1,140&nbsp;mm (44.9 in) (SSG 69 PI)<br /> 1,190&nbsp;mm (46.8 in) (SSG 69 PII)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/en/sporting-weapons/steyr-ssg-69/technical-data/|title=STEYR SSG 69 technical data|access-date=14 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810215335/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/en/sporting-weapons/steyr-ssg-69/technical-data/|archive-date=10 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br /> {{convert|1003|mm|abbr=on|1}} (SSG 69 PIV)
| part_length        = {{convert|650|mm|abbr=on|1}} (SSG 69 PI, SSG 69 PII)<br /> {{convert|409|mm|abbr=on|1}} (SSG 69 PIV)
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[7.62×51mm NATO]]/[[.308 Winchester]], [[.243 Winchester]], [[.22-250 Remington]] (SSG 69 PII)<ref>{{cite book|last=Hogg |first=Ian |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 1989–90, 15th Edition |publisher=Jane's Information Group |year=1989 |isbn=0-7106-0889-6 |page=125}}</ref>
| action             = [[Bolt-action]]
| velocity           = varies by type of round used
| range              = {{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
| max_range          = {{convert|3700|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
| feed               = 5-round [[Magazine (firearms)#Rotary|rotary magazine]]
| sights             = iron sights on SSG 69 PI<br/>telescopic sight
}}
The '''SSG 69''' ('''''S'''charf'''s'''chützen'''g'''ewehr 69'', literally Sharpshooter Rifle 69) is a [[bolt-action]] [[sniper rifle]] produced by [[Steyr Mannlicher]] that is the standard sniper rifle for the [[Military of Austria|Austrian Army]].<ref name="bmlv.gv.at">{{cite web|url=http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffen/waf_ssg69.shtml|website=Bundesheer – Waffen und Gerät|title=Scharfschützengewehr 69|publisher=Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107172515/http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffen/waf_ssg69.shtml|archive-date=7 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
Designed as a sniper system to replace the [[Karabiner_98k#Austrian_modification_and_use_as_SSG_98k_sniper_rifle|SSG 98k sniper rifle (modified and accurized surplus Karabiner 98k rifles)]] and adopted in 1969 (hence the designation), it was ahead of its time with the use of synthetics like the stock, trigger guard, and magazines and cold hammer-forged barrels for durability. Aside from being the Austrian Army's standard issue sniper rifle, it is also used by several law enforcement organizations. For its era and weight, it is extremely accurate and several international competitions have been won using an SSG-69 with accuracy being sub 0.15&nbsp;[[milliradian|mrad]] (0.5 [[Minute and second of arc|moa]]).

In 2015 Steyr ended production of the SSG 69.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/02/23/steyr-ssg-69-retired/|title=Steyr SSG 69 Being Retired|date=2015-02-23|work=The Firearm Blog|access-date=2018-07-10|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711025630/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/02/23/steyr-ssg-69-retired/|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Design==
The [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] and [[Gun barrel|barrel]] were designed to provide maximum strength for minimum weight. For this the bolt action uses three pairs of rear-locking lugs (in common with the [[Lee–Enfield#Short Magazine Lee–Enfield Mk I|SMLE]]), rather than the more common front-locking lugs. This, and the fact that it is only produced in the 'short action' length, limits the chambering to non-magnum calibres. The bolt opening angle of 60 degrees is beneficial for mounting aiming optics relatively low over the receiver, and the receiver is prepared to accept the bases of SSG (quick detach) optical sight mounts.

The [[cold forming|cold hammer forged]] barrel features a 304.8 mm (1 in 12 inch) twist rate to adequately stabilize the military 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition of the era. This twist rate is slow for optimally stabilizing not at the time available 7.62×51mm NATO sniping rounds loaded with {{convert|11.34|g|gr|0|adj=on}} Hollow Point Boat Tail projectiles.

The fiber glass reinforced [[ABS plastic|ABS polymer]] stock features removable spacers to adjust the length of pull and an accessory rail on the forearm bottom for mounting a bipod. The choice for a synthetic stock was remarkable, as other sniper rifles at the time were still using wood stocks. The trigger is user adjustable for trigger weight and travel.

[[File:Bolt action rifle feed.PNG|thumb|Diagram of the rotary 5-round SSG 69 magazine]]

The standard polycarbonate resin (branded as Makrolon by Bayer) detachable magazine features a 5-round [[Rotary magazine|rotary design]] that fits flush with the stock, although a 10-round staggered box is available as an accessory. Both are transparent-backed, immediately showing remaining capacity. Even though spool magazines are unusual in military rifles, Steyr-Mannlicher produced [[Mannlicher–Schönauer]] rifles with one from early 1900s until 1972.

