Based in Cologne, Germany, Steel Action recently presented an extension to its straight-pull rifle series. The new model is called HSL. The abbreviation stands for Hunting Short Light, which immediately makes it clear what is new about the model: Steel Action has slimmed down the action width from 33 millimetres to 30 millimetres, redesigned the magazine frame and fitted a thinner and shorter barrel. Everything in the action has also been trimmed for lightness without compromising reliability or safety. As a result, Steel Action was able to reduce the weight of the HSL by around 500 grams compared to a standard model, resulting in an overall weight of around 3,000 grams. But before we get into the details of the HSL, let's take another look at the background to the Steel Action.
Background information on the Steel Action straight-pull rifle
The Steel Action rifle was developed in the course of the 2010s under the influence of current requirements for modern hunting rifles: straight-pull action for fast follow-up shots, manual cocking for maximum safety and a removable magazine for efficient loading and unloading. Although many of these features were already available at the time, Steel Action developer Alexander Ostanin recognised that existing solutions were often complex and impractical. He sought to create an ideal hunting rifle with a simple but effective design. Development began by analysing existing guns and led to innovative detailed solutions. The design dispenses with unnecessary and complicated solutions by utilising rugged, interlocking breech parts. The steel bolt is easy to remove and enables intuitive operation. The rifle combines classic elements of a hunting rifle, such as a firmly screwed barrel and a Picatinny rail milled onto the action for precise optics mounting. The receiver is torsion-resistant and can withstand high gas pressures. The functioning of the bolt is based on an intelligent lever transmission that rotates the bolt head efficiently. The cocking slide offers large operating surfaces and enables silent cocking. An integrated safety prevents firing if the bolt is not completely locked. The trigger unit impresses with its mechanical simplicity and adjustable trigger resistance between 500 and 2,500 grams. Two action sizes are available, adapted to different calibres. The stock options range from classic to adjustable models. A standard muzzle thread allows the use of various silencers. The rifle is also available in a left-handed version with a wooden stock. The double stack magazine holds four to five cartridges, depending on the calibre. The Steel Action combines reliable functionality with contemporary technology and classic design.
Introducing the new Steel Action HSL model
The new HSL model is a response to the previous main criticism of the Steel Action rifle, the comparatively high weight of the gun. The Steel Action Hunting Short Light (HSL) now has a slimmer design – the action is around 2.5 mm narrower than before. The most striking distinguishing feature compared to the previous HS actions is the flat milling on the left side and the rounded edges below the mounting rail.
The significantly slimmer and more classic stock with a less steep grip and an integral palm rest with an ebony pistol grip cap as well as a noble-looking ebony fore-end tip gives the rifle a completely new appearance and ensures that it feels excellent when aiming. The buttstock rises gently towards the rear – a very pleasant feature as it moves away from the shooter's face during recoil. The redesigned magazine frame dispenses with the two "ears" on the left and right and integrates smoothly into the stock contour without appearing alien. The non-slip and strategically placed checkering complements the ergonomic and visual overall appearance of this attractive firearm.
Nevertheless, "Light" is not about appearance, but of course about weight. And here, too, the manufacturer delivers: thanks to the narrower action and a modified barrel contour, it weighs around 500 grams less. This is remarkable when you consider that the basic parameters such as robustness and accuracy have remained unchanged. Depending on the wood density, the weight of the gun varies between 2,950 and 3,100 grams. However, Steel Action has not only changed the appearance. A small but crucial part for handling has also been revised. The lever that allows the bolt head to be rotated to the locked position must be operated manually when removing the bolt. Steel Action has sensibly extended this lever and provided the operating surface with a ribbed surface – bolt removal is now much more ergonomic and therefore also easier. Remove the magazine, open the bolt, hold the bolt handle with your index and middle finger, press in the lever on the operating surface on the right of the bolt with your thumb (the head turns so that the sear can now slide past between two lugs on the underside), press in the bolt release pin on the action side and remove the bolt – done. With a little practice, this can be done in a matter of seconds and is completely practical. The new rifle is initially available in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor; other calibres already known from the HS action series will follow in response to customer demand.
Steel Action HSL technical specifications and price
| Model: | Steel Action HSL |
Calibre: | .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor |
Capacity: | 5+1 rounds |
Barrel Length: | 450 mm, 510 mm (.308 Win.) and 560 mm (6.5 Creedmoor) |
Trigger Pull Weight: | Adjustable, 500 to 2,500 g |
Weight: | 3,040 g (.308 Win. with 450-mm barrel) |
Price (RRP in Germany): | 3.449,- Euro |
Equipment: | Straight-pull rifle, walnut stock with ebony fore-end tip and with anti-rotation sling swivel studs. Manual cocking system. M15x1 muzzle thread. |
According to information at the time of going to press, the delivery time for the rifle is currently around eight to ten weeks. A test report on the Steel Action HSL is already being planned. We will of course publish it here at all4hunters.com.
