2019 Rifle of the Year: Steyr Zephyr II

by
posted on May 14, 2019
2019gba-steyrzephyrii_lead.jpg

Now in its 17th year, readers may count on American Hunter’s Golden Bullseye Awards to denote excellence. Indeed, these days many companies knowingly strive to hit the mark—to produce innovative products that catch our attention. After all, any product worthy of our gold standard must meet or exceed American Hunter’s expectations of innovation—and they absolutely must provide hunters with value for their money.

2019 Rifle of the Year: Steyr Zephyr II
Two features demonstrate the Steyr Zephyr II is the progeny of a legend, following in the footsteps of its namesake, discontinued in 1971. A distinctive butter-knife bolt handle like that found on classic Mannlicher-Schoenauers, and a European walnut stock including a Bavarian cheekpiece and a trim line running to its Schnabel fore-end beg anyone to pick up this beauty. The latter prompts a support hand to not so much as grip the gun but caress it. The 19.7-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel adds enough forward weight to balance perfectly between the hands. Its trigger displays just the slightest bit of creep then a 2-pound break. Its bolt, with dual, opposing extractors, cycles with a short throw to complement the rimfire cartridges the rifle chambers: .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 WMR. It shoots half-inch groups at 50 yards—better than many rimfires costing twice as much while looking better and weighing less.

Yes, a rifleman with the Zephyr II in his hands can run like the wind and shoot like the dickens. AH contributor Richard Mann (“Hardware,” August 2018) summed it up best when he wrote, “We’ve not seen elegance like this in the rimfire world for way too long.” MSRP: $1,075-$1,099; steyrarms.com.

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications presented the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Ind., Apr. 25-28.

 

Latest

Easton 5 LEDE
Easton 5 LEDE

New for 2025: Easton 5.0 Arrows

The 5.0 is a projectile-winner, a new speedy lightweight from Easton that offers multiple setup options.

New for 2025: The 5th-Generation Burris Fullfield Riflescope

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Burris Optics has unveiled the completely redesigned fifth-generation Fullfield riflescope.

New for 2025: Delta McKenzie X-Ray Series

See actual internal vitals from 360 degrees, including an elevated treestand view with Delta McKenzie's X-Ray Series.

New for 2025: Traditions NitroBolt Muzzleloader

Traditions introduces NitroBolt, first-ever bolt-action muzzleloader designed to use patented Federal Firestick.

Henry Introduces Its Special Products Division (SPD)

Henry Repeating Arms explodes into 2025 with the unveiling of the company’s Special Products Division (SPD) with a mission to create an all-new series of customized, purpose-built firearms. And the SPD’s first launch proves that Henry isn’t your grand pappy’s lever-action anymore.

New for 2025: Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 28-gauge Shotshells

Hevi Shot's Hevi-18 is now loaded in 28-gauge in a 3-inch shell, holding 1 ¼ ounces of No. 9 TSS shot, at a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.