Steyr M

   The Steyr M is an Austrian semi-automatic pistol. It was developed by Steyr-Mannlicher company in the 1990s to compete with extremely successful Glock 17, that was developed by another Austrian manufacturer. The Steyr M was introduced in 1999. Production of the original Steyr M ceased in 2004. It was replaced in production by improved and slightly redesigned Steyr M-1A series pistol. These pistols are in service with Austria, Germany, Pakistan, United Kingdom and Thailand. However these are mainly used by special forces.

   There are various versions of the Steyr M pistol, chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum, .40 S&W and .357 SIG cartridges. Though the .357 SIG chambering is no longer offered.

   The Steyr M is a striker fired pistol with a polymer frame and stainless steel slide. It has a number of unusual features. This pistol has fully replaceable frame rails. This feature allows the weapon to be rebuilt after extensive firing, hence extends its service life.

   The Steyr M has a short recoil operated weapon. It fires with locked breech. It uses a Browning-type locking system. This pistol proved to be very reliable.

   This weapon has a very ergonomic grip shape and ideal grip angle. It also has low barrel axis. Both of these features combined result in minimum muzzle jump and felt recoil. These features also provide good pointability of the weapon.

   The Steyr M and its derivatives have a double-action only type trigger mechanism with a reset action system.

   This pistol is available with or without manual safety. A manual safety push-button is located within the triggerguard. This pistol also has an automatic trigger and firing pin safeties. There is also an internal lock, which completely blocks operation of the pistol.

   The Steyr M is fed from double-stack magazines. The 9 mm version uses 15-round capacity magazines. Versions chambered in .40 S&W and .357 SIG ammunition use 12-round capacity magazines. Magazine release button is located from the left side.

   This pistol has unusual trapezoid rear sights and triangle front sight. The sights are dovetailed into the slide. These are similar in principle to the Glock's square U-notch design. Even though the sights have uncommon shape and it takes some time to get used to them, but these provide good acquisition speed and accuracy.

   The original pistol has a proprietary rail for mounting accessories such as laser pointer or tactical flashlight. Newer A1 versions have a Picatinny-type accessory rail.

Variants

   Steyr M9. It is a version, chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridges.

   Steyr M40. It is a version, chambered in .40 S&W cartridges.

   Steyr M357. It is a version, chambered in .357 SIG cartridges. At some point this chambering was discontinued and the Steyr M357 pistol is no longer produced.

   Steyr S9 is a compact version, chambered in 9x19 mm ammunition. This version was introduced and discontinued alongside the Steyr M. Production of this pistol ceased in 2004.

   Steyr S40 is a compact version, chambered in .40 S&W ammunition. This version was introduced and discontinued alongside the Steyr M. Production of this pistol ceased in 2004.

   Steyr M9-A1 is an improved and slightly redesigned version, chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridges. It was introduced in 2004 and replaced in production the previous Steyr M9. It has a slightly redesigned grip and frame. This weapon has a Picatinny-type accessory rail instead of the proprietary rail. This pistol is also available with or without manual safety.

   Steyr M40-A1 is an improved and slightly redesigned version, chambered in .40 S&W cartridges. It was introduced in 2004 and replaced in production the previous Steyr M40. This weapon has a Picatinny-type accessory rail instead of the proprietary rail. This pistol is also available with or without manual safety.

   Steyr S9-A1 is a compact version. It is chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum ammunition.

   Steyr S40-A1 is a compact version. It is chambered in .40 S&W ammunition.

   Steyr C9-A1 it is a compact pistol with a shorter barrel and slide, but with magazine capacity of a full-size model. It is chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum ammunition.

   Steyr C40-A1 it is a compact pistol with a shorter barrel and slide, but with magazine capacity of a full-size model. It is chambered in .40 S&W ammunition.

   Steyr L9-A1 is a full-size pistol with a long slide. It is chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge. This version was introduced in 2013.

   Steyr L40-A1 is a full-size pistol with a long slide. It is chambered in .40 S&W cartridge. This version was introduced in 2013.