Snow Wolf SV-98 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle; Real Wood

The Snow Wolf SV-98 is a great replica of the Russian Army issue SV-98 sniper rifle system in current service and has the correct barrel profile, muzzle device and stock shape to do this unique rifle justice in Airsoft form. This version even boasts a real wood stock, finished in green paint just like the real Russian issue SV-98. This rifle is heavily based on the Russian SV-98 sniper rifle but uses the more ergonomic and frankly superior L96 style receiver with its enlarged, swept-back bolt handle allowing for clearance even when using large optical sights and its easy-to-use safety catch with recessed markings denoting each mode. 

Starting at the tip of the outer barrel we can see the real-world accurate SV-98 muzzle device, complete with a front iron sight. There is no rear iron sight on the SV-98 but this thing really needs a scope to do it justice. The muzzle device can be unscrewed but underneath there are some outsized threads (25.2mm Diameter) and we aren't currently aware of an adapter for suppressors. The user manual shows an SV-98 with a suppressor mounted, so there is a potential Snow Wolf will release this part down the line, hopefully!

The barrel is smooth-sided and tapered towards the tip, matching the real SV-98 perfectly. The barrel is shaped this way to improve strength near the receiver to effectively handle high-power cartridges while keeping the weight up front to a minimum for better handling.

Moving to the chassis, we can find an L96-style bipod spigot at the very front, followed by a Harris bipod lug, granting you multiple options when it comes to adding a bipod to the SV-98 for deploying in a static position. At either side of the chassis, just above the bipod mounting hardware, we can find a sling point on either side, which can be combined with the sling bar on the stock to mount a two-point rifle sling to allow you to throw the SV-98 onto your back when the enemy team is advancing and it's sidearm time. Running along the sides of the chassis we can find finger grooves, which help provide a consistent and comfortable position for your support hand.

Between the finger grooves on the right side of the chassis, we can take note of the two protruding threaded sockets which allow us to add the included carrying handle of the SV-98. This part is styled after that present on the real SV-98, which is also a big part of what makes the rifle so recognisable. The handle is constructed from steel for extra strength with a polymer over mould to stop the handle from being uncomfortable to use in cold weather. The handle can be attached by aligning the threaded nuts on the handle with the holes on the stock and turning the nuts counter-clockwise until it is hand-tight. The handle can be removed by turning the nuts clockwise if you want to cut down on the overall weight of the rifle.

The adjustable HOP-up unit of the SV-98 can be found on the bottom of the stock and is an external adjuster similar to the TM L96. The adjuster takes the form of a dial which can be adjusted by hand and has audible and tactile clicks with each increment of adjustment so you can adjust mid-game easily. This HOP-up style functions similarly to a "TDC" HOP-up which is known to be a superb method of adjustment, minimising side-to-side deviation by applying adjustments directly to the top of the HOP-up rubber.

Just ahead of the trigger guard is where we can find the magazine well of the SV-98 which is realistically positioned thanks to this rifle's use of the TM L96/M40 style of loading mechanism. The magazine is realistically designed with mock reinforcing grooves in its shell and holds 65 BBs which can be loaded through the fill/feed port on the front using a standard Airsoft speed loader or by hand. The magazine catch is positioned just behind the magazine and takes the form of a paddle release which can be used by right and left-handed shooters alike.

As we arrive at the receiver of the SV-98 we can see this is a more advanced L96 style receiver, with an enlarged bolt handle and textured safety lever. The real L96 and SV-98 both have a similar style of receiver, with angular surfaces and a 20mm Picatinny top rail for mounting optical sights, so unless the Russian fans at your local site are really, really observant, they may not be able to tell!

The safety catch is located on the right side of the rear section of the bolt, just behind the bolt handle, and can be easily reached from a firing grip with minimal movement which may draw the eye of an enemy sniper. The surface of this control includes deep linear texture, guaranteeing that you can make use of this important function in any weather condition. The safety is also much larger than that of a VSR-10 platform, making it more easily used with gloves. The safety positions are indicated using recessed markings, with "S" indicating the safe mode and "F" indicating the dangerous mode.

