An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July/August 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 12 | Upgrading the Steyr By CAPT ANDREW SHINNICK, INSTRuCTOR 2 BTC (DuBLIN) There are three modifications taking place: the A1 hous- ing group is being upgraded to the new A3 housing/ receiver group); the Swarovski 1.5x optical sight is being replaced by a Trijicon ACOG (advanced combat optical gunsight), which interfaces with the new housing group; and the old sling is being replaced by a Tactical VTAC 2-point sling. The course, which comprised a mixture of both lec- tures and practical lessons, also saw us conduct zero- ing and range practices overseen by the Directorate of Training (J7), Ordnance Corps personnel, and Trijicon representatives/instructors from both the US and UK. The aim of the course was to provide instructors with both the technical knowledge and practical skills to ensure that trained soldiers equipped with the newly upgraded weapon system understand and can employ the full potential of the upgraded weapon system. The morning began in Custume Bks with an introduc- tion to the A3 housing group. The first major change to note from the A1 housing group is the absence of the integrated carrying handle and its telescope tube sight- ing system. This has now been replaced with a long Pica- tinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) on which the new Trijicon ACOG sits. This rail allows the ACOG to be moved more easily forward and backwards to adjust for individual eye relief and for a correct sight picture when wearing the likes of body armour and combat chest rig. Additionally, the new housing group has a small rail on the right hand side of the weapon that could allow for a flashlight or a laser designator/illuminator down the line should the Defence Forces decide to purchase them. Another change is the position of the front sling swivel, which is now more forward on the front end of the housing group, and the addition of the 2-point sling. While the A3 housing group is a bit heavier than the previous one, I felt that tended to counteract any jump in the weapon when firing. We then moved on to the ACOG with the Trijicon instructors taking us through various lectures on the sight, its characteristics, its illuminated reticule and integrated bullet drop compensator (BDC). The 4x32 sight (four times magnification and 32mm objective lens) contains a crosshair reticule which glows red, al- lowing for easy identification and target placement. It also provides a dawn/dusk shooting capability whereby you can identify your crosshairs on a target quickly in varying light conditions. The welcome addition of a crosshair should make most soldiers happier as it allows O n May 14th 2014, I took part in one of three con- version courses on the newly upgraded Steyr 5.56mm rifle that took place in Custume Bks and Carnagh rifle range. The Defence Forces has intro- duced an upgrade package that will see all Steyr rifles within the Defence Forces being replaced and upgraded over a phased basis and which will be fully completed by the end of 2015.

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