Steyr AUG

The Steyr AUG is an Austrian bullpup assault rifle chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, designed in the 1960s by the Austrian manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch and distinguished by its bullpup layout, which places the action and magazine behind the trigger group rather than in front of it, giving the weapon a full-length barrel in a notably shorter and more compact overall package than a conventional rifle design. Its use of NATO-standard ammunition made the rifle compatible with the logistics of many allied military forces, and the AUG's distinctive styling, integrated optical sight and modular construction made it one of the most influential bullpup rifle designs of the twentieth century after its adoption by the Austrian armed forces and subsequent export to numerous other countries. Production of the design has since passed to the successor firm Steyr Arms, which continues to manufacture and update the rifle for military and law enforcement customers today.