The bolt handle of the SV-98 is an enlarged L96-style design, which is swept back to allow larger optical sights to be used on the rifle without interfering with the travel of the bolt. This also makes the handle very easy to grab and operate quickly when needed. All of the parts of the receiver, outer barrel, and bolt handle are constructed from robust alloy, granting the SV-98 the title of "full metal" and making it a great choice for the type of player that values realism.

The stock of the Snow Wolf SV-98 is a close match to the real SV-98 stock, and sports full adjustability; with an adjustable cheekpiece which can be raised, an integrated mono-pod for optimal stability when combined with a bipod, and a rubberised butt plate which can be raised and lowered to get the perfect shooting position. Like the real SV-98 stock, this stock is made from real wood and finished with green paint, adding an extra edge of realism when compared to the polymer stock version. This stock offers all the options and adjustments needed to set the rifle up for static defence, and its relatively low weight despite its size makes it equally suitable for a more mobile player.

The butt plate can be adjusted by loosening the knurled nut on the right side which will allow the butt plate to be raised and lowered to suit your position, body type and loadout. The cheek rest is raised and lowered by unscrewing the adjustment screws beneath the cheek rest. Within the stock itself, we can also find a sling bar, which is present just behind the adjustment screws of the cheekpiece. This can be combined with either of the front sling points to provide an ambidextrous two-point sling mounting solution.

The final feature of the SV-98 we have to discuss is its integrated monopod, which can be found within the stock. The monopod is intended to be used in concert with a bipod to allow the rifle to be set up on uneven ground and allow for a little bit more clearance when necessary. The monopod can be deployed by loosening the knurled nut on the right side of the stock, just above the monopod itself, which will allow the monopod to be extended. Once the monopod is positioned, the locking nut can be retightened to lock the monopod in place.

This version of Snow Wolf's SV-98 is also kitted out on the inside with some nifty upgraded parts. Inside, you will find a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, giving you the edge in accuracy potential and a slight raise in FPS. The sear is a 45-degree example, reducing wear on the piston and reducing the trigger pull weight for a proper sniper rifle trigger. The inner barrel and HOP-up rubber are both VSR/GBB compatible, meaning the sky is the limit when it comes to upgrading your HOP-up setup.

If you're a sniper looking for a "bad guy" primary or you have an epic Russian loadout and need a sniper rifle to finish it off, the Snow Wolf SV-98 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle; Real Wood is one of the best options out there. Get your Leshy suit on and get busy!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Real wood stock - Finished with green paint, just like the real thing
• Removable carry handle - Complete the SV98 look
• Integrated monopod - Great for prone shooting
• Adjustable butt plate - Set it up for any body type or loadout
• Enlarged L96 style bolt handle - Plenty of clearance for large scopes
• Textured safety catch with recessed markings
• Real-world accurate SV-98 muzzle device
• Dial adjustable HOP-up unit - On the bottom of the stock
• Length of pull can be reduced by removing a butt plate spacer
• Fully adjustable cheekpiece - Perfect cheek weld no matter your optic preference
• Front Harris bipod lug and L96 style bipod spigot - Plenty of bipod options
• 20mm Picatinny Receiver rail - Ready for optical sights

Package Includes

• Snow Wolf SV-98 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle; Real Wood
• 65rnd SV-98 Mid-capacity magazine
• Removable carry handle
• Speedloader

Special Instructions

To assemble the Snow Wolf SV-98 you will need to mount the action into the stock as they are supplied disassembled. The 3 screws provided are used to mount the action, and the longer two screws go in the front and rearmost screw holes. The front hole is present just in front of the HOP-up dial, and the rear hole is present just to the rear of the trigger. The central hole is for the shortest of the 3 screws and it is very important that you do not use one of the longer screws in the central hole to avoid damaging the internals. The central hole is found inside the magazine well.

If you have trouble fitting the action into the stock we recommend slightly loosening the Allen bolt on the right side of the stock just in front of the magazine well.