S&T M1903A3 Springfield Rifle Replica; ABS Stock Version

If you're planning a sniper rifle build but want something from a simpler time, the S&T M1903A3 Bolt-Action Rifle Replica; ABS Stock Version is a good shout. This bolt-action sniper rifle replicates the Springfield Rifle, first entering the stage in 1903 and seeing service with the US Army in the trenches of the First World War and the European and Pacific theatres of WW2 with both the USMC and US Army. The Springfield itself is based on the Mauser Gewehr 98 action and rechambered in 30-06 and is famous for its role as the primary arm of Sgt. Jackson, the sniper from Saving Private Ryan.

This version of the S&T Springfield is rocking an ABS polymer imitation wood stock, giving it lower weight, improved ability to resist skirmish damage and a considerably reduced price as a bonus. While the real wood version is the looker, the ABS version makes a fantastic sniper rifle base platform thanks to its improved handling and compatibility with upgrade parts for the Tokyo Marui VSR-10 sniper rifle internal system.

Starting at the front of the rifle we find the front sight block, with the standard fine front post matching the real Springfield perfectly. The front sight is not adjustable but the rear sight is, allowing for both windage and elevation adjustment so you can get the Springfield zeroed in and on target even if you choose to challenge yourself by avoiding mounting a scope.

Beneath the front sight, we can find the mock bayonet mount lug integrated into the bottom of the front barrel band, together with what is known as a "stacking swivel". Stacking swivels are designed to allow rifles to be stacked together in threes, keeping the action of all three rifles off the ground and clear of dirt and debris. While this won't be much use unless you have a pair of Springfield-wielding mates, it is nonetheless an important part of the iconic Springfield look and necessary for realism.

The 24-inch barrel provides plenty of length for the impressively long 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, providing the S&T Springfield with impressive accuracy, just like the real thing. To make matters even better, the S&T Springfield is reportedly compatible with VSR-10 spec parts, allowing you to upgrade to your heart's content and bring out the beast in this classic platform!

As we move rearward we come to the faux wood stock which looks fantastic despite its lightweight ABS polymer construction. The stock is constructed in 3 parts; the forestock, handguard and the stock itself, just like a real Springfield rifle. The parts are held together with steel barrel bands, with the central band including an alloy sling swivel.

To the rear of the central barrel band, we can find our HOP-up adjuster, concealed inside a recess in the stock on the right side. This adjuster works just like the slider adjuster of a VSR-10 sniper rifle and is compatible with VSR-10 upgrade parts, allowing for lightning-fast mid-game adjustments without the need for tools. The HOP-up allows you to tune the Springfield for your chosen ammo weight, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. We recommend 0.25 or 0.28g BBs for the Springfield, though you may be able to go heavier with the right upgrades installed.

Moving rearwards, we reach the receiver which is constructed from alloy with a stainless steel cylinder. The bolt handle is a standard down-turned handle with a ball at the tip for extra purchase so you can cock the Springfield effectively in any weather conditions. The magazine well is positioned on the bottom and concealed behind a door designed to mimic the floorplate of a real Springfield rifle. Pulling the rectangular piece close to the trigger guard forward will allow the door to open and your magazine should be inserted with the textured tab facing downwards and the fill/feed port facing the front of the rifle.

On the top of the receiver, you will notice a threaded hole, just in front of the ejection port. This allows the S&T 20mm Rifle Scope Mount to be fitted for those who want to add an optic to make the most of the inherent accuracy and range of this VSR-10-based design. To fit the scope mount you will need to also remove the rear iron sight, but with that done you can rock the Sgt. Jackson from Saving Private Ryan look. Bonus points if you run the Springfield left-handed for authenticity!

The manual safety is positioned on the top of the rear of the bolt, functioning similarly to the KAR98K rifle. The safety can be flipped to the right side to lock the trigger, or to the left to free it up to take the shot. At the very rear of the bolt, we are treated to an important detail; the knurled extension known as the "cocking piece". This part is directly connected to the firing pin on a real Springfield and allows for "second strike capability", i.e. the ability to recock the rifle without opening the bolt should the chambered cartridge fail to go off. This isn't much use on an Airsoft rifle and cannot be cocked, but is nonetheless included to complete the Springfield's realistic looks.

The trigger guard and trigger are also constructed from alloy, granting the Springfield "Full Metal Construction". Though it may be full metal, the stock/chassis is constructed from lightweight ABS polymer, giving this Springfield handling qualities similar to the agile bolt action of choice for Airsoft snipers; the VSR-10. Unlike the real wood version, this Springfield is easy to point quickly, resists skirmish bumps and scrapes without too much visible damage and won't hinder your mobility when used for long durations with the slight sacrifice of being less realistic overall.

The stock itself is where we get a true picture of the effort S&T has made to produce its faux wood effect. While it feels absolutely nothing like real wood, from a few feet away it is difficult to tell the difference visually, even with the real wood version sitting next to it. The faux grain is deep and varied, as much as it can be for what is secretly ABS polymer, and should require less maintenance to keep its good looks than real wood with less likelihood of a mid-skirmish scrape ruining the aesthetic. If you want a Springfield to hang on the wall and occasionally caress, get the real wood version, but if you're hitting the skirmish field hard with your Springfield, we think you would be better served with the ABS version!

The butt plate is constructed from alloy, complete with a dummy cleaning kit port which cannot be opened but is included for looks. At the toe of the stock, we can find our final sling swivel which is constructed from steel and ideally used with a two-point sling.

On the inside, we are treated to a handful of pre-upgraded parts, even in this cost-effective Springfield replica. The cylinder is VSR-10 spec and constructed from stainless steel for a nice smooth bolt pull and the inner barrel is a 6.03mm tightbore measuring in at an incredible 518mm in length. The upgrade fiends will be happy to learn that the majority of the Springfield's internals are compatible with VSR-10 upgrade parts, including but not limited to the inner barrel, HOP-up rubber and nub, cylinder, trigger group and main spring.

If you're looking for a historical rifle replica that doesn't weigh a ton, doesn't require extensive maintenance to keep its looks in the long term and is compatible with widely available upgrade parts, the S&T M1903 Springfield is calling your name! In its ABS stock iteration, this rifle is ideal for the mobile and agile sniper with a taste for the classics!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Spring bolt action rifle - Requires cocking before each shot
• Faux wood ABS polymer stock - Lightweight yet visually authentic
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Awesome accuracy potential
• Sling points front and rear - Ready for a two-point sling
• Mock bayonet lug at the front - Compatibility to be confirmed
• Stacking swivel at the front - Stack several Springfields together WW1/WW2 style
• Slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Externally accessible on the right side of the handguard/chassis
• Adjustable aperture iron sights - Windage on the right side dial, elevation by sliding the aperture back and forth
• Manual safety catch - Rotary safety on the top of the bolt, rotate to the left to fire, right for trigger lock
• VSR-10 Compatible parts - 
  • Inner barrel
  • HOP-up rubber
  • Trigger assembly
  • Cylinder
  • Mainspring
• Scope mount available - S&T 20mm Rifle Scope Mount for M1903A3 Springfield
• Compatible with S&T M1903/KAR98K Magazines

Package Includes

• S&T M1903A3 Bolt-Action Rifle Replica; ABS Stock Version
• 25rnd Magazine