S&T Kar98k Enemy at the Gate Package

He puts snow in his mouth, because he likes the taste...

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 have 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 manual safety located on the bolt may be a bit of a learning curve but it is well-positioned for the old way (safe when you're not shooting, fire whilst you are). Being a bolt action, the primary safety is the cocking indicator on the rear of the bolt.

The ZF39 Scope for S&Ts Kar-98k features a smooth, gloss black finish across the entire scope which is period accurate to the ZV39 scopes in service with the Wehrmacht throughout WW2. On the top of the scope you will find the elevation adjustment knob, which also hosts a locking screw to ensure that once set, your zero will be retained. To the rear of the elevation adjustment knob there are authentic 'Jena' (Carl Zeiss Jena) trademarks engraved in, adding to the authentic appearance of the scope. The mounting apparatus, as mentioned, is extensive. The package includes the quick detachable authentic German-style scope mount, an adaptor to add an 11mm dovetail rail to the rifle to mount the aforementioned scope mount, and as a bonus a Picatinny rail which can be screwed onto the 11mm dovetail, instead of the German scope mount. Please do not put a Red dot sight ACOG on your Kar98k, there is no reason not to, other than it will hurt mine and other Airsofters' feelings. 

From a performance standpoint, the S&T ZF39 is a considerable step up from its real-world WW2 counterpart, largely as a result of the major advances in lens technology in the 80 years since the real ZF39 was the latest and greatest. The eye relief is just over 4 inches and the optical clarity is top-notch, in line with many modern 'short-dot' style optics. The use of the 'German reticle' is not only for authenticity, it also adds to the user-friendly aspects of the scope. Allowing the user to easily compensate for the movement of a target or windage changes without having to dial it in, owing to the horizontal line across the reticle. You certainly won't be stuck adjusting for windage with turrets whilst your fleeting opportunity to engage your target pass you by!

The combination of the S&T Kar98k and the S&T ZF39 makes a Kar98k a fast acquisition urban-style sniper rifle. Very fitting for an Enemy at the gate! The 4x magnification is practically the perfect amount for Airsoft skirmishing and by limiting the magnification S&T has kept the weight of this optic down, unlike many China-made Russian-style scopes on the market, which add loads of stuff on and increase the optics weight, all whilst compromising on optical clarity. With a grey hat, green cloak, some hessian wrapped around the handguard and scope, and a cold look in your eyes, you too can stalk the ruins of Stalingrad hunting the posh accented Russian marksman!

Features

Rifle

• 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!

Optic

• Crystal clear glass
• Gun metal finish on mounts
• Sturdy mounting apparatus
• Flawless Gloss black finish on the optic
• Authentic and functional German reticle
• Authentic Carl Zeiss Jena Trademarks 
• Includes Picatinny rail mount for the clinically insane
• Excellent eye relief - allows for eye protection of all kinds
• Zero-locking screw - Prevents accidental rotation of the adjustment turret

Package Includes

• S&T Kar98k 
• 25rd Magazine
• ZF39 Scope
• Picatinny rail (ew)
• ZF39 mounting apparatus
• Barrel Cleaning/ Unjamming rod