A positive sign - BTC and MA1 gunsmithing support

I just received an email from David Bowie (not the singer) of Bowie Tactical Concepts (BTC) in response to my email asking if he would be interested in taking on the MA1 project, specifically as it relates to trigger work - number 1 on a lot of folk's wish list (myself included). If David is willing, finally the MA1 owner would have at his/her disposal a reputable source for commercial gunsmithing support, just like the XD, Glock, M&P and all the other polymer big boys. Assuming David concludes the project is doable (and we're not there yet), it's going to depend on a few things to make it happen. Number one is the factory's willingness to provide BTC with needed parts, secondly David is going to have to be assured there's sufficient interest, now and in the future - that's where the members come in. I urge you to contact BTC AND Steyr USA and tell them there IS interest, that the factory has to do its part, and that we the American consumer have waited long enough. If Steyr wishes to sustain/gain market share in the US, there has to be greater availability of replacement parts and after-market gunsmithing support. Mr. Bowie can be reached at:

[email protected]

http://www.bowietacticalconcepts.com/

Thanks. And thans to Mugdava for tipping me off about BTC.

By email, a link to this thread has been forwarded to Mr. O. Bauer, Steyr Austria and to Jack R., Steyr USA.

 

Address the trigger Mug and we've crossed a major hurdle (we already have a great owner's forum). Everything else is icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned and the other after-market gizmos and stuff will follow. And I'll be perfectly frank with you....if the factory doesn't do their part by working with the independent gunsmiths, shame on them. Either they (Steyr) are going to make an investment in the American market or they are not. My two centavos.

 

'Haven't heard anything from Bowie or Steyr since. The problem is going rear its head if and when Steyr raises the US price on the MA1. Right now the MA1 is an excellent buy at the street price of $350 give or take. Raise the $ so it's in-line with the Glock, XD and M&P (plus or minus $500) and it does not IMHO bode well for the MA1 given the lack of after-market/OEM parts and accessories, and scarcity of gunsmithing support. Ergonomics will only take you so far. Then again, it ain't my company - all I can do is watch on the sidelines and hope for the best.

 

Still nothing from Bowie so I am not encouraged. On the plus side, I have heard some indicators that Scott Springer of Springer Precision may, just may have some interest in taking on the MA1. Scott did a helluva job with my XD45 trigger. If I could get a trigger even close to that in my M9A1, I would be happy.

 

It's been two months since this thread was started and no positive info to report. I have yet to find anyone willing to take on the MA1 trigger project. What a shame for those who really want more than just a decent but plenty good self defense action. For those of us who own other polymer semi-autos this is a tough pill to swallow. I just got my XD back from Springer Precision. Scott Springer did an exceptional 4# carry trigger that makes all the difference in the world. When asked about the MA1, as expected, he indicated he has more work than he can handle with the XD and because he can't get Steyr parts, it's a non-starter. Somehow fellow MA1 owners, we have to crack this nut.

 

+1. I too have the dredded tendonitis but I just want a better trigger period.

Stey, we should compare notes on the tendonitis. I am in phys rehab currently for that one, more due to excessive computer use than shooting. Yep, without parts no gunsmith will attempt to work on a Steyr. Big Taco can help you smooth things out and make the trigger more consistent but he/we cannot address the creep and heavy weight. Darn shame because if this gun had a trigger that could rival the XD, Glock, etc. with minor mods, it would truly be my favorite gun. It wins in the ergonomics category hands-down, even better than my Walther P99.

 

Vaux, would they (Steyr USA) agree to a 4 - 4.5 lb. trigger then? If not their concern for liability is unfounded bordering on paranoia or is indicative of a design issue that does not lend itself to a lighter (and still safe) trigger. One or the other or a combination of both. A 4-4.5 lb. trigger is hardly a "hair trigger" and is the norm in sa/da Walthers, Sigs, HK's, Glocks (with a connector swap) and all quality sa 1911s. If they would agree to selling parts, I think private gunsmiths would willingly take the project on. Springfield Armory on the other hand has no problem performing after-sale 4# trigger jobs on their XD's for a price of course.

I'll message you on the tendonitis.

 

You've done better in getting a response out of them than I have. I'd gladly settle for a crisp 4-4.5 lb trigger in my M9A1 versus the creepy 5.75 lb. trigger I now have. And not to beat a dead horse, no enterprising/competent gunsmith is going to take it on without a guarantee of parts. What a shame. Address the trigger and the MA1 is one helluva gun and a gun you couldn't shoot enough.