Sniper role - is it for me ?

[Huge]

Since the beginning of my interest in the sport of airsoft a couple years back, I've always been interested in the sniper role. Although I have never played this role and don't have a lot of experience myself, I would really like to start learning more and more about it. I have seen great airsoft snipers in action and I have the utmost respect for them. They sometimes lie on the same spot for hours without getting a single shot. I know this must be really hard, but I really think I would like to play this role. I am patient and I dont need to fire 30bbs/s to have fun.

So I was wondering, should I go further and maybe buy myself a bolt action rifle to try it out? Or should I wait before I get more hands-on experience with airsoft ?

Thanks

[L473ncy]

Start by playing single shot and just getting the feel of being at a "disadvantage" in the ROF department.

Try to pick your shots instead of firing in bursts (or if you usually shoot full auto then start firing in short bursts and once that's normal start picking your shots using single shot).

Personally I don't see the appeal of being a BA sniper, I'd much rather have a single shot "auto sniper" (even if it is capped at a lower FPS limit) that can get a decent ROF in case SHTF.

You could just pick up a DMR rifle (like an SPR or something) and transition to BA rifles once you get good at that however that does cost a bit of money (it's probably nothing compared to how much you're going to spend on BA rifle upgrades later down the road though).

[Huge]

this is true and I have shot in single fire more times than full auto. It just came naturally to me that I always preferred placed shots than wasting ammo on a single target. I really am not the trigger happy type and some team members at the last game even kept telling me to shoot more so...haha

Also, I know it might seem hardcore but I would really enjoy the time spent watching the playing field, what color are the leaves/trees/bushes, so I can adjust my ghillie suit/loadout in consequence.

[PHARAOH]

i would recommend getting a M14, i wanted to try out sniping and found that it wasnt for me after borrowing a sniper for a game, however a m14 is the best of both worlds in my opinion.

[Huge]

Originally Posted by PHARAOH

i would recommend getting a M14, i wanted to try out sniping and found that it wasnt for me after borrowing a sniper for a game, however a m14 is the best of both worlds in my opinion.

Yep, I've heard a lot of people saying that. It definately is an option I will be looking at but again I like Bolt Actions, feels so realistic IMO.

[Drake]

You went to the training day, you got a first taste of what's involved in sneaking around (and you were doing relatively well for your first time, too).

Forget about the bolt action for now. The gun is a tool, nothing more: the sniper role is about a very specific skill set, not about the rifle. Specially not in airsoft were the range advantage is negligible.

You should explore the scouting role for now, master stealth and observation, understand the strengths and weaknesses of your gun, and get use to stalking your targets or laying in ambush so that you can get the kill with the tool you currently have at your disposal.

That will give you a good idea not only whether or not its for you, but what specific tools you need to improve you capabilities if its something you choose to pursue.

[Huge]

Originally Posted by Drake

You went to the training day, you got a first taste of what's involved in sneaking around (and you were doing relatively well for your first time, too).

Forget about the bolt action for now. The gun is a tool, nothing more: the sniper role is about a very specific skill set, not about the rifle. Specially not in airsoft were the range advantage is negligible.

You should explore the scouting role for now, master stealth and observation, understand the strengths and weaknesses of your gun, and get use to stalking your targets or laying in ambush so that you can get the kill with the tool you currently have at your disposal.

That will give you a good idea not only whether or not its for you, but what specific tools you need to improve you capabilities if its something you choose to pursue.

Those are very useful tips Drake. I guess it is better for me right now to master the skills before acquiring the tools. In the next games, I will definately concentrate on improving my stealth and observation skills.

thanks a lot Drake, your wisdom is always appreciated

[FOX_111]

If you are serious about it, start building your ghillie suit now. Start to educate yourself on the aspect of the role. I'll probably host another sniper clinic next summer, you are also welcome to attend.

Like Drake said, the rifle is a tool. You can start with getting more experience as a general infantryman and still adopt some of the specifics of the sniper role with volontering for recon missions and teaming with other likeminded players.

Next time we get to play on the same field and if I'm sniping, you can tag along with me a bit so see if you like the role. Be prepare to crawl a LOT and move in a painstakingly slow and methodical way, yet being ready to bolt away from a contact.

If you have a light kit that allow you to get confortably low on the ground and stay there for a long time, you are on the right way.

[kullwarrior]

probably DMR is the best to go first, semi auto gives the advantage when they're getting closer. (In Edmonton semi auto is 450 fps, bolt action is 500)

[Huge]

Originally Posted by FOX_111

If you are serious about it, start building your ghillie suit now. Start to educate yourself on the aspect of the role. I'll probably host another sniper clinic next summer, you are also welcome to attend.

Like Drake said, the rifle is a tool. You can start with getting more experience as a general infantryman and still adopt some of the specifics of the sniper role with volontering for recon missions and teaming with other likeminded players.

Next time we get to play on the same field and if I'm sniping, you can tag along with me a bit so see if you like the role. Be prepare to crawl a LOT and move in a painstakingly slow and methodical way, yet being ready to bolt away from a contact.

If you have a light kit that allow you to get confortably low on the ground and stay there for a long time, you are on the right way.

Thanks, I would really appreciate it. I don't mind crawling even though I might not be the perfect size for this haha. I probably wont mind any of these bad circumstances, as long as it helps my teammates.

