Steyr RMS Wild: The New Queen of Straight-Pull Rifles?
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Nearly 130 years after Steyr made military history with the legendary Mannlicher M95—the world’s first straight-pull rifle, famously nicknamed the “Straight-Pull Lightning Rifle” for its rapid cycling action—the Austrian manufacturer is back with a modern hunting rifle built around the same principle.
The expectations are high.
After all, the Steyr name has been synonymous with precision, innovation, and Austrian gunmaking excellence for generations.
But can the new RMS Wild compete with today’s established straight-pull hunting rifles?
For Shot & Stillness, firearms expert David Mischkulnig of Alpen Adria Jagd in Villach put the new rifle through its paces—from the stock and action to real-world range testing.
First Impressions: Pure Steyr
From the moment you pick it up, one thing becomes clear: the RMS Wild isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it builds upon Steyr’s proven strengths while introducing a modern straight-pull action designed for today’s hunters.
The glass-fiber reinforced synthetic stock feels rugged, practical, and well thought out. Its lines resemble the popular SM12 series but with a more modern and dynamic appearance. Available in both green and brown, the rifle immediately leaves the impression of a premium hunting tool. David was particularly impressed by the ergonomics: “The rifle feels incredibly comfortable in the hands. The steep pistol grip naturally puts your shooting hand exactly where it needs to be.”
At approximately 7 pounds (3.2 kg), the RMS Wild is also among the lighter rifles in its category.
Built for Real-World Hunting
Steyr packed the RMS Wild with features typically found on rifles costing significantly more. The stock length can be adjusted without tools using a spacer system, while the adjustable comb features a clever memory function that automatically returns to the previously selected position. Modern QD sling swivel sockets come standard. “It sounds like a small detail,” David explains, “but in the field it makes a huge difference.” Especially during long stalks or mountain hunts, those practical touches quickly become appreciated.
Safety Comes First
Safety remains one of the most important aspects of any modern hunting rifle. The RMS Wild introduces a newly developed two-position safety that directly blocks the firing pin, improving upon earlier Steyr systems. The rifle also features a separate bolt-release button, allowing hunters to safely unload the rifle while it remains on safe. Another safety feature is hidden inside the action itself. The three locking lugs engage directly into the barrel extension, and the firing pin is only released once the bolt is completely locked. “The overall safety philosophy reminds me of some of the best straight-pull rifles currently on the market,” David says.
The Straight-Pull Action
Let’s be honest—everything about the RMS Wild revolves around its new straight-pull bolt system. And this is where the rifle truly shines. The action cycles with remarkable smoothness. After only a few repetitions, it already feels like a rifle you’ve owned for years.
“This is probably the smoothest straight-pull action I’ve ever shot,” David says. Cycling the bolt requires very little effort, yet the system still feels solid, precise, and confidence-inspiring. Contrary to what many social media videos suggest, speed alone is not the rifle’s biggest selling point.
“Hunters won’t buy the RMS Wild just because it’s a straight-pull rifle,” David says. “They’ll buy it because it’s a Steyr.”
Monobloc Design Delivers Precision
Like several other Steyr rifles, the RMS Wild utilizes the company’s proven Monobloc design. Barrel and receiver form a highly precise, rigid unit that minimizes tolerances and promotes consistent accuracy. The rifle comes standard with a Picatinny rail and an M15x1 muzzle thread. There is one detail David misses, however. “The famous Steyr hammer-forged barrel pattern is gone. That’s a shame because you could always recognize a Steyr from a distance by that distinctive look.”
Range Performance
For the range test, the RMS Wild was equipped with an Alpen Optics Apex XP 2.5-16x42 riflescope and an A-TEC H3 suppressor. Ammunition consisted of the new ODIN .308 Winchester hunting load. The results were impressive from the very first shots. The RMS Wild immediately produced tight groups and showed excellent consistency. “The accuracy is impressive,” David says. Even during faster shooting sequences, point of impact remained stable while the action continued to operate flawlessly.
A Few Minor Criticisms
No rifle is perfect. David would have preferred an aluminum trigger instead of the polymer version currently fitted to the rifle. The same applies to the magazine floorplate and trigger guard. “These are small details,” he says. “Functionally they work perfectly, but aluminum components would add an even greater sense of quality.”
Fortunately, aftermarket upgrades will likely address those concerns in the near future.
A Strong Statement from Austria
With the RMS Wild, Steyr Arms has made an impressive entry into the modern straight-pull rifle market. The rifle successfully combines Austrian hunting tradition, modern engineering, outstanding safety, and excellent accuracy. Its exceptionally smooth action, thoughtful ergonomics, and proven field performance make it a serious competitor to rifles costing considerably more.
Hunters looking for a modern straight-pull rifle while supporting Austrian craftsmanship should take a very close look at the RMS Wild. As David sums it up: “Steyr got a lot of things right here. The RMS Wild is light, accurate, safe, and simply fun to shoot. For me, it’s one of the most exciting new hunting rifles of the year.”
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