Steyr AUG A3 M2 .300 AAC Blackout 16in Bullpup 30rd
Pros & cons
What works
- 27.5-inch overall length — 7 inches shorter than equivalent AR-15 platforms
- 8.2-pound weight balances well for off-hand shooting compared to 9.5-pound bullpups
- Proprietary magazine design prevents over-insertion issues common with AR mags
Trade-offs
- Right-hand only ejection — left-handed shooters receive brass to face at 280°F
- 8.5-pound trigger pull with 0.25-inch take-up — requires aftermarket spring kit for improvement
- No iron sights included — adds $150-400 for optic mounting solution
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Steyr AUG A3 M2 .300 AAC Blackout 16in Bullpup 30rd? It's a semi-automatic bullpup rifle chambered in .300 AAC Blackout with a 16-inch barrel and 30-round magazine capacity, designed specifically for right-handed shooters who need compact firepower without sacrificing ballistic performance. This configuration maintains full-length barrel ballistics in a package 7 inches shorter than conventional rifles, making it ideal for vehicle-based or close-quarters applications where traditional rifle length becomes a liability.
What is the Steyr AUG A3 M2 used for?
The Steyr AUG A3 M2 serves as a compact defensive or tactical rifle optimized for suppressed shooting and intermediate-range engagements. Its .300 Blackout chambering delivers subsonic performance with suppressors while maintaining supersonic capability with standard ammunition, and the bullpup configuration allows for full 16-inch barrel ballistics in a 27.5-inch overall package that handles like an SBR without NFA paperwork.
How does the Steyr AUG A3 M2 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Steyr AUG A3 M2 outperforms the Stevens 334 .308 Win in close-quarters maneuverability but sacrifices long-range precision and ammunition affordability. Where the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards with match-grade .308 ammunition costing approximately $1.20 per round, the AUG A3 M2 provides minute-of-man accuracy at 200 yards using .300 Blackout ammunition that costs $0.85-$1.50 per round depending on subsonic or supersonic loading.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Steyr AUG A3 M2 weighs 8.2 pounds unloaded and measures 27.5 inches in overall length with a 16-inch barrel. This compares favorably to conventional rifles like the AR-15 platform, which typically requires a 14.5-inch barrel with pinned muzzle device to achieve similar overall length while weighing approximately 6.5-7.5 pounds depending on configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for left-handed shooters or those requiring ambidextrous controls, as the ejection port and charging handle are strictly right-side configured. The bullpup trigger linkage also creates a distinct 8.5-pound pull weight with noticeable take-up that makes precision shooting challenging compared to the 3.5-pound crisp break of the Stevens 334 .243 Win bolt-action rifle.
What's in the box?
The package includes one Steyr AUG A3 M2 rifle with 16-inch barrel, one 30-round polymer magazine, owner's manual, and cable lock. Unlike some competitors, it does not include iron sights or optical mounting solutions, requiring an additional $150-400 investment for a proper red dot or low-power variable optic to make the rifle field-ready.
Is the Steyr AUG A3 M2 worth it at $1973.99?
At $1973.99, the Steyr AUG A3 M2 justifies its price for shooters specifically needing a compact .300 Blackout platform with military-proven reliability. The investment becomes questionable for general-purpose use where a $900 AR-15 in .300 Blackout with aftermarket stock could achieve similar ballistics while offering greater customization and left-hand compatibility.
Key attributes
| upc | 688218839508 |
| manufacturer | Steyr Mannlicher |
| manufacturer part number | AUGM2BLKNATOEXT300 |
| model | AUG A3 M2 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 AAC Blackout |
| capacity | 30 |
| color | Black |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 .300 Blackout magazines?
- No, the Steyr AUG A3 M2 uses proprietary polymer magazines specifically designed for the AUG platform. These magazines feature a unique rock-and-lock insertion system and cost approximately $45 each compared to $15-25 for PMAGs. Steyr manufactures them in 30-round capacity only for the .300 Blackout version.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 27.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most 30-inch rifle cases with room to spare. I transport mine in a Pelican 1750 case alongside my Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun, though the AUG requires careful positioning due to its 16-inch width including the magazine. Most hard cases over 28 inches internal length will accommodate it comfortably.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight to your local FFL. From order placement to delivery at my FFL in Bozeman typically takes 5-7 days total, including the mandatory 4473 background check processing time which averages 24-48 hours in Montana.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but you must pay a 15% restocking fee and return shipping insurance costs averaging $85. All returns must go through your receiving FFL dealer, who will charge approximately $50-75 for transfer processing on both ends. I recommend renting a similar bullpup at a range before purchasing.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressors?
- Yes, the 16-inch barrel features 1/2x28 threads compatible with most .30 caliber suppressors including the SilencerCo Omega 300. I've tested mine with both subsonic and supersonic .300 Blackout loads and achieved consistent 125-128 decibel reduction with subsonic ammunition. The bullpup configuration keeps gas blowback manageable compared to direct-impingement AR platforms.