"a friend just got a new Steyer Aug (Saber import)." "is this what $2k gets you? anyone else with this issue?"
I paid $1,800 for my brand new A3 Steyr Aug. Your friend paid $200 too much for his A3. My A3 has been flawless. Prior to my A3 I have had an A1 and carried an A1 on duty with my federal agency. I much prefer a Steyr Aug (in any configuration) to any of the Colt AR15 rifles and M16 rifle I own. Saber did not import any Augs. They only manufactured some receivers for Steyr as did VLTOR. I have no idea what the issue is with your friends NIB Steyr Aug is, but, it is obviously an isolated issue. Since it is new it should still be under warranty and your friend should have no problem getting Steyr to correct the problem, so no worries. I would be interested in hearing about what is causing the problem once Steyr gets the rifle and determines the problem. Please post their response as I've never heard of this issue before.
Just read the following posts. Mine is one of the earlier A3's and mine is perfect. Nevermind.