Unfortunately, by the time I had enough money to buy one - George Bush Sr. signed the 1989 assault rifle ban. Immediately the price for a used AUG jumped to $2500.
The AUG is a flexible weapon system, offering a variety of barrel lengths ranging from 14" to 24". In addition, four different variants of 9mm SMG conversion kits were offered for tactical entry units.
During the Clinton Administration, 3000 postban Steyr USR rifles were imported. These lack the bayonet lug, flash suppressor, and have a thumbhole stock. Otherwise they are similar the A2 version of the AUG.
Today there is a healthy trade in both Class 3 and semi-automatic versions of the Steyr AUG. However since there is a high frequency of fakes, one must be careful when purchasing a used AUG rifle.
One frequent tactic to increase the value of a standard green AUG 20" rifle is the carbine conversion - dye the stock black and shorten the barrel to 16". Then ask an extra $1000 for a "rare" preban AUG carbine.