The Austrian military combined the SSG 69 PI with the [[Swarovski Optik|Kahles]] ZF 69 6×42 [[telescopic sight]] as an optical sight for their snipers. Later the similar Kahles ZF 84 10×42 telescopic sight was also offered. These optical sights on customer request can feature a [[Telescopic sight#Bullet drop compensation|Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) elevation turret]] tuned for the [[external ballistics|ballistic trajectory]] of a particular gun-[[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] combination  with a predefined [[projectile]] weight/type, [[muzzle velocity]] and [[air density]] at ranges. 

The ZF 69 sights BDC used by the Austrian military was calibrated from {{convert|100|-|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments up to {{convert|300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|50|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments from {{convert|350|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} upwards with {{convert|9.3|g|gr|1|adj=on}} 7.62×51mm NATO [[7.62×51mm NATO#Belgium|ammunition]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slideshare.net/Optics-Trade/instructions-kahles-zf-95-zf-84-optics-trade|title=Instructions KAHLES ZF 95, ZF 84|date=15 December 2014}}</ref>

== Variants ==
There were several SSG variants made with differences in barrel diameter and the presence of back up iron sights and cosmetic differences like the stock colour, the only conspicuous anomaly being the SSG-PIV using a 409&nbsp;mm barrel with a 254&nbsp;mm (1 in 10 inches) twist designed to handle heavy [[subsonic ammunition]] in conjunction with a suppressor.<ref>[https://www.ebay.com/itm/362918952222 1986 STEYR MANNLICHER Marksman & Match UIT, Luxus RIFLE AD]</ref>

The SSG action was used in the civilian SSG Match UIT international 300 m target rifle – the international shooting union was known as the UIT back then, today the [[International Shooting Sport Federation]]  (ISSF) – that featured a free floating heavy barrel, walnut wood half stock and a Walther [[Diopter sight|target diopter]] and [[globe sight]] line.<ref>[https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/steyr/13198/match-uit/ Steyr Match UIT]</ref>

== Users ==
[[File:Steyr SSG 69 Users.png|thumb|Map with SSG 69 users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

