Steyr-Mannlicher Tropen?

[Gun Barrel Ecologist]

Tropen = Tropical

Do you mean the .375H&H rear locker that has been grey imported and advertised at a premium price for a 10 yo firearm?

The SBS classics retailed new from $2500 upwards in Australia, but like many items some came cheap via Frankonia and others via the "official" importer. $2000 for an "as new" 8x68 is good value, it might be "cheap" for an unused because of availability of ammo, or expensive if well used and the owner thinks it is something special...

[Dom]

I bought the Steyr Tropen, 375H&H about 6 years ago, cost at that time was $1700- U.S. It is a rear locker with 6 lugs, a very nice set trigger, rotary flush magazine, and a heavy weight. Topped it with a Docter Optic 1.5-6x42 in EAWs. Shoots both 300gr A Frames and 270gr TSX excellent. It is a nice rifle and I don't regret getting it, barrel is thick and when I worked loads I found myself amazed with the accuracy, and remember thinking, damn, this tack driver throws them in there as good as my Hornet


Not something you would really want to drag over hill and dale unless you are young and strong. It pulled out a super performance in Africa, though 3 hours dragging it over a couple mountains after a Hartman's (Mountain) Zebra was taxing Hope this helps in your decision, depending on the dollar rate would think you can dicker on the price a bit though, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[NE450No2]

The Steyr "rear lockers" as they have been called here are excellent shooters. I have had a few and shot several over the years, including the excellent SSG.

They are one of the most accurate factory rifles ever made IMHO, no matter what the calibre.

One of the reasons I like the Blaser R 93 is they shoot as good as the Steyrs, and do all the "other" things that R 93's do.

[Biebs]

Can't beat a Steyr for accuracy. I had a plain 'ole gray synthetic SBS in 308 when they first came out. It shot in the .2's with Hornady Light Mag 150gr SSTs. Great rifles.

[Gun Barrel Ecologist]

The "rear locker" comment wasn't made to denigrate the L, M, S & SSG 69 Steyrs but to point out the relative age of the Tropen compared with the front locking SBS Classic & Prohunter series which have been in production for approx 10 years by my calculation.

I have seen one or perhaps 2 .375H&H Tropens on sale in Australia since 2000, always priced >$3500 for "new" or "as new" and on the shelves of a gunshop that I dont trust the proprietors of.

Although the Steyr is something that you shouldn't require after sales support or parts in a hurry for, my reaction when looking over the rifle has been "that is overpriced for something no longer in production"

And some may have noticed from my other posts, there are a couple of Steyr's residing in my safe

[NE450No2]

While I did like my Steyr rifles I like the R 93's much better.

[NE450No2]

D99

Yes for me they are.

Here is why. On many of my cross country trips I am doing many things.

I can carry 2 R 93 recievers and multiple barrels in a lot less space than I could carry a bunch of guns.

For instance:
For prairie dogs in Wyoming, on the way up and back, a 223 bbl.
For shooting with Aleko in SLC and in LA with some LEO Snipers, or teaching a school in Idaho, a 308 Match barrel.
For hunting bears in Idaho over bait a 375 H&H Tracker.
For Idaho elk, or spot and stalk bear a 300 Win Mag barrel.
For plinking around the cabin the 22LR "kit".
For grouse the 28ga barrel.

[Dom]

I would never say that I like the R93 better than anything, I had the R93 bug for a while and ended up with 5 of the things, and 12 barrels. Now I have zero.

I like lots of different rifles for different reasons. Change barrel guns are great, but are they better than having 2 complete rifles?

Yes, for me too, especially if you are flying somewhere. The ability to take two barrels, two scopes, one 'rifle' and pack it all in a short Pelican can't be beat in my book. And, no sighting in required, one day 243, the next 300 and so on. That is a big plus for me! Taking two complete rifles nowadays equals get out your VISA and start paying excess weight at the airline counter Now if you only drive to your hunting locations, taking two complete rifles is not an issue.