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I've carried the Steyr AUG for the last 12 years, and I've had a brief play with both the UK SA-80 as well as the Singaporean SAR-21.
I reckon the SA-80 can be quite accurate on the range, but I just don't like the ergonomics, nor the odd strip/assemble.
The SAR-21 seems like a decent rifle that I would rate better than the SA-80.
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The Steyr AUG is a rifle I really enjoy carrying and firing.
The downsides include:
Mediocre trigger(bullpup linkage)
Weight(a fair bit heavier than AR when not loaded up with the toys)
Poor balance/pointability when UGL attached
Integrated optic relic of 70's
offhand shooting means you're eating brass
The upside includes:
easy to look after
Great pointability
Compact/ergonomic package(hard to beat prone position firing ergonomics)
Excellent accuracy, a well trained rifleman can consistently hit static known distance targets out to 600m from the prone.
ACOG on picatinny rail makes for a competitive upgrade package
With a bit of training an entire patrol can complete a mag change IA in under 3.5 seconds, but I still reckon AR platform ergonomics are better in this regard.
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What's funny is mixing with US and other foreign personnel.
They love our Steyr, we love what they carry(except the FAMAS)
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In short, it's a good tool that with upgrades is still competitive(albeit with a list of strengths and weaknesses), although take it with a grain of salt as I'm biased to the positive.
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