Last updated on November 20th, 2022 at 11:50 am
An Airsoft sniper can be one of the most devastating players on the field. It can also be a very frustrating position. If you're new to the game, knowing what to do and how to do it can be hard. In this article, I'm going to give you some expert tips on how to become a successful airsoft sniper.
Snipers are great for airsoft because they allow you to take out your opponents from a distance. This is especially helpful when there are a lot of people on the field and you don't want to get too close. However, sniper rifles can also be difficult to use. You need to have good aim and know how to stay hidden.
If you're new to the game, I suggest starting out as a regular infantry player and then moving on to sniping once you've gotten more experience. As your skills improve, you can start using a sniper rifle in airsoft matches.
Your main goal as a sniper will often be to scout out the enemy and take out their players one by one. This can be a difficult task, but it's also very rewarding.
In order to be successful, you need to know your weapon well and be familiar with the terrain. You should also practice target shooting from different positions and distances.
Being an airsoft sniper takes a great degree of patience and proper training. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, you can be an invaluable asset.
Not scared off yet? Great, let's get to the details.
Yes, it’s hard to be an airsoft sniper. Depending on your rifle, even the slightest cover could deflect a bullet. Sniping on an Airsoft field is a lot harder than in real life.
That said, using the right sniper rifle together with camouflage and a few proven tactics you can overcome any obstacle.
Choosing the "best" airsoft sniper rifles is hard. It really depends on what you're looking for.
A good sniper rifle will have good long-range accuracy, a quality build that can take a beating and still function, decent magazine size and fire rate, and comfortable holding and shooting. The best airsoft sniper rifles will also have an adjustable stock so that you can customise for your body type and holding style.
Topping our list, the Umarex / VFC H&K PSG-1 GBBR is a premium, high-performing airsoft sniper rifle that’s perfect for those who want the best of the best.
FPS | Hop-up | Power source | Mag Capacity | Weight |
390 | Adjustable | Green Gas | 20 Rounds | 3.84KG |
If you are looking for a good airsoft sniper rifle for beginners, then the Tokyo Marui Airsoft VSR-10 G-Spec is the best option that you can go for. This bolt action airsoft sniper rifle has all the features that a beginner looks for at an affordable price.
FPS | Hop-up | Power Source | Mag Capacity | Weight |
290 | Adjustable | Bolt Action | 30 Rounds | 2.09KG |
If you’re looking for a sniper rifle that is sturdy, reliable, and gives good distance, then the JG Bar 10 G-Spec is a fantastic choice.
FPS | Hop-up | Power | Mag Capacity | Weight |
400-450 | Adjustable/TM compatible | Bolt Action | 30 Rounds | 2.55KG |
The SRS-A2/M2 22 is one of the most popular Airsoft Sniper rifles on the market, and for good reason. This is a very well made, and upgradable gun.
FPS | Hop-up | Power Source | Mag Capacity | Weight |
400 | Adjustable | High Power Spring | 30 Rounds | 3.7KG |
The ASG Airsoft Steyr Arms Scout Sniper Rifle is a fantastic sniper rifle with an impressive 450 FPS, making it one of the most powerful airsoft guns available.
FPS | Hop-up | Power Source | Mag Capacity | Weight |
450 | TDC-style | Bolt Axtion | 32 Rounds | 2.7KG |
Sniper positions in Airsoft are a lot like sniper positions in real life. They both involve staying as camouflaged as possible, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and not being seen.
If you want to be an efficient sniper in Airsoft, you need to know exactly what you’re doing. Before you can start eliminating your enemies on the field, you need to learn how to stay out of sight.
Here are some tips to help you stay camouflaged:
Here are some tips & tactics every airsoft sniper should use:
Practice Patience First: You should be able to sit still in one spot for a long time without moving. Meditation is a great way to practice patience.
Plan your exit route: the main goal of a sniper is to get hits and stay alive. If you stay in the same spot, someone will likely see you. Use the chaos of a kill to switch positions. You should always plan an exit route that allows you to escape if you need to leave quickly. Keep in mind that the enemy may come from any direction at any time, so try and plan more than one exit route if possible.
Know the field: know where the best sniping spots are on a field before the game starts. Try and get a map of the field or walk around to get an idea of the layout. The more familiar with a place you are, the better your shots will be.
A good sniper will never stay in the same location for too long: After every shot, you should always move to a new spot. Maintaining mobility is essential to your survival in the game. If you’re seen and get into a shootout with a rifleman, chances are you’re going to lose.
Know your distances: The maximum shooting distance of an Airsoft Sniper Rifle is around 60m, while the effective range is actually closer to 45m. If you shoot and miss, you’ll expose your location. Knowing if you’ll get a hit could mean the difference between winning and losing.
An airsoft sniper rifle should have a high FPS (Feet Per Second) as they are meant for long-range use. A high FPS on an airsoft gun will allow the BB to travel further and faster before it drops to the ground.
The higher the FPS on your airsoft rifle, the more accurate it’s likely to be over long distances, as it will maintain its trajectory for longer and therefore won’t drop from its path drastically.
Snipers tend to use spring-powered airsoft guns at the maximum muzzle velocity allowed by UK sites; 500 FPS. That said, some of the best airsoft sniper rifles have an FPS lower than 400 FPS and still offer good power due to better performance in other critical areas.
The downside of high FPS is that they are typically more expensive than lower FPS weapons and can cause damage to other players if you don't maintain proper airsoft safety practices. With great power comes… ok, you know the rest - let’s be responsible, guys.
You need three things to be an effective sniper: a good rifle, great camo and the right BBs. The type of BBs you use can make a significant difference in how well you perform on the field. If you want to up your game and improve your performance, then choosing the right sniper BB will help.
Sniper rifles need heavier BBs to reach higher FPS ranges. Wind is also less of a factor with heavier BBs, so they are more accurate.
FPS Range | BB Weight |
300-350 | 0.20g |
350-400 | 0.25g |
400-450 | 0.28g |
450-500 | 0.36g |
500+ | 0.43g |
Most Airsoft BBs are made of plastic (non-biodegradable) or polylactic acid (biodegradable). There are metal BBs, but they are meant for BB guns (which would be dangerous on an Airsoft field).
Plastic BBs are cheap but aren’t good for the environment. And, if you consider how many BBs you go through, it’s a good idea to consider the impact. Furthermore, most outdoor airsoft fields have already banned them, so best to just go with the sustainable option.
Biodegradable BBs are more expensive than their plastic counterparts, but they’re worth it if you consider the potential inconvenience of being declined entrance because of your BBs.
Biodegradable BBs will eventually degrade into water and CO2. It only takes about 3 months to compost, which is a significant difference to the plastic BBs, which probably won’t ever break down.
Most airsoft BBs have a diameter of 6mm or 8mm. The most important thing is to choose the size that’s right for your barrel. You don’t want too big, but you also don’t want too small either. Why? The force of air behind your BB is what propels it. If you have gaps, the force is less. Needless to say, the perfect fit is going to go further and hit harder - exactly what a sniper wants!
Tip: Most standard barrels are designed for 6mm BBs, but actually have a slightly bigger diameter of around 6.08mm. Upgrade your barrel to a 6.01mm barrel for better performance.
How could colour really play a role, you might ask. I’ll bring this one back to camouflage. A lighter coloured BB is far more visible and can give away your location. Snipers should go for darker BBs as part of their strategy.
A sniper is an expert at observation, marksmanship, and waiting for the precise moment to strike. All of these traits are needed for surviving and winning in Airsoft. With the right information guiding your steps, you’ll have the confidence to take the shot when it counts most.