Description
S&T KAR98K Spring Sniper Rifle (Real Wood/Steel Bolt – STSPG18RW)
The S&T KAR98K (STSPG18RW) is a spring-powered, bolt-action airsoft replica of the Karabiner 98k, the standard German service rifle of the Second World War. This version is built with a real wood stock and upper handguard and a steel bolt, giving it the look, weight and feel of a genuine wartime rifle.
S&T is a well-known airsoft manufacturer with a strong range of historical replicas, and its Kar98k is a popular choice with WWII reenactors and players who enjoy period-themed games. As a spring rifle it needs no battery or gas, so it is always ready to go and works just as well on a cold winter morning as in summer.
Build and materials
The stock and upper handguard are real wood, while the metal parts are steel and alloy, including the steel bolt named in the product title. Retailers list the weight at around 3.5kg, so the rifle has a reassuring heft that helps it sit steadily in the shoulder, much like the original. The outer barrel is listed at 25 inches.
The sights follow the original pattern, with an adjustable barleycorn-style front blade protected by a folded steel sight hood and an adjustable tangent rear sight. They are perfectly usable for aimed shots, and for a scoped build S&T offers a separate ZF39-style scope and side mount set.
How it works
Working the bolt cocks the spring and chambers a BB, just as with any spring sniper rifle. The replica uses a 25-round magazine that fits into a magazine well under the stock, keeping the rifle’s outline clean. BBs are loaded at the front of the magazine using a speed loader.
The hop-up is adjustable, using a grub screw located under the rear sight. Take your time setting it up for the BB weight you prefer, then leave it alone: a well-set hop-up is the key to consistent results with a spring rifle.
For reenactors and historical games
The Kar98k was carried throughout the Second World War, which makes this replica a natural choice for German impressions at WWII events and themed skirmishes. The real wood and steel finish looks right at close quarters, in photographs and on display.
Bolt-action rifles reward patience. Pick your shots, use cover and make each one count, and pair the rifle with a sidearm for close encounters where your site’s rules require it.
Getting started
Read the manual so you are familiar with the safety and loading. Load the magazine, work the bolt fully back and forward, and fire a few shots at a safe backstop with the hop-up off. Add hop gradually until the BBs fly flat at your usual engagement distance, then zero any optic to match.
Note the hop setting that suits your chosen BB weight so you can return to it, and have the rifle chronographed at your site before play.
Key features
- Spring bolt-action replica of the Kar98k
- Real wood stock and upper handguard
- Steel bolt; steel and alloy metal parts
- Approx. 3.5kg for an authentic feel
- Adjustable barleycorn front sight with hood
- Adjustable tangent rear sight
- Adjustable hop-up (grub screw under the rear sight)
- 25-round magazine in a well under the stock
- No battery or gas needed
What’s in the box
- S&T KAR98K rifle
- 25-round magazine
- Cleaning/unjamming rod
Compatibility
Use S&T Kar98k magazines; magazines from other makers’ Kar98k replicas may not fit, so check before buying spares. S&T’s ZF39-style scope and side mount set (STSC02S) is designed for its Kar98k. Heavier BBs, around 0.25g to 0.30g, generally suit a spring rifle of this type.
Care and maintenance
Real wood benefits from occasional care: wipe the stock clean and dry after use, and treat it now and then with a suitable wood oil or wax. Wipe the steel and alloy parts with a lightly oiled cloth to guard against marks and rust, especially after damp games, and never store the rifle wet in a closed case.
Keep the inner barrel clean with a cleaning rod and dry patch, use good quality seamless BBs and store the rifle uncocked so the spring is not left under tension.
Who is it for?
WWII reenactors and collectors, and players who enjoy period games and want an authentic-feeling wood and steel bolt-action rifle.
Please note: BBs are not included. Always wear suitable eye and face protection, and follow your site’s rules on bolt-action rifles and minimum engagement distances.
