In 1996 the USMC launched a plan to replace the M40A1 with the new M40A3. A rifle that incorporates a Harris bipod 6 to 9 inches and a fiberglass stock developed by McMillan with adjustable cheek pad.

Each M40 is built from a short action Remington 700 rifle  7.62mmx51mm. Every rifle is modified by Marines with the military occupational specialty (MOS) 2112 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. In the early 2000s the M40A1 was replaced by the A3,and A3 by the A5 in 2009.

For some time we could see A3s with many features that would become characteristic of the A5, such as the front rail PGW, designed to mount night sights AN / PVS-22 or AN / PVS-27. It is from that time frame that we can date the M40A3 ASG presented to us, which allows us to access the original A3 version, or incorporate the front rail and place it at the transition time.

This replica is a superb reproduction of the actual model. Precise details such as the optical platform or the option to incorporate the PGW demonstrate how carefully this sniper rifle replica has been designed, leaving behind many other attempts to replicate this iconic rifle.

Externally we can highlight elements such as the OD body, licensed McMillan, made of polymer instead of fiberglass. This A4 body, replica of the American brand, has rough areas at the grip and the forearm for better grip.

The Benchrest type stock comes with an adjustable rubber butt stock pad for a higher comfort when using the model in any shooting position. It also comes with a cheek rest made with a metal structure, covered in non-slip material, that allows us to adjust the height.

Along the body we find six QD swivel bosses for attaching a sling, three of them in the front and the other three at the back. To this we can add a bipod adapter for the 4" Harris bipod type with a KMW PodLok, manufactured by VFC.

At the same area, but at the barrel side, we find the points for installing the front rail (not included). This is a feature of the M40A5 but in a time of transition it also could be seen on the A3. Dissembling the barrel we can replace the original piece by this PGW rail replica which will offer us two extra rail on the front (one upper and one lateral) for accessories like AN-PEQs or lasers, or as in the real model, a night sight AN / PVS -22.

Finally in the muzzle we can remove the cap and screw on an adapter with which to add a silencer such as the B & T Rotex IIIA (You would need a conventional muzzle M4). Or we can add a silencer type Surefire as you can see mounted on the M40A5 USMC.

Regarding the scope, the Marine Corps mounts a Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II/LP/MTC and Badger Ordnance 34mm rings in their M40A5, but to play airsoft, for example, you could mount a Long range Strike Systems Tactical Illuminated Scope 3.5-10x50E, which includes Ø30x20x21 scope rings. (Remember that the first numberrepresents the magnification power and the second the diameter in millimeters of the lens).

Two features that differentiate A3 and A5 are the trigger guard and the feeding system.

A3 mounts a trigger guard manufactured by DD Ross Company and the A5 mounts a trigger guard with detachable magazine with retainer manufactured by Badger Ordnance. A5 uses detachable magazines of 10 rounds instead of the internal charger of the A3 and previous models. This replica uses a 20 BBs detachable magazine which is housed inside the rifle.

The hop-up, with "half moon" rubber, is regulated by a wheel at the bottom of the forestock, without any tools or additional manipulation. This hop-up system based on clicks allows us to create a shooting data book of the effect of the hop-up in each position, to the purest sniper style.

The inner barrel length is 450 mm (standard measurement of AK) and has a cut that makes it compatible with RSV. VSR.

The outer barrel carries inside two fiber space barrel fixed to prevent the inner barrel vibration with every shot. It is somewhat curious since the original model has a floating barrel to allow the barrel to vibrate without transmitting vibration to the shooter, right the opposite.

The feeding system begins pulling back the cocking handle allowing the flap entering the magazine. When pushing forwards the flap carries a BB from the magazine through a ramp to end at the hop-up.

This feeding system is based on the Tokyo Marui we saw in the L96 and then in many other replicas of various manufacturers, presents a problem. If we do not pull completely back the cocking handle it will not get into position to drag the ball and this will lead to not feed properly.

The firing assembly supports upgrade kit for ASW338LM APO ASG. It is not necessary since the model series will give us a fire power of 426 FPS and will be able to zero in on a target the size of a DIN-A4 to 80 m without dispersion problems.

If we choose to upgrade our M40A3 and rise up to 557 FPS, but depending on the regulation of your country it may go against the law.

Upgrade Kit includes a cylinder with a M170 spring and a zero trigger in black anodized steel, comprising a number of elements that improve the performance of the basic rifle. This includes as for example:

-The 8mm ball bearings spring guide instead of the plastic spring guide.

- The cylinder head is made of stainless steel instead of the standard model.

- The piston is made of two elements. The rear is made of stainless steel and is responsible for holding the spring action, the front, is made in aluminum instead of plastic as in the original model. It has centering guides and also the fastening system is 90 ° instead of 45 which prevents the piston wear. And finally it includes a silent head piston.