Description
APS M40A3 Spring Action Rifle (420FPS, Tan, APM04D)
The APS M40A3 is a spring-powered, bolt-action airsoft sniper rifle styled on the M40A3, the precision rifle built on the Remington 700 action and made famous by the US Marine Corps. This version is finished in tan under the code APM04D, and our listing gives it at 420FPS.
APS is a well-established maker of airsoft rifles, pistols and shotguns, and its M40A3 is a popular choice for players moving into the sniper role. Spring power means no gas and no battery, so the rifle performs the same on a frosty winter morning as on a summer afternoon. The tan finish suits desert and dry-grass terrain and blends well with coyote-toned kit.
Build and design
A US retailer listing for the APS M40A3 (in tan) describes a metal receiver and outer barrel with a polymer pistol grip and stock, an overall length of about 45 inches and a weight of about 6.8lb. The same listing gives a removable stock with an adjustable cheek riser and a rubberised butt plate, and a top rail for optics.
An adjustable cheek riser is a real help on a sniper rifle, because it lets you line your eye up with the scope consistently from shot to shot. Please note that the US version may differ in power from our UK version, so we only quote the figure on our listing.
Barrel, hop-up and trigger
The US listing gives a 510mm, 6.03mm tight-bore inner barrel and an adjustable hop-up with one-hand adjustment on the left side, so you can fine-tune the backspin without taking your eye far from the target. It also describes an adjustable trigger, with stroke and pull weight that can be set to suit your preference.
A crisp, predictable trigger and a consistent hop-up are the two things that make the biggest difference to accuracy with a bolt-action rifle, so take the time to set both up carefully before your first game.
Magazine and loading
The listing gives a 45-round magazine. Working the bolt compresses the spring and chambers a BB; pull the trigger and the piston drives a burst of air behind it. Our shop also stocks APS M40 / M40A3 45-round full metal magazines (MS005), which are a sensible spare to carry; please check with us that they suit your rifle.
Key features
- M40A3-style spring bolt-action sniper rifle
- Listed at 420FPS
- No gas or battery needed
- Metal receiver and outer barrel (as listed for the US version)
- Polymer stock with adjustable cheek riser (as listed)
- 510mm 6.03mm tight-bore inner barrel (as listed)
- One-hand adjustable hop-up (as listed)
- Adjustable trigger (as listed)
- 45-round magazine (as listed)
- Tan finish
Compatibility
Use magazines made for the APS M40A3; our APS M40 / M40A3 45-round full metal magazines (MS005) are designed for this family. The top rail takes standard scope rings, so choose a height that gives a comfortable cheek weld with the riser set.
Use high-quality seamless BBs; many sniper players prefer 0.28g or heavier once the hop-up is set, but match the BB weight to the rifle’s power and your site’s rules.
Care and maintenance
Avoid dry-firing the rifle without BBs, as the piston then strikes the cylinder head without any resistance, which adds wear. Store it uncocked so the spring is not left compressed, and keep it in a padded bag or case so the barrel and any optic stay aligned.
Clean the inner barrel now and then with a rod and a lightly dampened patch, use high-quality seamless BBs, and keep the magazine and feed area free from grit. A sniper rifle rewards consistent ammunition, so once you have found a BB weight that suits your hop-up setting, stick with it.
Who is it for?
The APS M40A3 suits players moving into the sniper role who want a classic-looking spring rifle with useful adjustments, and experienced snipers who want a dependable rifle that needs no gas or battery.
Please note: A scope, mounts and BBs are not listed as included. The US listing shows the rifle, magazine, stock, cleaning rod and manual in the box; please check with us to confirm the contents of our version. Always wear suitable eye protection, and full-face protection where your site requires it, when using or testing any airsoft replica.
