The sleek, classic design of Steyr’s SM 12 caught the eye of noted hunter and outdoorsman Wayne van Zwoll. Drawing from a deep familiarity with the SM 12’s predecessor, the SBS, van Zwoll explored Steyr’s new bolt-action design for the 2014 Gun Buyer’s Annual.

Featuring open sights, a hammer-forged barrel and a walnut stock with a double-frame cheekpiece, the SM 12 carries a classic, refined appearance. In his review, van Zwoll noted of the design, “The stock’s grip is designed so even riflemen with outsized hands like mine can touch the trigger at the correct place on their finger.” A 2-pound trigger pull, four-round magazine and overall 7-pound weight rounded out a series of characteristics that impressed van Zwoll during his extensive field testing of the rifle. Tested in .308, one of ten chamberings available for the SM 12, the rifle’s range results were equally impressive. “The SM 12 lives up to its Mannlicher heritage as a slick-cycling bolt gun with minute-of-angle accuracy,” commented van Zwoll in his review.

For the full review, check out the 2014 Gun Buyer’s Annual, available on newsstands and digitally November 19, 2013. To purchase, go to /.