Novritsch SSG96 L96 Mk1 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle

The SSG96 is Novritsch's take on the real steel L96, one of the most iconic sniper rifles out there, famous for both its service in the British Army and its proliferation in video games, including CS: GO as the "AWP" and GTA V as the "Sniper Rifle". Not content with simply replicating the real thing, Novritsch has added a plethora of enhancements to the L96 platform to give it the edge over its rivals and provide Airsoft snipers with a ready-to-play, pre-upgraded sniper platform, perfectly tuned straight out of the box.

Inside the SSG96 we are treated to an updated TDC HOP-up unit with an external adjuster, meaning you no longer have to remove the mag to adjust the L96 HOP-up and you now have the best HOP-up style around, famed for its accuracy and consistency. The HOP-up arm is the "flat" type, extending range by providing more even pressure to the HOP-up rubber and allowing for BB weights all the way up to 0.46g to be used. The HOP-up rubber is made by HOP-up gods, Maple Leaf, meaning even when upgraded, compatible sniper rifles will have to work very hard to out shoot the SSG96.

Novritsch has also applied his scrutiny to the externals of the L96, making use of a stronger polymer than others in its chassis for a near bomb-proof build. The receiver is CNC machined from aluminium and the bolt handle can be swapped to either side of the rifle, making this the ideal rifle for the left-handed sniper. The barrel has the Novritsch signature spiral fluting along its length, as does the bolt/cylinder. One of the best features added by Novritsch is the empty magazine indicator, allowing you to stay abreast of the condition of your rifle so you never miss that all-important shot.

Starting at the front, we can take note of the spiral-fluted aluminium outer barrel, adding a bit of custom flair to the SSG96 in true Novritsch fashion. The spiral fluting looks fantastic and is flawlessly machined, marking this L96 out as one of Novritsch's. The outer barrel is threaded for Novritsch's proprietary SSG96 suppressor adapter and Sniper Rifle Muzzle Brake, so if you want the sneaky look for your SSG96 or you want a beastly Barrett-style brake, this is not out of the question.

Following the barrel back brings us to the chassis, which is a perfect match for the real Accuracy International L96 chassis, complete with finger grooves at the front for improved handling and a thumbhole stock with an adjustable cheekpiece and butt plate at the rear. The chassis is constructed from super strong high density polymer and attaches to the action via 3 screws, promising a tight fit and perfect accuracy, with no chance of barrel wobble.

At the front of the chassis, we have an L96 bipod spigot/socket which allows Atlas-style bipods to be directly mounted, or tri-rail mounts to be fitted for more accessory options. On the bottom front, we have yet another bipod mounting option in the form of a Harris bipod/sling stud. This allows you to fit a Harris-style bipod directly or a sling loop if you prefer the centrally mounted "infantry" style sling position as opposed to the side-mounted "cavalry" position. Speaking of sling loops, we are treated to one on either side of the chassis front, allowing you to add a two-point sling using the rear points on either side.

To the rear of the Harris lug, we come to the magazine well. The magazine catch is located at the front of the mag well and is recessed inside, ensuring any snags don't dump your precious magazine onto the woodland floor. The Novritsch SSG96 magazine has an extra trick up its sleeve when used with the SSG96; its empty magazine indicator.

When your mag runs dry, or when you insert an empty magazine you will see a small red protrusion rise from the left side of the chassis. This is a lifesaver; any Airsoft sniper will tell you, there is nothing worse than taking the perfect shot only to realise you were out of ammo. The advantage of a physical indicator raising from the chassis is that you can also check the loaded condition of your rifle in low light by feeling for the indicator. If it isn't there, you have a green light to take the shot!

The TDC HOP-up adjuster of the SSG96 is located on the top of the aft section of the outer barrel and can be adjusted using a small Allen key. The HOP-up allows you to tune the SSG96 for your chosen BB weight and allows the use of all weights up to 0.46g which is incredible for an out-of-the-box sniper rifle. The advantage of a TDC adjuster is that once it is set, it will stay exactly where it is, and pressure is applied directly to the top of the flat HOP-up arm which massively reduces side-to-side shot deviation. The pre-installed HOP-up bucking is provided by Maple Leaf and is a 70°  rubber, meaning it is well up to the task of shooting heavy BBs at high velocities thanks to its hard rubber construction.

Next up, we reach the receiver, which follows the L96 shape in a roundabout way but has been revamped by Novritsch with thoughtful enhancements and build-quality improvements. The receiver is now constructed from CNC machined aluminium with an integrally machined 20mm Picatinny rail up top, weight reduction on the sides and the ability to switch the enhanced bolt handle from the right side to the left. The CNC construction of the receiver means a flawlessly crisp shape, reduced weight and improved strength when compared to other L96 replicas with cast alloy receivers.

Having an integrally machined 20mm Picatinny rail means it will not loosen over time like compatible sniper rifles with screwed-in rails. You can be as rough as you like with the SSG96 and its strong, integral rail will keep your optic zeroed to perfection!

