Hitting Its Mark: Steyr

The storied firearms company Steyr Mannlicher may be based in Austria, but all of their firearms sold in the U.S. first go through Steyr Arms in Bessemer.

By Rosalind Fournier

Any gun enthusiast anywhere in the United States in search of a firearm stamped with the prestigious name of Steyr Mannlicher, a well-known firearms company based in Austria, will ultimately go home with a product that’s been shipped out of Steyr Arms in Bessemer, Ala. Steyr Arms serves as the sole U.S. importer, distributor and retailer for Steyr hunting rifles, tactical rifles, sporting rifles and pistols.

The company also imports Merkel products as well as JAGDHUND and X JAGD brands of premier hunting wear and gear.

Scott O’Brien, Steyr Arms’ president, says Steyr is among world’s most prestigious manufacturers of firearms, which he adds are consistently the best out-of-of the box products on the market. He adds many of its competitors must perform custom modifications to approach the level of accuracy and precision Steyr offers.

Steyr Arms has a long history in Alabama, beginning originally in Argo, Ala. before moving to Trussville in 2009 and then to its current, expanded facility in Bessemer in 2014. Here, the company also manufactures the signature Steyr AUG/A3 M1 rifle on site, with plans to grow larger with a full production and manufacturing team.

The new facility also includes a 33,000 square-foot showroom open by appointment.