rec.gun article on shooting the Steyr-Hahn with Bergman ammo

[quote]Start with the fact that one of the reasons there are not a lot of Steyr's out there is because they are not all that durable. . . They were not as robust a design as later 'strange' 9mm pistols.

[reply]I have to differ. I would estimate that I have shot 10,000 rounds through these old guns, and feel the design is as stong as most other semi-auto's. Now, If I were to pick up a Colt 1911 that had been through both WWI and WWII I would expect some wear & tear on the gun. Enough said.

The ONLY Steyr-Hahn I have personally seen (& I've seen hundreds, maybe a thousand) with a burst chamber is one with a Britsh arrow proof that was stamped over the chamber. Thats where it burst.

I have shot Bergman/Largo rounds in a Steyr Hahn before I knew better, and never had any bad effects, maybe I was lucky. I don't recommend it of course.

[quote]Donnally lists the Steyr as a 1000 fps cartridge, while he lasts the Largo as 1280 fps. Ignoring the fact that the Largo is a tapered cartridge(which you ought NOT do) it DOES develop more energy and is a more powerful cartridge,

[reply]The Steyr-Hahn is not designed for a cartridge as hot or with the dimensions of the Bergmann/Largo. The rotating barrel which unlocks the action is somewhat tuned to the pressure and velocity of the expected ammunition.

Steyr-Hahn ammo is not any more difficult to find or expensive than Bergmann Bayard or Largo of equal quality. There is a lot of cheap Bergmann or Largo which is corrosive & or questionable quality. Most of the Steyr-Hahn ammo is quality, non-corrosive ammo, even the 1930's surplus from RWS and GECO and DWM which is usually as good as the day it was manufactured.