The AUG/A3 SA is a semi-automatic, U.S.-made variant of the classic Austrian design. It’s shown here with spare 30- and 42-round magazines, Hornady TAP ammunition and a Leupold CQ/T optic and is configured with a left-hand bolt and ejection port.

One of the most iconic bullpup designs in firearms history, the 5.56mm Austrian AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr) set the standard for ultra-compact military firepower. Now, through the efforts of Steyr Arms here in the U.S., an updated and enhanced variant is available for sale to American consumers.

Featuring a cold-hammer-forged barrel and the classic “tulip” brake, the new AUG/A3 SA combines elements of the Austrian A1, A2 and A3 variants to bring U.S. shooters a cutting-edge bullpup carbine. Fully equipped with a Picatinny upper rail and an offset side-mount rail, the 16-inch-barreled carbine features all the quality and performance shooters have come to expect from Steyr guns.

I recently had an opportunity to try one of these out first hand. Keep an eye out in the upcoming January 2013 issue of Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement magazine for a full review. For more information, visit steyrarms.com/microsites/aug.