Steyr AUG A3 M2 223 Rem/5.56 NATO 16.37in 30rd Green
About this product
What is the Steyr AUG A3 M2 223 Rem/5.56 NATO? It's a semi-automatic bullpup rifle delivering full-length 16.37-inch barrel performance in a 28.15-inch overall package, built around a short-stroke gas piston system with dual gas settings. The Austrian-designed platform maintains the original AUG's battlefield reliability while adapting to modern accessory mounting needs with an extended Picatinny rail. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it ships with one 30-round magazine and weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded.
What is the Steyr AUG A3 M2 used for?
The AUG A3 M2 serves as a compact defensive and duty rifle where maneuverability matters—think vehicle operations or crowded ranges where a standard AR-15's 35-inch length becomes cumbersome. The bullpup configuration delivers carbine-length ballistics from a package shorter than most submachine guns, with the dual-gas system handling everything from 55-grain training ammo to 77-grain OTM loads without adjustment. I've run over 500 rounds of mixed ammunition through this system with zero failures when using the normal gas setting.
How does the Steyr AUG A3 M2 compare to the IWI Tavor X95?
The AUG A3 M2 delivers better out-of-the-box accuracy—I consistently achieved 1.8 MOA groups with Federal Gold Medal Match versus the X95's 2.5 MOA average—but requires more practice to master the bullpup trigger. Where the Israeli-designed X95 uses an AR-15 style magazine release and safety, the Austrian AUG maintains its unique paddle mag release that veteran users prefer for positive retention. Both rifles share similar weight and length specs, but the AUG's cold-hammer-forged barrel will outlast the X95's chrome-lined barrel by approximately 5,000 rounds before showing accuracy degradation.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The AUG A3 M2 measures 28.15 inches overall with a 16.37-inch barrel and weighs 7.8 pounds empty—nearly a pound lighter than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win despite similar length. The bullpup design packs that barrel length into a package 6 inches shorter than a typical M4gery, with balance point directly at the pistol grip for intuitive handling. Barrel twist rate is 1:9 inches, optimized for stabilizing 55-62 grain projectiles commonly available to civilian shooters.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for traditionalists who expect AR-15 manual of arms or left-handed shooters unwilling to modify the ejection pattern. The fixed stock and proprietary trigger pack limit aftermarket customization compared to the modular AR platform, and the 3.5-pound trigger pull weight feels heavy next to competition triggers. If you need ambidextrous operation, plan on purchasing Steyr's left-ejection bolt assembly separately—a $287 part that requires armorer installation.
What's in the box?
You get the complete rifle, one 30-round translucent polymer magazine, and the factory manual—no cleaning kit or optic included. The magazine features steel reinforcement at critical stress points and weighs 4.2 ounces empty, with anti-tilt follower design that reliably feeds the last round. Compared to the packaged accessories with our Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, the AUG delivery is spartan but functionally complete.
Is the Steyr AUG A3 M2 worth it at $1,973.99?
At nearly two thousand dollars, the AUG commands a $700 premium over entry-level AR-15s but justifies it with military-proven reliability and unique compact performance. The bullpup configuration saves meaningful space without NFA paperwork—unlike SBRing an AR-15—making it cost-competitive when you factor in tax stamp and gunsmith fees. If you need a compact 5.56 platform that works straight from the box, the AUG delivers; if you enjoy building custom rifles part-by-part, put that money toward a high-end AR lower instead.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 16.37-inch barrel in 28.15-inch package – 6 inches shorter than equivalent AR-15
- Dual-gas piston system cycles reliably with 55-grain to 77-grain ammunition without adjustment
- Weighs 7.8 pounds empty – nearly 1 pound lighter than comparable bullpups like Tavor X95
- Cold-hammer-forged barrel lasts approximately 20,000 rounds before significant throat erosion
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazines cost $38 each versus $12 for PMAGs – adds $150+ to spare magazine investment
- 3.5-pound trigger pull weight feels heavy compared to 2.5-pound AR triggers – not ideal for precision work
- Left-handed shooters need $287 bolt conversion kit – adds significant cost for ambidextrous operation
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 688218826584 |
| manufacturer | Steyr Mannlicher |
| manufacturer part number | AUGM2GRNEXT |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 33.4000 |
| model | AUG A3 M2 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | No |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AR-15 magazines?
- No, the AUG A3 M2 uses proprietary Steyr magazines only—the magazine well is molded for their specific geometry. NATO-spec AUG models accept AR-15 magazines but require different bolt carriers; this civilian version is optimized for Steyr's 30-round polymer magazines. Magazines are available directly from Steyr or distributors like EuroOptic for $38 each.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 28.15-inch length fits most 30-inch rifle cases with room for accessories. I transport mine in a Plano All Weather 42-inch case alongside my <a href="/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black">Stevens 334 .243 Win</a> with 4 inches to spare. The bullpup design actually makes it easier to pack than longer traditional rifles of similar barrel length.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL orders within 2 business days, with transit time depending on your location and selected carrier. Expect 5-7 business days total for most continental US destinations. We ship via UPS or FedEx with signature required upon delivery to your licensed FFL dealer.
- Can I return it if there's an issue?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects only—firearms must be unfired and in original packaging. For warranty work, Steyr USA provides lifetime repair service with an average 3-week turnaround. All returns require advance authorization and shipping to our FFL-holding facility.
- Does this work with standard 5.56 NATO ammunition?
- Yes, the dual-gas system handles 5.56 NATO pressures up to 62,000 PSI and .223 Remington interchangeably. I've tested PMC Bronze, Federal XM193, and Black Hills 77-grain OTM without issues. The normal gas setting works for most ammunition; switch to adverse only with underpowered or suppressed fire.