Steyr Austria doubled the retail on their Zephyr II series which took their Full Stock Mannlicher from $1500 to $3000.  Then Steyr USA ceased importing their Full Stock Mannlicher rifle.  Finally Steyr ceased production of their ornate Full Stock Mannlicher.  Cammanding a hefty premiun these are rather rare.


Having started a family tradition of presenting each male member with a rifle on their 18th birthdays I took a chance ordering these sight unseen and won the fine walnut stock lottery.  The boys are not interested in these.


The original Zephyr 22's are exceedingly rare and valuable.  However, these newer models are far more accurate.  In comparison the originals made in the 1950's and early 60's shoot 1 and 1/2" to 1" groups whereas these newer (discontinued) ones typically shoot 1/2" groups.  Not only that, Steyr has done their masterful chambering for more accuracy firing any cartridge.


The closest rifle to these may be Parkwest Arms' .22 which achieves 1/2" groups; however, with its Benz cut chamber it is limited primarily to Standard Velocity while the Steyr handles Standard Velocity as well as High Velocity (for hunting) with aplomb.  With the Parkwest starting at $6,000 for theiir basic .22 the Steyr is one heck of a deal.  Plus, the Steyr is a better handling and lighter field rifle.


The best sling is the Galco Safari Chin Sling (Jeff Cooper's recommended scout sling for versatile quick positioning under all conditions)


A traditional Mannlicher-style full-length European walnut stock and open iron sights.


Features:


Barrel Length19.7 inches


Overall Length approximately 39.3 inches (the standard set by Jeff Cooper)


Weight approximately 6.34 lbs


Capacity: 5-round detachable polymer box magazine (5-rounders and 10-rounders available from CZ and 25-round magazines are available)


Trigger: Two-stage, adjustable (approximately 2.1 lbs break)


Safety: Tang-mounted three stage locking safe action 


Optics Mounting: integral 11 mm dovetail receiver groove


Mannlicher Full Stock: Extends near the muzzle, crafter from high-grade European walnut with detailed fish-scale checkering.  Offset curved to fit the body quickly and tightly (see photo from above).  The original first series Zephyr rimfires do not have this feature.


Bavarian Cheekpiece: Style with a traditional double-flame profile for comforatable shoulder and eye alignment (see photo).


Cold-Hammered Forged Barrel: Treated with an ultra-tough MANNOX plasma-nitrate matte finish to resist harsh weather and wear.


Classic Styling: Features Steyr's iconic "butter-knife" bolt handle design and integrated open iron sights for traditional driven or field hunting.  (Jeff Cooper preferred this style of bolt to reduce getting hung up in clothing or dense brush).