[CDN_Stalker]

I'll toss in this: being an airsoft sniper isn't about lying around for hours waiting for a shot. It CAN be, based upon that being the best course of action due to the mission and what your team is doing. But you can be an active player, working as the sniper/DMR for your team, away from them but maybe ahead of them. As mentioned above, the sniper rifle is a tool to be used a certain way, for certain applications. So is the ghillie, when it's able to be used or when the situation calls for it. But the tactics of the sniper is also a tool. The only time I've ever laid around in wait was 2 hrs, totally outside of shooting distance (the farthest I could see was about 500ft) and I was covering an unused corner of the field on overwatch for my team defending a base to be attacked. Mostly what I chose to do at that point was use my scope to ID enemies movements around the roads and woods, then provide the intel to my guys. And go figure, two of the enemy came up the road in the unplayed area, and literally decided to to climb up the berm and observe the base not even 70ft from me. I shot them both, they were both stunned someone was where I was, because literally I've been the only person ever to use that spot way out in the boonies of that field.

I do most of my games with my M24 on my back and my MP5 in my hands, sometimes I leave the MP5 behind. Yet I move around all day, always hunting and getting around.

BTW, I liken an airsoft sniper lying around waiting for a target to be like hunting from a tree stand. That's not hunting, that's ambushing. I hunt like the Indians used to, stalking around and getting into the best position to take someone out.

[hot_shot under fire]

I know that of all people I shouldn't be offering information, but what the heck, right?

Give a bolt-action rifle a try. Although if you are a trigger happy kind of person, you may find yourself in the position to buy a full-auto airsoft rifle. An M14 would be fairly great because (not sure of this 100%) most, if not all of the M14 airsoft rifles are semi-automatic. I am sure there are some that are fully automatic aswell.

You can also go out to games and ask to fire some peoples airsoft rifles to get a feel of what you like. Most of them, from what I have heard, will gladly let you pop off a few rounds.

Whatever you find yourself buying I am sure you will be happy with. Just remember that airsoft sniper rifles are next to nothing like a real sniper rifle. Their range and accuracy depends on the shooter, and the ammount of money put into the rifle. Chances are if you buy a stock weapon, the cost to upgrade it to something that is worthy of field use. You will be looking at up to or over $1000.00 to upgrade it to make it work well for you in the field.

And like Drake said, the sniper role is about a very specific skill set, not about the rifle.

Cheers!

[Huge]

Originally Posted by CDN_Stalker

I'll toss in this: being an airsoft sniper isn't about lying around for hours waiting for a shot. It CAN be, based upon that being the best course of action due to the mission and what your team is doing. But you can be an active player, working as the sniper/DMR for your team, away from them but maybe ahead of them. As mentioned above, the sniper rifle is a tool to be used a certain way, for certain applications. So is the ghillie, when it's able to be used or when the situation calls for it. But the tactics of the sniper is also a tool. The only time I've ever laid around in wait was 2 hrs, totally outside of shooting distance (the farthest I could see was about 500ft) and I was covering an unused corner of the field on overwatch for my team defending a base to be attacked. Mostly what I chose to do at that point was use my scope to ID enemies movements around the roads and woods, then provide the intel to my guys. And go figure, two of the enemy came up the road in the unplayed area, and literally decided to to climb up the berm and observe the base not even 70ft from me. I shot them both, they were both stunned someone was where I was, because literally I've been the only person ever to use that spot way out in the boonies of that field.

I do most of my games with my M24 on my back and my MP5 in my hands, sometimes I leave the MP5 behind. Yet I move around all day, always hunting and getting around.

BTW, I liken an airsoft sniper lying around waiting for a target to be like hunting from a tree stand. That's not hunting, that's ambushing. I hunt like the Indians used to, stalking around and getting into the best position to take someone out.

This is exactly the type of missions I'd love to play a part in. Reconnaissance, sending intel to teammates etc. this is very much the type of airsoft I would love to play.

[CDN_Stalker]

All M14s have full auto ability, and I'd sure as hell buy one (TM only) if I was able to. But in my opinion (I might be considered a purist), hanging your airsoft "life" on the line with only a bolt action and pistol is the ultiate rush/training session, simply because you KNOW there is no way out with a full auto option. You totally change your tactics and when you shoot with a bolt action. Luckily bolt actions have what no AEG can give, pure silence (outside of 20ft) when firing. So that (and increased range/accuracy with heavy BBs) are what makes a bolt action so amazing to use in airsoft.

[CDN_Stalker]

Originally Posted by Huge94

This is exactly the type of missions I'd love to play a part in. Reconnaissance, sending intel to teammates etc. this is very much the type of airsoft I would love to play.

Then I'll give you this info: ever play at Mirabel Paintball when an airsoft game is on? If so, you know about Hambuger Hill and the urban area with the church. Both times I played there this year, my MP5 barely got used (even after dark and with my NV scope on it, my focus was 95% M24 (and about 3% MK23) for both events. And I racked up at least a dozen kills each game using just my M24, it works great to pick off guys stuck in places where there is a lot of cover, they can dodge streams of BBs with ease, but a single green 0.36g fired from 150ft away.......... SLAP!!! Is all in the way you play the game, use your tools, and what your confidence level is. Last game there I never even fired a shot with my MP5, even though it was slung on my back half the time.