The names Steyr and Steiner need no introduction in the shooting world. Both firms have a reputation for excellence dating back many years. Inyathi Sporting Supplies, importer of the two brands, supplied me with a Steyr Mannlicher CL II rifle chambered in .375 Holland & Holland, to which they fitted a Steiner Ranger 4 telescope with a 2,5-10x50 magnification.
THE RIFLE
In true Steyr fashion, the elegantly spiralled barrel is reminiscent of the brand and has a very appealing matt finish. It is hammer-forged, measures 22” and has a 1-in-12” twist rate. It is free-floated right up to the action and lacks a discernible Nock’s form. The models sold on the European market come standard with a muzzle brake for the magnum calibres, whereas the rifles imported for our local market do not feature one.
The rifle has open sights and is very much a European arrangement, featuring a white, inverted V-section below the U-notch, which is flanked by two green fibre-optic-type pins. It is obviously intended for European low-light conditions. It is adjustable for windage by loosening a small screw to the rear of the sight. The front sight bead is a red pin. It is adjustable for elevation by pushing down on the rearward side of the spring-loaded sight and loosening or tightening a screw in the base that elevates or lowers the sight.
The bolt features four twin opposing lockingtype look. When cocked, the firing pin protrudes a few millimetres from the back of the bolt shroud and gives tactile confirmation of the status of the rifle. In very low light or darkness, simply slide your thumb over the bolt shroud and you will feel the » » rear of the firing pin when cocked.
