Steyr GB, Gas-Delayed Blowback Model, Rare Compensated Blue 5 ¼” DA/SA Semi-Automatic Pistol & 4 Magazines MFD 1985
Sold For: $2,297.31
LSB#: 170131WM02
Make: Steyr
Model: GB
Serial Number: P 16012
Year of Manufacture: October, 1985 (CTM Date Code)
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action DA/SA, Semi-Automatic, Gas-Delayed Blowback Operated, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Decocker
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Mod. GB / 9mm Para”, with Steyr’s logo, the right side is marked “MADE IN AUSTRIA / P 16012”, with a proof mark, “NPv” and “CTM” date code, the top is marked “Gun South, Inc. Trussv. AL.”. The right side of the frame is marked “P 10388” with two proof marks and the date code. The inside top of the slide has five “3” in circle. The magazines are marked “ 6 / 12 / 18” next to three witness holes on each side.
Barrel Length: The barrel is 5 ¼” long, with a 2 ½” ported compensator, which is installed as a barrel bushing. The barrel is screwed into the frame and allows a very accurate system, as the barrel stays put when the slide cycles. It has a ‘gas bremse”, or gas braked porton the flanks at a finned step in the barrel, at about mid-length.
Sights / Optics: The pistol has a three light-green dot combat sight configuration. The front sight is a blade with a light green insert; the blade is aligned with a forward blade, integral to the ported compensator. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched base with two light green countersunk dots, the base is dovetailed onto the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are impact resistant checkered synthetic grips with a dull black finish for glare reduction. The panels have Steyr’s logo on the flanks, with smooth areas surrounding the checkers. The trigger guard is checkered up front and is also made of high strength synthetic material. The panels are free of notable damages with highly defined Steyr logos, there are no cracks or major damages. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Polished & Matte ‘Crinkle’ Finished Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the polygonal rifling seems a bit worn, but the bore’s inner diameter is still 8.87”. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the compensator, sights and edges of the slide, perhaps from infrequent holster use The ‘crinkle’ finish on the barrel chamber does not have evidence of extended use, though the barrel, forward of the gas port has heavy persistent fowling; we scrubbed with some intensity and were able to bring out bright surfaces; a thorough soaking and some elbow grease will return the surfaces to their previous sheen. The polished surfaces of the slide have a few light scrapes, overall, the pistol looks great for a 31 year old gun. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol features a gas-delayed blow back system, fixed barrel, decocker, low profile serrated hammer, extended slide release, decocker and quick takedown lever. The slide has minor play in the frame fit, the double and single action trigger pulls are of the best we’ve seen on a GB, the single action breaks at about 4lbs with a nice smooth take-up before the stop and a crisp, clean break. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are 4 18-round magazines (WE CANNOT SELL THESE MAGAZINES TO ANY CALIFORNIA RESIDENT, OR RESIDENT OF ANY STATE WITH MAGAZINE CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS), none of which bear makers marks, three are blue the other is a dull phosphate. All have rubbing from normal use and are free of major damages, in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: From http://www.forgottenweapons.com/other-handguns/steyr-gb/ “Steyr’s design was quite a good one, offering both light recoil and better than average accuracy. It did this by utilizing a gas delayed blowback system virtually identical to the last ditch German Volkssturm Gustloffwerke (VG1-5) rifle. Basically, the front half of the slide acts as a gas piston, and ports in the barrel allow gas into that piston while the bullet is still in the barrel, thus slowing down rearward movement of the slide. In the photo below, you can see the gas sealing rings machined into the barrel, to prevent that gas from venting down around the recoil spring. The piston sleeve rotates to unlock from the slide for disassembly.” This is a unique design and this example is in Excellent condition with a really neat ported compensator bushing, smart controls and a SUPER crisp single action trigger pull. The grip meets one hand like that of a best friend, the 18 round magazine capacity is completely awesome and this pistol looks ready to handle anything. For a 1985 duty class pistol, it has been treated well, while seeing a little bit of use. Please see the pictures and good luck!
