Description
Ares M40-A6 Sniper Rifle (Spring Powered – MSR-025 – Black)
The Ares M40-A6 (MSR-025) is a black, spring-powered bolt-action sniper rifle modelled on the modern M40A6 precision rifle. It pairs a metal build with a highly adjustable folding chassis-style stock, giving you a rifle that can be set up to fit you closely and packed down for transport.
Ares is known for its range of bolt-action rifles, and the M40-A6 brings the look of a modern military precision rifle to airsoft with practical features such as an adjustable hop-up and a rubberised grip. It suits players moving into the sniper or marksman role as well as collectors of modern sniper rifles.
Build and ergonomics
The M40-A6 is built mainly from metal and weighs about 3.35kg, with an overall length of about 1040mm. The stock folds to make the rifle easier to carry and store, and it is highly adjustable, so you can set the length of pull to suit your build, your kit and whether you are shooting prone or standing.
The multi-surface handguard gives plenty of choice for where you hold the rifle and mount accessories, and the soft, rubberised pistol grip gives a secure hold in wet or cold weather.
How it works
As a spring-powered bolt action, the rifle is cocked by working the bolt, which compresses the spring and chambers a BB; pulling the trigger releases the piston to fire a single shot. There is no gas or battery to manage, so performance is consistent in all weather, which is a real advantage in a UK winter.
The hop-up is adjustable, so you can tune the backspin to suit heavier sniper BBs for flat, stable flight. The bolt action is described as smooth, which helps you stay on target while cycling between shots.
Getting started
Read the manual so you know how the safety and loading work. Load the magazine, cycle the bolt fully and fire a few shots at a safe backstop with the hop-up off, then add hop a little at a time until the BBs fly flat at your usual engagement distance. If you fit an optic, zero it once the hop is set.
Keep a note of the hop setting that suits your chosen BB weight, and have the rifle chronographed at your site before play, as many sites apply different rules and minimum engagement distances to bolt-action rifles.
Key features
- M40A6-style spring bolt-action sniper rifle from Ares
- Mainly metal construction
- Folding, highly adjustable stock
- Adjustable length of pull
- Multi-surface handguard
- Soft, rubberised pistol grip
- Adjustable hop-up
- Smooth bolt action
- 45-round magazine
- No gas or battery needed: consistent in all weather
What’s in the box
- Ares M40-A6 sniper rifle
- 45-round magazine
- Cleaning rod
- Manual
Compatibility
The rifle uses Ares M40-A6 magazines, so make sure any spares are made for this model. It has no battery or gas system to buy for. Use heavier, high-quality sniper BBs to get the best from the adjustable hop-up, and choose a scope and mounts that suit the rifle’s rail before buying. Ares rifles have their own internal parts, so check that any upgrade parts are listed for this model.
Care and maintenance
Never store the rifle cocked, as leaving the spring compressed for long periods weakens it. Avoid dry firing without a BB where possible, since the piston can slam into the cylinder head without the cushion of a BB in the chamber.
Clean the inner barrel regularly with a cleaning rod and a dry patch, use only clean, high-quality seamless BBs, and wipe the metal parts with a lightly oiled cloth after wet games. Store the rifle somewhere dry and check the stock and mount screws before each game day.
Who is it for?
The M40-A6 suits players taking up the sniper or marksman role, anyone who wants a modern-looking bolt-action rifle that can be adjusted to fit, and collectors of contemporary precision rifles.
Please note: Optics and BBs are not included. Always wear suitable eye and face protection, and check your site’s rules for sniper rifles, including minimum engagement distances, before play.
