I have my eyes set on a Steyr SBS with synthetic stock and 20-inch barrel in .308. What's the difference between the Steyr SBS ProHunter and SBS Tactical rifles? I can see that the bolt handles are different, and that the bolt is blackened on the Tactical series. Their prices are very different, though. For example, the Steyr SBS Tactical is $949 ($999 for the Heavy Barrel Carbine), but the Steyr SBS ProHunter Mountain is $739. What gives?
Steyr SBS ProHunter vs Tactical?
- Thread starter lunde
- Start date
slickpuppy
New member
Lunde,
I was considering them myself about 6 months or so ago. To me, it looked like the major difference was the stock. I was looking at the SBS Tactical McMillan model with the capability of using 10 round mags.
I thought the Hunter model was not capable of using the 10 round mags or didn't come with them.
I put it on a backburner after calling up a few distributors. At the time they were telling me the mags were impossible to get and the rifle would be backordered for a long time.
I was considering them myself about 6 months or so ago. To me, it looked like the major difference was the stock. I was looking at the SBS Tactical McMillan model with the capability of using 10 round mags.
I thought the Hunter model was not capable of using the 10 round mags or didn't come with them.
I put it on a backburner after calling up a few distributors. At the time they were telling me the mags were impossible to get and the rifle would be backordered for a long time.
The Steyr/GSI 2000 catalogs state that the 10-round magazine kit is optional for the ProHunter models. For me, if the only difference between the ProHunter Mountain and Tactical is the black bolt and bolt handle shape, I am inclined to get the ProHunter Mountain, which retails for $260 less. That's the price of the scope I plan to use with it (Weaver V16). I availability is an issue, I am considering a Remington LTR or VS in .308.
700PSS Shooter
New member
The black tactical stock increases accuracy to 1/10th MOA and looks "kewl". 
Just kidding!!
I handled a short tactical and thought what a nice deer gun. I liked the bolt handle. Dealer was willing to go $825 for it. I saw a wood stocked hunter this weekend and was also very impressed.
However I am a Remington 700 fan. The VS (and PSS) is in a whole different weight class from the Steyr short tactical and LTR.
Just kidding!!I handled a short tactical and thought what a nice deer gun. I liked the bolt handle. Dealer was willing to go $825 for it. I saw a wood stocked hunter this weekend and was also very impressed.
However I am a Remington 700 fan. The VS (and PSS) is in a whole different weight class from the Steyr short tactical and LTR.
Lunde,
The $250 or so difference in the cost is made up in the extended magazine well and the 10-round magazine that the Tactical comes with. You CAN get the mag well and magazine separately, and add them to the mountain gun, though.
I'd get the mountain gun, and if you decide later that you've just GOT to have that 10-round magazine then you can add it on. But you can't drop the weight off that tactical and turn it into a sweet little hunting rig like the mountain version already is.
The $250 or so difference in the cost is made up in the extended magazine well and the 10-round magazine that the Tactical comes with. You CAN get the mag well and magazine separately, and add them to the mountain gun, though.
I'd get the mountain gun, and if you decide later that you've just GOT to have that 10-round magazine then you can add it on. But you can't drop the weight off that tactical and turn it into a sweet little hunting rig like the mountain version already is.
slickpuppy
New member
Thanks for the memory jog on the mags guys. The Steyr is one sweet looking rifle. I know 700PSS loves his Remingtons and I don't blame him, but, the Steyr is one slick little rifle.
[This message has been edited by slickpuppy (edited October 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by slickpuppy (edited October 16, 2000).]
I found a place that sells the Steyr SBS ProHunter Mountain in .308 for $599.46, so I'm going with that one. GSI also confirmed that the only differences between this rifle and the Steyr SBS Tactical is exactly as I described earlier (and also that the magazine holds 4 rounds instead of 10, and that the word "Tactical" is engraved on the receiver). Best of all, the scope that I was planning to mount on this rifle is one that my father has a spare, and he'll send it to me.
[This message has been edited by lunde (edited October 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by lunde (edited October 16, 2000).]
Judas D'Winter
Inactive
I believe one more difference is the trigger. The Hunter versions are single stage while the Tactical versions are 2-stage. Still might not be worth the money for some folks.
JD
JD