The Austrian firm of Steyr Arms (as they are now known) has a history of innovation and excellence dating back to 1864. Their latest innovation, the Steyr Monobloc that was released in 2019, continues this tradition. The Monobloc derives its name from the design – the barrel and receiver are manufactured from a single piece of metal instead of the conventional bolt-action design with a barrel screwed onto the action. Theoretically, this could improve inherent accuracy as the possible misalignment of surfaces, as well as the different reactions to heat and cold, both of which could have a significant impact on accuracy, is avoided.
Ex-factory sub-MOA accuracy is guaranteed by the manufacturer. It also requires slightly less metal in total than a traditional bolt-action design, thus saving a little bit of weight. One must assume that it is considerably more expensive to manufacture, as is evident from the price tag. The obvious question, though, is what one is supposed to do with the rifle if the barrel is worn out? But more on this later.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
At first glance, it is obvious that Steyr intended the rifle to be a flagship model. The attention to detail, surface finishing and fit are of the highest order – right in line with what we have come to expect from the brand with a