As mentioned, the bolt handle can be swapped to either side of the SSG96 by removing a single screw at the rear, making the platform ideal for either left or right-handed snipers. This is a rare feature for a sniper rifle, especially considering you don't need to buy any conversion kits or other parts!

On the rear of the bolt you will notice a small red protrusion in the centre, if the rifle is cocked, that is! This is the cocked/uncocked indicator, another thoughtful aspect of the SSG96 design which allows you to see and feel whether or not the rifle is ready to take that all-important shot. The safety catch can be found on the right side of the bolt, as it is on a standard L96, taking the form of a textured lever which can be slid back and forth to select between safe and fire. Beneath the safety, there is a red enamel dot which indicates the rifle is on "fire".

As we arrive at the rear of the rifle we can find one of the most recognisable aspects of the L96 external design, its multi-adjustable thumbhole stock. The thumbhole design is remarkably comfortable, and a massive step up from conventional rifle stocks when shooting in the prone position. The grip is an ergonomic shape and supports the hand well, with no odd protrusions on either side making it usable for both left and right-handed shooters.

The cheekpiece can be raised and lowered to provide the perfect view through your optical sight or removed entirely if you use a full face mask. The screws on either side, just below the cheekpiece provide the adjustments, and you will need an Allen key to alter it. Likewise, the butt plate can also be shortened to suit those who wear body armour by removing the spacer between it and the chassis. This stock has been widely praised both in Airsoft and the real world, and with Novritsch's enhanced rubber butt plate installed, the handling qualities have got even better!

Amongst the major strengths of the SSG96 platform is its reinforced internals. The cylinder is constructed from polished stainless steel for maximum strength along with ultra-low friction and the piston is constructed from CNC machined aluminium with a rubber front cap, combining perfect air seal with low weight and high strength. The spring guide is also made from stainless steel and the trigger sears are also steel, meaning the SSG96 is capable of performing with the strongest springs around, including the punishing M220.

To enhance accuracy and range, the SSG96 is fitted with a Maple Leaf 70° HOP-up rubber, a flat HOP-up arm and inner barrel spacers. The flat HOP-up arm helps to eliminate side-to-side shot deviation paired with the TDC adjuster, and its flat contact surface allows the 70° Maple Leaf rubber to lift up to 0.46g BBs. Inner barrel spacers used to be something expert snipers would make themselves to keep long inner barrels stable within the outer barrel, but thanks to Novritsch, you already have this advantage with the SSG96 straight out of the box.

For those looking for a pre-upgraded sniper rifle with the iconic L96/AWP aesthetic, you can't do much better than the SSG96. With a full complement of high-strength steel parts, an enhanced TDC HOP-up and the unique Novritsch styling, the SSG96 is kitted out to impress, both in effect on target and in looks!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Spiral fluted outer barrel - Looks great, a Novritsch hallmark
• CNC Machined aluminium receiver - Weight reduced, flawless shape
• High density polymer stock/chassis - Far stronger than other L96 replicas
• L96 Bipod spigot/socket - At the front of the chassis, allows bipods and rail mounts to be fitted
• Harris bipod/sling stud - At the front of the chassis, add a sling loop or Harris-style bipod
• TDC Adjustable HOP-up unit - On the outer barrel, adjusts via Allen key
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for your choice of rifle scope
• Ambidextrous sling points front and rear - Add a two-point sling on either side
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Bottom front of the chassis, accessible from either side
• Left/Right swappable bolt handle - Perfect for left or right-handed snipers, no extra parts needed
• Silent piston head - Reduces muzzle report and wear on the piston head
• Perfectly matching inner barrel and cylinder volume -  Perfect efficiency, reduced shot noise
• Flat skeletonised trigger - Looks fantastic, ties in well with other Novritsch platforms
• Rubber butt plate - Unique Novristch design, adds plenty of grip for wet weather use
• Empty magazine indicator - A red indicator pops up on the left side of the chassis when your mag is empty
• Enhanced bolt handle - Serrated for extra grip, unique looks
• Cocked indicator on the rear of the bolt - Helps avoid double loading, protrudes so you can feel it in low light
• Maple Leaf 70° HOP-up rubber - Capable of lifting up to 0.5g BBs
• Flat HOP-up arm - Even pressure applied to the HOP-up rubber, reduced side-to-side shot deviation
• Stainless steel cylinder - Low friction, high strength, perfect air seal
• Stainless steel spring guide - Extra strong, compatible with Novritsch 13mm diameter upgrade springs
• Aluminium piston - Lightweight, high strength with rubber cap for reduced wear and improved air seal
• Steel trigger sears - Capable of handling high strength springs (up to M220)
• Inner barrel spacers pre-installed - Keeps the lengthy 500mm inner barrel straight for extra accuracy

Package Includes

• Novritsch SSG96 L96 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle
• 21rnd Low-cap magazine
• User manual