Designed as a sniper system to replace the SSG 98k sniper rifle (modified and accurized surplus Karabiner 98k rifles) and adopted in 1969 (hence the designation), it was ahead of its time with the use of synthetics like the stock, trigger guard, and magazines and cold hammer-forged barrels for durability. Aside from being the Austrian Army's standard issue sniper rifle, it is also used by several law enforcement organizations. For its era and weight, it is extremely accurate and several international competitions have been won using an SSG-69 with accuracy being sub 0.15 mrad (0.5 moa).
The receiver and barrel were designed to provide maximum strength for minimum weight. For this the bolt action uses three pairs of rear-locking lugs (in common with the SMLE), rather than the more common front-locking lugs. This, and the fact that it is only produced in the 'short action' length, limits the chambering to non-magnum calibres. The bolt opening angle of 60 degrees is beneficial for mounting aiming optics relatively low over the receiver, and the receiver is prepared to accept the bases of SSG (quick detach) optical sight mounts.
The cold hammer forged barrel features a 304.8 mm (1 in 12 inch) twist rate to adequately stabilize the military 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition of the era. This twist rate is slow for optimally stabilizing not at the time available 7.62×51mm NATO sniping rounds loaded with 11.34-gram (175 gr) Hollow Point Boat Tail projectiles.
The fiber glass reinforced ABS polymer stock features removable spacers to adjust the length of pull and an accessory rail on the forearm bottom for mounting a bipod. The choice for a synthetic stock was remarkable, as other sniper rifles at the time were still using wood stocks. The trigger is user adjustable for trigger weight and travel.
Diagram of the rotary 5-round SSG 69 magazine
The standard polycarbonate resin (branded as Makrolon by Bayer) detachable magazine features a 5-round rotary design that fits flush with the stock, although a 10-round staggered box is available as an accessory. Both are transparent-backed, immediately showing remaining capacity. Even though spool magazines are unusual in military rifles, Steyr-Mannlicher produced Mannlicher–Schönauer rifles with one from early 1900s until 1972.
The ZF 69 sights BDC used by the Austrian military was calibrated from 100–800 m (109–875 yd) in 100 m (109 yd) increments up to 300 m (328 yd) and 50 m (55 yd) increments from 350 m (383 yd) upwards with 9.3-gram (143.5 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition.[7]
Variants
There were several SSG variants made with differences in barrel diameter and the presence of back up iron sights and cosmetic differences like the stock colour, the only conspicuous anomaly being the SSG-PIV using a 409 mm barrel with a 254 mm (1 in 10 inches) twist designed to handle heavy subsonic ammunition in conjunction with a suppressor.[8]
The SSG action was used in the civilian SSG Match UIT international 300 m target rile – the international shooting union was known as the UIT back then, today the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) – that featured a free floating heavy barrel, walnut wood half stock and a Walther target diopter and globe sight line.[9]
^"404". Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
^Hogg, Ian (1989). Jane's Infantry Weapons 1989–90, 15th Edition. Jane's Information Group. p. 125. ISBN0-7106-0889-6.
^ ab"Scharfschützengewehr 69". Bundesheer – Waffen und Gerät. Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
