The bolt body and locking head is one item that must be exchanged. I reckon it would easily stand fitting a bipod, however, I don’t think SM had that in mind when they designed the Luxus! Third the scope base does not physically attach to the receiver top in any way in fact this area is cut out so there’s no possible influence on the mounting system. Second, the forend is surprisingly rigid as it locates by two long lugs that fit into the forward section of the receiver.
First the 6-lug bolt locks directly into the chamber extension, which allows for the lightweight alloy receiver, without loss of strength. Reassembly is the reverse, but you must ensure to get the chamber lug exactly engaged with its slot in the receiver. Inside you will see what I would term as a recoil lug that the underside of the chamber section engages with. Pull the barrel forward about 1/8” and hinge it down and off the receiver.Using the Torx key on the combination tool (provided) undo the barrel screw.Now on to the most important bit calibre change! The barrel requires you undo one, captive, Allan-headed screw at the front of the mag well, which allows the forend to come off too. However, if that is what you want you can nominate for a QD, swing-off base. My example came with a 1” Weaver/Picatinny-type base, so you can fit industry standard rings, which will work out cheaper than having to shell out for mandatory mounts. This then offers 100% repeatability and reliability of optical mounting. What I instantly liked was the fact the Luxus comes with the scope mounting rail attached to the top of the barrel, so there’s no need to take off the optics when changing calibres. Iron sights are fitted with a height-adjustable blade up front and a windage-only U-notch at the rear. The 23.5” barrel shows the trademark, spiral, hammer-forged finish on it’s light and tapered profile. Fixed sling swivels are fitted under the barrel and butt and at the rear is a rubber recoil pad.
The wood effect is carried on with the sides of the action showing inlet panels. The forend is noticeably tapered with a Schnable tip. On that point the timber is good, oil-finished walnut, though front and back did not colour match! The butt is your classic Hog’s back design with a high, rounded comb and subtle cheek piece. The receiver is black, anodised, aluminium alloy and is similar to the Sauer 202 as it's the spine of the rifle with the furniture fitting to it from either end. Styling is traditional and is what I would term as classic European in that it is used standing or sitting. It uses a modified version of their SBS69 bolt system though retains it’s three position, tang-mounted roller safety. First up it feels and looks different when compared to the ProHunter. The Luxus duly arrived and proved to be familiar in some areas though new in others. However, this gun requires a complete new bolt when changing calibre whereas the R93/M 03 only needs a new head. The 202 uses a standard 1” Weaver-type base so is cheaper to fit a scope to. Of the two the Blaser/Mauser is faster and easier than the Sauer, but a mandatory/dedicated scope mount is required in both cases. The R93 uses the same, twin screw, barrel retention of the M 03, the 202 has a split clamp receiver design. I own a Mauser M 03 switch barrel and am very happy with it, I am also familiar with the other systems – Blaser R93 and Sauer 202. ĝepending on calibre you might not necessarily need a new bolt and magazine.The initial outlay is expensive, but once you have one then it’s generally the cost of a new barrel, magazine and bolt should you wish another calibre option.There’s normally a question mark from those new to the concept about the ability to return to zero after being re-assembled.Normally most switch barrel systems use dedicated (and expensive) QD scope mounts.Ěs the rifle comes apart easily it can be carried in a smaller package, which is a boon for overseas travel.The ability to switch calibres means you have one, familiar gun that can do whatever you ask of it.
STEYR MANNLICHER LUXUS REVIEW PLUS
This offers both plus and minus points, given the design and build quality offered: If you are not aware the principle of a switch barrel is simple, as they are built so the barrel and bolt system can be easily removed and the chassis re-fitted with another calibre set. Frankly this is a smart move as it brings the company on line with the similar designs. Historically the original company - Mannlicher Schoenauer offered a take-down rifle in their Model 1905 and this concept has been combined with the elegant SM Luxus of 1977. So the announcement they were introducing a switch barrel (The Luxus) got me interested. I have to admit to liking Steyr Mannlicher (SM) rifles, as I owned one of their Scout models for nearly five years and I reckon their ProHunter is good too.
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