A&K M1873R M-Lock Lever Action Airsoft Gas Rifle Table Top Review
Today we’re looking at the A&K M1873R (the R version). There are a few different versions of this rifle in the lineup (some more compact, some more full-length), and the manual actually shows the variations so watch the video where I point that out.
This is a Table Top Review only, so we’re focusing on specs, details, and a walk-around. I was hoping to follow this up quickly with a Shooting / Field Test Video, but my sample has an issue: it’s leaking gas when I try to fill it (I tested with propane/green gas). I’ll need to sort that out first (repair or replacement), so the field test will have to wait until that’s resolved.
Here some links where you can buy the A&K M1873R in our Canada Replica Airguns and US Replica Airguns Stores
Specifications
Manufactured By: A&K – Made in China
Type: Gas-powered airsoft lever action rifle (non-blowback)
Ammunition: 6mm plastic airsoft BBs
Power Source: Green gas / propane (internal gas reservoir)
Action: Lever action / manual cycle (one shot per lever cycle)
Capacity: 25-round internal magazine (side loading gate)
Velocity: Approx. 350–400 FPS with 0.20g BBs (temperature/BB weight dependent)
Hop-Up: Adjustable hop-up system
Build / Materials:
Real wood stock
Metal receiver and barrel assembly
M-LOK handguard (tactical “modern western” styling)
Top Picatinny rail (optics ready)
Brass butt plate
Controls / Features:
Enlarged lever loop (glove-friendly)
Integrated lanyard ring / sling hoop
Weight: 4.8 lbs (2.18 kg)
Overall Length: 27.2 inches (69 cm)
Barrel Length: 8 inches (20.3 cm)
In the Box
A&K M1873R rifle
Mock suppressor (cosmetic)
Speed loader (you’ll want this for loading the internal magazine)
Tools / Allen keys
Small bag of airsoft BBs
Simple 1-page manual
Manual Notes: Different Versions
The manual shows several versions of this lever action platform. Some are more compact and some are more traditional full-length lever rifles. There’s also a version that appears to run without the longer front barrel extension setup, which, honestly, is the version I’d personally lean toward since the included mock suppressor is mostly cosmetic.
Walk Around
This is a really sharp-looking rifle, it has that classic lever gun vibe thanks to the real wood stock and brass butt plate, but then it mixes in a modern tactical look with the M-LOK hand-guard and top Picatinny rail.
A few key points when handling it:
No sights included: there are no iron sights on this rifle, so you’ll want to add your own optic (red dot, scope, or rail-mounted irons).
M-LOK handguard + top rail: lots of freedom to build the look you want, keep it clean, or “tactical western” it up with accessories.
Internal mag / side loading gate: loads like a real lever gun, through the side. The external profile stays clean (no big mag hanging out).
Enlarged lever loop: easier to run with gloves or bigger hands, and it just looks right on this style of rifle.
Sling / carry: it includes a metal lanyard ring / sling hoop, so carrying it is easy if you want it strapped while moving around.
Mock Suppressor and Gas Fill
The included “suppressor” is mainly for looks. It does have an orange front, and it doesn’t function as a suppressor (it’s not extending the inner barrel either).
Important practical detail: you’ll need to remove the mock suppressor to access the gas fill valve, which means you’ll want to keep the included tool (or something similar like a washer/coin that fits) with you.
Issue With My Sample: Leaking Gas
My review sample is leaking at the fill area. It looks like someone may have tried to seal it (there appears to be silicone or residue), and there are a few scratches that make me suspect this unit could have been a return. I tried tightening it, but it still leaks and it may be stripped.
This is not what you should expect out of a normal new unit, but I want to mention it because it’s the reason I’m holding off on the field test until it’s fixed.
Pros
A lever action gas Airsoft rifle is just plain fun (and there aren’t tons of these around)
Classic look with real wood + brass butt plate, but still has modern utility with M-LOK up front
Feels solid in the hands (doesn’t feel cheap)
Top Picatinny rail makes optics easy (and you’ll want optics since there are no sights)
25-round internal magazine keeps the outside profile clean
Enlarged lever loop is great for gloves or cold-weather play
Lanyard ring / sling hoop makes it easy to carry
Speed loader makes loading fast once you get the hang of it
You can run it more compact by skipping the mock suppressor (it’s optional)
Cons
The internal 25-round magazine is awkward to load without the speed loader, don’t lose it
Green gas performance is temperature sensitive, which can affect consistency in colder weather
Not a fast follow-up shooter, you must work the lever for every shot (part of the charm, but it’s a limitation)
You’ll need to add your own sights/optic (none included)
The included mock suppressor must be removed to fill gas, which adds a little extra handling
Final Thoughts
The A&K M1873R is a really cool “modern western” mashup, classic lever action styling with real wood and brass, but with M-LOK and a top rail so you can build it out however you want. Lever guns force you to slow down and actually enjoy the shooting experience, and that’s a big part of why they’re so popular (even outside of Airsoft).
Once I get the leak issue sorted on my sample, I definitely want to do the field test, because this is exactly the kind of unique platform that deserves to be shot and evaluated properly. On the table, it looks great, feels solid, and offers a lot of customization potential, you just have to go in knowing it’s lever-action manual cycling, it uses green gas/propane (so temperature matters), and you’ll need to add your own optic since there are no sights included.