* {{flag|Argentina}}: Used by the [[Argentine Army]].<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
* {{flag|Austria}}: In use by the [[Austrian Federal Army|Austrian Army]] and [[EKO Cobra]].<ref name="bmlv.gv.at" /><ref name="meyr1999">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/security/law_enforcement/news/ipi/ipi0312.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080301103639/http://www.janes.com/security/law_enforcement/news/ipi/ipi0312.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 1, 2008 |title=Special Weapons for Counter-terrorist Units |author=Meyr, Eitan |date=January 6, 1999 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |website=Jane's — Law Enforcement |access-date=26 September 2009 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Chile}}<ref name="gander1995">Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996''. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-1241-0}}.</ref>
* {{flag|China}}: Limited use in [[Sino-Vietnamese War]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-07|title=SSG69狙击枪, 我国第一批购入专业狙击枪, 用于对越自卫|url=http://mini.eastday.com/mobile/170224211343232.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707201603/http://mini.eastday.com/mobile/170224211343232.html|archive-date=2018-07-07|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-27}}</ref>
* {{flag|Croatia}}: Used by the Croatian Armed Forces Military Police.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CROATIA - NATO MP COE |url=https://www.mpcoe.org/CROATIA |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=www.mpcoe.org}}</ref>
* {{flag|El Salvador}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Infantry Weapons of the Salvadoran Forces|magazine=Small Arms Review|volume=3|issue=8|date=May 2000|first=Julio A.|last=Montes|url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=3006|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230730/http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=3006|archive-date=19 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iceland}}: Used by the [[Icelandic Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web |title=MP-5, Glock, AR-15 og fallbyssur - Sjáðu vopnalista Landhelgisgæslunnar í heild sinni |url=https://www.dv.is/frettir/2020/09/16/mp-5-glock-ar-15-og-fallbyssur-sjadu-vopnalista-landhelgisgaeslunnar-heild-sinni/ |website=DV |access-date=13 December 2023 |language=is |date=16 September 2020}}</ref> and [[Víkingasveitin]].
* {{flag|India}}: Used by the [[Border Security Force|BSF]] ,ITBP and [[Commando Battalion for Resolute Action|COBRA(CRPF)]].<ref name="hindustantimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/anti-naxal-ops-snipers-make-maiden-entry/story-aQ3G60DffEsy8kAI8sg0SI.html|title=Hindustan times|date=21 August 2011 |access-date=20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225621/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/anti-naxal-ops-snipers-make-maiden-entry/story-aQ3G60DffEsy8kAI8sg0SI.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: Used by the [[Indonesian Army]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yonif Raider 509 Kostrad Latihan Menembak Senjata Kelompok Lintas Lengkung dan Penembak Runduk |url=https://kostrad.mil.id/post_kegiatan/yonif-raider-509-kostrad-latihan-menembak-senjata-kelompok-lintas-lengkung-dan-penembak-runduk/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=Kostrad |language=id}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ireland}}: [[Garda Emergency Response Unit]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/special-weapons/ireland%E2%80%99s-army-rangers/|title=IRELAND'S ARMY RANGERS|work=Tactical Life|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002100321/http://www.tactical-life.com/special-weapons/ireland%E2%80%99s-army-rangers/|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garda.ie/Documents/User/col_yr_bk_english.pdf|title=Garda College Yearbook listing weapons training on page 66|access-date=11 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124082839/http://www.garda.ie/Documents/User/col_yr_bk_english.pdf|archive-date=24 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Israel}}: Used by [[YAMAM]] in 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SSG 69|url=https://isayeret.com/content/weapons/sws/ssg69/article.shtml|url-access=subscription|website=Isayeret}}</ref>
* {{flag|Jordan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Netherlands}}: [[Netherlands Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dutchmarines.nl/materieel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330223209/http://www.dutchmarines.nl/materieel|url-status=dead|title=Materiel of the Netherlands Marine Corps (Dutch)|archive-date=30 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchdefencepress.com/?p=1350|title=Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, Dutch core Expeditionary Force|date=4 January 2001 |access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117134851/http://www.dutchdefencepress.com/?p=1350|archive-date=17 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Pakistan}}: Used by the [[Pakistan Army]].<ref name="PK91919">{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/ |title=Pakistan Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012004559/http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/ |archive-date=12 October 2013 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Peru}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Poland}}<ref>{{cite book|last = Kochański| first = Stanisław | title = Brygady antyterrorystyczne Operacje Uzbrojenie | publisher = SIGMA [[Polish Federation of Engineering Associations|NOT]]| year = 1992| isbn =83-85001-66-2}}</ref>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.snipercentral.com/steyr-ssg-69-pi/ | title=Steyr SSG-69 Pi | date=3 November 2020 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Singapore}}<ref>{{Citation | title = With the Tenacity of Termites | newspaper = Pioneer | pages = 23 | date = 1 October 1986  }}</ref>
* {{flag|Republic of Korea}}: Used by [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]]<ref>{{cite web |date=18 August 2011 |title=ݿ ù ߵƴ |url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011081807265620151 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129053541/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011081807265620151 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Syria}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Togo}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|United States}}: In use with [[BORTAC]] ([[United States Border Patrol]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/steyr_ssg_69.htm|title=Steyr SSG 69 - Sniper rifle|access-date=2018-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705124912if_/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/steyr_ssg_69.htm|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Steyr SSG69.jpg|The SSG 69 (PI) with Kahles ZF 69 6×42 telescopic sight as issued to the Austrian military.
File:Steyr ssg 69 verschluss.jpg|The SSG 69 bolt-action.
File:Steyr SSG 69 PII.jpg|The SSG 69 PII heavy barrel variant without iron sights tailored toward law enforcement use.
File:Steyr SSG 69 PIV.jpg|The SSG 69 PIV silenced variant.
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[GOL Sniper Magnum]]
*[[SSG 82]]
* [[Steyr HS .50]]
* [[Steyr Scout]]
* [[Remington Model 700]]
* [[M24 Sniper Weapon System]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|SSG_69}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090417231202/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/en/sportwaffen/steyr-ssg-69/ Steyr Mannlicher official page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716143806/http://www.steyrarms.com/fileadmin/user/pdf/SSG_69_PI_PII_PIIK_PIV.pdf Steyr SSG 69 manual]
* [https://modernfirearms.net/en/sniper-rifles/standart-caliber-rifles/austria-standart-caliber-rifles/steyr-ssg-69-eng/ Modern Firearms]
* [https://snipercentral.com/ssgp1.htm SSG 69 PI at Sniper Central]

{{Steyr Mannlicher}}

[[Category:7.62×51mm NATO rifles]]
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles]]
[[Category:Sniper rifles of Austria]]
[[Category:Rotary magazine firearms]]