S&T Kar98K Spring bolt-action rifle replica - Real Wood

The S&T Kar98k definitely lives up to S&T's reputation as one of the best manufacturers of historical and rare Airsoft rifles. Featuring all the minor details which make a Kar98k with nothing left out, S&T has gone out of their way to produce an excellent replica of a 1943 Kar98k. The metal on the rifle is finished in a very authentic manner, as is the stock, matching the compromises made during wartime production. 

The stock has a very thin coat of varnish to seal it, in line with the gradual reduction in quality of rifles made towards the close of WW2. The metal finish is similar, replicating the transition made by Mauser and other manufacturers of the real deal to the more cost and time-effective processes. This is what sets this Kar98K apart from the rest, the manufacturers of which appear to pay little attention to authenticity in comparison to S&T.

Starting at the front of the rifle we find the front sight block, which is secured to the barrel using steel pins. The front sight itself consists of an adjustable barley-corn style front blade and folded steel sight protector, giving the rifle the authentic Kar98k silhouette. Beneath the front sight, we can find the cleaning rod (for display only), the bayonet mount lug integrated into the left side of the front barrel band, and a sling loop on the left side of the second barrel band. All of these parts are constructed from robust steel and alloys and finished perfectly. The 25-inch barrel provides plenty of length for a long inner barrel, allowing this rifle to boast excellent accuracy, an attribute the real Kar98k is famous for. 

As we move rearward we come to the real wood stock and upper handguard, which I have to say is of stunning quality. It doesn't try to look "match-grade"  like a modern hunting rifle but instead leans into the authentic "rushed into battle" look, which is exactly how a Kar98k should be done. This does not, however, mean that the stock is of poor quality. The wood is strong and the woodwork is exceptional, imitating the shape of the real Kar98k stock precisely. The varnished finish is exactly right to seal the wood and protect it from moisture but not enough to make it mirror shine, which would neither be authentic nor conducive to making a good Airsoft sniper rifle. 

Aft of the upper handguard, we can find the adjustable tangent sight which can be adjusted out to 1000m, although we don't think you'll hit anything that far out with a 6mm BB! Lift it up and you will find something more useful to the skirmisher, the HOP adjustment grub screw! This is a brilliant design, with it being completely hidden under the rear sight and being a TDC design it will not be affected by the issues which affect slider-style hop-ups found on most bolt action spring rifles. 

Behind this is the barrel trunion, complete with authentic but not offensive engraved trademarks. On the left side of the rifle, you will note the scope mounting apparatus, which is well placed and compatible with the S&T scope, or even a Picatinny rail adaptor should you chose to go the COD route with this rifle. The bolt is finished in a period-accurate grey-black and cycles smoothly, with the functional and true-to-life Kar-98k safety lever found above the dummy cocked indicator on the rear of the bolt. Under the stock we can find the magazine well (very well disguised, looks like a real KAr98k integrated magazine baseplate!) which can be opened in order to insert the tiny 25rd magazine.

The trigger and guard are both made of metal and retain the same awesome surface finish as the other metal parts of the rifle. On the buttstock itself, we can see some distinctly German features still present on many H&K rifles to this day. The sling loop goes through the stock itself, just like the real deal. Also present is a metal disc in the center of the stock, which is used on the real Kar98k to disassemble the bolt and retain the firing pin. Now that's what I call attention to detail! Rounding it off at the rear we can find the authentic mid-war folded steel butt plate, matching perfectly with the '43 markings on the barrel trunion. 

When we get to the internals, it is no less impressive. Shooting at a competitive 365fps out the box, this Kar98k provides the range to match the look whilst being easy to cock for everyone. The spring action bolt is smooth and fast to cycle when compared to other bolt action sniper rifles. With the weight being an un-excessive 3.5kg approximately, you don't have to be a Schwarzenegger to carry this around for a day! 

Features

• Real wood stock
• Scope mounting plate
• Period-accurate replica
• Incredible attention to detail 
• Authentically finished metal parts
• Two sling points for mounting a Kar98k Sling
• Authentic Barley-corn and tangent sight combo
• Spring bolt action - consistent with no gas to worry about
• 25rd magazines so small you could carry 10 in one pouch!

Package Includes

• S&T Kar98k 
• 25rd Magazine
• Barrel Cleaning/ Unjamming rod