Styer GB 9mm owners. Your evaluation of the weapon?

[Wild Romanian]

I would be interested in hearing any comments from owners or former owners of the Styer GB 18 shot Gas operated 9mm pistol.

Have you had any problems with feeding or double action ignition with this weapon?

Has anyone shot a substantial amount of lead bullets through this weapon and if so give an evaluation of the accuracy and realiablity of the weapon.

Anyone care to comment on your accuracy results with reloaded or factory jacketed ammo? W.R.

[William Gunn]

Originally posted by Wild Romanian
I would be interested in hearing any comments from owners or former owners of the Styer GB 18 shot Gas operated 9mm pistol.

Have you had any problems with feeding or double action ignition with this weapon?

Has anyone shot a substantial amount of lead bullets through this weapon and if so give an evaluation of the accuracy and realiablity of the weapon.

Anyone care to comment on your accuracy results with reloaded or factory jacketed ammo? W.R.

I have some experience with them.

First off, the handgun isn't "gas operated", it's "gas delayed". Very similar to the HK P7 in concept with the exception that the GB uses a much simplified mechanism.

As the pistol relies on gas tapped from the cartridge immediately upon firing for "lock-up", using lead (non-jacketed) bullets can be EXTREMELY dangerous. With a traditional "gas operated" weapon, if you use lead bullets you only run the risk of the weapon failing to cycle properly. With the GB if the gas port becomes blocked (lead fouling), the gun becomes a small hand grenade as the slide will begin to open immediately upon ignition.

The guns are extremely dirty as they tap gas from the cartridge upon firing which is routed internally. With only a few rounds the gun becomes caked in carbon. They are not known for long-term reliably between cleanings. I've seen them go 500-600 rounds before stoppages began to occur. It all depends on the quality and type of ammo used really.

The GB was dropped from US military trials on May 4, 1984 for reliability issues. It failed to produce results better than the sample "control" weapon which was a 1911A1 pistol.

The magazines are real knuckle busters to load. They are odd in that they are double stacked mags like an Uzi or Tommy Gun magazine. Fairly reliable, but known for occasional problems. They are VERY sensitive to feed-lip damage.

Gun South imported the GB and received its final shipment of 633 gun on November 25th, 1988.

To its credit, the gun won acceptance (kudo's) from noted gun journalists such as Joe Poyer, Wiley Clapp, J.B. Wood and Massad Ayoob. They all spoke highly of the pistol and its various features. I guess they were impressed with its "modern" design and truly unique method of operation.

Accuracy was acceptable. Nothing exceptional but very - very functional. The gun is large and somewhat awkward to some users while others find it to be very ergonomic. It's up to the individual really.

All in all, it's a neat collectors piece. If you're looking at it for being a daily protective arm I would suggest something more conventional. If you're strictly looking to it for range work (target) or the occasional plinking session I think you'll be quite pleased with it.

***EDIT: I would like to add that the pistols are generally considered to be of "high quality" in terms of craftsmanship and quality of parts. Steyr is certainly a reputable company with a history of producing quality arms. The GB's failure as a military weapon and in civilian markets was due mostly to the unconventional design. They are by no means "junk".

[dsk]

Sounds like another "shits where it eats" design like with the M-16 rifle.

[William Gunn]

Originally posted by dsk
Sounds like another "shits where it eats" design like with the M-16 rifle.

Great phrase. I guess I've heard that before but had forgotten it.

While it's true that the M16 and GB "shit where they eat", this isn't always a huge issue with regards to reliability assuming the weapon is properly designed.

Let's take the MP5, G3 (HK91) or HK33 (HK93) as examples. The 90 series HK long arms are known for their "AK like reliability" in many circles. I think you'll find few owners of HK 91's or G3's who will complain their guns are unreliable.

With that said, there are few rifles (including the M16) which are dirtier than a 90 series rifle. The HK's with their fluted chambers route propellant gases directly into the heart of the action, including not only the bolt components but the trigger assembly as well. With a few rounds the guns are covered from head-to-toe in a thick - black carbon layer... yet they are extremely reliable.

Carbon can actually act as a lubricant on a dry, unlubricated weapon. Carbon can become a problem when mixed with other lubricants such as oil though. Once mixed, the carbon can take on a paste like texture which can impede bolt/carrier velocity and reduce reliability. This process is worsened in arctic conditions.

The Hk 90 series rifles are arguably more reliable than the M16 due to their much higher bolt/carrier velocity, among other things. In essence they are designed to work properly regardless of the presence of carbon.

The M16 isn't really that dirty as most of the propellant gases are routed through the carrier and out two vent holes visible through the ejection port on the carrier itself. Some gas escapes through the firing pin hole and around the carrier key, but nothing significant as I've personally fired my M16A2 with over 2,000 rounds without a malfunction many times. My experience with M16's both professionally and as a civilian have been nothing short of superb.

Again, it all boils down to the overall design of the weapon. I do agree that it makes more sense to design a weapon not to "shit where it eats" though, for a number of reasons which I won't bore you with.

Thanks for the levity though, I'll try to remember that phase this time.

[Drago]

What William Gunn said....I owned one in the 80s...his explanation is perfect.

[Wild Romanian]

Thanks much for your very professional reply. You spoke and I listened very attentively. W.R.

[William Gunn]

Originally posted by Wild Romanian
Thanks much for your very professional reply. You spoke and I listened very attentively. W.R.

Thank you Wild Romanian. I hope I was able to give you the info you were looking for.

Are you going to purchase the GB? If so, post some pics if you can. Back in the 80's I was impressed with the GB's and thought they were neat handguns. Over the years I just kind of forgot about them. I wish I had one today as I rarely see them anymore... and they make fine additions to any firearms collection.

[Wild Romanian]

I am seriously thinking of buying one. I once owned one but did not have a chance to shoot it before a friend talked me into selling it to him. I have regretted it ever since. W.R.